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      Man City 3 Copenhagen 1 (6-2): Haaland scores 29th goal of the season as Citizens cruise into Champions League quarters

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      MANCHESTER CITY may have got a helping hand from the man in the mask.But there was no disguising their superiority as they swept to a 10th straight win in the Champions League.Manchester cruised their way into the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: GettyThey comfortably beat Copenhagen 3-1Credit: RexFormer Liverpool keeper Kamil Grabara was left red faced as he fumbled a cross shot from Julian Alvarez into his net early on.Yet luckily for the Pole his face was covered up – so his blushes were spared.What would Pep Guardiola give for a clanger like that from one of the current Reds squad in Sunday’s title showdown at Anfield?At least his team will make the short journey down the M62 to their bogey ground full of confidence – and in many cases fully rested.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBecause many of his stars who put Manchester United to the sword on Sunday were given an evening off to prepare.Erling Haaland wasn’t one of them – he still feels fresh after a two month injury break in his season and played 88 minutes .Needless to say the Norwegian got the goal you almost expect from him in this competition to take his tally for the season to 29.If the first leg in Denmark three weeks ago was a walk in The Parken – then this was more of a meander.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPhil Foden’s goal in stoppage time in Denmark had pretty much put this last 16 tie beyond any doubt.It made this second leg a formality but that was no bad thing for Pep Guardiola as it fell between key Prem matches against Manchester United and Liverpool.Bacary Sagna reveals Pep Guardiola cut the WiFi in the Man City changing roomHe was able to make seven changes – fielding the club’s second youngest side ever in this competition.Yet the understudies clearly fancied it as they blew away any lingering doubts inside the first 10 minutes.Less than five had passed when Alvarez – back on set pieces with Kevin De Bruyne on the bench – curled a corner from the right.Defender Manuel Akanji swung his right boot at it and his effort fizzed into the top corner.The Swiss was a team-mate of Haaland at Borussia Dortmund as well as here at City and it was a finish the Norwegian would have been proud of.Grabara never saw that one – but he had no excuses for the nightmare he endured shortly afterwards.Rodri directed his header against the bar but the rebound fell to Alvarez out on the left flank.The Argentine fizzed over a cross shot that should have been straight down the throat of the Polish keeper – but he somehow let it squirm through his hands.Erling Haaland scored his 29th goal of the seasonCredit: AFPAlvarez seemed almost embarrassed as he ran off celebrating while there was no hiding place for Grabara.Copenhagen’s Scotland international Scott McKenna must have been fearing the worst at that point.On his last trip here – with Nottingham Forest in 2022 – he was on the wrong end of a 6-0 hiding.Yet with their passage to the quarter finals secure for seventh straight season, City took their foot off the gas.It was always going to be a huge ask for the Danes – who came straight off their winter break into the clash with the holders last month.But their fans were determined to enjoy themselves and just before the half hour they got the goal they craved.Former Southampton forward Mohammed Elyounoussi ran onto a clever flick from Orri Oskarsson and finished clinically past Ederson.That was their first ever goal in the knock-out stages of this competition – so at least they had made a little bit of history.Elyounoussi is an international team-mate of Haaland and maybe the City forward was feeling a bit left out.Because first half stoppage time he plucked a pass from Rodri out of the night air, drifted past McKenna before wrong-footing Grabara from the edge of the box.That made it 29 for the season for the £51.4 million forward – and don’t forget he missed two months of it due to a foot injury.It was also his 41st goal in a competition he loves so much – equalling the tally of a certain Sergio Aguero, who didn’t do too badly around these parts.Guardiola’s men have scored three or more in nine straight Champions League home matches now – nobody will fancy coming here in the last eight.Rodri had done enough to extend his personal unbeaten run to 60 and at half-time he was given a well earned breather by Guardiola.To be fair the Spaniard didn’t miss much – Ederson made a flying save to deny sub Magnus Mattson – while Oscar Bobb’s deflected shot hit the bar.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile City’s summer signing Matheus Nunes was forced off with what looked an extremely sore dislocated fingerBut otherwise it was as comfortable as you could have wished for City – to prepare for their biggest game of the season.Matheus Nunes was substituted after dislocating his fingerCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I’m dying’ – Fans can’t believe Thierry Henry’s face as Kate Abdo pays cheeky compliment to Micah Richards

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      FANS couldn’t believe what they were seeing when Kate Abdo paid Micah Richards a cheeky compliment live on TV.Abdo was presenting CBS Sports’ coverage of the Champions League alongside Richards, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher.Kate Abdo gave Micah Richards a cheeky compliment while hosting CBS Sports’ Champions League coverageRichards and Carragher were left laughing uncontrollably at the jokeThierry Henry looked as though he couldn’t believe what he had just heardThe fun-loving crew were discussing their roles on the broadcast when Carragher claimed Richards is there as the “entertainer” of the pundits.Abdo took issue with that label and offered some praise for the former Man City star and his on-screen skills.She said: “I think Micah is much more than that. I think he matches you [Carragher] in tactical analysis.”When Carragher probed further to ask what else his colleague “matched” him in Abdo hit back with a brutal joke response.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe said: “I think he exceeds you in a few other things.”The hard-hitting comment left Henry who was watching on stunned and fans were left laughing at the hilarious face he pulled out of shock.One took to social media to write: “Titi’s face at the end.”While another added: “I’m dying here.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “Henry’s face lol.”And a fourth joked: “Thierry has so many questions in his head now.”Micah Richards jokes ‘is he under the thumb?’ as CBS pundits discuss Kate Abdo’s fiancé’s stag doThe hilarious quartet have gained a reputation for their entertaining banter every time they are on air together.Most recently fans were laughing at Henry’s reaction to Kate Abdo’s wedding announcement.While Micah Richards revealed a hilarious toilet mishap that he suffered while working for Sky Sports. More

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      ‘Thinks he’s a proper comedian,’ cry fans after Rio Ferdinand’s cringe Masked Singer gag about blunder Copenhagen keeper

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      RIO FERDINAND had fans cringing after his terrible Masked Singer joke live on TV.The former Manchester United defender, 45, was on punditry duty for TNT Sports as Manchester City took on Copenhagen in the Champions League.Kamil Grabara – wearing a mask at the Etihad – dropped Julian Alvarez’s shot-crossCredit: GettyThe ball looped into the back of the netCredit: GettyRio Ferdinand made a gag about the Masked Singer on commentary for TNTCredit: RexAnd he was drafted in for some so-called expert analysis following Julian Alvarez’s freak goal.The City star whipped in a cross with nine minutes on the clock and his team already 1-0 up thanks to Manuel Akanji’s flashing finish.It looked to be a very routine and simple catch for Copenhagen goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, who is wearing a protective mask following a facial fracture in 2022.But Polish stopper Grabara – who spent five years on the books at Liverpool – did not live up to his name as he inexplicably managed to drop the ball into his own net.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCommentator Darren Fletcher immediately said Grabara had “thrown one in” and suggested his mask could have “slipped over his eyes”.Then during a break in play, Ferdinand was drafted in to give his thoughts on the bizarre goal. And the former England ace said: “I thought when I saw the replay it could have been the Masked Singer in goal. “Listen it’s a speculative strike, he’s hitting and hoping from that angle, it’s a really really tight angle.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He’s put enough pace on it and obviously the keeper lost a bit of concentration unfortunately for him, I hope he recovers to be honest.”But fans watching the action on TNT were not happy with Ferdinand’s dreadful gag.Laura Woods gags in awkward moment during TNT Sports clip as Rio Ferdinand says ‘that’s a bad sign’ One said: “Rio Ferdinand thinks he’s a proper comedian doesn’t he?”Another wrote: “The masked singer in goal. Good one @rioferdy5.”A third added: “Genuinely the worst attempt at a joke I’ve ever heard in my life.”A fourth moaned: “What the f*** does that even mean?”And a fifth whined: “Wtf what a clown he is.”Paul Merson was watching the action in the Sky Sports studio and was equally bamboozled by Grabara’s woeful blunder.The ex-Arsenal man called it live and said: “The keeper’s just thrown it in.”He’s got a mask on, he may as put a bag over his head.”It’s an absolute shocker, an absolute shocker.”It’s 2-0 with nine minutes gone, I dread to think what the score’s going to be especially with that goalkeeper with them gloves on.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a ricket of all rickets.”It gets worse. My little girl is six, she’d catch that.””My little girl’s six, she’d catch that” 😮Julian Alvarez DOUBLES Manchester City’s lead after a goalkeeping mistake. pic.twitter.com/Z65H7fctTK— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 6, 2024 More

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      Micah Richards reveals toilet mishap he suffered while live on Sky Sports as Jamie Carragher admits ‘it didn’t go well…’

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      MICAH RICHARDS hilariously revealed that he got stuck in the toilet during his last appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.The two pundits were working alongside Thierry Henry and host Kate Abdo for the coverage of the Champions League on Tuesday night.Micah Richards exposed a big secret after last night’s Champions League matchesCredit: CBS SportsKate Abdo saw the funny side of Richard’s mishapCredit: CBS SportsIt came just 24 hours after Carragher and Henry both featured on Sky’s MNF coverage of Arsenal’s 6-0 thumping of Sheffield United.Carragher and Richards shared banter as they discussed how the show had a different feel to Sky’s Sunday coverage, where the former Manchester City defender often appears. Presenter Abdo jokingly stirred up trouble when she asked: “Some of us have been working together. Have you been invited to MNF yet, Micah?”The former Liverpool man chimed in that Monday’s show was “award-winning”, but Richards said that he worked Sundays, which has a “bigger audience”. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarragher added: “It’s a different type of show, Kate.”He was pressed to explain the comment, and after the panel roared with laughter, the 46-year-old said: “It’s a more tactical look at the game, shall we say? A bit more technical.”Abdo,42, replied: “I say get him on”, to which Carragher said: “He’s been on. It didn’t go well.”Richards responded: “When I got stuck in the toilet?” which triggered more hysterics from Carragher and the rest of the team.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCBS has shot to popularity thanks to the infectiously charismatic panel and Abdo as host.Fans recently joked that Henry was left devastated with the presenter’s wedding announcement. Micah Richards jokes ‘is he under the thumb?’ as CBS pundits discuss Kate Abdo’s fiancé’s stag doMeanwhile, Kylian Mbappe’s two goals made sure Paris Saint Germain secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad.Harry Kane’s brace saw Bayern Munich win 3-0 and advance to the next round after losing 1-0 in the first leg to Lazio.Arsenal striker Henry gives analysis on CBS Sports’ Champions League coverageCredit: PAAbdo has established herself as one of the best sports broadcastersCredit: Getty More

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      Eagle-eyed fans spot Premier League referee ‘try to to tap up Champions League star for Newcastle’

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      NEWCASTLE UNITED fans think one Premier League referee is doing his best to help the club’s recruitment.Eagle-eyed Toon supporters spotted Michael Oliver seemingly ask Mikel Merino to rejoin the Black and White Army.Fans think Michael Oliver has been trying to tap up a Real Sociedad star to join Newcastle UnitedCredit: GettyOliver seemed to joke with Mikel Merino about a return to St James’ ParkCredit: AFPFans spotted the interaction on TVCredit: TNT SportsOliver was the man in the middle for the second leg of Real Sociedad’s Champions League last 16 tie with PSG on Tuesday night.And after the full time whistle blew on PSG’s 4-1 aggregate win, Oliver appeared to jokingly ask Sociedad star Merino to make a return to the Magpies.Fans online thought that Oliver, who is known to be a Newcastle fan himself, appeared to joke “are you coming back?” while shaking hands with Merino.The 27-year-old central midfielder previously had a brief spell at St James’ Park during the 2017/18 season after joining on loan from German giants Borussia Dortmund.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut despite Newcastle being impressed enough to make the deal permanent just three months into the loan, Merino was sold to Sociedad in the following summer where he has remained since.Merino made just 25 appearances for the Premier League club scoring one goal in the process.And fans are convinced that he would be keen to make a return to Tyneside as they claimed that Merino “didn’t say no” to Oliver’s question.Others pleaded on social media for the 27-year-old to return to Newcastle in the near future.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote: “What a signing this lad would be… again!”While another added: “Would love to see him in black and white once more”.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveA third posted: “‘I’d have him back in a second”.And a fourth wrote: “Please come back Merino! Our midfield would be stacked”.Merino previously spent one season at Newcastle UnitedCredit: Reuters More

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      Micah Richards threatens to take Jamie Carragher to HR after very inappropriate comment about his love life

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      MICAH RICHARDS threatened to send Jamie Carragher to HR after he made an inappropriate comment about his love life.The two Premier League legends were on duty for CBS Sports during the coverage of the Champions League.Micah Richards was shocked after a comment from Jamie Carragher about his love lifeCredit: CBSKate Abdo found the exchange hilariousCredit: CBSThey were offering analysis as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain made it through to the quarter-finals.However along with host Kate Abdo and co-pundit Thierry Henry they often jokingly wind each other up.In their latest debacle, Richards threatened to get HR involved after they got on to the topic of marriage.Richards was asked by Abdo if he would ever like to get married.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Manchester City star said: “No, I don’t believe in it”.Carragher then started to query what part of marriage Richards was against.Before he was able to respond, Carragher joked: “Being faithful?”Richards was speechless by the suggestion at first as Henry said he had “to go now”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRichards then started shouting “HR HR needs to intervene.”He was not the only one to speak about his future love life during the show.Thierry Henry’s ‘soul leaves his body’ and he gasps ‘really?’ after Kate Abdo’s wedding announcement on live TVAbdo also revealed that she could be set to settle down as boyfriend Malik Scott “wants to marry her”.The former heavyweight boxer has been dating the presenter and went Instagram official earlier this month.After the revelation, fans were quick to point at Henry’s reaction with some joking that his “soul left his body”. More

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      Eric Dier ‘does a Steve McClaren’ in live TNT Sports interview with fans baffled by Bayern Munich star’s accent

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      FANS have been left baffled by Eric Dier’s accent during a live TV interview.The Bayern Munich star addressed the media following the 3-0 Champions League win over Lazio on Tuesday.Eric Dier appeared to change his accent for a live interviewCredit: TNT sportsDier is playing with Harry Kane at Bayern MunichCredit: GettyDier, 30, was all smiles in the interview with TNT Sports after the result saw his side overcome the 1-0 deficit from the first leg.The club have now confirmed their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals along with Paris Saint-Germain.However, as Dier hailed the team’s resolute defence and Harry Kane’s prolific form, fans were confused by his accent.They took to social media as they were convinced that the English ace was putting on a German accent.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was compared to the infamous interview of manager Steve McClaren when he put on a Dutch accent while FC Twente boss.One fan posted: “Can confirm @ericdier is not only surviving, but THRIVING out in Germany!”A second wrote: “Why is he still trying a German accent 😂😂.”A third commented: “Dier and his fake German accent.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA fourth said: “Someone tell Eric to drop that dead German accent.”A fifth asked: “Has Eric Dier got a new voice, trying to sound German?”Eric Dier’s emotional goodbye to Tottenham fans after agreeing Bayern Munich switch’Another added: “Why does he still use that accent.”It is not the first time that Dier has ‘done a Steve McClaren’ since joining Bayern.The defender’s accent appeared to be different after he made his debut for the club back in January.Dier spent ten years at Tottenham after joining from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon in 2014.The defender was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire but moved to Portugal in 2001 and joined Sporting’s academy in 2003.In 2010, Dier’s parents moved back to England but he stayed in Portugal to pursue his footballing career. More

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      Thomas Tuchel suffers broken toe in bizarre dressing room incident as he tried to motivate Bayern stars before Lazio win

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      THOMAS TUCHEL revealed he broke a TOE trying to motivate his Bayern Munich stars against Lazio.The tactician masterminded a comeback win against fellow ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri last night, sealing Bayern’s place in the Champions League quarter-finals.Thomas Tuchel suffered a broken toe as Bayern Munich KO’d Lazio in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyTuchel spent most of the game sat downCredit: RexAnd in a bid to fire up his men before kick-off, Tuchel took a swing at a door while delivering a motivational speech.But the technique backfired, with his passionate plea unfortunately resulting in a broken toe.And Tuchel is now set for a second spell in crutches – having previously broken his foot while leading PSG to the Champions League final in 2020.He said: “It is painful. I kicked a door in the dressing room during a motivational speech and it was the wrong technique.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I think it is broken. I don’t think I can take the shoe off.“The team was wondering why I was sitting for almost 90 minutes.”Bayern went into last night’s clash a goal down from the first leg.But they avoided embarrassment as Harry Kane’s double and a Thomas Muller strike sealed a 3-0 victory at the Allianz Arena.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 3-1 aggregate win means Tuchel remains in the Bayern dugout for a little while longer.Reports claimed the former PSG boss was toast if Bayern failed to qualify for the next round of Europe’s elite competition.Bayern Munich clash temporarily suspended and players taken off pitch as fans hurl tennis balls on fieldTuchel’s exit this summer has already been confirmed by both manager and club.And Bavarian chiefs were ready to pull the trigger early if Lazio ended their continental dream.A 12th successive Bundesliga title looks to already be over after they fell 10 points behind Bayer Leverkusen.But Bayern are already looking to destabilise their rivals after opening talks with Xabi Alonso to become their new boss this summer.As for Tuchel’s future, he is reportedly open to replacing Xavi at Barcelona.And there could even be an opportunity to return to England with Manchester United. More