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    Real Madrid make special request to Uefa for Man City clash in desperate bid to intimidate Champions League holders

    PEP GUARDIOLA wants his Treble winners to ‘hurt and punish’ Jude Bellingham and Co tomorrow night.But Real Madrid will aim to bring the roof in on the Champions League holders by ramping up the noise in their new-look £1.5billion Bernabeu.Real Madrid want to close the roof for the visit of Mann CityCredit: GettyPep Guardiola will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s semi-finalCredit: GettyThe 14-time European Cup winners have asked Uefa for permission to close the roof for the quarter-final first leg and make the atmosphere as intimidating as possible for Manchester City.However, City boss Guardiola has told his players that simply trying to contain Real is not enough — especially as they walloped them 5-1 on aggregate in last season’s semi-final.He said: “We cannot come here just to control the game. We have to try to hurt them, to punish them.“We have to let them know we are here to score goals. We have to impose our game, show who we are.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“We did it — and if we did it once we can do it again.”Guardiola acknowledges England ace Bellingham has made Madrid a more formidable opponent than the one they thumped last season.He added: “He’s done an incredible season in terms of goals, assists, his presence in the box.“Not just Madrid but with the England national team he’s been brilliant.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It’s not just his skills — it is what he has done with his brain and mind.”City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri will have the task of trying to keep the Three Lions ace quiet.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveFormer Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham, 20, is one of four Madrid players walking a disciplinary tightrope as they are on yellow cards.Rodri, 27, said: “We know him — we’ve faced Dortmund a lot, he is powerful, he has strength.“Madrid play differently. They have more control with him and we have to adapt but I don’t like focusing on one player.”And Rodri has warned Real that City are a more mature team after ending their long wait for a first Champions League trophy last season.He scored the only goal in the final against Inter Milan in June.Rodri added: “It gives you more composure, serenity on the pitch.“We’ve had the experience and we are more mature than when we  first played.“We are the winners and we want to do it again. I am so confident about how we will play.”Uefa will decide this morning whether Madrid will be allowed to close the roof at their revamped 81,000-seater home.It was shut when they beat RB Leipzig in the last 16 and they plan to create a red-hot atmosphere this evening.READ MORE SUN STORIESReal wanted this first leg moved to the Etihad to avoid a potential clash with neighbours Atletico, who host Dortmund tomorrow.They have also asked fans to wear white to help make it as intimidating as possible for Pep’s men.Phillips’ West Ham loan is a disaster… it’s toe-curlingly difficult to watch, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    HE’S had an extraordinary career, Kalvin Phillips.
    A Treble-winner and one of only 12 living Englishmen to have started the final of a major international tournament.
    A home-town hero at Leeds, where he was the kingpin of Marcelo Bielsa’s buccaneering Championship-winning side and feted as the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’.
    England’s Player of the Year in 2021, when the Three Lions reached a final for the first time in more than half a century.
    Indeed, Phillips has featured in most of England’s best wins of the last three years — against Germany and Denmark at those Euros, home and away in qualifiers against Italy, against a Belgium side ranked No 1 in the world, the World Cup thrashing of Senegal and in last autumn’s hammering of the Scots.
    That record for Gareth Southgate’s side points to a great irony.
    If Phillips had stayed put as a Manchester City bench-warmer, he would be going to Germany this summer and quite possibly as a starter.
    The mighty man-bun man has been a fine footballer and, at 28, he might become one again.
    Phillips is also a good bloke too, much-loved in the England squad and attracting a full house from the entire Leeds staff when the club held a leaving do before his Etihad move in a £45million deal.
    But right now Phillips has become unwatchable. Toe-curling, cringeworthy, hide-behind-the-sofa-the-Daleks-are-coming levels of unwatchable.
    His loan switch to West Ham, which originally looked sensible for club and player, is an unmitigated disaster.
    And it feels as if Phillips is at the centre of a football-wide conspiracy which has deemed that anything which could go wrong, will go wrong. More

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    Bayern Munich aces ‘frustrated’ as Wags forced to stay at home instead of travelling to Arsenal for Champions League tie

    BAYERN MUNICH’S players have been handed further “frustration” ahead of their Champions League clash with Arsenal.The German giants’ Wags have been forced to stay at home instead of travelling to London for the match.Bayern Munich’s Wags have been forced to stay at home ahead of their trip to ArsenalCredit: GettyA ban on away supporters has prevented Manuel Neuer’s wife Anika Bissel from travelling to LondonCredit: GettyThomas Muller’s wife Lisa will also be absent, with the issues ‘frustrating’ the dressing roomCredit: GettyIt comes ahead of Tuesday’s quarter-final first leg on Tuesday night.Bild report there is growing “frustration” within the dressing room following back-to-back Bundesliga defeats.However, the atmosphere has now been further affected by a lack of tickets for partners and families for the midweek match.A ban on away fans has limited the pool of tickets given out of players, which usually allows partners, children, parents, friends and agents to travel to matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, Bayern are set to only be supported by around 200 sponsors and honorary fans in North London.The partners of Joshua Kimmich, Konrad Laimer and Eric Dier were all spotted flying to London on Monday, though, the report adds.It remains unknown whether Harry Kane’s wife Kate has travelled for his return to Tottenham’s bitter rivals.Bayern’s supporter ban stems from their round of 16 tie against Lazio after fans used pyrotechnics during the away leg.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe incident triggered a suspended sentence handed to the German side in October following their group stage trip to Copenhagen.Fans used pyrotechnics and threw objects during that match, prompting a suspended ban on away fans from Uefa which has now been triggered.Three ways Declan Rice has become one of the world’s top midfieldersMorale within the Bayern squad had already been low following consecutive Bundesliga defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Heidenheim.The losses have all but handed the title to Bayer Leverkusen, who now lead the table by 16 points and could become champions this weekend.Eric Dier’s partner Anna is expected to be supporting her man in North LondonCredit: Instagram @anna.dierJoshua Kimmich’s wife Lina was also spotted travelling to London on MondayCredit: Bongarts – GettyIt is unknown if Harry Kane’s wife Kate will be in attendance at the Emirates StadiumCredit: Instagram @katekanexTuesday’s match will be Bayern’s first meeting with Arsenal since completing their infamous 10-2 aggregate win in March 2017.The Gunners have lost each of their last three matches against Bayern 5-1.Mikel Arteta is expecting a unique atmosphere inside the Emirates on Tuesday with a full-house of home supporters.The Arsenal boss said during his pre-match press conference: “A full house and a lot of passion and emotion.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We haven’t had this opportunity for 15 years so that tells you how special this night is going to be for us.”We are going to have put everything into every ball to make it happen.”Leroy Sane’s wife Candice Brook is amongst the Wags to miss outCredit: Instagram @candice_b_Lisa Muller and Co were affected by Uefa’s ban on Bayern supporters at Tuesday’s matchCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal threaten to BAN fans if they sell Champions League tickets to Bayern Munich supporters

    ARSENAL threaten to ban supporters found to have sold their tickets to Bayern Munich fans for tomorrow’s Champions League clash.UEFA have banned Bayern fans from attending the first leg of the quarter-final at the Emirates after they threw fireworks onto the pitch during away matches at Copenhagen and Lazio.Arsenal threatens to ban supporters found to have sold their tickets to Bayern Munich fansCredit: GettyThere are fears German fans could try to buy tickets in the home end, and Arsenal has taken the necessary measures to ensure there is no repeat of violent scenes in 2017.Back then thousands of Cologne supporters bought tickets for a Europa League game at the Emirates from club members and ticketing websites.That night violent pre-match clashes delayed kick-off by an hour after 20,000 Cologne fans travelled to North London for the game when only 3,000 tickets were allocated.After the draw, Arsenal did not sell tickets to any new members who registered for the ticket ballot after March 11, before the event. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd season ticket holders have only been permitted to transfer tickets via the club’s ticket transfer service to a recipient whose account was created before that date.Bayern Munich have also urged their fans not to travel to London for Tuesday night’s game. The Bundesliga giants have only been permitted around 200 tickets for friends and family, while they will have around 20 senior club officials in the directors’ box.In a message to fans, Arsenal said: “There is additional risk associated with this game because Bayern Munich are not permitted an away allocation. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Any season-ticket holder or Arsenal member’s seat found to be in possession of an away fan will be suspended indefinitely.”The Gunners, are in the last-8 of the iconic European competition for the first time since 2009-10, ending a run of seven straight last-16 exits.Gary Lineker says ‘it’s written in the stars’ as MOTD presenter predicts Premier League winnersBut they have a disastrous run against the Bundesliga giants only winning three times out of 12 against Bayern. More

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    Real Madrid vs Man City tips and free bets for mega Champions League tie with talkSPORT BET

    MANCHESTER CITY head for Spain on Tuesday night to face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final tie.We’ve picked out our top tip for the massive game with talkSPORT BET – who are offering brand new customers an incredible £30 in free bets when they stake just £10 on football!How to claim..talkSPORT BET offer

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    These sides met in the semi final stage of this competition last season, playing out a 1-1 draw in Spain before City dominated the second leg.The 4-0 win at the Etihad was a massive result for Pep Guardiola’s side, who’d then go on and lift the trophy to complete the treble.They’ve been in splendid form recently too. But so have Madrid, who are 12 points clear in La Liga and able to put full focus into this two-legged affair.But Leipzig and Atletico Madrid have recently gone there and avoided defeat and with City a step above those two, they’re rightly favourites to take a lead back to Manchester.TIPCity have more than enough to get a result here.But we’ve steered clear of the result market when looking for a winning punt.Instead, Toni Kroos in the booking market looks a terrific price at 7/2 and that’s the play here.City’s intricate football will test the veteran’s legs in the middle of the park and he’s been booked in three of his last eight appearances (one of those appearances was only for a few minutes off the bench).
    Toni Kroos to be carded anytime at 7/2 with talkSPORT BET – CLAIM HERE
    What’s the talkSPORT BET offer?talkSPORT BET are offering new customers the chance to claim £30 in free bets for the huge Champions League game between Real Madrid and Manchester City.You’ll receive the free bets when signing up and staking £10 and you can place that first wager on the game!How do I claim this?New to talkSPORT BET? Then you could be eligible to claim this excellent offer!Simply head over to the talkSPORT BET site HERE*.Register a new account and deposit using a debit card.With your very first bet, stake £10 on any sports market at odds of 1/1 or greater – within seven days of opening your account.Then what happens?Your free bets will be credited as 3 x £10 free bet tokens!On settlement of the total qualifying bet amount, your account will be credited with:
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    Real Madrid vs Man City preview: Best free betting tips, odds and predictions for colossal Champions League tie

    MANCHESTER CITY are in Champions League action this week with a blockbuster quarter final first leg tie at 14-time winners Real Madrid.SunSport betting experts have previewed the mouth watering contest – and carefully selected our best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses for the heavyweight encounter.Best free bets for Real Madrid vs Man City
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    Already have these accounts? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more terrific deals with our partners.Real Madrid vs Man City: Best betting tips, odds & predictions for colossal tieReal Madrid vs Man City previewIt’s the standout fixture of a rather uneventful Champions League so far.The quarter finals will always bring together some tasty tussles but if you’d asked both Real Madrid and Manchester City, they’d have probably wanted to have avoided each other at this stage.Current holders City are hitting their groove in all competitions and are rightly favourites to lift the trophy once again this term.They’ve not lost since a 1-0 defeat at Villa Park at the start of December and navigated big fixtures with Liverpool and Arsenal recently without defeat.These two met at the semis stage last season when City ran out 4-0 winners at home following a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.Madrid will have almost full focus on this tie given their huge 12 point lead at the top of La Liga.Their imperious form puts them in contention here but they’re very much underdogs in this tie.Real Madrid vs Man City latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.Real Madrid vs Man City betting tipsAway winDespite the incredible form of Real Madrid, they’ve not quite come up against a side as slick as this Manchester City one.They left here with a draw last year and can go one better and head into the second leg with a lead.
    Man City to win & BTTS at 10/3 with Ladbrokes – CLAIM HERE
    Spanish shotsBack on home soil, we’re anticipating another big evening and big performance from Rodri in the City midfield.He’s often come up trumps in the big fixtures – particularly in Europe – and is finding himself in more attacking situations too.He has four shots on target from his last three games.
    Rodri to have 1+ shot on target at 21/20 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
    Phil yer bootsPep Guardiola had the luxury of leaving out Phil Foden at the weekend as City beat Crystal Palace.The frontrunner for Premier League POTY will come straight back in here and is expected to make his presence felt.He managed four goals and three assists in the six group games which is a phenomenal return.
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    For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*Ladbrokes. 18+ New UK+IRE Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 4x £/€5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org*William Hill. 18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply.*Betfred. New customers only. Register (excl. 13/04/24) with WELCOME50. First bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get Free Bets: £20 In-Play, £20 Acca & 50 x £0.20 (£10) Free Spins on Fishin’ Frenzy within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Real Madrid vs Man City – Champions League quarter-final: European giants face off in thrilling first leg – stream, TV

    HOLDERS Manchester City take a trip to serial winners Real Madrid for the first leg of their thrilling Champions League quarter-final tie.Pep Guardiola’s side secured maximum points in Group G before annihilating Copenhagen with a 6-2 aggregate scoreline in the last-16.Manchester City are looking to make a historic defence of their Champions League crownCredit: AlamyReal Madrid got embarrassed in their last game with Manchester CityCredit: GettyAnd the Treble winners will be oozing with confidence as they head into this match fresh from a 4-2 mauling triumph against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.However, Madrid matched City’s group stage points tally and their Champions League heritage makes them one of the most dangerous clubs in Europe.Furthermore, Carlo Ancelotti’s men also go into this game off the back of a win – beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of LaLiga.But City will still feel as if they have the upper hand after their complete domination the last time these two giants met.Read more in Champions LeagueIn the Champions League semis last season, City drew 1-1 at the Bernabeu before thumping the Spaniards 4-0 in the second leg.What is the team news?Real Madrid manager Ancelotti will still be forced to play without first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois (knee) and defender David Alaba (cruciate ligament).Manchester City gaffer Guardiola is hoping that the trio of Kyle Walker (hamstring), Nathan Ake (calf) and Josko Gvardiol (knock) shake off their injuries before the first leg.What is their form like?Man City have managed to keep their Premier League title hopes alive after beating Crystal Palace 4-2.Most read in Champions LeagueGuardiola’s last defeat was back in December, a 1-0 loss against Aston Villa.They sit third in the Premier League just one point behind Liverpool and Arsenal.Meanwhile, Real Madrid now lead LaLiga by eight points after their 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao.Carlo Ancelotti’s squad have faced just one defeat in the league this season, a 3-1 loss against rivals Atletico Madrid – who face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.Ones to watchDespite missing the first half of the season due to a hamstring injury Kevin De Bruyne has been in spectacular form since returning to the squad.And in Saturday’s clash at Selhurst Park the Belgium international scored twice.He has made 14 goal contributions in all of his 16 appearances this season across all competitions.Real Madrid’s star man continues to be Jude Bellingham.The £114million signing has more than lived up to his price tag since the start of the campaign.Despite suffering minor injuries and recently a two-game suspension, the midfielder has scored 20 goals and created 10 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this term.What has been said?Ex-Barcelona boss Guardiola is relishing the challenge of facing his old rivals yet again.He said: “It’s a bit like a tradition, three years in a row playing the king of the competition who have won 14 Champions Leagues.“It is what it is, hopefully we can have a good moment.“[There are] still a few weeks before the first game in Madrid. We’ll see.”Ancelotti accepted that City is a tough draw but to win the Champions League you play against the best.The ex-Chelsea and Everton gaffer said: “The idea is to win the competition, and for that you have to beat the best. “City may be one of the best in Europe at the moment, it will be tough, of course. “But if you want to be European champions, you have to eliminate City,”SunSport’s score predictionReal Madrid 1-1 Manchester CityWhen is Real Madrid vs Man City?
    Real Madrid and Manchester City battle in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final TOMORROW – Tuesday, April 9.
    It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST.
    The Bernabeu in Madrid is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host a staggering 81,044 passionate fans.
    City humiliated Madrid 4-0 (5-1 on aggregate) when the sides last met in last season’s semi-final.
    What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
    Real Madrid vs Manchester City will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.
    Coverage is expected to get underway from 7pm BST – a whole hour before kick-off.
    Fans can also head to discovery+ to stream the entire action.
    Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match through our live blog.
    What are the odds?
    Real Madrid to win 9/5
    Draw 12/5
    Man City to win 11/8
    To qualifyREAD MORE SUN STORIES
    Real Madrid 13/8
    Man City 4/9
    *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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    Why are Bayern Munich fans BANNED from the Emirates Stadium for their Champions League first leg against Arsenal?

    ARSENAL are all set for their revenge mission on Bayern Munich in what is set to be a mouthwatering Champions League tie – and they have been given the biggest advantage ahead of the first leg.The Gunners finally broke their last-16 curse by sending Portuguese icons Porto home via a dramatic penalty shootout.David Raya was the hero during Arsenal’s penalty shootout win against PortoCredit: AlamyAs a result, they were rewarded with a two-legged quarter-final tie against Bayern – the team who famously humiliated them 10-2 on aggregate.However, things will already be different this time round as UEFA have revealed that Bayern fans will NOT be allowed in the stadium for the first leg at the Emirates.And SunSport have the reasons why.Why are Bayern Munich fans BANNED from the Emirates for the first legDuring their 1-0 first leg defeat away at Lazio in the last-16, travelling Bayern fans threw fireworks onto the pitch. They would eventually win 3-1 on aggregate to advance.Read more in ArsenalBayern fans through fireworks on the pitch against LazioCredit: AlamyHaving already received a suspended one-match ban – as well as a £30k fine – for an identical incident in the group stages at Copenhagen in October, Uefa were left with no choice but to impose the ban.The away end at the Emirates will also be free to be filled instead by more home fans, meaning the possibility of the 60,000-capacity stadium being a sell-out without any travelling supporters.What has been said?Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has admitted that his club have to accept the ban that has been given to the fans.Dreesen said: “We have to accept this punishment.Most read in Football”Not only were pyrotechnics set off, but also fired deliberately onto the field, directly endangering bystanders.“This was such an explicit violation of the conditions of probation that an appeal is unfortunately futile.“The fact we now have to play away without the support of our fans is a big blow.”A small group of individual offenders have done a disservice to all our supporters and the team.”When is Arsenal vs Bayern Munich’s first leg?Arsenal’s thrilling Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich will take place TOMORROW – Tuesday, April 9.It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST.And the Gunners will be determined to get revenge for the last time the two sides met which ended in an embarrassing aggregate defeat of 10-2. More

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    Leeds wonderkid eyed by European giants for shock summer transfer but Premier League clubs chasing him dealt blow

    LEEDS starlet Archie Gray faces a massive decision this summer as he is being chased by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.The Germans want the versatile midfielder, 18, to grow with them in the same way as Jude Bellingham, 20.Archie Gray is wanted by German giants Borussia DortmundCredit: RexThey want to mould the teen in the same way they did with Jude Bellingham, who now plays for Real MadridCredit: PADortmund  will pay big money for the Whites academy product.He has been namechecked by England manager Gareth Southgate as a future international.Dortmund head the hunt and have a chance if Championship Whites fail to go up.That would leave Gray and his legendary Leeds family with a huge call to make.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSources close to the camp suggest he will not move to another English side if he leaves.And that gives the Bundesliga a chance.Ideally, Gray wants to play in the Premier League with Leeds.But there could be a short cut to the Champions League on offer in the next window.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERRecent reports suggest European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are both tracking him.SunSport also revealed interest from Premier League outfits Crystal Palace and Everton last Septmber.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024 More