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      Are Champions League knockout play-offs one or two legs?

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      CHAMPIONS League action is back with the knockout phase play-offs.16 teams are gearing up to compete against each other, looking to join the eight teams that have already advanced to the last 16.Manchester City had to come from behind against Club Brugge to progress to the knockout phase play-offsCredit: EPAManchester City and Celtic are among those who are playing this week and will be aiming to progress to the next stage – they’re up against current holders of the competition, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, respectively.This will be the fourth year in a row that City have faced off against Real in the knockout stage of the competition – and they will know they need nothing short of a perfect display across both legs to get passed the 15-time winners of the competition.In the previous three meetings of these two footballing giants, City have only got past Los Blancos once and that was the year they went all the way to pick up their first Champions League title.Similarly, Real Madrid have beat City twice in the last three years, and they picked up the trophy on both occasions, so fans will know they are in for a hell of a tie over the next week!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAre Champions League knockout play-offs one or two legs?Just like any other knockout stage in the Champions League round, there will indeed be two legs.The first legs of these play-off fixtures will take place on the 11th and 12th February, with the second legs the following week on the 18th and 19th February.The eight winning teams will join the eight teams that have already qualified in the last 16.Which teams are in the play-off round and when are they?The full draw for the play-off round is as follows:Most read in Champions LeagueBrest v Paris St-Germain – first leg 11 February, second leg 19 FebruaryJuventus v PSV Eindhoven – first leg 11 February, second leg 19 FebruaryManchester City v Real Madrid – first leg 11 February, second leg 19 FebruarySporting v Borussia Dortmund – first leg 11 February, second leg 19 FebruaryClub Brugge v Atalanta – first leg 12 February, second leg 18 FebruaryCeltic v Bayern Munich – first leg 12 February, second leg 18 FebruaryFeyenoord v AC Milan – first leg 12 February, second leg 18 FebruaryMonaco v Benfica – first leg 12 February, second leg 18 FebruaryWho’s already in the last 16?The teams through to the round of 16 are:LiverpoolBarcelonaArsenalInter MilanAtletico MadridBayer LeverkusenLilleAston Villa. More

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      Man City vs Real Madrid live stream FREE: How to watch huge Champions League clash TONIGHT

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      MANCHESTER CITY host European heavyweights Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off.Pep Guardiola’s men clinched a playoff round place with a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in their final league phase match.Savinho’s goal against Club Brugge helped Man City qualify for the knockout stagesCredit: AFPThe result was their only victory in their previous five European matches, losing to PSG, Juventus and Sporting CP in their poor run of form.Real Madrid picked up their form in the competition towards the end of their campaign.They have won three of their last five Champions League matches after a poor start saw them lose three consecutive games to Lille, AC Milan and Liverpool.Read more football newsWednesday’s match will be the fourth time Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti’s sides have met in the knockouts of the competition in as many years. Madrid have the slight edge over City, running out 2-1 winners across the last three ties.When is Man City vs Real Madrid?Man City vs Real Madrid will take place on Tuesday, February 11.Kick off will be at 8pm GMT.The Etihad Stadium will host the first leg.How to watch Man City vs Real Madrid for FREEThis season’s Champions League sees a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.Most read in FootballAmazon Prime Video is showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at no additional cost to Prime members.Should you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member, including access to watch Man City vs Real Madrid.Alternative, SunSport will blog all the action as it happens.What other games are on this round?Brest host PSG in the earlier kick off on Tuesday. The all-French tie begins at 5.45pm GMT in the first of four matches on the dayJuventus face PSV Eindhoven at 8pm GMT while Borussia Dortmund meet Portuguese league leaders Sporting CP at the same time on Tuesday.There are four more fixtures in the Champions League this week which will all be played on Wednesday, February 12.Club Brugge host Serie A dark horses Atalanta in the early kick off at 5.45pm GMT.Wednesday’s 8pm GMT matches see Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich travel to Celtic Park to face the Scottish giants.Meanwhile, Feyenoord face AC Milan and AS Monaco go up against Benfica. More

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      ‘I’ll cut off my testicles’ – Sergio Aguero makes bold Man City vs Real Madrid prediction

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      SERGIO AGUERO made an incredibly bold prediction for Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid.The two titans faced off in the Champions League play-off round after struggling through the league phase.The two sides faced off in the Champions LeagueCredit: PASergio Aguero had said he would be shocked if Real Madrid beat Manchester CityCredit: GettyManchester City have been out of sorts for most of the season while their Spanish opponents are leading LaLiga.The two were going head to head in a two-legged fixture in order to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.The first leg of the tie was played at the Etihad and Aguero, 36, believed his former side could not lose.The retired striker was so confident that he jokingly offered to dismember himself if he was wrong.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking on the Som I Serem FCB Podcast, he said: “Real Madrid can not beat Man City.”If they beat City, I will cut off my testicles.”Aguero has more disdain for Real Madrid than the general City legend, having also played for Barcelona during his career.He joined the Catalonian side in 2021 but only played four league games before being forced into retirement for medical issues.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan City manager Pep Guardiola had also spoken about the clash against Real Madrid.He had declared that his players are good enough to get a result against the 15-time winners.Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash He said: “We are where we are, and I know perfectly but the team has something special and hopefully we can prove it.“I will not deny how I trust with the players who gave us that incredible decade, winning a lot of things and playing a high standard, I know what we are capable of.”However, Aguero will be hoping people forget about his promise after City blew a 2-1 lead to lose the first leg 3-2.Meanwhile, Aguero is gearing up for an intensive boot camp in motorsport.He is set to compete in Formula E’s new Evo Sessions and will come up against the likes of Brooklyn Beckham.Bellingham clinched the comeback victory with a late goal More

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      Champions League final could be moved to US for first time after Uefa make major change

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      THE PROSPECT of the Champions League Final being played in the USA has grown – after Uefa dumped its long-term media sales arm for an American company.Lucerne-based Team Marketing devised the Champions League logo and have sold the competition worldwide since the European Cup was relaunched more than 30 years ago.The Champions League final could be held in the USA in the futureCredit: GettyOne potential venue could be the Metlife StadiumCredit: Getty – ContributorBut Uefa and the European Club Association have now announced it intends to engage New York-based Relevent Sports for a six-year contract from  2027.And that opens the door to European football’s showpiece game being staged on the other side of the Atlantic.Uefa and the ECA run the Champions League and other club competitions through their “joint venture” UC3, with the governing body having a 51 per cent stake.Now the UC3 board – with representatives from both parties – announced it has “entered an exclusive period of negotiation with Relevent Sports over the global commercial rights” to the competitions from 2027-2033.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUC3 cited the decision followed an “open tender process” but means the end of more than three decades of association with Team.Relevant Sports, created by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, has organised and run the summer International Champions Cup, regularly involving European and Prem giants, since 2013.The company has also worked with the Premier League on its Summer Series pre-season event.But Relevent are desperate for “meaningful” competitive matches involving the biggest European teams to be played on US soil.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe company sued Fifa and US Soccer after it was blocked from staging LaLiga games in the US and won a victory as the two bodies withdrew from the court case.Fifa then gave its blessing for “out of territory matches” to be staged.Champions League draw sees Man City to face Real Madrid in blockbuster knockout phase While Prem chiefs have continued to insist that matches will not be played outside the UK – a message reinforced by chief football officer Tony Scholes last week – Uefa have given more mixed messages.In 2023, Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin described the idea of the Champions League Final being played in America as “a possibility” although senior Uefa figures then maintained it was not on the agenda.After this year’s final in Munich, the 2026 showpiece is scheduled for Budapest’s Puskas Arena.But future venues remain up in the air and the deal with Relevent seems a further indication that including US stadiums on the Final rota will be firmly back on the agenda.Aleksander Ceferin has previously been open to the possibilityCredit: PA More

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      From injury hell to ending trophy drought, why Tottenham are refusing to sack Ange Postecoglou despite crisis campaign

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      FAIR to say Tottenham fans are conflicted about Ange Postecoglou right now.Alarmed by the team’s slide down the league and last week’s exit from the cups, some are beginning to question whether he is the right man for the job.Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has survived several dismal monthsCredit: PAChairman Daniel Levy is not willing to let go of the Aussie yetCredit: GettyRicharlison is one of 11 first-team players out injuredCredit: GettyMost understand that his crippling crock crisis has decimated his season, and many feel it is only fair to judge him properly when he has his key men back.Numbers crunched by SunSport have shown Spurs have had it far worse with injuries this term than any English club competing in Europe.Though others feel it is not enough to explain away the awful league form and have serious reservations about how open the team can be, particularly in midfield.Ultimately, the only person’s opinion that really matters is that of the man who does the hiring and firing – chairman Daniel Levy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe supremo, who turned 63 on Saturday, has never had a problem dismissing bosses before, having axed 12 permanent managers previously in his 25-year tenure.Yet he has resisted the urge to make a change this season despite Spurs plummeting to 14th and exiting the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.Levy himself is believed to have sympathy for the severity of the injury situation, with ELEVEN first-team players sidelined against Aston Villa on Sunday.It is a big factor as to why Postecoglou is still in a job and expected to remain so going into Manchester United at home on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut there is a good argument to be had to believe Spurs will likely keep faith with Postecoglou for the remainder of the campaign at the very least – barring an absolute disaster.Beyond the hierarchy’s understanding regarding injuries, there is the fact that the club are still in the Europa League, which, when they have their stars back, they have a genuine chance of winning.Under-fire Tottenham boss Postecoglou finally breaks silence on EFL boss’ injury jibe with brutal 10-word responseTottenham have had 213 absentees across their 39 fixtures so far this seasonThat would not only provide them a route back into the Champions League but also end their 17-year trophy drought.Victory last weekend at Brentford has allayed any fears of being sucked into a relegation fight.The gap to the drop zone is ten points and given the big-hitters are returning, it is fair to expect the dire league form only to improve from here.Crucially, Postecoglou is believed still to have the players behind him.Star player Dejan Kulusevski was emphatic in his response as to why the 59-year-old was still the right man for Spurs when speaking to the media a fortnight ago.The Swede replied: “Because we had games when we showed perfect football.“Football that not many teams can play in the world. We played beautiful games against United, against City 4-0 so I think he is the right man.“We play for him. We want to win for him and to be honest we have similar ideas.“I am very positive as a guy and I always want to play that football he wants.“I have to fight for him because I believe in that football too. Yes, I think he’s the right man.”Dejan Kulusevski has backed Tottenham to turn things around under Ange PostecoglouCredit: PAAs difficult as the last ten days have been, victories over Elfsborg and Brentford proved Postecoglou can still get results even with his absentee list being in double figures.Making a change before the end of the season would likely result in the embarrassing scenario of a caretaker having to be put in charge again.That potentially could be Ryan Mason for a third time, after short stints following Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte’s exits.That is because to lure a permanent successor, such as Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth or Kieran McKenna from Ipswich, two bosses understood to be appreciated by the Spurs’ higher-ups, mid-season is viewed as very difficult to pull off.There would also be the factor of having to pay off yet another manager, with Postecoglou contracted until 2027 and believed to be on £6million a year.Levy in particular has found himself to be Public Enemy No1 in recent weeks with fans relentlessly calling for him to go during the Villa game.The heat is already mainly on him but it would be on him and him alone if he axes yet another manager.Levy is regularly booed by fans at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: AlamyAll of this is not to say that Postecoglou is bullet-proof between now and the end of the season, by any stretch.Lose the players or see his relationship with Levy break down and it would likely be terminal for the Aussie.While the pressure to deliver will crank up when his players return and absentees can no longer be an excuse, as legitimate a one as it has been these past few months.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut there has been a desire from the Spurs’ hierarchy to give Postecoglou time – perhaps more time than his predecessors – to prove he is the man for the task.So for the Spurs fans who have had enough already and are calling for change before the season is out, Levy’s uncharacteristic resolve so far would suggest they should not bank on it happening. 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      Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio investigated in child pornography case and could face up to five years in prison

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      REAL MADRID star Raul Asencio is set to face trial in a child pornography case.The defender is accused of disseminating images and a video of a minor and will stand trial in the Canary Islands.Raul Asencio is set to stand trial in a child pornography caseCredit: RexThree former Real Madrid reserve players are involved and claimed to have taken and recorded the content.Asencio, 21, is not deemed responsible for taking the images but he had access to them and is alleged to passed them onto others.It is claimed the players involved lied when they told the girls involved that the material had been deleted.Asencio reportedly requested to be left out of the trial but that has been denied by the court and if found guilty of disseminating child pornography he could be sentenced up to five years in prison.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThree former Real players – Ferran Ruiz, 21, Juan Rodriguez, 22, and Andres Garcia, 21 – were arrested in September 2023, with Asencio called to give testimony as a witness.After speaking to police Asencio became part of the investigation.A statement from Real Madrid at the time read: “Real Madrid wishes to announce that it has learned that a Castilla player and three Real Madrid C players have made statements to the Civil Guard in relation to a complaint about the alleged broadcasting of a private video via WhatsApp.”When the club has detailed knowledge of the facts, we will take the appropriate measures.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA statement from the High Court of Justice of Gran Canaria in November read: “The judge is investigating four footballers linked to Real Madrid as alleged perpetrators of crimes of disclosure of secrets and dissemination of pornography.”Ascencio is in line to start against Liverpool at Anfield with Real facing a defensive injury crisis.Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash They are without experienced stars Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and David Alaba. More

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      Celtic vs Bayern Munich: Get up to £40 in free bets to spend on football with talkSPORT BET

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      CELTIC welcome Bayern Munich to Parkhead for a glamour Champions League play off, first leg tie.And brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim up to £40 in free bets when they register an account and stake at least £20 on the huge European tie.Celtic vs Bayern Munich: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim talkSPORT BET offertalkSPORT BETVisit the talkSPORT website HERE*Create an account and Opt In to this promotion via the OFFERS tabMake a depositPlace your first bet up to £40, minimum £20, on any football market, at odds of Evens or greaterYou must do this within 7 days of registrationOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first betFor example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free betsIf you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free betstalkSPORT BET: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim Here*Celtic vs Bayern Munich: Get up to £40 in free bets – Claim here*What’s the offer?Brand new talkSPORT BET customers can claim a welcome bonus of up to £40 when they register an account.How to claim?Simply visit the talkSPORT BET website on your mobile device and create an account. Opt in to this promotion via the OFFERS tab and then make a deposit via debit card or Apple Pay.Stake £20 or more on any football market at odds of at least Evens. Remember, you must do this within 7 days of opening your account.What happens next?Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with up to £40 free bets based on your first bet bet.For example, if you stake £20, you will receive 4 x £5 free bets. If you stake £40 you would receive the full 4 x £10 free bets:On settlement of your qualifying bet, your account will be credited with the following:£10 free bet – Bet Builder (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Correct Score (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)And the following free bets, which will be credited 24 hours after the first bonus funds:£10 free bet – To Win and Both Team to Score – 90 mins (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)£10 free bet – Acca 4+ selection (if your qualifying bet is £20, you will only receive a £5 free bet)You can read the full breakdown of free bets and more on how to claim talkSPORT BET’s welcome offer here**18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile device, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsiblyRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      Celtic vs Bayern Munich prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Champions League preview

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      CELTIC are in knockout stage football in the Champions League for the first time since 2013.Their reward? A two-legged play-off tie against European giants Bayern Munich!So SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the Champions League showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesCeltic vs Bayern Munich previewIt was an incredible feat for Celtic to reach the knockout play off round, and with one game to spare.Granted the draw was very kind to them given how the table ended but it had been a hurdle the club had struggled to overcome since last doing so back in 2013.Defeat to Aston Villa left them finishing in 21st place and therefore always facing a tough ask in the play-off round. But it couldn’t have been much tougher.The Hoops welcome Bayern on Wednesday for the first leg before a trip to Germany next week, where they’ll hope to still be in the tie.That task has been made slightly easier by Daizen Maeda’s suspension being halved, allowing him to play here.Bayern will be bitterly disappointed to have missed out on the top eight but will be thrilled with the draw.Vincent Kompany’s men are away and gone at the top of the Bundesliga and this competition now is their main focus.They last visited Celtic Park in the groups of this competition back in 2017, with Kingsley Coman and Javi Martinez goals either side of a Callum McGregor strike earning them three points.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 1-3 at 9/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Harry Kane 13/5 with talkSPORT BET – HERECeltic vs Bayern Munich latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Celtic vs Bayern Munich predictions and tipsBookingAlistair Johnston has been a terrific performer at Celtic, attacking and defensively.But it’ll be the latter of those traits tested here, particularly with the attacking talent down the Bayern left.The last game he’d have been forced back was the goalless draw at Atalanta earlier in this competition and he picked up a booking there. Tenacity of him means there’s every chance of one here too.Alistair Johnston to be carded at 14/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HEREEffortArne Engels has had a couple of moments since joining Celtic for big money – but not yet had THAT moment.Set piece man, penalty taker, chance to shoot from distance. This could provide one of those moments for him but we’ve taken the insurance of just an effort on target.Arne Engels at least 1 shot on target at 6/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE*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. 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Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More