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      How Premier League could still get fifth Champions League spot despite quarter-final disaster class

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      ASTON Villa’s penalty shoot-out win over Lille kept England’s flickering hopes of a fifth Champions League place next term alive.But it will still take a minor miracle for the Premier League to steal the last spot off Germany.Son Heung-min’s Spurs fifth in the Prem, have an eye on the listCredit: APOllie Watkins hails Villa making the Europa Conference League last fourCredit: GettyThe Champions League exits suffered by Arsenal and Manchester City on Wednesday meant the heat was on Villa, West Ham and Liverpool to try to breathe life into the embers.Despite Liverpool’s win at Atalanta on the night, the first leg deficit was too much to recover.And Leverkusen’s late equaliser at the London Stadium meant the Hammers also bowed out.Those results added 0.375 points to England’s tally, which now stands at 17.25 coefficient points, with the aggregate of 138 win, draw and bonus points divided by the eight teams that started the season in European competitions.READ MORE TOP STORIESLeverkusen picked up a qualification bonus point in addition to the one for the draw, taking Germany’s tally to 17.928.Villa did not earn any points for their shoot-out win in France, with bonus points in the Conference League only now available for reaching the final and winning it.It means, if Villa win both legs of the last four clash and also lift the trophy in Athens next month, they will take England’s total to 18.25 points.But even then, Germany would need an absolute disaster for their three semi-final qualifiers to lose that fifth Champions League place.Most read in Champions LeagueHOW IT STANDS AT THE MOMENTHere’s how the top nations rank for European places – in terms of current points and the maximum possible total.

      1 Italy 19.286 22.285
      2 Germany 17.928 20.928
      3 England 17.25 18.25
      4 France* 15.583
      If Marseille go through that will go to 16.083
      If Marseille go through the max for France will be 18.749
      If Marseille go out the max for France is 16.74
      5 Spain 15.312 16.312

      Bayern Munich face Real Madrid in the Champions League semis, with Dortmund up against PSG, while Leverkusen play Roma in the Europa League.The trio need just three draws, or a win and a draw between them, even if all three go out, for even a Villa Conference League triumph to be able to deny them from earning the extra place.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossIf any of the Germans go through, they are guaranteed a minimum three points, which would see off those remaining English hopes.Italy, in top spot, has already sealed an extra place. More

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      Arsenal step up plans to sign world class striker in summer transfer after forwards flopped in Champions League

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      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world class forward in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.The Gunners crashed out in the quarter finals on Wednesday night without landing a meaningful blow on Bayern Munich in a drab second-leg 1-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena.Mikel Arteta must shrug off more Champions League frustrationCredit: GettyKai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Co struggled against Harry Kane’s BayernCredit: GettyOllie Watkins netted as Aston Villa beat Arsenal last Sunday but is tipped to be a summer target for ArtetaCredit: GettyAfter a first leg 2-2 draw at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta’s side had just three shots on target in Munich as Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich fired in the 63rd minute winner.And SunSport understands that the Arsenal hierarchy recognise that Arteta’s squad currently lacks an attacking focal point and clinical edge in the final third.Arteta has rotated the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in a central striker role this campaign, keeping Arsenal in the hunt for the Premier League title with six games left.However, that is the position that has ultimately cost them in Europe.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd the North London club are ready to act quickly in the market to rectify that problem with an acceptance that it is needed to reach the next level.Havertz – a £65m signing from Chelsea last June – started against Bayern before Jesus was thrown on in the second half, but neither had a meaningful impact.Jesus has just eight goals in all competitions this term, while Havertz has 10.Arsenal have previously been interested in landing a traditional No.9, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres monitored.Most read in Champions LeagueNewcastle’s Alexander Isak is on the Gunners’ shortlistCredit: RexWinger Saka’s poor stats from Wednesday’s woe reflect Arsenal’s failingsHowever, SunSport understands Arteta is now keen on bringing in a more versatile, modern forward, one who can influence games down the middle as well as from out wide.Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, 24, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, 20, are players of interest, as is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, 28, but his age remains a sticking point.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern MunichArsenal’s plan to strengthen will not just focus on attacking areas, but to provide general depth – something which they currently lack and has led to their recent drop in form.SunSport understands that the Arsenal hierarchy are concerned with the fatigue that has hit several star names at this stage of the season, highlighted in Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Villa.The likes of Jesus, skipper Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Jorginho and Takehiro Tomiyasu have all carried niggling injuries and played through the pain without a much-needed rest period or chance for recovery this season.Arteta rarely rotates, mainly due to the fact he does not trust fringe players like Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah or Reiss Nelson to step in and make an impact.The Spanish coach has previously admitted he wants a squad of 22 elite players he can consistently swap in and out, much like Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, something Arsenal hope to achieve over the next few windows.Benjamin Sesko is still on Arsenal’s radar after shining for RB LeipzigCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres, right, is the fourth top name being mentionedCredit: AFP More

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      Fans spot Lunin’s ‘ice cold’ reaction to Man City penalty win as Real Madrid stars bizarrely celebrate in TWO groups

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      EAGLE-EYED fans were quick to spot Real Madrid hero Andriy Lunin’s “ice cold” reaction to his side’s triumph at Manchester City.Footage recorded by a supporter inside the Etihad also showed how Madrid’s players celebrated in two different groups after dumping the Cityzens out of the Champions League.Fabrizio Romano shared footage of Antonio Rudiger dumping Man City out of the Champions LeagueCredit: X @FabrizioRomanoThe Real Madrid defender races off towards the dug-out before being mobbedCredit: X @FabrizioRomanoFellow Madrid hero Lunin remained ‘ice cold’ after the winning spot-kickCredit: x@FabrizioRomanoPep Guardiola’s side crashed out following a 4-3 defeat on penalties to Los Blancos on Wednesday.Madrid goalie Lunin, 25 saved Bernardo Silva’s bizarre penalty as well as one from Mateo Kovacic.That allowed ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger to then step up and rifle home past Ederson to claim the victory and set-up a semi-final showdown with Bayern Munich.Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared footage of the German star’s big moment and the aftermath after he found the net.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRudiger raced off in delight towards the dug-out before sliding on his knees.It did not take long for some of the staff and his team-mates to mob and pile on top of him.But while a huge group celebrated with the matchwinner, a handful of other Madrid men made their way straight to Lunin instead to congratulate the Ukraine international stopper.However, rather than run or jump with ecstasy, the former Dnipro man was the coolest person in the stadium as he calmly just walked back from the penalty area while his pals jumped on him.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Lunin casually walking afterwards,” replied one fan, adding: “You rock, dude!”Another said: “Lunin walking like nothing Happened. Ice cold.”Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossA third wrote: “The coolest man in the stadium.”While others noticed the two groups, as one said: “Only a few recognise the real hero.”“Only the Real went to meet Lunin first,” said another.And one eagle-eyed supporter was left in hysterics after watching Madrid playmaker Luka Modric, who had missed his spot-kick, seemingly race round looking confused as to who to go and congratulate first.They wrote: “Look at Modric running helter-skelter not knowing who to thank first.”Lunin’s colleagues and some Madrid staff raced over to congratulate himCredit: Getty More

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      Ilkay Gundogan’s glam wife wades into row with Barcelona stars with cryptic barb about his ‘treble mentality’

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      ILKAY GUNDOGAN’S glam wife has waded into his row with Barcelona teammates with a barb about her hubby’s “treble mentality.”Gundogan, 32, was beside himself with anger as Barca were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.Ilkay Gundogan has been defended by wife Sara after criticising his Barcelona teammatesCredit: ReutersGundogan was left fuming after Barca were KO’d from the Champions League by PSGCredit: GettySara insists Gundogan’s words stemmed from his ‘treble mentality’Credit: GettyThe Spaniards were leading 4-2 on aggregate and cruising towards the semis when Ronald Araujo received a red card for a clumsy challenge.PSG then mounted a stunning comeback to win 4-1 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate.But Barcelona’s downfall left Gundogan furious at the final whistle.Speaking afterwards, he blasted Araujo’s red card while also criticising Joao Cancelo for conceding a penalty and Robert Lewandowski for not attempting to block PSG’s second goal.READ MORE BARCELONA NEWSGundogan’s public criticism has reportedly seen a split emerge in Barcelona’s dressing room.There has also been a backlash from fans, with some feeling the German’s words should have been kept private.But Gundogan’s wife Sara, who is an actress and model, has now come to his defence.The pair have married for two years after meeting in 2021 during his time at Manchester City.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd she hit back at naysayers by insisting that Gundogan’s anger stems from his “treble mentality” after the midfielder played a key role in City’s historic three trophies last term.Posting a picture of Gundogan celebrating his Champions League win in 2023, she said on social media: “This man is a working hard guy and his football opinions are about improving and he is giving everything to this team.Champions League club’s fans ‘accidentally throw objects at their OWN TEAM’S bus’ after thinking it was rivals“His mentality is a treble mentality.”Gundogan’s post-match blast caught many by surprise.Criticising Araujo’s red card, he said: “You know, in these kind of crucial moments you need to be sure to get the ball.”If you don’t, and again I don’t know if he touched the ball or not, you need to stay away. “I would prefer to concede a goal there or give the striker 1v1.”Although, the ball was played quite far ahead so I don’t even know if he would have reached the ball. “But maybe let our goalkeeper save us or even concede a goal because to go a player down so early on just kills your game.”On Lewandowski not closing down Vitinha befor his goal, Gundogan continued:  “Again, it’s another mistake. We have to step out there.”We can’t let him shoot because he was so free. “It wasn’t anything we haven’t trained before. The closest player to the ball has to step out. We were three with three and Vitinha was the fourth man.”Someone has to step out. No one did or they did it too late. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It was a good shot and they got their second goal. But, it wasn’t necessary at all. It’s too late right now.”Finally, on Cancelo giving away a penalty, Gundogan added: “A decisive action, a crucial situation… and they will punish you.”See more of Sara’s glamorous life belowSara met Gundogan back in 2021Credit: InstagramA whirlwind romance saw them married a year laterCredit: Instagram @sarabenamiraSara supported Gundogan throughout his time at Man CityCredit: GettyShe followed him to Barcelona last summerCredit: Instagram @sarabenamiraThe loved-up couple regularly pose for cute snapsCredit: Instagram @sarabenamiraSara is fiercely protective of her manCredit: Instagram / @sarabenamiraShe celebrated Gundogan’s treble last yearCredit: Instagram / @sarabenamira More

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      ‘We trusted the way of Pep’ – Germany legend claims country has completely lost its DNA after Guardiola ‘mistake’

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      A BAYERN MUNICH legend has claimed that Germany lost its DNA due to Pep Guardiola’s spell at Bayern Munich.The Spanish coach won the lot at Barcelona during his four years in charge with his famous tiki-taka style of football.Bastian Schweinsteiger lifted the World Cup with Germany in 2014Credit: GettyHe has explained how Pep Guardiola helped the Germans to ‘lose their DNA’Credit: EPAGuardiola, 53, left the Nou Camp in 2012 and, after taking a one-year sabbatical in New York City, he returned to the dugout 12 months later.He took charge of Bayern Munich in 2013 just after they had lifted the Champions League and immediately set about imposing his style of play into the club.Bayern stormed to the Bundesliga and German Cup titles during his first season before the German national side went on to claim World Cup glory in Brazil in 2014.Bastian Schweinsteiger was part of the both squads at the time – although he left Bayern for Manchester United in 2015.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGuardiola stayed at the Allianz for three years in total, lifting the title in each campaign – and his former midfield star says his impact on the game there left a lasting legacy.However, 39-year-old Schweinsteiger says that it also led to Germany losing its DNA with the national side struggling ever since, including group stage eliminations at the past two World Cups.Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, brought to you by SkyBet, he explained: “2012, 2013, 2014 – Bayern was probably the best team in Europe… and the national team won the World Cup, so we were very high.“Then Pep came to Munich and obviously not easy, when you are a coach and you come to a country, and you’re the No1 in Europe or the world, but he had his style of football which is amazing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“When we played Barcelona, it’s difficult of course, and he tried to impact his way and he’s a genius. The ideas which he gives to the players, and during the game as well, it’s amazing.“But what happened is that a lot of other clubs, and even the national team tried to copy, and we focused more on that style that keeping the values of the Germans.Awkward moment iShowSpeed confronted by Man City fans and forced to shut down stream during Real Madrid clash“We forgot completely about our DNA, and we trusted a lot in the way of Pep, which is very good, and we won everything, but that was a little mistake of German football, I would say.”Schweinsteiger continued: “We changed not only Bayern Munich, but even the other teams in the Bundesliga and our national team adapted to it because Pep’s way is great.“But I think that you cannot always play in one half, high up, it’s impossible, it’s very difficult.“I’ve always said, Pep trained in Barcelona and had eleven actors on the field, and he had a movie – he’s trying to do the same movie in Munich or in Manchester City, but sometimes the actors are changing so that’s a tough thing for him.“But I would never say that Pep was bad for Bayern Munich, he was amazing and I wish we had a coach in Munich like him again.”Guardiola departed Bayern for Man City in 2016 and he finally guided them to Champions League glory last season – although Real Madrid ended their hopes of defending that crown on Wednesday night.And Schweinsteiger says that Guardiola has adapted his style since winning it last term with City.He added: “When he [Guardiola] won the Champions League, you could see how the defenders were defending.“When you saw Stones playing as a six, and how he was playing with the ball, but more about the defensive way – that has changed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He learned from his time in Munich, and maybe the first years at City, what does he need to win the Champions League – it’s also having defensive strengths.“City has got it and has changed it. German football was No1 in the world, and we have lost our values, or we’re not focused anymore so much on our values and trusted a little bit more other things.” More

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      Bayern Munich president hails Thomas Tuchel for ‘tactical masterpiece’ against Arsenal… just weeks after sacking him

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      BAYERN MUNICH president Herbert Hainer hailed manager Thomas Tuchel for his “tactical masterpiece” against Arsenal, just two months after letting him go.Tuchel, 50, confirmed an agreement was reached with Bayern chiefs that he will depart at the end of the season following a series of poor results that saw the team miss out on all domestic honours.Thomas Tuchel was praised by Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer after eliminating ArsenalCredit: GettyHowever, Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over the Gunners at the Allianz Arena has lifted the mood as the Bavarians’ bid for Champions League glory is very much alive after making the semi-finals.Hainer was ecstatic after full-time and spoke in glowing terms about the ex-Chelsea boss’ work against Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title challengers.The German businessman was especially impressed with the way Tuchel handled star left-back Alphonso Davies’ absence.The ex-Paris Saint-Germain manager fielded right-back Noussair Mazraoui in Davies’ place and had natural left-back Raphael Guerreiro playing ahead of him down the wing.Read More on FootballHainer said: “I think Thomas Tuchel did an excellent job. A tactical masterpiece.”The fact that he played with Nous Mazraoui and Guerreiro was a perfect fit.”Director of sport Max Eberl also commended Tuchel’s tactical move down the left wing.The German tactician’s bold risk paid dividends as he also added cover for Serge Gnabry, who was also absent, while neutralising Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s threat at the same time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEberl said: “Simply done cleverly. Serge was out, Phonzy [Davies] was suspended.”They discussed it very cleverly with the coaching staff how they wanted to do it.”Bayern Munich’s private training session leaked as Thomas Tuchel appears to plan shock tactical tweak against Arsenal Tuchel is still expected to leave Bayern in May when the season concludes.However, the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea manager has remained true to his promise of keeping up the hard work until his departure.Tuchel said in February: “We have agreed that we will end our collaboration after the end of this season.”Until then, my coaching staff and I will of course continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success for FC Bayern.” More

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      Arsenal’s ‘spooky’ April curse leaves fans astonished with third Mikel Arteta season on verge of being torpedoed

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      ARSENAL fans have bemoaned their April “curse” as another season threatens to go off the rails in the month.Defeat in the Champions League to Bayern Munich last night saw the Gunners dream of making a first semi-final since 2009 left in tatters. Mikel Arteta’s side have fallen foul of their April curseCredit: RexIt is the third year running Arsenal have seen their season derail in AprilCredit: GettyThat followed a 2-0 loss at home to Aston Villa which saw Manchester City regain the advantage in this season’s title race, another dream of the Gunners having not won it in 20 years. However, a consistent reality of the last three seasons has seen results for Mikel Arteta’s side crumble in the month of April.When Arsenal were gunning for the top four in 2022, a three-game stretch at the start of the month saw them lose to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton.And despite bouncing back to win their final two games of the month, in the end it would cost them as two back-to-back defeats in May allowed Tottenham to pip them to fourth.READ MORE ON ARSENALMeanwhile, last season saw Arsenal in a title race, but three draws on the spin against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton before a defeat to Manchester City saw them relinquish their top spot.And history in threatening to repeat itself this season.Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here.

      Arsenal, who are in a title race and the Champions League quarter-finals, have seen their form slip up massively.Despite a wins over Brighton and Luton at the start of the month, this followed a 2-2 draw at the Emirates against Bayern Munich, before a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa and 1-0 loss to Bayern yesterday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReacting to the deja vu results, one fan said online: “Arsenal in April, spooky times.”A second said: “April curse continues.”‘Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in MunichA third added: “Football heritage.”Another said: “Arsenal is the biggest April fool.”Arsenal have three games left in the month to try and dispel their curse and get their season back on track, with those matches coming against Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham.Arsenal April fixturesHere’s how Arsenal have performed in the April over the last three seasons.
      2021/22
      Crystal Palace (A) 3-0 L
      Brighton (H) 1-2 L
      Southampton (A) 1-0 L
      Chelsea (A) 2-4 W
      Man Utd (H) 3-1 W
      2022/23
      Leeds (H) 4-1 W
      Liverpool (A) 2-2 D
      West Ham (A) 2-2 D
      Southampton (H) 3-3 D
      Man City (A) 4-1 L
      2023/24*
      Luton (H) 2-0 W
      Brighton (A) 0-3 W
      Bayern Munich (H) 2-2 D
      Aston Villa (H) 0-2 L
      Bayern Munich (A) 1-0 L
      *Wolves, Chelsea and Tottenham still to play
      Overall April record in last three years:
      Played: 15, Wins: 5, Draws: 4, Losses: 6 More

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      Carlo Ancelotti risks Uefa punishment as Real Madrid boss breaks protocol after Man City win

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      REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti risks an earful by UEFA for breaking protocol after a dramatic Champions League victory over Manchester City.Ancelotti, 64, saw his Real side draw 1-1 with City on Wednesday at the Etihad after the hosts’ captain Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti risks UEFA punishment after breaking protocolCredit: RexReal Madrid manager Ancelotti went to the mixed zone after full-timeCredit: GettyHowever, Los Blancos prevailed during a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout thanks to the heroics of Andriy Lunin who handed his team a 4-3 win after denying Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.However, the Italian tactician’s triumph may be spoiled a bit after he appeared to go against UEFA rules regarding post-match interviews.Regulations state both managers must be made available to attend the post-match presser about 20 minutes after the end of a match.But the ex-Chelsea and Everton boss spoke with journalists in the mixed zone instead. Read More on FootballThat is where Ancelotti said: “Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies.”Madrid have done it many times. It’s this badge. In the shootout we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy had a fantastic game.”I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.”Nevertheless, Ancelotti did conduct post-match interviews with various rights holders, such as TNT Sports and LiveScore.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAncelotti will now look to extend Real’s record Champions League triumphs by sealing the club’s 15th crown, which would mark his third with the Merengues.The Madrid giants are now set to lock horns with Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossBayern punched their ticket to the final four after eliminating Arsenal. More