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      Watch ‘inhuman’ Erling Haaland leap 7ft 6in in air for insane Cristiano Ronaldo-like flying kick against FC Copenhagen

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      ERLING HAALAND left fans’ jaws on the floor by leaping 7ft 6in into the air for Manchester City last night.The 6ft 4in star lined up against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

      Erling Haaland rose 7ft 6in into the air for an acrobatic effortCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo scored an amazing goal against Juventus in 2018Credit: EPA
      Haaland, 23, didn’t get on the scoresheet as his side ran out 3-1 winners.
      But he still managed to take fans’ breath away.
      Rising to try and meet a cross, Haaland jumped an astonishing 7ft 6in into the air.
      He connected with the ball, but wasn’t quite able to convert the shot.
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      Haaland’s effort was likened to Cristiano Ronaldo’s astonishing goal for Real Madrid against Juventus in 2018.
      On that occasion, the Portuguese superstar rose 7ft 8in to convert a remarkable overhead kick from Dani Carvajal’s cross.
      Ronaldo received acclaim from fans of Juventus, who he would go on to join later that year.
      Foreshadowing his move, he said at the time: “It was an unbelievable moment. I have to say thank you a lot – grazie – to all supporters of Juventus.
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      “What they did for me was amazing, I’m so happy.
      “Thank you to all of them. This has never happened in my career so far.”
      Erling Haaland gives up on winning second Treble in shock interview after brace for Man City against Everton
      Ahead of last night’s game, Haaland was told to “relax” by his boss Pep Guardiola.
      And while he didn’t score, City fans loved their striker’s acrobatic exploits.

      One wrote on social media: “literally how?”
      While a second gushed: “brother was levitating.”
      A third swooned: “he was floating.”
      And another added: “In a league of his own.”
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      Haaland has scored 73 goals in 79 appearances since joining City from Borussia Dortmund.
      He is the Premier League’s top scorer this season with 16 goals – despite having missed nearly two months through injury. More

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      Champions League last-16 LIVE SCORES: PSG face tricky Real Sociedad test, Bayern travel to Lazio – latest updates

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      THE last-16 stage of the Champions League continues with PSG and Bayern Munich both in action.Kylian Mbappe and Co face Spanish side Real Sociedad, while Harry Kane is set to lead the line for Bayern against Lazio.
      And both sides will be hoping that they can emulate Manchester City who beat Copenhagen 3-1 or Real Madrid after their 1-0 away win against RB Leipzig.

      TV channel: TNT Sports 1/TNT Sports 2
      Live stream: discovery+

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      Neuer makes Harry Kane demand
      Manuel Neuer has made a strict demand to his Bayern Munich teammates ahead of their Champions League clash against Lazio after Harry Kane failed to find the net last weekend.
      Kane was limited to just one shot and 18 touches of the ball on Saturday afternoon as Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.
      Neuer commented on the defeat, saying: “We haven’t quite gotten over it. When you lose like that, it does something with you. We’ve spoken about it, analysed it and been clear about it.
      “The good thing is we’ve got a game straight after. We want to get to the next round. We want to make up for things that we didn’t do well in Leverkusen.”
      Neuer added: “It’s important that we stick at it. It’s a new competition, a new day. Even when Bayern Munich lose, the sun still rises. We’re looking forward to the game.”
      Copy linkCopiedSchmeichel shows love for City star
      Peter Schmeichel hailed Kevin De Bruyne after Manchester City defeated Copenhagen 3-1 in the first leg of the Champions League last 16.
      He said: “He’s always got good things to say. What a player he is. He got Player of the Match today as well.”
      Pep Guardiola also described De Bruyne’s showing at the Parken Stadium as “extraordinary.”
      Copy linkCopiedCity set for huge windfall
      Manchester City hope to be the first English club to pocket £100 million in UEFA prize money this season by defending the Champions League crown.
      And with television cash added in, that could rise to a record-smashing whopping £128 million if they lift the trophy at Wembley on June 1.
      Pep Guardiola’s men picked up around £85 million from the organisers by lifting the trophy for the first time in Istanbul in June.
      But if they go all the way and retain their title on home soil it will be worth substantially more.
      While UEFA’s cash pot for the competition remains at a total £1.73bn, favourites City are in line to take their biggest share yet.
      Copy linkCopiedAncelotti praises Real Madrid duo
      Carlo Ancelotti praised Aurelien Tchouameni and Brahim Diaz following Real Madrid’s win over RB Leipzig.
      He told TNT Sports: “Without three centre-backs, Tchouameni played a fantastic game as a centre-back.
      “It’s an emergency now, but we understand he’s a fantastic player in every place you put him. He’s good as a number six, but also as a centre-back.”
      On Diaz, he added: “He [Diaz] played really well.
      “Obviously, Bellingham is a fantastic player and really important for us, but the fact we have a lot of injuries during the season gave everyone a strong motivation and they are doing really well.”
      Copy linkCopiedMan City break English record
      Manchester City set a new Champions League record following their 3-1 win over Copenhagen on Tuesday.
      The treble winners took control of the last-16 tie thanks to goals from Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.
      City have now won nine straight games in the Champions League, setting the longest streak by any English side in the competition’s history.
      Copy linkCopiedHaaland plays through heartbreak
      Erling Haaland played through the heartbreak of losing his grandmother against Copenhagen.
      The Manchester City striker lost Tone Rasdal, 80, over the weekend.
      Rasdal, the mother of Haaland’s father Alfie, died peacefully on Saturday.
      An obituary for Rasdal read: “Our dear mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, grandmother and great-grandmother Rasdal died peacefully today, aged 80.”
      Norwegian outlet Nettavisen reported that Rasdal passed away at a Sivdaheimen nursing home.
      It is expected that her funeral will take place next week.
      Copy linkCopiedKroos makes shock revelation
      Real Madrid star Toni Kroos shockingly admitted that Leipzig’s disallowed goal should have stood in Tuesday’s first-leg Champions League tie.
      Real Madrid ran out 1-0 winners in Germany, after a wonder goal from Jude Bellingham replacement Brahim Diaz.
      Both fans and footballers were left perplexed with the confusing refereeing decision inside three minutes.
      Benjamin Sesko found the net with a header, but the goal was disallowed due to a slight nudge from Benjmain Henrichs on goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
      It was initially deemed that Sesko was offside, but the defender was then somewhat harshly penalised for colliding with the goalkeeper.
      Kroos said of the incident: “I think in the end he called offside because it got in his way.
      “But the goalkeeper couldn’t reach the ball and that’s why the goal had to be given. You can’t argue any other way.”
      Copy linkCopiedTuchel tipped to join Barcelona
      The representatives of Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel have offered him to another Champions League club, according to a new report.
      Journalist Fernando Polo claims that Tuchel’s entourage has offered his services to Barcelona, who will be looking for a new manager next season following the departure of Xavi.
      Xavi has already announced that he will leave Barca at the end of the campaign following a disappointing season which sees them sit 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid in the La Liga table.
      Copy linkCopiedFoden hilariously trolls Micah Richards
      Phil Foden cheekily trolled Micah Richards over his £600-a-week haircut habit after starring in Manchester City’s win over Copenhagemn.
      After adding another goal to his tally during City’s 3-1 win over Copenhagen, Foden stopped to chat with CBS Sports’ Champions League crew comprising of Kate Abdo, Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry.
      After chatting about the game, Richards pivoted to Foden’s barnet.
      The former City ace, 35, asked: “Before you go, who’s your barber? Because your trim’s looking kinda fresh I’m not gonna lie.”
      Foden quipped back: “I’ve heard you pay a lot for your trim.”
      Copy linkCopiedBarca hit by injury woes
      Barcelona are set to be without Ferran Torres and Joao Felix when they take on Napoli next week.
      Both are sidelined through injury which means Xavi will likely have to call upon Raphinha and Yamine Lamal instead.
      Copy linkCopiedFoden breaks Champions League record
      Phil Foden created history in the Champions League last night by becoming the youngest Englishman to reach 50 appearances.
      After the contest, Gary Lineker hailed the Stockport-born midfielder as “outrageously brilliant” as he registered a goal and an assist.
      Foden has scored 14 goals and produced 11 assists in the Champions League, helping Manchester City win the competition last season.
      Copy linkCopiedForgotten Arsenal star to return
      Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira is set to give Mikel Arteta a major boost by returning to the squad for next week’s Champions League last-16 first leg clash against Porto.
      The playmaker has been out since November after undergoing groin injury.
      The Gunners’ Champions League campaign resumes next week, with a trip to Porto to face the Portuguese giants.
      And Vieira has given Arteta a major boost by returning to training, and the midfielder hopes to be fit to face Porto.
      Copy linkCopiedTuchel to address Kane issue
      Thomas Tuchel is keen to fix an issue with Harry Kane in tonight’s clash against Lazio.
      The striker uncharacteristically was starved of the ball in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
      Tuchel said: “It was rare for Harry to have so few touches (against Leverkusen). The formation was actually thought of with him in mind, but we didn’t find him at all. We want to get Harry in the game more, and we need to fix it.
      “I’m convinced we can show a reaction (against Lazio). It wasn’t good enough in Leverkusen. But it’s a new opponent, a new competition. I hope we can make up for it.”
      Copy linkCopiedMan City suffer injury woes
      Pep Guardiola was left to rue injuries to Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva after Manchester City returned to Champions League action with a 3-1 win at FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.
      He detailed the issues they have, saying: “It’s something muscular with Jack, his groin.
      “He felt it on the grass, started to complain. The players can feel it immediately if it’s muscular. It’s a pity, he’s gutted.
      “He wanted to continue but we didn’t want to make the damage even worse. We’ll make tests tomorrow.
      “Bernardo has a big knock in his ankle and Josko is out two to three weeks. Kova is ready to come back.”
      Copy linkCopiedGuardiola with eyes on the defence
      After winning an amazing treble last season, Man City are still in a good position to defend all three trophies.
      It will take some doing but with the depth of quality in their squad, you would not bet against them.
      They have one foot in the quarter finals of the Champions League, face Luton Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup and are two points behind Liverpool in the Premier League.
      Copy linkCopiedMadrid in Kroos control in Leipzig
      With all the stars in Carlo Ancelotti’s side, one player who often gets overlooked is their midfielder Toni Kroos.
      The stability he brings to this team, while linking play, is something that takes Madrid to another level.
      Once again this evening, his stats over the course of the game are something to be respected.

      Copy linkCopiedQuiet night for Haaland in Denmark
      Despite their emphatic win, Copenhagen did manage to keep Erling Haaland fairly quiet this evening.
      The big Norwegian probably had more glimpses of goal in added time than he did in the rest of the game.
      Not that Guardiola will be worried, just his presence on the pitch creates openings for the players around him.
      Copy linkCopiedCity continue to impress with form
      Man City go into a run of games now before they face Liverpool at Anfield on March 10.
      Being the perfectionist that he is, Pep Guardiola will want to head into that crunch match having won every game before it.
      They face Chelsea this weekend but also have a Manchester derby thrown in the mix too.

      Copy linkCopiedDiaz takes over Bellingham mantle
      Brahim Diaz stepped into the void this evening due to the injury to Jude Bellingham.
      It was his goal that seperated the sides at the Red Bull Arena.
      With a special strike, it left many asking the question…..Jude who?

      Copy linkCopiedDe Bruyne back in groove for City
      Having spent such a long time out injured, many wondered if we would see the same Kevin De Bruyne when he finally returned.
      He has certainly answered that question and it looks like he has never been away as he is involved in all that Man City do.
      Another stellar performance this evening which saw him score one goal and get two assists.
      True class.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: RB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      Brahim Diaz’s stunning goal is the difference between the sides.
      Marco Rose will be giving his side some shooting practice when they get back together for training.
      The stats would suggest that the Germans dominated the game, but Real Madrid come away with a slender one-goal advantage.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Copenhagen 1-3 Man City
      It is a comfortable win for Pep Guardiola’s side in the end.
      They made things more difficult for themselves when Ederson’s blunder led to a Copenhagen equaliser.
      In the end, Man City will be pleased to take a two goal lead back to the Etihad Stadium.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: RB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      A disappointing result for the Germans at the Red Bull Arena.
      Real Madrid were favourites to win this game but Leipzig did enough to score the goals that could have won this game.
      They now face a tough task at the Bernabeu.
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Copenhagen 1-3 Man City
      Many City deal with a tricky fixture and now have one foot in the quarter finals of the Champions League.
      They will take a two goal advantage back to Manchester for the second leg.
      Copenhagen have tried their hardest to cause an upset but the visitors’ class shone through.
      Copy linkCopiedCopenhagen 1-3 Man City
      90+2. Foden cuts in from the flank and spots the run of De Bruyne.
      He gets to the byline and gives it back to Foden.
      Shifting it onto his left foot he buries his effort into the back of the net.
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      RB Leipzig 0 Real Madrid 1: Brahim Diaz copies Jude Bellingham’s celebration after moment of magic for Los Blancos

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM MIGHT not have been on the pitch but his celebration was.Bellingham scored twice at the weekend in the La Liga leaders 4-0 victory over second placed Girona.
      Brahim Diaz replicated Jude Bellingham’s celebration when he bagged the winner for Real MadridCredit: Getty

      But injury saw him replaced in the 57th minutes by Brahim Diaz who held his place with the lad from Dudley unable to play.
      Diaz did him proud with a brilliant 48th minute winner.
      He was like Diego Maradona as he picked the ball up, rode one tackle, and scampered between two more opponents before curling a shot home.
      Not forgetting his teammate who he had replaced on the night he did the Bellingham celebration as he jumped and landed with his arms out wide.
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      A great moment for him, a typical moment for Real Madrid who have lit this competition up like no others with their 14 triumphs.
      Nobody has powered them more this season though than Bellingham.
      A player who is the top scorer in La Liga, has 20 goals in all competitions and including assists has been involved in 28 goals in 29 games.
      It looked like his absence was going to tell as well when in the first half Leipzig looked to lift the roof off the Red Bull Arena.
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      They did just that after only 96 seconds and why oh why did the goal not stand?
      When the ball was bounced back into the box from a corner Benjamin Sesko headed home.
      Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five
      He certainly looked offside which is why understandably the flag was raised.
      But replays showed he wasn’t and yet with the quickest of calls the goal was still ruled out because there had been the slightest of pushes on the goalkeeper by the same player in the build up.
      When I say slight, it’s like when you brush against someone in Tescos and apologise.
      That was not all that Leipzig had to rue on the night.
      Sesko had chance after chance to score but it was night when Andriy Lunin had a goalkeeper worldie night saving shot after shot.
      Advantage Real.
      Brahim Diaz was awarded the Man of the Match for his performanceCredit: Getty More

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      FC Copenhagen 1 Man City 3: Kevin De Bruyne masterclass puts holders in total control ahead of Etihad second leg

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has been studying the body language of his players as they have gone through the gears in recent weeks.And all he will see from his main man Kevin De Bruyne is someone desperate to make up for lost time.
      Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden all netted as Man City ran out 3-1 winners in CopenhagenCredit: EPA
      Man City had most of the shots and possession
      Man City were on top for most of the game
      De Bruyne took up a position high up the pitch next to Erling Haaland
      De Bruyne ran the show at the Parken Stadium
      “I was looking for Erling, but he was covered really well… so I tried slotting it in the back post & it went in!” 😆The in-form Kevin De Bruyne speaks following a goal & two assists in Copenhagen…🎙️ @julesbreach#UCL pic.twitter.com/SRy9x1CRr4— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 13, 2024

      The brilliant Belgian had to sit out four and a half months of this season due to hamstring surgery.
      But he has looked a guy determined to make a difference since he returned to the first team just over a month ago. And boy is he doing exactly that.
      KDB was the star turn again here in Denmark – scoring the opening a goal and creating a second.
      His assist for Bernardo Silva’s nonchalant finish came as a result of a block tackle and probably wasn’t what he had in mind.
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      That’s how good this guy is – and shows how his return could not have come at a better team for the treble winners.
      And then in stoppage time he was at it again – teeing up his accomplice Phil Foden to add a third.
      That’s nine goal involvements in seven matches since the former Chelsea man returned.
      City could – and should – have won by more but Copenhagen don’t lose many here and Guardiola’s men have one foot in a seventh straight quarter final.
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      In fact the Danish champs had tasted defeat in only two of 18 home matches in this competition at their Parken Stadium – and as usual the atmosphere was fizzing.
      Yet this was their first competitive game since Jacob Neestrup’s men clinched qualification for the knock-out stage by beating Galatasaray in mid December.
      Erling Haaland gives up on winning second Treble in shock interview after brace for Man City against Everton
      A winter break of 63 days did not look ideal preparation for facing a City team who have won their last 10 matches in that period.
      Yet at least their players would be fresh – and had been given plenty of time to prepare their gameplan since the draw was made just before Christmas.
      Guardiola restored Jack Grealish to the starting line-up for the first time in a month and the team he picked ould not have been much stronger.
      He talked in the build up about how the whole club are now Champions League believers – after finally winning the competition in June.
      And they looked confident from the off here – wasting a good early chance as Kevin De Bruyne nodded Nathan Ake’s cross wide.
      Ruben Dias also went close – forcing a smart save out of Kamil Grabara with a downward header.
      City were in complete control – the only surprise was it took them 10 minutes to go ahead.
      Phil Foden has been edged back out wide sine the return of KDB to the starting line-up – but has still proved equally effective there.
      Jack Grealish was handed his first start for in six games for Man CityCredit: AP
      However, he picked up an injuryCredit: AFP
      Grealish was replaced after just 20 minutesCredit: Reuters
      And it was the apprentice who slipped a pass through to the master De Bruyne – and he beat Kamil Grabara with an angled drive.
      The Belgian has surprised his team-mates with his levels since he returned from injury a month ago and here he was again – making a difference on the big occasions for them.
      Grealish had made a promising start in his first chance to start in a month but his night ended prematurely after just 20 minutes.
      He went down under pressure from Cupido Goncalves but did not seem to be kicked – which will be a worry for City – and had to be replaced by Jeremy Doku.
      It didn’t alter the flow of the game though and a panicked Denis Vavro was lucky to see his header rebound off his own bar.
      Then Erling Haaland tried a spectacular overhead kick to Doku’s cross but was narrowly off target.
      Silva was all over the pitch making things happen
      Foden was a constant threat from the right wing before combining with De Bruyne for City’s third goal

      Copenhagen had barely had a kick – but then Ederson gifted them an equaliser 10 minutes before the break.
      He got his pass out from the back all wrong and presented it to Mohamed Elyounoussi whose shot was blocked by Dias.
      Yet the rebound fell perfectly for Magnus Mattson who swept home brilliantly from 20 yards. What a way to mark your debut.
      They know a thing about fairytales in the home of Hans Christian Andersen – and after beating Manchester United in October, the home fans were suddenly dreaming of another one.
      Their team could not quite get to the interval on level terms though as De Bruyne’s tackle on Mattson saw it fall into the path of Bernardo Silva.
      The Portuguese maestro had plenty to do but finshed delightfully with the outside of his foot to put the visitors back in front.
      No doubt Guardiola would have had words at half-time about throwing away their lead – but Ederson would have been a relieved man going in at the break.
      City were back in control after the break and De Bruyne was denied a second goal by a flying stop from Grabara.
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      Doku also brought the best ouf of the former Liverpool keeper as City looked to put the tie to bed on the night.
      Grabara denied Haaland twice but then De Bruyne – inevitably – teed up Foden to round things off in stoppage time. More

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      Man City fans fume at FC Copenhagen supporters’ distraction tactic that ‘should be illegal’ in Champions League clash

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      MANCHESTER CITY fans have been left fuming at what they thought was a distraction tactic from FC Copenhagen supporters.The Cityzens were facing off against the Danish outfit in the last 16 of the Champions League.
      Manchester City faced a unique distraction technique during their clash with CopenhagenCredit: Getty
      Copenhagen fans have been set off a siren whenever City were attackingCredit: Reuters
      And despite most top-level players being used to raucous fans and aggressive abuse, there was something different for City to face at the Parken Stadium.
      A loud siren appeared to be sounding almost every time Pep Guardiola’s side got hold of the ball.
      Fans of the Premier League outfit were growing frustrated by the off-putting alarm which was coming from the home fans inside the stadium.
      Many took to social media with one writing: “Why is a siren going off every time we have possession? Is that not illegal?”
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      A second added: “Whoever the Copenhagen fan is that brought the emergency siren to the match today and continues to blare it over and over should be banned from the city entirely, forever, no questions asked.”
      A third chimed in: “Why is there a siren every time we attack?”
      Others were distracted inside their own homes by the off-putting siren.
      One joked: “Copenhagen fans need to turn that siren off keep thinking the old bill are outside…”.
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      While another added: “This siren sound from the game had me looking out the window.”
      It’s not known if the sound was a regular feature of the intimidating atmosphere inside Parken Stadium or a specific distraction tactic to put off their Treble-winning opposition.
      Erling Haaland gives up on winning second Treble in shock interview after brace for Man City against Everton
      Either way it failed to work as planned with the visitors securing a comfortable 3-1 victory over the Danish Superliga champions.
      Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden outweighed a superb finish from Magnus Mattsson after an uncharacteristic mistake from Ederson in the Man City goal.
      City were unfazed by the distractionsCredit: EPA More

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      Distraught Jack Grealish close to tears as Man City and England star forced off during Champions League clash

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      JACK GREALISH appeared to be distraught after he was forced off in Manchester City’s Champions League clash against Copenhagen.The England international was selected in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI for the first time in six games.
      Jack Grealish was forced to the floor after picking up an injuryCredit: AFP
      Grealish appeared to be in pain after getting to his feetCredit: Reuters
      It was his first start in six gamesCredit: Reuters
      Grealish looked on from the sideline after heading off the pitchCredit: Rex
      Grealish was replaced after 21 minutes of playCredit: Reuters
      However, after pulling up Grealish fell to the floor at the Parken Stadium.
      He appeared to be in some pain after picking up the knock.
      The 28-year-old was able to get to his feet and walk off the pitch.
      And he seemed to be in some discomfort while doing so before he was seen standing at the side of the pitch looking distraught with his hands on his head.
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      Grealish was then replaced by Jeremy Doku in the 21st minute and went straight down the tunnel.
      Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Guardiola said the injury appeared to be muscular.
      He said: “It looks muscular with Jack which is a pity because in the last few days his attitude in training was much much better.
      “He helps us find the right tempo, hopefully he can recover quick.”
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      Fans were gutted to see him leave the field of play.
      Reacting on X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “Jack Grealish injured this was his chance 💔. Wishing him a speedy recovery, we stand with you Grealish 💙.”
      Jack Whitehall opens up about wild night he spent partying with Manchester City hero Jack Grealish and teammates
      A second said: “Gutted for the lad, was playing well too.”
      A third added: “Wishing Grealish safe recovery.”
      Another said: “Such bad luck for Jack Grealish, hope he recovers soon, he’s such a talented player!”
      City went on to win the match 3-1 after goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.
      Grealish has come off the bench in seven games this season, including three times in City’s last five games.
      He has netted three goals and added two assists in all competitions.
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      England boss Gareth Southgate will be hoping the injury is not serious as he brainstorms who to pick in his next Three Lions squad.
      Guardiola also highlighted an injury concern with Bernardo Silva. More

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      Champions League last-16 LIVE SCORES: Man City BEAT Copenhagen ,Real Madrid overcome RB Leipzig – latest updates

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      THE last-16 of the Champions League kicked off tonight as Man City beat Copenhagen 3-1 in their first let clash. Meanwhile, Champions League kings Real Madrid overcame RB Leipzig 1-0 in Germany.
      Tomorrow night, PSG host Real Sociedad while Lazio welcome Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

      TV channel: TNT Sports 1/TNT Sports 2
      Live stream: discovery+

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      Follow our live blog below…
      Guardiola with eyes on the defence
      After winning an amazing treble last season, Man City are still in a good position to defend all three trophies.
      It will take some doing but with the depth of quality in their squad, you would not bet against them.
      They have one foot in the quarter finals of the Champions League, face Luton Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup and are two points behind Liverpool in the Premier League.
      Copy linkCopiedMadrid in Kroos control in Leipzig
      With all the stars in Carlo Ancelotti’s side, one player who often gets overlooked is their midfielder Toni Kroos.
      The stability he brings to this team, while linking play, is something that takes Madrid to another level.
      Once again this evening, his stats over the course of the game are something to be respected.

      Copy linkCopiedQuiet night for Haaland in Denmark
      Despite their emphatic win, Copenhagen did manage to keep Erling Haaland fairly quiet this evening.
      The big Norwegian probably had more glimpses of goal in added time than he did in the rest of the game.
      Not that Guardiola will be worried, just his presence on the pitch creates openings for the players around him.
      Copy linkCopiedCity continue to impress with form
      Man City go into a run of games now before they face Liverpool at Anfield on March 10.
      Being the perfectionist that he is, Pep Guardiola will want to head into that crunch match having won every game before it.
      They face Chelsea this weekend but also have a Manchester derby thrown in the mix too.

      Copy linkCopiedDiaz takes over Bellingham mantle
      Brahim Diaz stepped into the void this evening due to the injury to Jude Bellingham.
      It was his goal that seperated the sides at the Red Bull Arena.
      With a special strike, it left many asking the question…..Jude who?

      Copy linkCopiedDe Bruyne back in groove for City
      Having spent such a long time out injured, many wondered if we would see the same Kevin De Bruyne when he finally returned.
      He has certainly answered that question and it looks like he has never been away as he is involved in all that Man City do.
      Another stellar performance this evening which saw him score one goal and get two assists.
      True class.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: RB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      Brahim Diaz’s stunning goal is the difference between the sides.
      Marco Rose will be giving his side some shooting practice when they get back together for training.
      The stats would suggest that the Germans dominated the game, but Real Madrid come away with a slender one-goal advantage.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Copenhagen 1-3 Man City
      It is a comfortable win for Pep Guardiola’s side in the end.
      They made things more difficult for themselves when Ederson’s blunder led to a Copenhagen equaliser.
      In the end, Man City will be pleased to take a two goal lead back to the Etihad Stadium.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: RB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      A disappointing result for the Germans at the Red Bull Arena.
      Real Madrid were favourites to win this game but Leipzig did enough to score the goals that could have won this game.
      They now face a tough task at the Bernabeu.
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Copenhagen 1-3 Man City
      Many City deal with a tricky fixture and now have one foot in the quarter finals of the Champions League.
      They will take a two goal advantage back to Manchester for the second leg.
      Copenhagen have tried their hardest to cause an upset but the visitors’ class shone through.
      Copy linkCopiedCopenhagen 1-3 Man City
      90+2. Foden cuts in from the flank and spots the run of De Bruyne.
      He gets to the byline and gives it back to Foden.
      Shifting it onto his left foot he buries his effort into the back of the net.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Phil Foden (Man City)
      Copy linkCopiedRB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      90+2. Leipzig will be disappointed with this result.
      They have had nine shots on targets and to have not scored a single goal will infuriate Marco Rose.
      You could argue that they should be heading to Madrid with a much more favourable scoreline.
      Copy linkCopiedCopenhagen 1-2 Man City
      90. Man City are still probing, trying to find a third goal.
      Copenhagen are starting to get frustrated, unable to get the ball back off the defending champions.
      They have managed to keep Erling Haaland quiet this evening.
      There will be three minutes added in Denmark.
      Copy linkCopiedRB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      87. The referee is getting a bit card-happy in this game now.
      Madrid seem content to hold onto their goal advantage to take back to Spain with them.
      As they look to retain possession, Leipzig fly in with some heavy challenges trying to get the ball back.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedCopenhagen 1-2 Man City
      84. Jordan Larsson has come on for Copenhagen.
      He is the son of former Celtic and Barcelona striker Henrik.
      If he is anything like his father, he could be some talent.
      Copy linkCopiedRB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      82. More worries for Carlo Ancelotti as Brahim Diaz is down in need of some treatment.
      It is the last thing Real Madrid need at the moment as their injury count piles up.
      Leipzig are starting to rain more shots down on Lunin’s goal but the Madrid keeper is equal to it so far this evening.
      Copy linkCopiedCopenhagen 1-2 Man City
      77. Bernardo Silva is on the edge of a heavy challenge and a free kick is awarded.
      The Portuguese midfielder is not happy with that one and seems to be in some pain as he limps away from it.
      Guardiola is getting Nunes to warm up, he will not want to risk the fitness of Silva.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedRB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      74. Henrichs feeds the ball to Olmo, who immediately looks to shoot from outside the box.
      Lunin gets down well into the bottom corner of the goal to make the save.
      Real Madrid break quickly with Brahim Diaz who finds Vinicius Junior in the box.
      The Brazilian’s right-footed shot strikes the post and comes back out.
      Copy linkCopiedCopenhagen 1-2 Man City
      71. Doku shifts the ball onto his right foot and looks to bend one into the top corner.
      Grabara makes a theatrical one-handed save to palm it away.
      Oscar Hojlund, brother of Rasmus, has come on for the Danes.
      Copy linkCopiedRB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      70. Dani Carvajal is shown a yellow card for a clumsy foul.
      Leipzig are doing well to get bodies between the Madrid players and the goal.
      The amount of efforts that have been blocked this evening, preventing Gulacsi from being called into action.
      Copy linkCopiedCopenhagen 1-2 Man City
      64. Copenhagen have brought on ex-Cardiff City striker Andreas Cornelius to try and get a goal.
      He will offer a more physcial problem for the Man City defence.
      Guardiola’s side continue to pass the ball around, patiently trying to find an opening.
      Copy linkCopiedRB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      62. Camavinga has a chance to get a shot away but it is blocked by his own playeer as it strikes Rodrygo.
      Leipzig go straight down the other end and Olmo gets a shot away from a tight angle, but it is high and wide.
      Both sides are still having a go in this game, neither side is sitting back and taking their foot off the gas at all.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedCopenhagen 1-2 Man City
      57. This game just goes to show, once you get to this stage of the Champions League, this is no such thing as an easy game.
      Man City are dominating possession stil but just cannot find that final pass to open Copenhagen up.
      The longer the game stays at only a single goal being the difference, Copenhagen have the chance of a sucker punch on the counter.
      Copy linkCopiedRB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      53. The hosts have certainly not given up in this game.
      Dani Olmo has the chance to shoot but Lunin makes an easy save in the middle of the goal.
      Benjamin Sesko has yet another chance, this time wide on the edge of the six yard box.
      He strikes it well but once again the Madrid keeper gets down well to save in the bottom corner.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Ralf Rangnick lined up by European giants in first club job since Man Utd spell

      by

      RALF RANGNICK has been lined up to make a stunning return to club management at Barcelona. Following legend Xavi’s shocking announcement that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season, all eyes have turned to potential replacements.
      Ralph Rangnick is a shock contender for the Barcelona jobCredit: Getty
      The likes of Jurgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta and even Lionel Messi have all been tipped.
      And now, straight out of left field, former Manchester United flop Rangnick has joined the list.
      The Austrian national team boss is 33/1 with the bookies for the job – leaving him outside the top 20 in the betting.
      Yet it has been reported that Barcelona President Joan Laporta ‘really likes’ him as an option to replace Xavi.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Rangnick is currently managing the Austrian national team but previously had a successful spell at RB Leipzig, where his genius recruitment strategy turned heads.
      He cleverly brought the likes of Emil Forsberg, Naby Keita and Timo Werner under the Red Bull roof.
      And he was credited with the meteoric rise of Leipzig from the lower leagues of German football to the Champions League from 2015 to 2021.
      It is fair to say things didn’t go so well at United, who finished the season in dreary sixth with 58 points, their lowest total to date.
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      Manchester United only managed 11 wins under Rangnick
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      But Laporta has a soft spot for German technicians and it won’t be the first time the club has gone down that route.
      Barca have had two German coaches in their history, Hans Weisweiler in the 75-76 season and legend Udo Lattek coached them between 1981 and 1983.
      Ten Hag reacts to Man Utd’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa
      Both had issues with star players – famously Weisweiler clashed with Johan Cruyff while Lattek had a run-in with Diego Maradona.
      Other candidates on Barca’s ‘shortlist’ include Arsenal’s Arteta, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique, Brigton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Xabi Alonso amongst others.
      But it’s Barca legend Raphael Marquez, currently manager of Barca’s B team, who has shot to the top of the betting. More