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      Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona to £43million windfall despite BOTH clubs going out of Champions League on same night

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      BARCELONA have missed out on £43million following their Champions League exit.Paris Saint-Germain came from behind against ten-man Barca to knock them out in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, as the Catalans were left bemoaning Ronald Araujo’s controversial first-half red card.Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League by PSGCredit: APThe result means Barcelona miss out on the 2025 Club World Cup.The tournament expands from four clubs to 32 next year with 12 teams from Europe qualifying.But a maximum of two teams are permitted from each country and with Champions League winners from 2021-24 getting a place, that means Real Madrid have already qualified.The second spot from Spain was being contested between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who also exited the Champions League on Tuesday after losing to Borussia Dortmund.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Diego Simeone’s side will head to the Club World Cup as they have a high Uefa co-efficient ranking than Barca, with a score of 67 compared to 60.And with qualification comes a £43m windfall for all participating clubs, with the winner set to cash in on an additional £80m.Barcelona also miss out on £10.6m which they would have received for reaching the Champions League semi-final.That is bad news for the club who are still struggling financially and need to slash their wage bill by £57m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLaLiga announced the Blaugrana would be having their permitted salary limit cut down from £231m to 174m for the 2024/25 season.With the club’s real squad cost – the total of salaries and transfer amortisations – for this season officially budgeted at £421m, they are some way over budget and will need to make significant cuts.Footage of Ronaldinho’s son, 19, at Barcelona emerges and fans are baffled to spot his positionEngland’s two places will go to recent Champions League winners Chelsea and Manchester City.But Arsenal can still earn a spot if they win the competition this season.That’s because the two club per country cap is lifted if there are more than two winners from one league over the four-year qualifying cycle. More

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      Fans spot Real Madrid stars’ classy gesture as training footage emerges ahead of huge Man City clash

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      REAL MADRID stars were hailed for their immense sportsmanship ahead of tonight’s crunch Champions League clash against Manchester City.Real take on City in the quarter-finals at the Etihad following a stunning first leg between the two title favourites at the Santiago Bernabeu which ended 3-3.Real Madrid stars avoided stepping on Manchester City’s badgeReal Madrid take on Man City in a crunch Champions League quarter-final clashLos Blancos trained for the crucial game at the Citizens’ ground and the camera caught Carlo Ancelotti’s players paying respect to the hosts.Real players were seen walking down the corridors where City’s badge was placed on the floor.And all the Madrid aces walked around the club crest making sure they wouldn’t step on it.Fans stormed social media to congratulate Real for the class and dignity they showed.Read More on Man CityOne supporter tweeted: “Values.”Another commented: “Sportsmanship.”A third wrote: “They are real players.”This ones said: “Respect.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that one stated: “Class.”City are looking to replicate last season’s Treble triumph but are facing a daunting task against Champions League record winners Real.Guardiola is hoping Man City can see off Real Madrid to make more historyThe winner of tonight’s fixture will go on to face either Bayern Munich or Arsenal in the semi-finals.Speaking ahead of the clash, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham revealed he held talks with other clubs – thought to include Man City – before making the switch to the Bernabeu.The £88.5million signing said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no-brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players.“I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.” More

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      Erling Haaland makes major business investment in favourite hair band as he eyes future after football

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      MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland has become the minority owner of his favourite hair band company.Haaland has bought a minority stake in Oslo hair accessories company Bon Dep after spending the last few years wearing the brand’s signature “Kknekki” hair tie.Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has found a new investment opportunityCredit: GettyHaaland has become a minority owner of his favourite hair band companyCredit: RexHaaland has helped boost sales of his favourite hair bandCredit: Bon DepThe star striker’s man-bun phenomenon has boosted sales in various European countries, such as Germany, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and France, according to the company.Haaland said: “I’m proud to become a shareholder in Bon Dep. Kknekki has been my go-to hair tie for years, and it is undoubtedly the best in the world.”Bon Dep founder and CEO Vibeke Gronseth welcomed the Norway international on board and opened up on the company’s ambitions.Gronseth added: “The primary purpose of bringing Haaland on board is to collaborate in scaling Kknekki further across Europe and the rest of the world. Read More on Football”Haaland and his team have a long-term perspective that is crucial as we expand Bon Dep into new markets. “The success of Kknekki, also known as the world’s best hair tie, has demonstrated what we can achieve.”Haaland is currently enjoying a stunning career that promises to reach greater heights in the next few years.But the 23-year-old is already preparing for life after football with new investments.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAt the same time the ex-Borussia Dortmund star continues to dominate in the Premier League.Haaland has amassed a staggering 31 goals and six assists in 38 appearances this season alone.Roy Keane asked by Premier League owner ‘were you smoking weed’ after brutal ‘League Two player’ Erling Haaland verdictAnd the forward is now looking to replicate City’s stunning Treble triumph from last season in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.Haaland has been enjoying another dominant season with Man City More

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      Premier League no longer favourites for fifth spot in Champions League with Tottenham now desperate for Arsenal to win

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE is in real danger of “losing” its fifth slot in next season’s expanded Champions League.And that’s why Tottenham fans should be desperate for North London rivals Arsenal to beat Bayern Munich in tonight’s Champions League quarter-final second leg.Tottenham will also pay the penalty if former striker Harry Kane and Bayern Munich knock Arsenal out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyIf the Gunners can knock out Bayern Munich, it will be a massive boost to England in its battle with Germany to have five clubs in the 2024/5 Champions League.And if Manchester City can see off Real Madrid as well, the Premier League will move back ahead of the Bundesliga and the chances will increase of fifth place being enough for Spurs (or Aston Villa) to qualify for Europe’s blue riband competition.Next season’s CL will have 36 teams, compared to the current 32. Two of the four additional places will be awarded to the countries whose teams perform best in this season’s European competitions.Right now Italy are way out in front at the top of Uefa’s coefficent rankings on 18.428, with Germany second on 17.214 and England on 16.750.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis makes Arsenal’s clash with Bayern particularly important and presents a dilemma for Spurs fans who would otherwise naturally support former striker Harry Kane and his Munich mates.If Mikel Arteta’s side triumph in Munich, they will add more Uefa points to England’s total AND prevent Bayern adding more to Germany’s, while leaving the Bundesliga with just two clubs (Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen) competing in Europe. Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reveals two reasons why Bayern Munich have ‘advantage’ over Arsenal in Champions League A City win over Real will add points to England’s total, too. But if City win and Arsenal lose, Germany will have 17.642 and England 17.125 – in other words, the Bundlesliga’s lead over the Premier League will increase.Most read in FootballIn contrast, a Gunners victory and defeat for Pep Guardiola’s men would leave Germany on 17.214 and England on 17.125, closing the gap.Best of all, City and Arsenal going through would put England on 17.5 and Germany on 17.214Confused? You will be. Because all these figures rely on the English teams winning their second legs (earning two points plus one for reaching the semi-finals), rather than drawing and winning on penalties (one point for a draw and one for progressing).UEFA COUNTRY COEFFICIENTS 2023/4The battle to have five clubs in the 2024/5 Champions League

      Italy 18.428 points
      Germany 17.214
      England 16.750
      France 15.250
      Spain 15.062

      It’s simpler to say: Spurs supporters might want to do the math, forget about local squabbles and look at the bigger picture.In fact, Tottenham fans should be cheering on not only Arsenal this week but also West Ham, another club not normally on their list of favourites..David Moyes’ side are two-down to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen going into tomorrow night’s Europa League quarter final second leg at the London Stadium.But if the Hammers can pull out a shock win, that would also boost England and damage Germany in the battle to secure a fifth spot in the Champions League.Unfortunately for the Premier League, West Ham and Liverpool both look likely to go out of the Europa League.Aston Villa, though, seem to have a good chance of reaching the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League as they lead Lille 2-1 from the home leg.Unai Emery’s side are also in pole position to claim fourth place in the Premier League this season. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the further they go in the Conference League, the better the chances of the PL having five teams in the Champions League next season.THE FACE FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – REMAINING GAMES
      ASTON VILLA, played 33, 63 points, 4th place
      Bournemouth (H) April 21
      Chelsea (H) April 27
      Brighton (A) May 4
      Liverpool (H) May 13
      C Palace (A) May 19
      TOTTENHAM, played 32, 60 points, 5th place
      Arsenal (H) April 28
      Chelsea (A) May 2
      Liverpool (A) May 5
      Burnley (H) May 11
      Man City (H) May 14
      Sheff Utd (A) May 19 More

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      Jadon Sancho is second Man Utd star to reach Champions League semi-final post-Ferguson after being banished by Ten Hag

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      BANISHED Jadon Sancho has reached the Champions League semi-finals while his Manchester United team-mates struggle to make Europe.The United winger is on loan at Borussia Dortmund after being booted out of Old Trafford after a public row with Erik ten Hag.Jadon Sancho has reached the Champions League semi-finals with Borussia DortmundCredit: RexSancho returned to Germany on loan in January after being banished by Erik ten HagCredit: GettyAnd, after starring in the Germans’ thrilling topsy-turvy win over Atletico Madrid, Sancho, 24, has become the first United player to reach the last four of Europe’s premier club competition since 2015.And that wasn’t someone in a Red Devils shirt either, with Javier Hernandez a beaten semi-finalist while loaned to Real Madrid nine years ago.The Red Devils have not reached that stage since making it to the final in 2011, which they lost to Lionel Messi’s Barcelona.United only twice made it as far as the last eight in that time, most recently in 2019.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThis season, they finished bottom of their group, gaining only six points in six games against Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.In contract, Sancho and Dortmund will now face Paris Saint-Germain for a place in the final at Wembley Stadium.The 24-year-old started as the German side beat Atletico on Tuesday to overturn a first leg deficit.Dortmund’s 4-2 win saw them progress 5-4 on aggregate, whilst PSG knocked out Barcelona.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJavier Hernandez also reached the last four whilst on loan at Real Madrid in 2015Credit: AP:Associated PressSancho returned to Dortmund on loan in January after being banished by Ten Hag.The forward was forced to train away from the first team after publicly falling out with the United boss.I won two Premier League titles as Man Utd captain… now I’m making my way in completely new field to help othersHaving not played for the club since August, he joined Dortmund until the end of the season during the winter transfer window.Since his move, Sancho has scored twice and provided two assists in 14 appearances for the Bundesliga side.As well as reaching the last four of the Champions League, they are only outside the top four on goal difference in Germany.Meanwhile, United sit seventh in the Premier League and 13 points adrift of fourth placed Aston Villa.Man Utd are LUCKY to be seventh in the table… one particular stat is terrible, say Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      THE frightening thing about Manchester United’s season is that they should really be LOWER than seventh in the Premier League.
      Even during their current run of one win in seven league matches, United’s results have been better than their performances.
      Erik ten Hag’s team deserved to lose each of their last three drawn games against Brentford, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
      On goal difference, United are ninth in the league, while only seven teams have scored fewer than their 47 goals.
      And if we give any credence to ‘expected points’, then that stat would have them 15th in the table.
      If Ten Hag’s men lose Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final to Championship side Coventry, it should not come as a major surprise.
      Click here to read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      To read more from Dave Kidd, click here. More

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      Barcelona knocked out of TWO competitions in one night after controversial Champions League loss to PSG

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      BARCELONA have been knocked out of two competitions in one night following their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.The Spanish giants went into the second leg leading 3-2 on aggregate and got off to a perfect start when Raphinha poked them in front.Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-GermainCredit: RexRonald Araujo’s red card turned the tie on its headCredit: AFPBut the tie was turned on its head when defender Ronald Araujo was sent off for a last-man foul on Bradley Barcola.Former Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele equalised before half-time and PSG levelled the tie after the break through Vitinha’s long-range effort.Kylian Mbappe then scored twice to give his side a 6-4 aggregate win and set up a semi-final clash against Borussia Dortmund.And the result means Barcelona will miss out on the expanded Club World Cup next year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe competition will include 12 teams from Europe in 2025 rather than the usual one, and will involve the Champions League winners between 2021-2024.The Uefa club coefficients decide the other eight places, although seventh-placed Barca are still set to miss out.That is because they rank lower than Atletico Madrid, who will enter the Club World Cup along with 2022 Champions League winners Real Madrid.And since no more than two clubs from the same country can qualify, there will be no place for Barcelona.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFans claimed Barca were robbed by the referee as manager Xavi also hit out over Araujo’s red card.Xavi himself was sent off during the match and afterwards he raged: “It’s a pity, our Champions League is over due to the referee’s mistake.“I just told the referee that he’s been a disaster. It’s the reality.”Dramatic moment fuming Barcelona star gets out of car and confronts young fan in middle of road More

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      Premier League club’s fans say ‘bring him home’ after Borussia Dortmund manager’s Champions League heroics

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      WEST HAM fans have called for Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic to return to the London Stadium after his Champions League heroics.Terzic led Dortmund to the semi-finals after eliminating Atletico Madrid with a stunning 4-2 victory at the Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday.West Ham fans want Edin Terzic to return after his success at Borussia DortmundCredit: RexTerzic led Dortmund to the Champions League semi-finals after beating Atletico MadridCredit: RexThe German tactician has come a long way since his various spells as assistant manager for the likes of BVB as well as Besiktas.But the Hammers’ faithful haven’t forgotten his two-year spell in east London where he worked under former boss Slaven Bilic.The two coaches linked up in 2015 after working together at Besiktas two years earlier.However, Terzic left West Ham in 2017 when Bilic got sacked following a run of poor results.Read More on FootballFans watched in awe at the the 41-year-old’s success and some even claimed he should take over the East Londoners’ dugout amid David Moyes’ continuous struggles this season.One fan tweeted: “ET come home?”Another commented: “Bring him home! Romford is lovely this time of year.”A third wrote: “He needs to come to West Ham.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThis Dortmund fan advised West Ham supporters: “Y’all should offer him a job, like as soon as the season ends, he would be so good for you guys.”And that one posted: “Edin Terzic is a very good manager.”Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotWest Ham will be looking to salvage their own European campaign on Thursday by doing what Dortmund and everyone else couldn’t.And that is beating undefeated Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday at the London Stadium after losing 2-0 in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals. More

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      Xavi launches stinging attack on referee after Barcelona knocked out of Champions League thanks to ‘mistake’

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      BARCELONA manager Xavi lashed out at the referee following his team’s heartbreaking Champions League elimination.Barca hosted Paris Saint-Germain at the Nou Camp in the quarter-finals with a 3-2 advantage following last week’s victory in the first leg at Parc des Princes.Barcelona boss Xavi lashed out at the referee after the elimination by Paris Saint-GermainCredit: EPAXavi was furious with the referee, who sent him and Ronaldo Araujo offCredit: APThe Blaugrana opened the scoring after just 12 minutes to extend their lead but it all went downhill after that as they lost Ronald Araujo to a controversial red card after he tripped Bradley Barcola.PSG went on to punch their ticket to the semi-finals with a 4-1 victory thanks to goals by ex-Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha as well as a brace by Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.Xavi’s evening got even worse after he was also sent off for angrily kicking Champions League padding around the VAR monitor near his dugout.As he walked away from the touchline, the ex-midfield maestro could be seen taking off his coat and having a quick chat with assistant Oscar Hernandez.Read More on FootballThe Spaniard was left fuming and confronted referee Istvan Kovacs at full-time, calling him a “disaster before giving him both barrels during his post-match interview.Xavi said: “It’s a pity, our Champions League is over due to referee’s mistake.“I just told the referee that he’s been a disaster. It’s the reality”.This officially marks Xavi’s last Champions League match as Barcelona manager.Most read in Champions LeagueThe Catalan tactician confirmed earlier this season that he will be leaving his beloved club after three years in charge.The 44-year-old head coach missed the chance of leaving the Catalan giants with silverware as his team are eight points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid in the table.Football icons’ strange hobbiesPSG are now set to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals.Dortmund made it to the final four after knocking Atletico Madrid out with an aggregate of 5-4. More