Champions League

EAGLE-EYED fans have spotted how two former Chelsea stars helped Real Madrid to penalty shoot-out success over Manchester City.Carlo Ancelotti’s side knocked out the Champions League holders 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.Real Madrid celebrate their spot kick successCredit: GettyHolders Man City were dumped out at homeCredit: PACity had gotten off to a great start in the shoot-out, with Ederson saving Luka Modric’s penalty.But saves from Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic by Andriy Lunin saw City crash out.Chelsea have not been in Europe this season, following a disastrous campaign last time out.But some Blues supporters noticed that two of their old boys helped Real Madrid to spot kicks success.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of the shoot-out, Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan from Chelsea, could be seen giving Lunin advice.The Spaniard has always fancied himself as something of a penalties specialist, having infamously refused to go off during the 2019 Carabao Cup final.Thomas Tuchel always trusted Kepa in shoot-outs, even bringing him on as a 119th minute substitute to win the 2021 Uefa Super Cup with Chelsea.It backfired in the 2022 Carabao Cup final, however, when Kepa failed to save any of Liverpool’s 11 penalties, before whacking his own over the bar.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERKepa Arrizabalaga was spotted chatting with Andriy LuninCredit: TNT SportsAntonio Rudiger pointed out which way Mateo Kovacic would goCredit: TNT SportsLunin saved from Kovacic and Bernardo SilvaCredit: EPAWhatever he said on this occasion appeared to do the trick, with Lunin the hero.Kepa’s former Chelsea team-mate Antonio Rudiger also had a part to play.Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real MadridAs fellow Chelsea old boy Kovacic stepped up to take his kick, Rudiger could be seen pointing which way the Croatian would go.Silva’s tame spot kick down the middle was labelled the “worst penalty ever” online.After the triumph, modest Lunin explained his success.The Ukrainian, 25, said: “I needed to take a risk with one of the kicks, we picked one (to stay in the middle) and thank goodness it worked out in our favour.”It’s an away Champions League game and we went through a lot of suffering… but I’m very grateful to the team for everything they’ve fought for.”I can’t imagine myself running like my team-mates did today.”He also told Marca: “We prepared it with the goalkeeping coach and there were three players with whom we had doubts about whether to stay in the middle or not.”Lunin, 25, was the hero at the EtihadCredit: Getty More

BUKAYO SAKA has been slammed by Martin Keown for his mistake late on that “summed up” Arsenal’s performance against Bayern Munich.Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League quarter-final after falling to a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.Martin Keown took aim at Arsenal’s lack of know-howCredit: TNT SportsHe also criticised Bukayo Saka’s decision-makingCredit: GettyThe 3-2 aggregate defeat shows how tight the tie was and former Gunners star Keown bemoaned Arsenal’s lack of urgency.He also highlighted a lack of know-how and pointed to Saka’s decision to take a quick free-kick in the dying seconds when Arsenal had an opportunity to take a shot at goal.Keown said on BT Sport: “It was very disappointing, kind of summed up at the end there when Saka for some reason taking a free-kick [short] when there was the opportunity to really test the goalkeeper.”You just saw that little bit of lack of experience. There needs to be more urgency in the closing exchanges. Saka made that decision in the moment.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I admire that as well. But I think he might have been better taking that delivery from the free kick and it might have been a wonder goal.”You wanted to see the ball going in the box. That urgency wasn’t there and I think that’s a lack of experience, of being in those major games, and knowing what to do in those critical moments.”Arsenal mustered just eight shots against Bayern and only three on target, with Martin Odegaard’s long-range strike that was tipped onto the post the closest they came to scoring.Keown felt they did not do enough to win the match and the tie, suggesting Bayern were much more direct with their play.Most read in Champions LeagueArsenal had just three shots on targetBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe added: “No real urgency in those closing stages. Hugely disappointing. Just feel as though we didn’t really lay a glove on them in this second tie. “It was there if we wanted it, as Owen [Hargreaves] said, and Bayern came out with the resolve, direct, and posed much more of a threat than Arsenal did. Look at that, sums it up doesn’t it, the last action of the game.Arsenal’s title chances are ‘100% gone’ according to club legend who savages ‘lazy’ Gunners after Aston Villa shocker”It was just such a flat performance, even at the end there, the ball, get it in the box, get it in there, try and affect, and they didn’t seem prepared to do that. You don’t deserve to go through if you play a performance like that tonight.”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. More

JUDE BELLINGHAM is the type of man you’d want your daughter to “bring home”, joked Rio Ferdinand.The England starlet, 20, was in action for Real Madrid against Manchester City last night.Jude Bellingham chatted with the TNT Sports crew after the gameCredit: TNT SportsBellingham, 20, helped knock holders Man City out of the Champions LeagueCredit: RexBellingham helped his side knock out the reigning champions, playing 120 minutes of the 1-1 draw and scoring in the penalty shoot-out.After the match, the midfielder joined the TNT Sports crew for an interview.He chatted pitchside to Ferdinand, as well as Joleon Lescott and host Laura Woods, with the father-of-five blown away by his maturity.Following the broadcast, the former Manchester United star posted a clip of the interview, and gushed on social media: “‘If your daughter is going to bring someone home… that’s what you want them to come with’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”What a guy @BellinghamJude.”During the interview, Bellingham had gushed about how happy he was to win on home soil in front of his brother.He said: “It is incredible. Moments like this are magic and it just comes down to mentality.”When you get those details right and you get those little moments, like the penalties, when the lads keep their cool, it is magic. This was beautiful.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”My brother is here today and it is the first time he has been able to see me playing for Madrid. I feel really proud about that.”Bellingham also offered an insight into how calm veteran boss Carlo Ancelotti inspires his players.How Jude Bellingham is key to England winning Euro 2024He added: “One of our biggest strengths is that we’re so off the cuff.”As a man he just fills you with calmness and confidence.”Before the game, I caught him yawning and I said to him ‘boss are you tired?'”He went ‘yeah you need to go and excite me out there’.”That’s the sort of confidence and calmness he brings.”Bellingham and Co will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals, after Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate.They are also nearing the LaLiga title, leading Barcelona by eight points with seven games remaining. More

MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that three of his top stars asked to be SUBSTITUTED against Real Madrid.The Cityzens saw their quest for a second consecutive Champions League trophy come to an end after penalty heartbreak at the hands of Los Blancos.Pep Guardiola has revealed three of his star players asked to come off during their Champions League heartbreak last nightCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne was substituted for Mateo Kovacic during extra-timeCredit: EPAAfter an enthralling 4-4 aggregate scoreline across the two legs it came down to spot kicks to decide who would face Bayern Munich in this year’s semi-final.Unfortunately for City they were unable to win the penalty lottery and they saw their European journey come to an end despite their best efforts.Their chances of getting the better of the opponents from 12 yards had already taken a hit before the game even went to penalties, as three stars had been subbed off.Manuel Akanji, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland were all substituted before the shootout and Guardiola has revealed they ASKED to be taken off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking in his post-match press conference the tactician explained: “Erling [Haaland] and Kevin [De Bruyne] and Manu [Akanji] asked me to go out. They could not continue.”Fans were fuming when they initially saw that some of City’s best players were being hooked with time still on the clock and many were particularly irate about Haaland being subbed off with the striker missing the entirety of extra-time.On X, one fan wrote: “Poor penalty shootout but the biggest point for me is Pep taking Haaland off when penalties were a likely event.”While a second added: “Why did he take KDB and Haaland off?! FFS.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSErling Haaland was hooked after the 90 minutes were overCredit: PAThe night ended in penalty defeat for Man CityCredit: PAAnother fan wrote: “I blame Pep’s useless tinkering. Who makes such substitutions?”Guardiola’s post-match comments go a long way to explaining what felt like an unusual decision with all three stars feeling as though they couldn’t carry on.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padAnd the 53-year-old will also be keen to try and keep as many fresh legs as he possibly can with an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea now just THREE DAYS away.City take on The Blues on Saturday afternoon as they look to book their spot in the FA Cup final for the second consecutive season.But even after that they will then have to shift their focus to a midweek clash against Brighton as a hectic schedule awaits the treble winners with seven games in the next four weeks.Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
“You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
“Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.” More

ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta delivered a sobering reality check after his side crashed out of the Champions League last night.The Gunners fell 1-0 to Bayern Munich in Germany courtesy of Joshua Kimmich’s bullet header.Mikel Arteta spoke after Arsenal’s Champions League exitCredit: GettyThe Gunners were beaten 1-0 in MunichCredit: GettyThe result, coupled with last week’s 2-2 draw in North London, saw Arsenal fall at the quarter-final stage.Arteta, 42, subsequently admitted that he could not lift his players’ spirits in the dressing room.The Spaniard then went on to add that it could be a long time before they are able to go all the way in the Champions League.He said: “The players are gutted in the dressing room. I cannot find the right words to lift them, I wish I could. We have to go through it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We tried against a team that had a lot of experience, the margins across the tie have been very small. We made a mistake defending the box and we conceded a goal.”The club hasn’t been in the Champions League for seven years, and in the first year back [we are expected to] play in the semi-final and final.”We all wanted that, so badly, but you can see with many other clubs it takes six or seven years to get to this stage. We were very close, that’s the reality.”Arsenal’s attention will now turn fully towards the Premier League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Gunners fell two points behind champions Manchester City last weekend after losing 2-0 at home to Aston Villa.Their supporters were subsequently blasted by the likes of Rio Ferdinand after the Emirates emptied in the closing stages.Bayern Munich’s private training session leaked as Thomas Tuchel appears to plan shock tactical tweak against Arsenal Arsenal will continue their quest for Prem glory by travelling to Wolves on Saturday night.Arteta continued: “It’s not going to go away (the pain) certainly tonight, but I can guarantee you by tomorrow we’re fully focused on Wolves and everybody is lifted.”What we still have to play for is beautiful. I said before it’s time to be next to these players.”It’s easy to be behind them and praise the players and talk nice things when we win 10 in a row and one draw.”The moment is now to be behind them and be next to them.”Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel believes that Arsenal are not far away from mixing it with Europe’s big boys.He said: “They (Arsenal) are there. For me, they are an elite team. It was a very, very close result.”Maybe what they miss a little bit is a bit more experience in these knockout stages.”I would not judge them now on this week where some of the results are a bit complicated, but in my opinion they are an elite team.”Thrilled former Tottenham striker Harry Kane told TNT Sports: “(It was) an unbelievable win. It’s been a tough season for us.”We’ve had to fight and grind it out at times. We knew we could make the difference with our fans at home.”It was a tough game, a tight game. It was a great goal from Josh. To reach the semi-finals is a great achievement for us and we can enjoy it.The expectation here is to try and win the Champions LeagueHarry Kane”I think in these types of games the first half is always a bit cagey. We said at half-time we wanted to up the tempo, be aggressive.”We had a couple off the post and could have made it easier for ourselves but these games are always tough and you just have to get through them.”The expectation here is to try and win the Champions League. “We won the league for 11 years in a row so maybe there was a bit of tempo missing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”That can’t happen. Now we have to enjoy the Champions League and try to get ready for Saturday.”Bayern will face Real Madrid in the semi-finals, after the Spanish league leaders knocked Manchester City out on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.Harry Kane was thrilled with his side’s winCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel gave his verdict on Arsenal after the tieCredit: Getty More

THOMAS TUCHEL produced a tactical masterclass to see Bayern Munich into the Champions League semi-finals.Joshua Kimmich bagged the only goal on the night to send the Germans through 3-2 on aggregate after a hard-fought win on home soil.Thomas Tuchel oversaw a famous Bayern Munich win against ArsenalCredit: GettyBayern are the third club Tuchel has led to the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: EPAJoshua Kimmich won it with a bullet headerCredit: ReutersIt is the third different club he has taken to the last four – joining an elite group of managers.Only Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola had accomplished the feat before this evening.Tuchel, 50, was a runner-up with Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and won the trophy with Chelsea a year later.He accomplished his latest feat despite the fact he is set to leave Bayern at the end of the season following his struggles to compete with high-flying Bayer Leverkusen.READ MORE FOOTBALLMikel Arteta’s Premier League title contenders were expected to be the better team over two legs but came up against a stubborn opponent.As was hinted at in a training-ground leak, Tuchel decided to play two left-backs – Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro – from the start and drop Thomas Muller, which allowed him to shut down Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA delighted Harry Kane told TNT Sports: “It was an unbelievable win. It’s been a tight season for us, we’ve had to fight and grind.”Today was that. We knew we could make the difference with our fans. It was what we expected, a tough game, a tight game.Most read in Champions League”It was a great goal from Josh to make the difference, then it was about defending.”We can enjoy this one. The first half was cagey but we upped the tempo.Jamie Carragher reveals Micah Richards ‘nearly QUIT’ CBS Sports after Champions League final snub”These games are tough and we have to find our way through them. The expectation is to try to win the Champions League, maybe there was some tempo missing in the Bundesliga.”That can’t happen next season, it’s going to be a tough game in the semi-final, whoever we play.”Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Tuchel’s former club PSG are the other teams in the last four.Can you name the famous fathers? More