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      Footage emerges of ‘crazy’ moment Arsenal should have conceded pen vs Bayern but ref refused to punish ‘kids’ mistake’

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      ARSENAL should have conceded a second penalty against Bayern Munich after the referee “admitted” to seeing a clear handball in the box.Boss Thomas Tuchel was left frustrated after claiming that whistler Glenn Nyberg admitted to seeing the bizarre incident.According to Thomas Tuchel, the referee admitted he 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 awarded Bayern Munich a penalty for this incident with Gabriel 👀🎙 @julesbreach pic.twitter.com/nR2ENVASm2— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2024

      David Raya took a goal-kick shortCredit: XGabriel bizarrely picked the ball upCredit: XThomas Tuchel could not believe his side were not awarded a penaltyCredit: EPATuchel appealed to the officials after witnessing the incidentCredit: GettyDuring the second-half, goalkeeper David Raya took a goal-kick short to Gabriel.Bafflingly, the Brazilian opted to pick the ball up to take the goal-kick again.Harry Kane immediately appealed to Nyberg, who was taking charge of his first Champions League knockout game, but the 35-year-old refused to give a spot-kick.After the game, Tuchel told TNT Sports: “The referee did not have the courage today to give us a deserved penalty, in a bit of a crazy and awkward situation.READ MORE ON ARSENAL”He admitted on the pitch that he saw the situation and that in a quarter-final it’s not enough for him to give a penalty for a kids’ mistake.”So he admitted that he knows about the mistake the player made. That is a bit frustrating.”In his post-match press conference, Tuchel, 50, later added: “I felt a lot of little decisions go against us… and a huge mistake in not giving us a penalty.”What makes us really angry is the explanation on the pitch. He said it’s a kid’s mistake and isn’t giving a penalty for that.Most read in Champions LeagueTuchel appealed to the fourth officialCredit: GettyReferee Glenn Nyberg had a difficult eveningCredit: PA”That means he’s judging handballs.”After seeing footage of the incident, TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand was left in disbelief.Raging Bukayo Saka pushed away from referee after Arsenal are denied last-minute penalty against Bayern Munich The former Manchester United star had been convinced that Arsenal should have had a penalty in the last minute when Bukayo Saka collided with Manuel Neuer in the box.But he was left even more incredulous after seeing footage of Bayern’s penalty shout.He said: “It’s a pen. Oh my gosh, how can that not be given?”I was so adamant that the Saka one was… I’m even more for this, it’s unbelievable!”How can he blow the whistle like that and not give it?”‘INDEFENSIBLE’Ferdinand, 45, then asked former Arsenal defender Martin Keown to try to defend the decision.But Keown, 57, replied: “You can’t defend the indefensible. The referee is maybe a little out of his depth.”Because we thought he had a decent game, but there’s key moments of the game, both you can look at and say they should have had a penalty.”Why would he pick it up? It HAS to be a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey
      Arsenal could have absolutely no complaints if a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich.
      The referee signalled for David Raya to take the goal kick.
      He did… and Gabriel picked the ball up. Why would he do that? The whistle had been blown.
      The only person who has made a mistake is Gabriel. Why would he pick the ball up?
      Once the referee has blown his whistle and Gabriel has picked it up, he has to give a penalty.

      Bayern were also unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty for a further incident, when Kane was wrestled to the ground by Martin Odegaard as a corner was whipped in.Arsenal had gotten their first Champions League quarter-final since 2010 off to a perfect start, when Saka fired them into the lead in the 12th minute.They were quickly pegged back, however, when former Gunner Serge Gnabry profited on a defensive mix-up to level just six minutes later.Kane came back to haunt Arsenal just after the half-hour mark, converting the penalty that Bayern did get.Mikel Arteta threw on super-sub Leandro Trossard, and the Belgian was able to rescue the situation by levelling in the 76th minute.After the match, Arteta refused to be drawn on his side’s late penalty appeal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “(The referee) didn’t say anything. They said they checked it and they decided it wasn’t a penalty.”The two sides will meet again in Germany next Wednesday with the tie hanging in the balance.Surprised it wasn’t a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey
      SOME will say that Bukayo Saka initiated the contact, but Manuel Neuer stuck out his leg.
      I was surprised Glenn Nyberg did not award Arsenal a penalty in real time at the end.
      Bayern Munich could have no complaints if it was given, they got away with one.
      Munich were very lucky.
      It is subjective, so maybe that is why VAR did not get involved.
      Had it been given, the decision would not have changed. More

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      Champions League stadium compared to giant AIR FRYER after special request is granted by Uefa

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      SHOCKED fans labelled the Bernabeu Stadium an “air fryer” and a “dehumidifier off Wish” – after a controversial Uefa decision ahead of Real Madrid’s thriller with Manchester City.Football chiefs were accused of “absolutely ruining” the outside of the famous venue by letting Real put up a retractable roof.Here’s why the Bernabeu roof sparked such a heated reactionReal Madrid fans were made to sweat in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Man City but was it also because of the retractable roof?Credit: PAThe huge structure made the Bernabeu appear extremely oppressive from above – with little more than the pitch visible.And although the two teams cooked up a Champions League classic with their 3-3 draw, fans reckon Uefa cocked up with their contentious decision.As viewers turned up the heat on the new roof, one blasted: “Looks like an f***ing air fryer.”Another said: “Absolutely ruined the Bernabeu on the outside.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third posted: “Haha. I have an air conditioning unit just like it.”And a fourth joked: “It’s just not Real.”But the most painful dig was surely: “When you buy a new dehumidifier off Wish”Federico Valverde rescued a quarter-final first-leg stalemate for Jude Bellingham and co with a sizzling equaliser on 79 minutes.Most read in Champions LeagueAnd despite heavy criticism of the Bernabeu with its new cover, praise flowed in for the action out in the middle.”This game is definitely cooking,” said one fan – with one eye on the Etihad return leg next Wednesday.Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real MadridAnd a few supporters backed the Bernabeu roof revamp.One insisted it looked “top drawer!” More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Ben White the saviour with last-gasp tackle but Declan Rice anonymous vs Bayern Munich

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      BEN WHITE proved to be the saviour for Arsenal as they held Bayern Munich to a draw in their Champions League quarter-final first leg.The defender pulled off a last-gasp tackle as the Gunners drew 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium.Ben White was Arsenal’s saviour against Bayern Munich with a last-ditch tackleCredit: RexHowever, Declan Rice struggled in midfield at the Emirates StadiumCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus came off the bench to combine for Arsenal’s second goal of the night.However, Declan Rice was anonymous in midfield on a difficult night for the England international.Here are SunSport’s full player ratings for the Gunners.David Raya – 5Didn’t need to come steaming out of his goal with the move that ultimately cost a goal. Nowhere near Kane’s penalty either.READ MORE ON ARSENALBen White – 7Assist for Saka’s opening goal, should have made it two himself when clean through moments later.But a brilliant last-gasp tackle kept his side in the tie. Sums up Arsenal overall.Gabriel – 5Mix up with his keeper put everyone under pressure and it turned the tide of the game. Will also have a sore throat today after getting Kane’s forearm in the neck.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWilliam Saliba – 5Clumsy tackle conceded the spot kick from which public enemy no.1 Kane struck the devastating blow.Jakub Kiwior – 5Part of the three-man cock up which led to Bayern’s shock leveller. Hooked at half time so we know who Arteta blames don’t we?Most read in Champions LeagueArsenal fans trolled over ‘terrifying hostility’ as video of Harry Kane and Eric Dier arriving at Emirates emerges Declan Rice – 5Surprisingly anonymous and overrun at times. Maybe the season is catching up on him just when he needs to be in top gear.Jorginho – 5The fulcrum of the Arsenal team with his calm approach. But even he could not find the right pass or the right words to drive Arsenal on.Martin Odegaard – 5Provided the probing through ball to Saka that triggered Arsenal’s early goal. But the skipper who normally leads by example was way below par.Bukayo Saka – 6Cracking early goal but failed to build on it as the whole Arsenal team had a duff day. Largely indifferent in the second half.Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the Champions League quarter-final first legCredit: PAKai Havertz – 6A chance to show his old Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel just how much he has come on. But failed to spark. Good work rate though.Gabriel Martinelli – 5Lacked the penetration that has been a big part of his game this season. Unable to break down the Bayern right and get the supply line of crosses in.SubsOleksandr Zinchenko (Kiwior 46 mins) – 5Brought on to replace the unfortunate Kiwior but wasn’t much of an improvement.Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 66 mins) – 7Started and finished the somewhat clumsy move than ended in a neat left foot finish for Arsenal’s equaliser.Leandro Trossard came off the bench to equalise for the GunnersCredit: GettyGabriel Jesus (Jorginho 66 mins) – 6Made his presence felt with his run and sideways pass for Trossard’s vital goal that keeps Arsenal alive.Thomas Partey (Havertz 85 mins) – 5 More

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      Real Madrid vs Man City LIVE RESULT – Champions League quarter-final: Valverde scores brilliant equaliser in thriller

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      MANCHESTER CITY and Real Madrid played out a truly brilliant draw in the first leg of their titanic Champions League clash.Bernardo Silva had given Man City the lead less than two minutes into the game at the Bernabeu, catching Andriy Lunin sleeping.But Real Madrid fought back to lead with two goals in two minutes – the first a Ruben Dias own goal from a heavily deflected Eduardo Camavinga shot and the second a rapid counter from Rodrygo.Los Blancos were in charge before Phil Foden fired a rocket into the top corner, with Josko Gvardiol then scoring a stunner of his own to give City the lead.Real Madrid then struck back themselves, Federico Valverde brilliantly volleying home to share the spoils and set up a tense second leg.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCity enter busy schedule
      Aside from their Champions League exploits, Man City have to juggle three competitions over their next three games.
      It means a busy fixture list but Pep Guaridola would not have it any other way.
      Playing lots of games means you are being successful as a manager after all.

      Copy linkCopiedAll-square between two of football’s greats
      The spoils were shared as Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola squared off in Spain this evening.
      Both managers may feel that their side could have won the game but a draw was probably a fair result.
      They will do battle again now in the second leg in Manchester.
      The Italian seemed a bit perplexed with whatever Guardiola had to say to him at the final whistle.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedFoden continues stand-out season
      Phil Foden scored a stunning goal this evening to draw Man City level in the second half tonight.
      It was enough to see the midfielder awarded with the man of the match award in Spain.
      Man City fans will be hoping the injury that saw him hobble off is nothing to worry about as he is integral to remainder of their season.
      There seems to be nothing wrong with his selfie-arm, that is for sure.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedForm is temporary, class is permanent
      As ever, Toni Kroos pulled the strings in the heart of midfield for Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
      His ability to link play and pick the right passes allows Bellingham to venture forward.
      They did seem a bit lacking without the influential Luka Modric alongside him in the middle.

      Copy linkCopiedSilva lining for Pep in Madrid
      Bernardo Silva came back into the side this evening and showed his true worth to Pep Guardiola.
      From the first few minutes when he caught out Lunin at his near post to give the visitors the lead to the very end of the game.
      Real Madrid struggled to deal with the silky skills of the Portuguese playmaker.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Real Madrid 3-3 Man City
      You would have to say that a draw was a fair result tonight.
      Taking into consideration the chances created, nothing could separate the two sides.
      Hopefully, we will see more of the same in the return leg.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Real Madrid 3-3 Man City
      The referee brings the game to a close in Spain.
      It finishes all square between these two powerhouses.
      What an entertaining game that proved to be.
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 3-3 Man City
      90+2. Man City will still fancy their chances in this tie.
      Going back to The Etihad needing a win to progress.
      It offers the prospect of a special night in Manchester.
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 3-3 Man City
      90. Modric swings a ball into the back post, trying to pick out Bellingham.
      It has to be dealt with as it is knocked behind for a corner.
      The hosts work it to the edge of the box but Carvajal’s shot is nowhere near the goal.
      We are going to have four minutes added.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 3-3 Man City
      88. Brahim Diaz wins the ball off Alvarez and looks to counter.
      Bernardo Silva takes one for the team as he chops him down.
      Real Madrid had numbers on the break there.
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 3-3 Man City
      86. Foden seems to have picked up an injury for City.
      Guardiola is taking no chances and is looking to change the youngster with Alvarez replacing him.
      That will be a concern for Man City fans to see.
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 3-3 Man City
      84. The question on everyone’s lips now is whether either side can find one more goal.
      This game has been the sort you never want to end.
      In addition, we have seem real contenders for ‘goal of the quarter-finals’ in Spain.
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 3-3 Man City
      82. What a final ten minutes or so we have now.
      Man City were looking comfortable and seemed like they were going to claim a stunning victory.
      Madrid draw level out of the blue and now it is Pep Guardiola’s side who are trying to hold on.
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 3-3 Man City
      80. Out of absolutely nothing, Real Madrid are level.
      Vinicius Junior hangs a cross up to the back post.
      Valverde meets it on the volley and drills it low into the far corner.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 2-3 Man City
      78. This was exactly the type of game we were hoping for tonight.
      Bellingham has been quiet in this game in the main, Real Madrid have missed his creativity and goals.
      The England midfielder has scored over 20 goals in his first season for the Spaniards.
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 2-3 Man City
      76. This has been the proverbial ‘game of two halves’.
      Real Madrid felt they had the game in their hands coming out after the interval.
      Two stunning strikes by Man City have changed the whole complexion of this match.
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 2-3 Man City
      74. Man City really have the chance to turn the screw here.
      Madrid need to get forward and try and find an equaliser at the very least.
      It means the visitors can pick them off on the break and inflict further punishment on Ancelotti’s side.
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 2-3 Man City
      72. What a strike by Gvardiol.
      The ball is laid off to him by Foden, he knocks it out in front of him and bends one in the far corner from outside the box.
      Gvardiol has silenced the Santiago Bernabeu.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Josko Gvardiol (Man City)
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 2-2 Man City
      70. You would think Real Madrid have to go for this more now.
      They will not fancy their chances of going to Manchester level and getting the result they need.
      Last season, they got battered at The Etihad.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 2-2 Man City
      68. The warnings were there for Real Madrid.
      Man City were starting to dominate the ball in the final third.
      That goal by Phil Foden was deserving of winning any game.
      In the words of a famous ex-pundit, ‘take a bow son’.
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 2-2 Man City
      66. Bernardo Silva plays it into Stones on the edge of the box, who immediately lays it off to Foden.
      He takes one touch to get the ball in front of him before rifling the ball into the top corner of the goal.
      There was no stopping that one, Lunin stood no chance.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Phil Foden (Man City)
      Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 2-1 Man City
      64. The visitors could really do with a player like Doku on the pitch now to run at this Madrid defence.
      Grealish tries to get to the byline and wins a corner.
      The ball is cleared and Vinicius Junior breaks away with the ball.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Watch as raging Bukayo Saka is pushed away from referee after Arsenal are denied last-minute penalty against Bayern

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      BUKAYO SAKA had to be pushed away from the referee after he was denied a last-gasp penalty against Bayern Munich.The Arsenal star found himself through on goal in the 96th minute of the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash.Bukayo Saka was brought down by Manuel NeuerCredit: AlamyThe Arsenal star fell to the floor but no penalty was givenCredit: GettyAfter the game, Saka confronted the referee angrilyCredit: TNT SPORTSHe had to be pushed away by Arsenal’s assistant coachCredit: TNT SPORTSWith the score 2-2, Saka collided with Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s outstretched leg in the box.The winger immediately fell to the floor – but referee Glenn Nyberg, clearly believing Saka initiated the contact, waved away the penalty claim to Arsenal’s fury.After he blew the final whistle, Saka got back to his feet and confronted the ref.The winger ran up to the Swedish official to complain and he pointed to his leg that made contact with Neuer.READ MORE ON ARSENALGunners assistant boss Albert Stuivenberg was quickly on the scene and pushed Saka away, who then waved his arms around in frustration.TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist said: “He genuinely feels it’s a penalty. I thought he definitely got there first, but I think there is an element of him throwing his right leg into him a little bit.”Rio Ferdinand disagreed as he ranted: “That is a penalty. I can’t believe it. I’m in the stadium walking around in disbelief with my hands on my head. How has that not been given?”The pundit added that he felt the referee should’ve been called over to the VAR monitor to double check his decision for himself.Most read in Champions LeagueMartin Keown raged: “If you had ten top refs here tonight, nine of them would’ve given it. This referee would be the only one to not give it. I find it quite alarming.”Arsenal fan and Sun columnist Piers Morgan fumed on Twitter: “That is a penalty. End.”Arsenal fans trolled over ‘terrifying hostility’ as video of Harry Kane and Eric Dier arriving at Emirates emerges Surprised it wasn’t a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey

      SOME will say that Bukayo Saka initiated the contact, but Manuel Neuer stuck out his leg.
      I was surprised Glenn Nyberg did not award Arsenal a penalty in real time at the end.
      Bayern Munich could have no complaints if it was given, they got away with one.
      Munich were very lucky.
      It is subjective, so maybe that is why VAR did not get involved.
      Had it been given, the decision would not have changed.

      But Gunners hero Ian Wright thought the ref made the right call, tweeting: “Not a pen for me. Work to do in Munich.”Harry Kane shared his thoughts post-match, saying: “It’s 50/50. If he was on my team, I would have said it’s a penalty.”On the decision, Mikel Arteta bluntly confirmed after the game that VAR looked and decided it was not a spot-kick.Fans were left split over the controversy, with one saying: “It’s a disgrace.”Another added: “I don’t care if Saka leaves his leg a bit you can literally see Neuer’s leg lunge.”Others felt differently, saying: “This is 100 per cent not a penalty, there is zero intent to trip by Neuer and Saka is sticking his leg out.”More reacted: “All things considered, Saka should probably have kicked the ball into the net instead of deciding to kick Neuer in the shins.”Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel was also left angry at the referee after his side were denied a penalty in the 67th minute.Gabriel picked up the ball after David Raya took a goal-kick, seemingly thinking the game was not in play despite the whistle being blown.On the handball, Tuchel said: “The referee made a huge mistake. I know it was a crazy situation. They put the ball down, he whistles and the defender takes the ball with his hands. “What makes us really angry is the explanation on the pitch. He told our players it was a ‘kid’s mistake’ and he won’t give a penalty for that in a Champions League quarter-final. “It’s a horrible, horrible explanation. “Kid’s mistake, adult’s mistake, whatever – we feel angry because it was a huge decision against us.”After seeing a replay of the incident Tuchel was talking about, Ferdinand added: “It’s a pen. Oh my gosh, how can that not be given?”I was so adamant that the Saka one was… I’m even more for this, it’s unbelievable.READ MORE SUN STORIES”How can he blow the whistle like that and not give it?”Gabriel touched the ball with his hand while it was in playCredit: TNT SPORTSWhy would he pick it up? It HAS to be a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey

      Arsenal could have absolutely no complaints if a penalty was awarded to Bayern Munich.
      The referee signalled for David Raya to take the goal kick.
      He did… and Gabriel picked the ball up. Why would he do that? The whistle had been blown.
      The only person who has made a mistake is Gabriel. Why would he pick the ball up?
      Once the referee has blown his whistle and Gabriel has picked it up, he has to give a penalty. More

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      Watch as De Ligt gets sold a Bratwurst by Gabriel Jesus before Arsenal score against Bayern Munich

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      GABRIEL JESUS left Matthijs de Ligt on the floor as he sent him for a Bratwurst before setting up Leandro Trossard to score.The Arsenal substitutes combined to equalise against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.Gabriel Jesus left Matthijs de Ligt on the floor before setting up Arsenal’s equaliserCredit: TNT SportsJesus’ silky footwork helped create space inside the penalty area before he teed up Trossard.The Belgian then kept his cool to slot the ball beyond Manuel Neuer into the far corner.However, Jesus’ assist did not come before he had hoodwinked De Ligt.The Bayern defender could only look on after sliding to the floor in a bid to stop Jesus.READ MORE ON ARSENALInstead, though, the Brazilian feinted to shoot before knocked the ball to his left and passing to Trossard.Fans were quick to poke fun at the ex-Spurs man on social media, with one writing: “Jesus sent him for a hot dog.”Another added: “Gabriel Jesus just exposed De Ligt.”A third supporter also commented: “That is outrageous from Jesus.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, one more joked: “Jesus cooked him.”Jesus’ introduction helped rescue a draw for the Gunners in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.Surprised it wasn’t a penalty, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey
      SOME will say that Bukayo Saka initiated the contact, but Manuel Neuer stuck out his leg.
      I was surprised Glenn Nyberg did not award Arsenal a penalty in real time at the end.
      Bayern Munich could have no complaints if it was given, they got away with one.
      Munich were very lucky.
      It is subjective, so maybe that is why VAR did not get involved.
      Had it been given, the decision would not have changed.

      Arsenal’s ‘brilliant’ secret weapon is key to Gunners shattering Premier League set piece recordMikel Arteta introduced the striker alongside Trossard after 67 minutes, with Jorginho and Gabriel Martinelli making way.It took them just nine minutes to combine for the equaliser, with De Ligt and Dier helpless to prevent them.England international Dier joined fellow ex-Spurs star Harry Kane in Germany during the January transfer window.He has made 12 appearances for Bayern since his loan move, which will become a permanent transfer in the summer when his Tottenham contract expires. More

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      Arsenal vs Bayern Munich LIVE RESULT – Champions League quarter-final: Trossard equaliser keeps Gunners hopes alive

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      LEANDRO TROSSARD scored a smart equaliser to keep Arsenal’s Champions League dream alive.The Gunners – in the last-8 of the iconic competition for the first time since 2009-10 – had lead early through Bukayo Saka, who curled in a brilliant strike.But the home side suffered a mini-collapse with Bayern star Serge Gnabry striking back before Harry Kane then scored at the Emirates, again, with a penalty.Arsenal looked dead and buried for a period but Leandro Trossard scored from the bench to put the second leg on a knife edge.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat’s all from the Emirates
      Action-packed. High-paced. Dramatic. Controversial. Enthralling. The Champions League is back, and Arsenal are a part of it.
      This quarter-final is still in the balance after a 2-2 draw at the Emirates, and these two giants of the game will reconvene next Wednesday for the second leg in Germany.
      We’ll be at the Allianz Arena to see how it all pans out, and you can join us for every exciting moment.
      Goodnight.
      Copy linkCopiedTuchel livid with ref explanation
      While the football world were busy debating the penalty claim incident involving Bukayo Saka at the end of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich, it appears all of us missed another much more controversial.
      Unnoticed by commentators and reporters at the time, midway through the second half, Gabriel picked up the ball to replace a free-kick passed to him by David Raya along the six-yard line.
      However, a second earlier, referee Glenn Nyberg had blown his whistle, meaning that Raya’s pass was in-play, prompting Harry Kane and co. to appeal for a spotkick.
      Afterwards, a furious Tuchel told the assembled press:
      It is a huge mistake. It’s a crazy situation, but they put the ball down, he whistles, he kicks the ball free and the defender picks the ball up in his hands. What makes us really angry is the explanation on the field, he told our players ‘it is a kid’s mistake’, and he will not give a penalty like this in a quarter-final. This is a horrible, horrible explanation.Thomas TuchelTNT Sports

      Copy linkCopiedArteta rues early White miss
      Mikel Arteta was delighted with the way his Arsenal side started the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, and believes they would have had one foot in the semis had Ben White bagged a first half chance.
      The defender was denied at point blank range by Manuel Neuer shortly after Bukayo Saka had opened the scoring, and the the Gunners boss believed it was the incident which swung the game.
      The game had different moments. We started really well and were dominant, we didn’t concede anything. We scored a really good goal and then after that is the moment of the game when Ben [White] is in front of [Manuel] Neuer. If it was 2-0 it would have been a very different game. I have a lot of belief we can go there and beat them. We have to prepare really well.Mikel ArtetaTNT Sports

      Copy linkCopiedExtra! Read all about it!
      Attentions have already turned to next Wednesday’s second leg at the Allianz Arena, but let’s recap on tonight’s events with Charlie Wyett’s match report of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final.
      It was anything but perfect and Arsenal still have a hell of a lot of work to do. But on a night which threatened to go horribly wrong, Mikel Arteta and his team gave themselves a chance of squeezing through to the semi-finals – despite Bukayo Saka being denied a late penalty.Charlie WyettThe Sun

      Copy linkCopiedKane had studied Raya’s game
      Harry Kane scored another penalty against Arsenal, and then afterwards admitted that he had been studying David Raya when it comes to facing spotkicks.
      The Bayern striker rolled the ball home after the Gunners keeper went to ground early during his stuttered run-up, silencing thousands of booing fans in the process.
      It was a tough game. Of course we are never happy when we don’t win. Arsenal are having a good go at trying to win the league and they are top for a reason. I had done some research of [David Raya’s] game against Porto so it was nice to see him go down early and make it easier for me.”Harry KaneTNT Sports

      Copy linkCopiedSaka in good company with Henry
      Bukayo Saka’s evening may have ended in frustration with his stoppage time appeal for a penalty turned away, but it started so, so well.
      With his wonderful opener, the England international took his Champions League goal involvements to eight for the season (four goals and four assists).
      Only Thierry Henry with 10 in 2002-03 and 11 in 2003-04 has ever recorded more for Arsenal in Europe’s stellar competition.

      Copy linkCopiedDraw a good base for Bayern
      The bad news for Arsenal is that Bayern Munich have progressed from six of the eight previous Champions League ties in which they have drawn the first leg away from home.
      The good news for Arsenal is that on the two occasions in which they failed to so – against Milan in the 2006-07 quarter-final, and Liverpool in the 2018-19 last 16 – their triumphant opponents went on to win the competition.
      Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from the Emirates
      Leandro Trossard’s 76th minute equaliser was the game’s first attempt on target since Harry Kane’s converted penalty after 32 minutes.

      Copy linkCopiedFull time – Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich
      The first leg ends in an enthralling draw.
      A game that swung from one end to the other, and the scoring followed suit.
      Arsenal led early through Bukayo Saka but soon found themselves behind when Serge Gnabry equalised and Harry Kane converted a penalty.
      In a second half high on energy but low on chances, substitutes Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard combined for a Gunners equaliser that leaves this tie in the balance ahead of next week’s second leg.

      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich
      90+5. Bukayo Saka skips around Manuel Neuer and goes down!!
      Penalty to Arsenal!? No!!
      Saka is insistent. Sixty-thousand Arsenal fans are insistent. The commentators are insistent. But referee Glenn Nyberg waves play-on and nobody watching can believe it.
      Replays show that there is definitely contact as the Bayern goalkeeper meets the Arsenal forward, but is it because Saka flicks out his leg into the shin of Neuer?
      Controversy right at the end.

      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich 
      90+3. Finally, Bayern decide to drop some players back into a defensive unit.
      A draw certainly keeps this one in the balance heading to Munich for the return.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich
      90. Coman hits the post!
      As the board goes up to signal five minutes of stoppage time, the Bayern substitute flicks Musiala’s centre through the legs of Raya at the near post and against the base of the woodwork.
      Bayern so close to a first leg winner!
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich – Partey yellow card
      89. Tactical foul klaxon.
      Thomas Partey is carded for bringing down Jamal Musiala after the Bayern forward threatened to break free from his marker.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich
      87. Gone are the days when these ties used to see one side shutting up shop for the last 25 minutes, this will be end-to-end to the final whistle.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich – Arsenal substitute
      84. Saka is penalised for a foul on Musiala, although there wasn’t much the Arsenal player could have done to get out of the way.
      Meanwhile, Thomas Partey is on for Kai Havertz.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich 
      82. Saka and Davies continue to battle it out for pace down the right flank.
      This time, Saka comes out on top, and dinks a delightful delivery across the face of goal after exchanging passes with Odegaard.
      Unfortunately for Arsenal, nobody gambles on the cross and the opportunity passes.
      It’s time like this you want a traditional nine rather than a false one.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich 
      80. Into the last ten!
      Bayern haven’t settled for a draw either, and push forward with Coman on the right.
      The substitute does well to cut inside, and then ruins it with a weak shot straight at Raya.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich 
      78. There’s no sign of this tie settling down – even with the prospect of another 90 minutes next Wednesday.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich 
      76. Arsenal are back on level terms!
      And it’s hats off to Mikel Arteta and his substitutes!
      Leandro Trossard is the one that scores the equaliser, but it’s all down to the incredible footwork of Gabriel Jesus.
      The Brazilian receives Bukayo Saka’s pass, tricks his way past one defender, skips inside another, and then cushions a pass into the path of Trossard, who cooly sweeps home.
      The Emirates is now bouncing – and Arsenal aren’t finished yet!

      Copy linkCopiedSuper subs deliver!

      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich 
      74. Are Arsenal preparing themselves for a final burst at Bayern?
      The players are up for it. The manager is up for it. And the crowd is certainly up for it.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich 
      72. There has not been a single shot on target in the second half which says a lot about how Thomas Tuchel and his team have nullified Arsenal since going ahead.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich – Bayern Munich substitution
      70. Sure enough, Gnabry hobbles away to the dressing room for treatment, and it’s Raphael Guerreiro on in his place.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich 
      69. Here’s a potential blow for Bayern.
      So soon after deciding to replace Leroy Sane, Thomas Tuchel is now faced with the prospect of losing Serge Gnabry.
      The former Arsenal forward has picked up an injury, which is no surprise considering the amount of running he has done on his return to North London.
      Copy linkCopiedArsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich – Arsenal double substitution
      67. And two changes for the Gunners!
      Mikel Arteta sends for attackers Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard, replacing Gabriel Martinelli and deep-lying midfielder Jorginho.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Real Madrid 3 Man City 3: Foden and Gvardiol wondergoals not enough as Valverde scores an even better one in thriller

      by

      JOSKO GVARDIOL is a centre-half, filling in at left-back, who had not scored and barely even had a shot in 32 appearances for Manchester City.So, in a game of beautiful bedlam, it was fitting that the Croatian should hammer home a corker to put Manchester City into pole position for next Wednesday’s second leg of this clash of European footballing royalty.Foden’s goal was arguably the pick of the bunchCredit: ReutersGvardiol gave him a run for his money thoughCredit: GettyBut Real gave as good as they got throughoutCredit: GettyWhen Jack Grealish cut back from the left, Gvardiol’s first touch was awful, almost gifting possession to Toni Kroos, but his second touch was a goal, as let rip from outside the area and propelled City into the lead.Federico Valverde volleyed a brilliant equaliser but, having survived some prime Real showboating and trailed for the majority of the game, City will be thrilled to go back to Manchester on level terms.Bernardo Silva had netted a stunning second-minute free-kick only for Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo to seize the lead for the 14-time champions of Europe.But Phil Foden netted a brilliant leveller, his 22nd goal of a stellar season, before Gvardiol fired the City second City cannonball in the space of five minutes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhat an absolute belter of a game this was, between the current champions of Europe and the side which has ruled the continent most often.Somehow City always seem to end up here for a knock-out tie. It was the fourth time in five seasons and Pep Guardiola’s side had won two of the previous three.It always feels like some sort of final – the best team in the world against the grandest club in the world, managed by the two most successful bosses of the Champions League era – Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.Maybe it will be the final before long or maybe the City project will be torpedoed by the myriad financial charges facing them, to be settled in the timescale of expensive lawyers.Most read in FootballBernardo Silva put City ahead with a smart free kickCredit: ReutersHe opened the scoring after just a minute and a halfCredit: GettyCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLast season, Kevin De Bruyne scored here in a 1-1 draw. This time, the Belgian was on the bench but he’d been suffering from a stomach upset rather than a Guardiola brainstorm.Real were sploshed 4-0 at the Etihad in the return leg last season, but that was pre-Jude Bellingham.Jude Bellingham stunned after journalist asks if he ‘wants to go home with her’ These days the Madrid metro system teems with Latin men wearing the name of a lanky 20-year-old Brummie lad on the back of their replica shirts.But it was another Brummie who lit the fuse on this firecracker, just a minute in.Jack Grealish stormed towards the Real box and was halted by a wrecking-ball challenge from Aurelien Tchouameni, who was booked and will miss the Etihad return next week.Real were set up for a crossed free-kick, so Bernardo leathered it towards the near post where a sprawling Andriy Lunin.Haaland almost made it two with a shot which Real’s Ukrainian keeper beat away in a chaotic scramble..Madrid always posed problems for City in transitionCredit: PA2′ ⚽️ Real Madrid 0-1 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆12′ ⚽️ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗱 1-1 Man City14′ ⚽️ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗱 2-1 Man City66′ ⚽️ Real Madrid 2-2 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆71′ ⚽️ Real Madrid 2-3 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆GVARDIOL SCORES AND MAN CITY LEAD 🔥#UCL pic.twitter.com/8i31nBBQ1K— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2024

      This vast old cooking pot had its lid on last night – a new retractable roof to improve the acoustics because there was nothing inclement about the weather.For a while it was merely increasing the volume of the whistling and whinging of the Madridistas.Not for long, though. Their showman struck up the music and for a spell it was as if they were playing while whistling Sweet Georgia Brown.Real, at their best, have always been football’s Harlem Globetrotters, making exhibition-match stooges of their opposition.Suddenly there were back heels, nutmegs and Cruyff turns as Real attacked with speed and sorcery.Had Vinicius Junior pulled a bunch of flowers out of his sleeve, it would not have been out of place.When Kylian Mbappe turns up here this summer, they are going to need two balls.The equaliser was fortuitous, Camavinga cut in from the right and his shot took a massive deflection off Ruben Dias to wrong-foot Stefan Ortega, surprisingly keeping his place ahead of a fit-again Ederson.Valverde had one last dagger for CityCredit: GettyCredit: The SunThe second was a pearl. Vinicius released Rodrygo down the left and the Brazilian turned full Road Runner, out-pacing Manuel Akanji, giving Ortega the eyes.Then he rolled a cute finish casually inside the far post, with just enough pace to find the back of the net, like a snooker player resting the cue ball against the baulk cushion.Teams very rarely do this sort of thing to City and they didn’t take it well.Akanji was booked for a foul on Vinicius, then the locals demanded a red when he piled into Rodrygo.City were missing Kyle Walker. They were missing proper full-backs in general. Why has Pep taken against them as a breed?Bellingham was performing so many back-heels, you wondered if he had his boots on back to front. He was getting carried away and risked a yellow which could have earned a suspension.Early in the second half, Bellingham feinted, sending two City defenders to the nacho stand, but shot narrowly wide. Then Vinicius fired over after a Hollywood pass from Toni Kroos.Rodri’s radar was on the blink, Camavinga was bossing midfield and at one point Haaland was charging back to win a tackle in the right-back position.Credit: The SunBut then City began to get a grip, pinning Real back and Foden seized his moment.Bernardo darted down the right and fed Stones who rolled a pass for his fellow England man to lash home a left-footed shot.Foden raced to the bench where he and Guardiola shared a manic celebration.Then came Gvardiol’s moment of unlikely genius and City thought they were heading back to the Etihad with a lead.Naturally, Vinicius soon wheeled away down the left and delivered a lofted square pass which Valverde walloped home on the volley.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat a game. What a treat. If you had any plans to go out next Wednesday night, cancel them.Unless you’re an Arsenal fan, the second leg is unmissable.Credit: The Sun More