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      Liverpool and West Ham’s Europa League defeats at huge risk of costing Premier League fifth Champions League spot

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      SPURS fans may be secretly hoping for Arsenal to BEAT Bayern Munich next week – to keep the fifth Champions League spot safety valve alive.England had been favourite to claim one of the two extra spots in the competition following the Champions League quarter final first legs.Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Atalanta has left England’s hopes of an extra Champions League spot in tattersCredit: GettyWest Ham’s 2-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen has handed Germany an advantageCredit: PABut Liverpool’s humiliating 0-3 home defeat by Atalanta, coupled with Leverkusen’s two late goals against West Ham, changed the equation.It allowed Germany to push past England into second spot in the coefficient table.And unless the Anfield side can pull off one of the great European comebacks or the Hammers turn around their tie at the London Stadium, it may require an Arsenal win in Bavaria to keep England’s hope of an extra place in the Champions League on track.Tuesday’s draws for Arsenal and Manchester City against Bayern and Real Madrid respectively saw England nudge level with Germany in this season’s coefficient table and ahead when last season’s results were then taken into account as a tie-breaker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut while Aston Villa’s narrow 2-1 home win over Lille in the Conference League was a boost, the two Europa League games represented massive blows to England’s chances of earning one of the two extra spots for the best performing countries.Every win, draw and round progression by a team adds to a country’s total, which is then divided by the number of clubs involved at the start of the competition.But it means that any wins by German sides are worth more than those by the Prem teams.That’s because the Bundesliga had only seven representatives across the three competitions at the start of the season, compared to the eight English sides.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAhead of the second leg ties next week, Germany has created space above England in the seasonal table – while Italy now looks certain to be confirmed as getting the first extra place.But if Arsenal can win in the Allianz Arena, alongside a City victory over Madrid at the Etihad and Villa avoiding defeat in France, England would edge back in front and be in the box seat.Liverpool 0 Atalanta 3- Jurgen Klopp’s Treble dream in tatters as Reds are humiliated in Europa League quarter-finalBut a Bayern win and Leverkusen avoiding defeat – unless Liverpool do something incredible in Bergamo – would then require City to both beat Madrid next week and eliminate Munich in the semis before triumphing at Wembley in June.And with Liverpool’s likely exit making Leverkusen front-runners to lift the Europa League, Villa would need to at least reach the Conference League Final for there to be any realistic chance of England leapfrogging Germany.English teams in EuropeQuarter-final, first-leg results:

      Real Madrid 3 Man City 3 (Champions League)

      Arsenal 2 Bayern Munich 2 (Champions League)

      Liverpool 0 Atalanta 3 (Europa League)

      Bayer Leverkusen 2 West Ham 0 (Europa League)

      Aston Villa 2 Lille 1 (Europa Conference League) More

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      My dad was a footballer who scored against Man Utd in Champions League – I’m making my own way playing at The Masters

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      FROM scoring Champions League goals to teeing off at The Masters – there are sports genes in the Pavon family.Michel Pavon is a former French footballer, who played for the likes of Toulouse and Bordeaux.Michel Pavon’s son is playing at The MastersCredit: EPAPavon Snr [right] played for Bordeaux and scored versus Man UtdCredit: EPAHis son Matthieu Pavon is a pro golferCredit: GettyThe 55-year-old made 378 Ligue 1 appearances during his lengthy career and won the division title in 1999.Pavon Sr also starred in the Champions League for Bordeaux and scored against Manchester United in a 2-1 defeat 24 years ago.The midfielder found the back of the net against Sir Alex Ferguson’s iconic Treble-winning side from distance after poor goalkeeping from Raimond van der Gouw.After hanging up his boots, he went on to manage Bordeaux for two seasons from 2003.READ MORE IN GOLFPavon Sr married golf coach Beatrice, with the couple’s son choosing the fairway over the football pitch.And Matthieu is now competing at The Masters.Pavon Jr is the current world No25 and he secured his maiden PGA Tour title at the Farmers Insurance Open earlier this year.It was the first event won by a Frenchman since 1907.Most read in GolfCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 31-year-old makes his debut at Augusta this year, having made just two appearances at majors before.And it turns out that the Pavon family have even more links to sport as granddad Ignacio Pavon was a footballer for Marseille in the 1960s.Eight ways you can play golf at the Augusta National course that hosts MastersMASTERS 2024 LIVE More

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      Watch Real Madrid’s former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger appear to pinch Jack Grealish’s NIPPLE in unseen footage

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      REAL MADRID defender Antonio Rudiger appeared to pinch Manchester City winger Jack Grealish during Tuesday’s Champions League clash.Both players started for their respective teams at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this week.Antonio Rudiger appeared to pinch Jack Grealish’s chestCredit: X/nocontextfootyGrealish appeared to wince in pain but quickly laughed it offCredit: X/nocontextfootyBut during the match fans noticed a bizarre moment between them.While marking Grealish, the German defender appeared to PINCH his chest.Grealish initially winced in pain, but quickly laughed it off before the game continued.Fans took to X to react, with one person writing: “Grealish has Madrid rattled.”Read More in FootballAnother commented: “Rudiger is a massive troll.”While a third praised Grealish for taking it on the chin, adding: “I really like Grealish’s attitude, the guy laughs instead of making trouble.”The thrilling quarter-final first-leg tie between Real Madrid and Man City ended 3-3 with nothing separating the two sides ahead of next week’s match at the Etihad Stadium.Bernardo Silva opened the scoring after just two minutes, but Los Blancos turned the game on its head before the 15-minute mark.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPhil Foden equalised in the 66th minute before Josko Gvardiol netted his first City goal to give Pep Guardiola’s side the advantage.Federico Valverde then levelled the score once again in the final stages with an outstanding volley.How does Gareth Southgate solve Phil Foden dilemma, with Jack Grealish possibly missing out on Euro 2024After the match, Guardiola said: “Fantastic goals for all three [of City’s] and Valverde as well. We were unfortunate for the deflections but it’s football.”What I liked most is how we played in the second half, 2-1 down playing here without much composure.”They are so dangerous on transitions and could score more goals but we controlled the game really well.”One of the key points in these games is being stable emotionally. It’s fundamental. Take the good moments and be stable in the bad moments.”It’s Madrid, it’s special. We go 2-3 but here it is never over. We take the result – in one week [on Wednesday] in Manchester it will be sold out and our people will help us to score one goal and we will do the rest. We will try to reach the semi-final.” More

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      Premier League clubs blasted for ‘ludicrously’ introducing new technology AFTER next season starts

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      PREM clubs have been blasted for their “ludicrous” decision to bring in semi-automated offside technology AFTER next season has started.The 20 top-flight sides yesterday unanimously voted to back refs’ chief Howard Webb’s recommendation to use the new system — which will slash the time on VAR offside calls.Prem clubs have voted to bring in semi-automated offside technologyCredit: TNT SportsThe decision was labelled ‘ludicrous’Credit: TNT SportsBut the limb-tracking cameras will NOT be ready for the August Prem kick-off.And ex-Prem ref Mark Halsey insists the clubs have scored an embarrassing own goal, fuming: “It’s ludicrous we are not bringing this in from day one next season.“The Premier League is awash with money and it needs to be operational for every match. “It’s got to be ready for the season kick-off. We can’t bring it in four, five or six weeks into the season as that will question the competition’s integrity. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If it’s not ready, then wait until 2025-26.”The new SAOT system — which sees the Prem follow Fifa and Uefa’s lead — will not be used until after one of the three autumn international breaks in September, October and November.That allows an agreement over the right provider and the roll-out of the camera tech across the 20 grounds.Halsey added: “SAOT should have been introduced at the start of last season to follow on from the World Cup and the Champions League.Most read in Football“The clubs didn’t vote for it but the stakeholders of the League should have been working on it during the winter. What have they been waiting for?What are semi-automated offsides?
      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have voted in the use of semi-automated offsides from the 2024-25 season.
      The technology tracks 29 different points on the body of every player.
      Together with a chip in the football, the tech then can produce almost instantaneous decisions, even on the tightest of calls.
      These are then visualised with computer-generated 3D images which clearly show the offence on a screen for fans watching the broadcast from home.
      Referees on the pitch will need to step in and intervene if the offside call is subjective – ie the player in an offside position does not touch the ball.
      Here’s how it works:

      Each ground will have up to 12 special cameras with limb-tracking technology.
      These will focus on 29 goal-scoring body parts from every player on the pitch and will record their position 50 times per second.
      During the World Cup in Qatar, the microchip in the ball sent back data points 500 times every second to determine the  precise instant it was played by an attacker OR a defender
      That allowed the computer technology to alert the VAR that a player was in an offside position when the ball was played
      But all decisions were then checked to ensure the attacker was interfering with play
      The average time for an offside call in Qatar was cut to 25 seconds per incident
      In future, a 3D animation will “show” the decision to fans in the stadium and via broadcasters, and this will be available by the next stoppage in play after the decision.

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The Prem is the best in the world but we always seem to be behind. I’ve been championing SAOT for a few years.“We have seen too much controversy over offsides and the length of time taken. It’s great the change is finally being made.”Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real Madrid More

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      Unemployed Premier League icon watches Liverpool’s mauling to Atalanta as he searches for next manager job

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      RAFA BENITEZ watched Liverpool sink to a shock 3-0 hammering against Atalanta as he looks for his next managerial job. The Spaniard spent six years at Anfield, famously guiding them to the Champions League trophy in 2005. Rafa Benitez watched Liverpool sink to a shock 3-0 hammering against AtalantaCredit: PAHis last role was with Celta Vigo but he was sacked in March following a horror run of results and eight months in charge. Benitez is still looking for a new venture and was recently a shock candidate linked with replacing England boss Gareth Southgate. Liverpool are also recruiting for a new manager following Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement that he will leave in the summer. Currently, Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim leads the race to succeed amid reports he has reached an agreement with Liverpool. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Sports Germany have reported that Amorim, who has impressed as boss of Sporting, is pushing for a move to join Liverpool.The 39-year-old is said to be willing and able to pen a deal that would see him stay at Anfield until at least 2027.However, nothing is set in stone and negotiations with current club Sporting are still yet to take place, meaning the deal could still hit a stumbling block.And Liverpool denied any agreement being reached. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Portuguese coach’s deal in Lisbon currently runs until 2026 and is believed to have a release clause of £25m.However, it has been suggested that figure would drop down to a more affordable £17m for clubs outside of Portugal.Awkward moment Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confronts journalist in press conferenceLiverpool are said to be hopeful that they can further drive down that fee to a figure of around £8.5m.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, German boss Julian Nagelsmann and Klopp’s No2 Pep Lijnders are other names in the frame. Liverpool next manager candidates

      Ruben Amorim

      Currently in charge at Sporting Lisbon and linked with top clubs in Europe

      Roberto De Zerbi

      Brighton’s manager who is linked with a big move next after transforming the Prem club

      Julian Nagelsmann

      Former Bundesliga winner with Bayern currently in charge of Germany

      Pep Lijnders

      Klopp’s trusted No2 with a link to Liverpool and the squad

      Ange Postecoglou

      Turned Spurs into a front-foot side chasing Champions League football

      Thomas Tuchel

      Champions League winner with Chelsea available next summer having announced his departure at Bayern

      Xabi Alonso

      Linked with the Liverpool and Bayern roles despite announcing he will remain at Bayer Leverkusen

      Steven Gerrard

      Liverpool legend and Scottish Prem winner with Rangers, currently in Saudi with Al-Ettifaq More

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      Watch Champions League manager ask footballer-turned-pundit for selfie on live TV as fans say ‘who can blame him?’

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      FANS said “who can blame him” after Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic asked Alessandro Del Piero for a selfie.The Juventus legend was interviewing Terzic for CBS Sports’ coverage of the Champions League.Edin Terzic could not resist asking Alessandro Del Piero for a selfieCredit: CBS SportsTerzic was speaking after his side fell to a 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final.Sebatian Haller’s late goal will give Dortmund fans hope of turning over their deficit at the Signal Iduna Park next week.After Del Piero had wished Terzic “good luck” the Dortmund manager walked away before coming back and asking for a selfie.Reacting to Terzic “fanboying” one X user said: “This is honestly such fan moment and I respect that!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother said: “Rightfully so. Del Piero is a legend.”A third posted: “Who can blame him?”A fourth fan said: “Anyone who calls something like that embarrassing isn’t a football fan themselves. At the end of the day, every player and official is just as much a fan of the sport.”A fifth simply said: “Wholesome.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDel Piero played for Juventus between 1993 and 2012, making 705 appearances for the club, scoring 290 goals and making 172 assists.He won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 and made 97 appearances for the Azzuri in total, scoring 27 goals.’OMG he really went there’ – Fans stunned at Jamie Carragher’s savage jibe as he predicts Champions League winnersAfter leaving Juventus, he played for Sydney FC before ending his career at the Delhi Dynamos. More

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      ‘We’re going’, say Thierry Henry and Micah Richards as CBS Sports duo walk off set live on TV

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      THIERRY HENRY and Micah Richards both walked off set during the latest episode of CBS Sports Golazo.The duo announced “we’re going” as they checked out of Wednesday’s Champions League coverage.Thierry Henry and Micah Richards both walked off set live on CBS SportsCredit: CBSHaving analysed the evening’s quarter-final first legs, attention turned to Thursday night’s action.Host Kate Abdo asked: “What about your opinion on these Europa League fixtures?”However, this prompted a strong reaction from ex-Arsenal forward Henry and former Manchester City man Richards.The pair both stood up from their chairs as Henry said: “We’re not talking about Europa League. Arsenal and Man City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”You guys made me suffer for a long time laughing at Arsenal. We’re going to sit there.”He pointed away from the desk as they both walked off set, leaving Jamie Carragher and Abdo on their own.Henry also quipped: “You guys speak Europa League.”Liverpool icon Carragher then asked: “You only do Champions League?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Frenchman replied: “Let me enjoy that for one year, we haven’t been there for a long time. You can talk about Europa League.”Arsenal are back in the Champions League this season for the first time since 2017.Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher namecheck Aberdeen in greatest ever debateMikel Arteta’s side played out a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in their quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.Meanwhile, City and Real Madrid drew 3-3 at the Santiago Bernabeu.Carragher’s old side Liverpool did not qualify this term, though, after finishing fifth in the Premier League last season.Henry quipped ‘we’re going’ after Kate Abdo asked him about the Europa LeagueCredit: CBSThe Reds remain in the Europa League, though, and host Atalanta on Thursday night.Meanwhile, West Ham face Bayer Leverkusen in the same competition and Aston Villa take on Lille in the Conference League. More

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      PSG and Barcelona BOYCOTT TV interviews after pundit’s ‘racist’ slur as former Atletico assistant forced to apologise

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      BARCELONA and Paris Saint-Germain boycotted TV interviews with a Spanish broadcaster after a pundit’s allegedly “racist” slur.Former Atletico Madrid assistant German Burgos was working on Movistar Plus ahead of last night’s Champions League clash between the European giants.Ex-Atletico Madrid assistant German Burgos was forced to apologise for a ‘racist’ comment on airCredit: AFPBarcelona and PSG refused to do TV interviews after a comment about Lamine YamalCredit: RexSpeaking before kick-off, Burgos commented on Barcelona’s 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal.The teenage winger has already made 42 appearances for his club and even has six caps for Spain.Yamal has captivated Barcelona fans with his technical skill and trickery on the pitch.And as he warmed up to face PSG, the ace demonstrated his ability by juggling the ball along the touchline.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis prompted Burgos to say: “If it doesn’t go well for him, he could end up at a traffic light.”According to reports, this was a reference to people who juggle at traffic lights for spare change.Social media users hit out at Burgos’ comments, with some branding it “racist” and others “insensitive.”Barcelona and PSG were left fuming too, with both clubs refusing to talk to Movistar Plus until Burgos issued an apology.Most read in Champions LeagueHe took to air saying: “It was a comment made without the intention of hurting anyone.“If anyone felt offended, I apologise publicly.”Dramatic moment fuming Barcelona star gets out of car and confronts young fan in middle of roadPresenter Ricardo Sierra added: “I understand that many spectators expected us to have a conversation or interview with Barca.“But PSG and Barca have notified us that they were not going to attend to us because they were tremendously angry with a comment that was made on our set.”The game then ended 3-2 to Barcelona, with ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen bagging a dramatic late winner.The Spaniards and PSG still did not speak to Movistar Plus afterwards, but did fulfil various commitments with other broadcasters. More