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

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      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.
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      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
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      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

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      PSG take training to the next level with ROBOT WALL as fans joke ‘all this to convince Mbappe to stay’

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have taken their training into the future with the addition of a new robot wall.The technology has been introduced at the club’s training ground to help their stars practice free-kicks.
      PSG have installed a robot wall at their training groundCredit: X
      Fans have joked the technology is part of a plan to keep Kylian Mbappe at the clubCredit: AFP
      Footage from their Camp des Loges base shows coaches working with the robot wall in front of goal.
      The equipment consists of a wall of mannequins on wheels which move up and down to block shots.
      As movement is made towards the wall, the mannequins mimic a defensive wall’s jump, shown by a coach walking towards the wall in footage from the training ground.
      However, fans could not help but joke about PSG’s lack of European glory and Kylian Mbappe’s potential exit in response.
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      One fan wrote on social media: “Gonna need a robot to take free-kicks too considering everyone’s left.”
      Another added: “Can the training walls give them Champions League?”
      A third fan also commented: “All this, just to convince Mbappe to stay.”
      Mbappe’s future in the French capital remains in doubt with his contract expiring in the summer.
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      The 25-year-old has yet to sign a new deal and is free to pen a pre-contract agreement with clubs overseas.
      He has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid and has reportedly agreed to join the Spanish giants this summer.
      PSG and Real Madrid set for summer battle for Kylian Mbappe, with Frenchman wanting huge money to join Los Blancos
      Reports have claimed Mbappe has given the club his demands to finally complete the long-anticipated move.
      As for PSG, Luis Enrique’s side are currently 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 after beating Lille 3-1 on Saturday.
      However, they remain in search of their first Champions League triumph and return to European action this week.
      PSG host Real Sociedad in their round of 16 first leg at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. More

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      Former Nottingham Forest star set for daunting Champions League debut at side who haven’t played in two months

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      COPENHAGEN might be a bit rusty against in-form Manchester City on Tuesday in their first competitive game for TWO MONTHS.The Danes have been on a winter break since their 1-0 win over Galatasaray clinched a last-16 place back on December 12.
      Scott McKenna could make his debut for Copenhagen against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      Boss Jacob Neestrop admits 63 days without a game is not ideal.
      He said: “Of course, it would be an advantage if we had been in full flow but it is what it is.
      “We’ve tried to have the best start regarding our training
      “We feel we’re in a very good place.
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      “We go for playing a good game and deliver a good performance to get a result like we have done in the other Champions League matches.”
      Copenhagen played in the friendly Atlantic Cup in Portugal last week to get some match practice, winning two out of their three games.
      This is only the second time they have reached the last 16 — they lost to Chelsea in 2011.
      But they came through a group that also included Bayern Munich and Manchester United and have lost just two of 18 Champions League matches at their Parken Stadium, which is known for its hostile atmosphere.
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      Scottish centre back Scott McKenna, 27, is in line for a debut after a loan move from Nottingham Forest last month. 
      The defender had fallen out of favour under Steve Cooper and was unable to convince Nuno Espirito Santo that he should be given a spot back in the team.
      Real Madrid team bus involved in crash on way to face RB Leipzig in Champions League clash
      Speaking about facing Manchester City in the Champions League, Mckenna said: “Manchester City are obviously a top team and it will be a difficult match.
      “But I don’t think you should show them too much respect, otherwise they will just run over you.
      “You have to try to make it as difficult for them as possible and hopefully it will work out for us.
      “I have only played against Manchester City once and it didn’t end too well for me! I know Copenhagen played against City last season in the Champions League too so the players at the club have probably faced them more than me.” More

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      Real Madrid team bus involved in crash on way to face RB Leipzig in Champions League clash

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      REAL MADRID’s team bus has been involved in a crash on route to face RB Leipzig.The LaLiga giants are travelling to Germany for their round of 16 clash on Tuesday night.
      The Real Madrid bus has been involved in a crash
      The collision happened on route to Leipzig
      The Real Madrid squad landed in Erfurt, Germany this morning ahead of a 100-mile drive to their final destination.
      The team had to fly to Erfurt rather than Leipzig due to a strike at Leipzig Airport
      However, German newspaper Bild has reported that the bus was involved in a collision with a white Toyota.
      The car’s driver is said to have overlooked the bus while changing lanes and broke the exterior mirror.
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      It has been estimated that the cost of the damage to the Toyota is £2,560.
      There was minimal damage to the Real Madrid bus with only some scratches visible on the driver’s side.
      The collision did cause a brief stop to the team’s journey but after checking that everyone was okay and the bus was fine they continued on their way.
      Real Madrid’s squad including the likes of Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde were on board along with the technical staff.
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      Toni Kroos was among the players on the busCredit: X – REAL MADRID
      The bus finally arrived at the team hotel Steigenberger in downtown Leipzig before 3pm.
      Jude Bellingham was not seen getting off the bus with the England star expected to miss the match.
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      The midfielder picked up an ankle sprain against Girona on Saturday.
      However, Leipzig manager Marco Rose is yet to be convinced.
      He said: “I will only believe that Jude will be out if he is not in the stadium tomorrow.
      “It’s a Champions League game. I know Jude well, he will definitely want to play.
      “And if it means that he goes to the Leipzig doctors again and gets treated.
      “I’ve read a lot, but we’ll see.” More

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      Supercomputer reveals the chances of Man Utd finishing in Champions League spot after vital win over Aston Villa

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boosted their chances of finishing in a Champions League spot by beating Aston Villa – but the odds are still stacked against them.Goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay helped United complete the double over Villa, their closest Champions League rivals.
      Manchester United boosted their top five chances by beating Aston VillaCredit: Getty
      But Unai Emery’s side are still in control when it comes to qualifying for the continent’s elite competition.
      They sit five points ahead of the Red Devils and will be pushing to finish in the top four, having slipped behind Tottenham at the weekend.
      United will also be aiming to finish in the top four but have been given just a five per cent chance of doing so by Opta’s supercomputer.
      However this season the Premier League is likely to be allocated an additional Champions League qualification spot for the team that finishes fifth.
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      That means Erik ten Hag’s men actually have a 21.3 per cent chance of qualifying for the tournament.
      But United still fall considerably short of Villa and the rest of the teams above them in the table.
      The current top three – Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal – will almost certainly be playing Champions League football next season, while Tottenham have been given an 87 per cent chance of qualifying.
      Villa rank closely behind on 76.4 per cent, so it is unlikely Ten Hag will repeat his success of last year, when United finished fourth.
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      United have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League
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      His side are only just beginning to turn their form around after losing nine Prem games this season.
      The likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Brighton all have a very slim chance of finishing in the top five, with Chelsea set to miss out again after being given a 0.5 per cent chance.
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      Gianluigi Buffon reveals ‘buying a diploma’ is his biggest regret but ‘doesn’t care’ about Champions League failure

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      GIANLUIGI BUFFON has revealed the thing he is “least proud of” in his life.The Italy and Juventus legend, 46, retired from football in August, bringing a close to a glittering 28-year career that saw him win 29 trophies, including the World Cup in 2006.
      World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon has revealed his biggest ‘regret’ in footballCredit: Getty
      Buffon insists failing to win the Champions League is ‘not a wound’ for himCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      His trophy collection also included ten Serie A titles, six Coppa Italia’s and the Ligue 1.
      The former goalkeeper never managed to get his hands on a Champions League despite being in the final three times.
      However, Buffon insists the biggest regret in his life came when he was just 18 years old.
      Speaking at an event in Biella via Repubblica, he explained: “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, especially, especially when I was young.
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      “What I’m least proud of is having bought my diploma at 18, I wouldn’t do it again because there is a note of incorrectness and shortcuts and I have never been one for shortcuts.”
      In fact, Buffon says “doesn’t care” about his failure to win the Champions League because playing in it was joyous enough for him.
      He said: “It’s never been a wound for me, for me it was the incentive to fight every year for something extremely big.
      “If I then have to say a general thing that touches the Juve world, team-mates and managers, I was very sorry for them and for the fans who have yearned for this cup for more or less thirty years.
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      “For me, playing in the Champions League was already joy, winning it would have been the closing of a circle, but I don’t care.”
      On his love for Juventus, where he spent 17 years of his career, he said: “Juventus were my footballing life, there were wonderful memories, an adventure and human growth and consecration from a sporting point of view.
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      “The Juve universe turns your certainties upside down, but the moment you succeed they will never give up on you.” More