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      Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson, 82, finally loses long-standing Champions League record

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson has finally lost his long-standing Champions League record.Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti took charge of a record 215th game in Europe’s top-flight – surpassing Ferguson’s tally of 214 managed.Sir Alex Ferguson has lost his long-running record for the most games managed in the Champions LeagueCarlo Ancelotti has now managed a record 215 games in Europe’s top-flightAncelotti – who holds the record for most Champions League titles won – has now eclipsed Fergie’s 11-year record.Of Ferguson’s 214 European nights, 194 came in the main competition – in other words from the group or beyond. The Scot, now 82, also oversaw eight qualifying ties and 12 European Cup games, winning 115, losing 50 and drawing 49 across the board.Ferguson first triumphed when United won England’s first Treble in 1999 – as the Red Devils produced a late stoppage-time comeback against Bayern.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe second came nine years later in Moscow, with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in 2008.But many would argue that winning the 1983 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup with Aberdeen was an even greater achievement.Meanwhile, it was another record-breaking night for Ancelotti before kick-off, but he won’t be too excited as his side were comfortably beaten 2-0 at Anfield.The great Italian is the most successful manager in Champions League history, having won the trophy a record five times as boss plus twice more as a player.Most read in Champions LeagueSir Alex Ferguson won the Treble with United in 1999FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAncelotti was also the one to surpass Ferguson’s previous record for the most games won as manager in Europe’s most-loved competition.The Madrid boss won his 116th European game against in the group stage against Braga last October.Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs talks about his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson He is also the only manager to take part in six Champions League finals, losing only once when his AC Milan team blew a 3-0 lead against Liverpool in 2005.Liverpool’s statement victory on Wednesday night sees new boss Arne Slot again achieve a feat that Jurgen Klopp never did.Klopp, who quit Anfield in May, NEVER beat Los Blancos during his nine year spell in charge of Liverpool – including two finals.But Slot managed to overcome the club’s hoodoo in his first attempt.But it ended up being a rather forgettable night for AncelottiGoals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo saw the Reds keep their 100 per cent record in Europe this season.Anfield erupted when Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty at 1-0, while Mo Salah’s head briefly went down when he put his own wide with the game still on a kinfe-edge.The win means Liverpool extend their perfect start and remain top of the competition’s new 36-team league, while holders Madrid suffered their third defeat in five games and now face a battle to qualify. More

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      Champions League clash goes ahead in wrecked stadium with entire stand closed due to risk of collapse

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND’S Champions League clash at Dinamo Zagreb went ahead despite the hosts’ stadium being in danger of collapse.The Bundesliga giants travelled to Croatia for their sixth European match of the campaign on Wednesday.Dinamo Zagreb’s stadium is barely up to UEFA standardCredit: GettyOne of the stands is on the verge of collapseCredit: GettyHowever, the stadium they played at was barely up to UEFA standard.Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb has been in danger of collapsing for the last four years.In 2020 the area was hit by a severe earthquake that damaged the east stand.The stand has since been closed to the general public, meaning the stadium capacity has reduced from 38,000 to 24,851 seats.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDirectly under the VIP area – where club officials sit – there is a huge hole in the concrete estimated to be 40cm wide.Temporary power cables have also been laid across the wooden stairs.In addition, building equipment is being stored next to the stands, with large amounts of gravel by the lower tiers and waste in some areas.One local has even described it as “big s***”, according to BILD.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAhead of the match, Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin said: “I don’t think that the boys will be shocked.”It’s perhaps a different atmosphere with more fire. It doesn’t really matter what happens in the stands or that you are negatively influenced. Rather positive – the boys like that.”Man Utd legend Paul Scholes names his top 5 toughest Champions League opponents of all time Borussia Dortmund appeared to lap up the conditions and went on to win 3-0 thanks to goals from Jamie Gittens, Ramy Bensebaini and Serhou Guirassy. More

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      Aston Villa 0 Juventus 0: Morgan Rogers’ last-gasp goal ruled OUT as Champions League clash ends in controversy

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      MORGAN ROGERS was robbed of the last-gasp goal which would have ended Aston Villa’s six-match winless run. But instead, the new England international was denied by ref Jesus Gil Manzano who ruled that Diego Carlos had fouled Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio. Morgan Rogers thought he had scored the winnerCredit: GettyBut the goal was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio in the build-upCredit: GettyRogers netted with virtually the last kick of the match after the Juve gloveman had spilled a Youri Tielemans free-kick. But Spanish referee Manzano, who had enraged Villa Park for much of the night, ended up in danger of sparking a riot.So seven matches have now passed since Villa last won a game of football but there is not remotely any sense of the Holte End losing faith in Unai Emery. It is Emery who propelled Villa on to European football’s grandest stage and Emery who will surely still lead them into the Champions League knock-out stage. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt took a miraculous save from Emi Martinez – newly-crowned as the world’s best goalkeeper for a second successive year – to secure a draw against Juventus. The feline gymnastics of the big Argentinian somehow kept out a second-half header from Francisco Conceicao by the slimmest of margins. And while Lucas Digne had hit the crossbar for Villa with a first-half free-kick, Emery’s side were left grateful for a point as they entertained Italian royalty on a bitter Birmingham night. There is little doubt that Villa will qualify for the knock-outs on their first adventure in Europe’s elite competition for 42 years – it is just a matter of whether they reach the last-16 directly, or whether will need to contest a play-off round. Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEmiliano Martinez incredibly managed to keep the clean sheet with an outstanding save on the lineCredit: GettyThe ball was millimetres from crossing the lineThat is the problem with Uefa’s new monstrous group stage – there is precious little jeopardy for most clubs. But for Villa’s supporters, it is still a case of being damned happy just to be here.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesVilla only managed to halt a four-match losing run in Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with struggling Crystal Palace and the demands of fighting on two major fronts is almost invariably a problem. But despite a frustrating stalemate, Villa are still living the dream.Villa hadn’t won in six matches in all competitions since their last Champions League home clash, against Bologna. But these European nights at Villa Park have held a proper sense of occasion, assaults on the senses – fireworks, giant banners, songs of praise cranked up to full volume. – and Emery’s men have thrived on the theatre of it all. They have been handed home matches against three former champions of Europe – Bayern Munich, Juve and later Celtic. And while this is nothing like the star-spangled Juve side which won here in 1983, with Paolo Rossi, Michel Platini and Zbigniew Boniek – they are a club which always carry an aura. Supporters of many clubs might moan about the bloated nature of the new Champions League format, with its skyscraper-tall league table – but not Villa’s.This was the sort of night when Jack Frost nips at brass monkeys although Emi Martinez warmed a few cockles by parading his Yashin Trophy after being voted the world’s No 1 keeper for a second straight year. Most of the early heat was aimed at ref Jesus Gil Manzano – who booked Youri Tielemans and Leon Bailey inside the first 12 minutes while failing to punish the visitors for similar fouls.Juve looked exactly what they are – a side unbeaten in Serie A, but who had contested four goalless draws already this season. The Italians were tight in their marking, neat in their passing and streetwise in their rolling around. Aston Villa were denied a last-minute winnerVilla did have their moments though – Pau Torres glancing a header wide of the near post from a Boubacar Kamara corner then Watkins having a shot beaten away by Michele Di Gregorio after a cute Kamara through-ball.From the resulting corner, Matty Cash had a thumping shot blocked but Juve broke rapidly and Timothy Weah – son of Ballon d’Or winner George – blazed over Martinez’s crossbar.Torres was booked for a late one on Weah but the biggest roar of the first half arrived when Manzano finally cautioned a Juve player – Pierre Kalulu for fouling Watkins on the edge of the area. Lucas Digne curled the free-kick against the crossbar but after the break, Juve began to take a grip on proceedings.The away supporters were howling for a penalty after Torres handled in the box but Manzano and his VAR were unimpressed. Soon, a Teun Koppmeiners corner found its way to the back post where Conceicao’s downward looked certain to have broken the deadlock – until you remembered the identity of Villa’s goalkeeper. Martinez bent his body backwards at an improbable angle and, with a big right hand, scooped the ball to safety. Goal-line technology footage showed that the Argentinian had completed his task with millimetres to spare It sparked another chorus of ‘Emi Martinez, the world’s number one’.Heartened by their escape, Villa got on the front foot and Bailey cut-back for John McGinn, whose shot was scrambled off the line.  With 13 minutes remaining, Emery sent for Jhon Duran – the sub who can’t spell his own first name but cannot stop scoring from the bench. READ MORE SUN STORIESNot this time, though.After Rogers was denied late on, Villa head to Chelsea on Sunday with a tough task on their hands not to extend that winless run to eight. 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      Liverpool 2 Real Madrid 0: Mac Allister and Gakpo in huge win to stay top of Champions League table with perfect record

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      MO SALAH reckons he is “more out than in” at Liverpool. A bit like his penalty in front of the Kop on Wednesday night.But while the Egyptian delivered an utterly terrible spot-kick, he was rescued by his team-mates Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo who scored to continue Liverpool’s extraordinary 100 per cent record in this competition.Alexis Mac Allister scored Liverpool’s opening goal of the gameCredit: PACody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 76th minuteCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe’s penalty was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher when Real Madrid were 1-0 downCredit: PAIt was a night to forget for the French superstarCredit: GettyMac Allister was sensational as Liverpool dominated Real MadridMbappe made little impact and saw his penalty savedBut for Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, it was a bad night. A really bad one.Both players were booed each time they touched the ball and both will want to forget this trip to Merseyside.Mbappe’s stinking start at Real Madrid continued with a missed penalty – well saved by Caoimhin Kelleher – shortly after Mac Allister had put Liverpool ahead.As for Bellingham, he was overshadowed by another 21-year-old, Conor Bradley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England international sat in the dugout before the game to admire the view of Anfield and for all the use he was on the pitch, he may as well have stayed there.In contrast, Liverpool right-back Bradley not only did a terrific job on Mbappe but also delivered an assist to set up Mac Allister.Aside from the goals, the best moment of the game came in the first half with Bradley involved.Mbappe was on a surging run towards the area but he was stopped in his tracks by an absolutely stunning, crunching, brilliantly-timed tackle by Bradley.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMac Allister’s composed finish rolled Liverpool in frontCredit: ReutersKelleher celebrated wildly after saving from MbappeCredit: PAMo Salah put his penalty wide despite sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong wayCredit: GettySalah was crestfallen after his miss but it did not matter in the endCredit: PAUnsurprisingly, the roar from the home crowd was absolutely massive for a player making his full Champions League debut.So this was certainly a memorable night at Anfield as Liverpool continued their stunning start to the season to finally beat the Spaniards after failing to do so in their previous eight games.Jamie Carragher slams Mo Salah over ‘selfish’ interview after Liverpool star reveals he’s ‘more out than in’Incredibly, the reigning champions now seem to be in danger of going out of the competition altogether and their next game is away at Atalanta.Liverpool boss Arne Slot who was taking charge of Liverpool for the 19th time against Ancelotti who, as a manager, had already faced the Merseyside giants on 19 occasions.This is even crazier when you consider Ancelotti, who never played against Liverpool as a player, didn’t coach a team against them until he was fully 15 years into his managerial career.Ancelotti was without some of his big-hitters. Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Millitao and Aurelllien Tchouameni were all missing.And Real had to give a Champions League debut to 21-year-old defender Raul Asencio who only played his first game for the club two weeks ago.Asencio came close to scoring an own goal at the start when he knocked the ball towards the goal after Thibaut Courtois saved a shot from Darwin Nunez but the centre-back recovered superbly to clear the danger.Asencio’s lively start to the game then saw him get into a grapple with Nunez and the Liverpool forward, embarrassingly, threw himself to the ground in an attempt to get his opponent sent off. French referee Francois Letexier booked both players.Nunez was involved in all of Liverpool’s attacks and he forced a decent save from Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois before delivering a header across the face of the goal but there was no-one at the far post to tap the ball over the line.Gakpo headed Liverpool’s second to make sure of the three pointsCredit: ReutersLiverpool had dominated possession in the first half and it was a case of them being patient, which is something Slot has drummed into this team.Surprisingly, Bradley appeared at the other end to force a good save from Courtois although the man who delivered the killer pass – Mac Allister – grabbed the opening goal in the next attack.Bradley was again involved, playing a one-two with Mac Allister who then got a shot beyond defender Asencio and into the corner.The Spaniards deserved to trail as they had shown absolutely nothing going forward so they were fortunate to then receive a penalty which was incredibly soft.Andy Robertson caught the boot of sub Lucas Vazquez and while it was not really enough to put the player down, it was never going to be overturned by VAR.While Mbappe’s penalty was not great it was still a decent save from Kelleher who flung himself to the right.But if that penalty was bad, Mo Salah’s was even worse.Salah earned the spot-kick after being fouled by Ferland Mendy but inexplicably, the Egyptian spot-kick steered a spot-kick wide of the post.But he will have breathed a sigh of relief when Robertson and Curtis Jones delivered a short-corner and the Scottish left-back crossed for Gakpo who, just eight minutes after replacing Nunez, produced a powerful header.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow, Real Madrid are in a major pickle although we have written them off before and they have ended up winning the thing.But even by their standards, Bellingham and Co will have to deliver something special to get Madrid out of the brown stuff.Liverpool maintain their perfect record in this season’s Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Worst goal I’ve seen us concede’ – moment Celtic ace Cameron Carter-Vickers gives Brugge the lead with huge blunder

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      THIS is the shock moment Cameron Carter-Vickers gave Club Brugge the advantage at Parkhead after a monumental mix up in the first half. Brendan Rodgers’ men were on the backfoot throughout the opening period against the Belgian champions. Carter-Vickers was unaware of Schmeichel’s position in the boxCredit: Kenny RamsayThe defender passed it into an empty netCredit: GettySchmeichel couldn’t prevent the ball from going inCredit: PAAnd Brugge eventually found their lead on the 26th minute – without even touching the ball in the build up.It was a howler from the American defender as he passed it into his own net after misjudging his goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s position.He was given the ball in no-man’s land in the Hoops box though after Nicolas Kuhn was forced to play it backwards. The American then tried to lay the ball off to Schmeichel with a first time pass but his goalie was behind him and couldn’t prevent it from trickling into the empty net. Celtic fans couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw it go in as one punter admitted on social media: “Hands down the worst goal I’ve ever seen us concede, pathetic.”Someone else wrote: “Absolutely embarrassing.”While a third said: “That is the worst goal in the history of football.”Carter-Vickers has been Celtic’s stalwart in defence since joining the club initially on loan in 2021. Most read in Champions LeagueBut it was Schmeichel and skipper Callum McGregor who took the initiative after the shock opener. The pair could be seen rallying up their team-mates just moments after the goal with a meeting on the park before play got back underway. The Hoops were second best in the first half and the players were well aware of it. Kyogo Furuhashi and Arne Engels both had chances in the first period but it was their opponents who looked on top throughout. And speaking in the TNT Sports studio at half-time, Celtic legends Neil Lennon and Johan Mjallby both admitted that Brugge deserved the lead. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid LIVE RESULT: Reds STORM to fifth straight Champions League win as Villa are denied late winner

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      MATCHDAY FIVE of the Champions League has concluded after a thrilling round of fixtures.Liverpool stormed to a fifth straight win in Europe after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo helped the Reds to a monumental victory over Real Madrid.On the hour mark, Kylian Mbappe missed a chance to make it 1-1 from the penalty spot before Mohamed Salah also missed from 12 yards 10 minutes later.Elsewhere, Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers was denied his first Champions League goal after his last-gasp strike was disallowed late on.The Villans had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Juventus, while Celtic were held to a 1-1 stalemate with Club Brugge.TV channel: TNT SportsLive stream: discovery+FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL of the latest Champions League updates below…Celtic robbed important winThe damage was done when Cameron Carter-Vickers stroked the ball into his own net to give the visitors the lead.Brendan Rodgers’ side tried their best to get back into the game and turn it around but had to settle for a draw.Kasper Schmeichel consoled his teammate on the final whistle.Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedWinless Villa continue poor runWhat a difference a couple of months can make.Aston Villa were top of the Champions League table and people were asking the question whether they could challenge for the title.Now, they cannot buy a win.Tonight’s result means the Villans are now seven games without victory.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTrent talk put on iceAround Anfield and in the media, all the talk has been the contracts of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Tonight another right back became the star of the show.Conor Bradley was brilliant tasked with the job of keeping Kylian Mbappe quiet.Not only did he do that, he got forward to support the attacks and even assisted Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal.What a prospect the young Irishman looks.Credit: GettyCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedTable shaping up in new formatWith all teams having just one fixture remaining, it is interesting to see the league table.Liverpool sit top, the only side with a 100% record, with Inter Milan in second spot and Barcelona in third.Arsenal are the only other English team in the top eight, while Aston Villa are just outside the coveted places on goal difference.Copy linkCopiedIt’s beginning to look a Slot like ChristmasNobody could have predicted the start Arne Slot made to his Liverpool tenure. The manager spoke with BT Sport after tonight’s win:People always say that if you come through the academy you know more what it means than players who come in. Conor was brilliant today and Caoimhin. Our main focus now is on Sunday. Arne SlotLiverpoolCopy linkCopiedChampions League full-time scoresRed Star Belgrade 5-1 StuttgartSturm Graz 1-0 GironaAston Villa 0-0 JuventusBologna 1-2 LilleCeltic 1-1 Club BruggeDinamo Zagreb 0-3 Borussia DortmundLiverpool 2-0 Real MadridMonaco 2-3 BenficaPSV 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk Copy linkCopiedFT: Celtic 1-1 Club BruggeIt ends as a stalemate in Glasgow.That will hurt Brendan Rodgers considering they gifted the visitors their goal.They now sit in 20th place in the league table.Copy linkCopiedFT: Aston Villa 0-0 JuventusIt is now seven games since Unai Emery’s side won a game.This will now be very worrying for the Spaniard.Because of the other results this evening, they now drop out of the top eight in the league which would mean a two-legged play-off.Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 2-0 Real MadridIt is Hala Liverpool at Anfield tonight.They fully deserved their win and, penalty aside, Madrid had their first shot on target in the 92nd minute.The Reds put in an excellent performance and have made a massive statement in this game tonight.Pep Guardiola may be sleeping a little less easy this evening.Copy linkCopiedPSV 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk90+7. What a comeback by the Dutch side.Goals from Tillman in the 87th and 90th minute pull them level.Pepi then scores what looks like it could be a winner in the fifth minute of added time.Copy linkCopiedMonaco 2-3 Benfica90. Well, we said there was going to be drama.The Portuguese side have added a third through Amdouni.He was playing for Burnley not so long ago and now he is scoring late winners in the Champions League.Copy linkCopiedMonaco 2-2 Benfica86. The visitors are not giving this one up.Cabral grabs a late equaliser for Benfica.This could be a dramatic end to the game in the south of France.The hosts are also down to ten men after Singo was sent off with over half an hour remaining.Copy linkCopiedDinamo Zagreb 0-2 Borussia Dortmund84. The Germans have stamped their authority on this game now.Goals from Gittens and Bensebaini give Dortmund a comfortable lead.This should be three points in the bag for the visitors now.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 Real Madrid77. Liverpool play a short corner and it is laid back into the path of Robertson.He whips in a brilliant curling cross and Gakpo rises to head home and double the lead for The Reds.Are you watching Man City?Copy linkCopiedGoal – Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 0-0 Juventus72. This is a much more even game now.Villa are bossing the stats but between the two teams we have only seen a solitary shot on target.We are getting to the latter stages now where you feel one goal may win this one.Copy linkCopiedMonaco 2-1 Benfica70. The French side have retaken the lead.A strike from Magassa has restored the scoreline from before the break.The Portuguese side have to try and find a way back into this one again now.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Real Madrid71. It is pure drama at Anfield tonight.Salah steps up to take the penalty and Courtois goes the wrong way but the Egyptian does not connect well at all and scuffs his effort.It clips the outside of the post and goes wide.Copy linkCopiedPenalty missed – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)Copy linkCopiedPenalty to LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Real Madrid68. Kelleher is making himself difficult to drop now that Alisson has returned to fitness.Facing the best striker in the world, apparently, the Irish keeper goes the right way and makes a great save.Gakpo has come on for Nunez for the hosts.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedCeltic 1-1 Club Brugge65. Celtic have found their way back into this game.Maeda is the scorer as Celtic Park erupts.Big chance to push on for the win now for Rodgers’ side.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-0 Real Madrid63. Caoimhin Kelleher, take a bow son!The Liverpool keeper saves his second penalty in the space of four days.Robertson really owes him a drink for that one.Copy linkCopiedPenalty saved – Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)Copy linkCopiedPenalty to Real MadridCopy linkCopied More

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      Gareth Bale lands first TV job since retiring as fans say ‘this will be one to remember’

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      GARETH BALE started his first new job since hanging up his boots at Anfield on Wednesday night.The Tottenham and Real Madrid legend, 35, announced his retirement in January 2023 after leading Wales to the World Cup.Gareth Bale will take up a new job at Anfield this eveningCredit: GettyBale scored a famous overhead kick against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League finalCredit: GettyAmong the trophies he won in his career are three LaLiga titles and five Champions Leagues.Since leaving the sport behind, he has been seen competing in pro-am golf tournaments.However, in the near-two years he has been out of football Bale has not worked in any capacity.Now though, he has made his debut as a pundit for TNT Sports’ coverage of the blockbuster Champions League tie between Liverpool and Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBale was part of this evening’s broadcast team at Anfield as Arne Slot’s men hosted the Welshman’s former club.Announcing the news, TNT Sports posted: “We can’t wait for this one 🍿.”Five-times Champions League winner Gareth Bale joins us on TNT Sports & @discoveryplus for Liverpool vs Real Madrid! 💫”One of Bale’s most memorable moments came for Real Madrid against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final when he scored an overhead kick as his side claimed a 3-1 victory.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd fans felt he would be able to add a great deal to Wednesday’s coverage.One said: “Gareth Bale in the studio for Liverpool vs Real Madrid! This is going to be a game to remember. 🍿💫📺”Watch hilarious moment Gareth Bale’s golf ball stolen by a DOG as baffled Real Madrid legend watches onAnother added: “Gonna be interesting to see what Bale has to say about his time at Madrid. Hope he talks about that bicycle kick in the final.”While a third simply replied: “My legend 🙏🙏🙏.”Bale appeared on TNT Sports at last season’s Champions League final at Wembley as Real Madrid claimed the trophy with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.But he was not a pundit on the broadcast and was only interviewed as part of a brief segment.His TV debut would have been one to forget for the former winger – and Kylian Mbappe – with Liverpool winning 2-0. More

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      Michael Olise risks Uefa punishment after cheeky antics while coming on as sub against PSG

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      MICHAEL OLISE could be sanctioned by Uefa over his antics against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.The Bayern Munich star was brought on as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win.Michael Olise was told to put a shinguard in by the fourth officialCredit: TNT SportsHe put one down his sock but then changed his mindCredit: TNT SportsOlise cheekily threw the shinguard behind him when the officials weren’t lookingCredit: TNT SportsHe then appeared to take to the pitch without wearing a shinguardCredit: TNT SportsOlise risks being sanctioned by UefaCredit: GettyBut he had an issue with the fourth official who spotted that Olise was trying to enter the pitch without wearing shinguards.The winger then fetched his shinguards and put one down his right sock.He then pretended to do the same with his left but quickly threw it behind him towards the dugout when the officials were not looking.Olise, 22, could now be investigated by Uefa as Ifab rules stipulate shinguards must be worn.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIfab Law 4.2 states: “Shinguards – these must be made of a suitable material and be of an appropriate size to provide reasonable protection and be covered by the socks. “Players are responsible for the size and suitability of their shinguards.”There have been concerns in recent years over the shrinking of shinguards but Ifab, who are football’s lawmakers, have no plans to regulate shinguard dimensions.They ruled players – or the parents or guardians of youth players – must take responsibility for their own safety on the pitch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNew 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.A spokesman said: “Players’ legs are all different sizes and there are so many different materials”Ifab’s view is that this is the responsibility of the individual player and not the referee. Where young players are concerned, that responsibility [should be taken by the coach, parents or guardians].”Harry Kane and Bayern Munich team mates take the Audi Q6 e-tron for a drive Bayern’s win puts them back in contention to finish in one of the coveted top eight Champions League places which qualifies them for the next round.Meanwhile PSG have slipped out of the play-off places after picking up just one win in five games. More