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      ‘Gvardiol might need ticket to get back in stadium’ – Man City star red-faced after he is ‘sent for hot dog’ by Mbappe

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE humiliated Josko Gvadiol as the hat-trick hero embarrassed Manchester City.The Premier League champions went to the Spanish capital trailing 3-2 from the first leg of the Champions League play-off round clash.Josko Gvardiol was humiliated by Kylian Mbappe’s brillianceCredit: @footballontntMbappe sent Gvardiol flying with his ‘devastating’ touch insideCredit: ReutersMbappe’s finish saw Real Madrid go 5-2 up on aggregateCredit: AFPThe Frenchman gave the defender a look as he ran off to celebrateCredit: ReutersBut City gave themselves a mountain to climb soon after kick-off when Mbappe scored a clever chipped opener just four minutes into the game.He then grabbed his second in stunning fashion, embarrassing Josko Gvardiol in the process.Mbappe twisted and turned his way passed the City defence with magical quick feet before finishing clinically beyond Ederson.Real Madrid’s main man knocked the ball beyond Gvardiol and sent him flying, twisting his ankle in the process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo rub salt into City wounds, Mbappe pointed at him as the City star lay on the turf, laughed at his rival’s discomfort and gestured a slip with his hands as he ran off celebrating.It left TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher in awe, who said: “That’s brilliant. Gvardiol might need a ticket to get back in the stadium.”Kylian Mbappe just planted him on the turf and then planted the ball pass Ederson.”Real Madrid lead 2-0 on the night, 5-2 on aggregate, and Mbappe looks like he might run riot.”Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRio Ferdinand added: “He has absolutely laid the defender down on the floor and said ‘sit down there, watch me slot this home’.”Wonderful from Mbappe. Devastating. Lay down.”Inside Jude Bellingham’s new romance with stunning Instagram modelAt half-time, Ferdinand joked that Mbappe should have got Gvardiol a pillow.Ex-City star Joleon Lescott compared the ex-PSG superstar to the legendary Thierry Henry. Meanwhile, fans joked Gvardiol was sent for a “hot dog” and “back to Croatia”.Mbappe was not done there though, completing his hat-trick in the second-half with another stunning finish. More

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      Champions League prize money 2025: How much can each team earn by playing in Europe’s top competition?

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      THE revamp of Europe’s elite club competition comes with an added boost to the coffers of contenders.The total prize pot for the Champions League is expected to be around £2.07BILLION this season – a huge increase on last year’s £1.68bn.There’s been an increase in prize money for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersHow much can each team earn by playing in Europe’s top competition?Each of the 36 League Phase clubs earned £15.6million for their participation, with £1.7m for each victory and £587k for each draw.The value of each spot in the table was £230k, therefore the club that comes second last in 35th place got double that amount, £461k, while the table-toppers got £8.3m.Clubs that placed 9th through 16th got £830k, while the top eight additionally received a £1.6m bonus.Reaching each knockout stage only results in more money being awarded – the Allianz Arena’s overall champions took home £21.1m.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUEPerformance-related prize money makes up 37.5 per cent (£766m) of the total pot. Of that amount, 35 per cent goes to Uefa’s recently established value pillar, which divides broadcast income based on coefficient points, while the remaining 27.5 per cent is divided equally among the 36 teams.That meant top-eight finishers Aston Villa earned LESS than play-off placed Manchester City, despite finishing above them, due to their poor coefficient.Here’s what each team have earned at the time of writing:Most read in Champions League1.Liverpool£82.9million2.Inter Milan£75.8m3.Arsenal£74.8m4.Barcelona£74.7m5.Bayer Leverkusen£72.9m6.Atletico Madrid£71.1m7.Bayern Munich£68.1m8.Paris Saint-Germain£67.7m9.LOSC Lille£65.8m10.Borussia Dortmund£65.8m11.Real Madrid£65.5m12.Manchester City£63.5m13.Aston Villa£59.5m14.Atalanta£56.1m15.Juventus£55.5m16.AC Milan£51.3m17.SL Benfica£50.5m18.AS Monaco£50m19.RB Leipzig£49.2m20.PSV Eindhoven£45.4m21.Feyenoord£45m22.Stade Brestois 29£43.4m23.Club Brugge£41.7m24.Sporting Lisbon£41m25.Celtic£38.7m26.Stuttgart£36.2m27.RB Salzburg£35.6m28.Shakhtar Donetsk£34.5m29.Dinamo Zagreb£33.2m30.Bologna£29.2m31.Red Star Belgrade£26.8m32.BSC Young Boys£25.3m33.Girona£25m34.Sparta Prague£23.9m35.Sturm Graz£23.4m36.Slovan Bratislava£18.3m More

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      Why is Jude Bellingham not suspended for Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Man City?

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      JUDE Bellingham WILL be available for Real Madrid tonight against Man City in the Champions League – and here is why.Bellingham was sent off during Madrid’s 1-1 draw at Osasuna in La Liga over the weekend, but will not miss Real Madrid’s clash against City.Jude Bellingham was sent off for telling referee Jose Munuera to “f*** off”Credit: GettyThe incident between Jose Munuera and Bellingham was described as a “miscommunication.”Credit: Vincent West TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYLos Blancos have experienced a turbulent season with referees in the Spanish League, with the 21-year-old’s dismissal only adding fuel to the fire.REAL VS MAN CITY LIVE – LATEST UPDATESWhy is Bellingham not suspended for the Champions League?Jude Bellingham will not be suspended from the Champions League as suspensions from La Liga do not carry over into UEFA competitions. Bellingham, however, is likely to get a lengthy ban from La Liga, after being sent off during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna.Read more FootballThe Three Lions midfielder has avoided a lengthy ban, and will be suspended for matches against Girona at home and Real Betis away.Reports in Spain suggest Real will appeal.Why is Jude Bellingham suspended?The 21-year-old Bellingham was sent off for dissent during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna. In an incident which has been described as a “miscommunication” by Bellingham, he told referee Jose Munuera to “f*** off”, but Munuera thought he said “f*** you.” Most read in Champions LeagueBellingham will be banned for two matches for the incident.Who is playing in the Champions League knockout stage tonight?There are eight games of action over two nights, with half of the pack being eliminated from the Champions League, as part of their new format.Tuesday, February 17:Milan 1-1 Feyenoord (Feyenoord win 2-1 on agg)Atalanta 1-3 Club Brugge (Brugge win 5-3 on agg)Bayern Munich 1-1 Celtic (Bayern win 3-2 on agg)Benfica 3-3 Monaco (Benfica win 4-3 on agg)Wednesday, February 18:Dortmund (3) vs Sporting (0) – 5.45pm GMTParis (3) vs Brest (0) – 8pm GMTReal Madrid (3) vs Manchester City (2) – 8pm GMTPSV (1) vs Juventus (2) – 8pm GMT More

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      ‘God was inspired by your beauty’ say fans as TNT Sports presenter steals show in low-cut dress for Champions League

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      A CHAMPIONS League host has distracted fans from the on-field drama – with her outrageous outfit. Miroslava Montemayor, 35, won hearts during TNT’s coverage of the tournament in Mexico. Miroslava Montemayor has wowed fans in Mexico with her on-screen outfitCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontThe former pageant queen is a big celebrity in South AmericaCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontShe has spent the last ten years as a sports presenterCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontMiroslava joined ESPN over a decade ago before heading to TNT in 2019Credit: Instagram @miroslavamontThe presenter was front and centre for a night of high drama across the European competition. Celtic almost knocked out Bayern Munich, Club Brugge stunned Atalanta and Benfica drew 3-3 with Monaco. Montemayor was on hand to bring TNT viewers in Mexico all the goals as they happened.And she turned heads with her sultry choice of on-air attire, rocking a stunning blue outfit for the cameras. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDebuting the look to her 394,000 Instagram followers, one fan gasped: “What a stunner.”Another said: “Distracted me during the postgame.”While a third added: “When God invented beauty he was inspired by you.”Miroslava, 35, is a former Mexican beauty pageant titleholder.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe represented her country at Miss International 2013 in Japan and began her foray into TV over a decade ago. After leaving modelling behind, she headed into the world of sports broadcasting. AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question Miroslava began her TV career on Azteca Noreste sports show ADN.She joined up with ESPN in 2015, fronting a number of their Spanish-language shows. The presenter turns her hand to everything from American football to tennis. Miroslava left ESPN in 2019 to join TNT, where she has since fronted the Champions League coverage in Mexico. Later that year she married Jorge Alberto Hank, owner of Mexican football club Tijuana.The stunning host has almost 400,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontShe has worked World Cups, Super Bowls and tennis majors in her careerCredit: Instagram @miroslavamontMiroslava began her career as a beauty queenCredit: Instagram @miroslavamont More

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      ‘Deeply disrespectful’ – Lookman releases statement after own manager called him ‘one of worst penalty takers ever’

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      ADEMOLA LOOKMAN has called criticism of him “deeply disrespectful” after his manager slammed his missed penalty.The former Fulham and Everton star was in action for Atalanta last night as they were dumped out of the Champions League by Club Brugge.Ademola Lookman missed a spot kick last nightCredit: AFPSimon Mignolet saved Lookman’s penaltyCredit: AFPAtalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was unimpressed with the wingerCredit: RexThe Serie A side trailed 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate at half time in Bergamo.Lookman, 27, pulled a goal back in the first minute of the second period, before being handed a golden opportunity to further reduce his side’s deficit from the penalty spot.The Nigeria international’s spot kick was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, however, with Atalanta going on to lose 3-1 on the night.After the game, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. (Mateo) Retegui and (Charles) De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”Lookman has since hit back at criticism directed his way.In a statement posted to his social media accounts, he wrote: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city.”Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.”Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result.Scottish fan is only away supporter to turn up to cheer on Atalanta against Napoli”During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so.”Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which l’ll continue to do.”Lookman’s botched spot kick last night was not his first underwhelming penalty.With Fulham trailing West Ham 1-0 in November 2020, the winger stepped up from 12 yards in the 98th minute.He infamously attempted a Panenka penalty, which was easily saved by the goalkeeper.Prior to last night, however, he had scored all four spot kicks taken for Atalanta’LOST HIS HEAD’In the closing stages of last night’s match, Atalanta skipper Rafael Toloi “lost his head”.As the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.The referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.READ MORE SUN STORIESGasperini, 67, added of the incident: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.”Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”Rafael Toloi bundled over an opponentCredit: TNT SPORTS More

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      Man Utd statement confirms ‘exceptional’ cost of sacking Erik ten Hag and staff including Dan Ashworth

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have revealed how much money they spent to sack Erik ten Hag, his staff and Dan Ashworth.Ten Hag was sacked by the Red Devils in October after winning just three of their opening nine Premier League games.The cost for Man Utd to sack Erik ten Hag and his staff has been revealedCredit: PAThe figure also includes the cost of parting ways with Dan Ashworth after just five monthsCredit: PAThe interest paid back on the debt owed by Avram Glazer, right, and his family has hit £1bnCredit: The TimesThe club also got rid of the Dutchman’s staff as they swept the board clean for Ruben Amorim and the arrival of his own coaching team.While that move was not too surprising, at the start of December it was announced sporting director Ashworth would be leaving after just five months in charge.United have now confirmed the cost of parting ways with them.In the club’s second-quarter fiscal results for 2025 published today, it was noted under “exceptional items” that United spent £14.5million – £10.4m to sack Ten Hag and his staff and £4.1m on Ashworth’s exit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fiscal report also revealed the club’s total revenue was down 12 per cent over the quarter and the staggering cost of servicing the Galzer family’s debt.The loss of income was due to a 42.1 per cent reduction in broadcasting revenue, falling to £61.6m from the lack of Champions League football.That came despite commercial revenue increasing by 18.5 per cent driven by a new shirt sponsorship with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon brand.The accounts revealed United had an operating profit of £3.1m, with EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) of £70.5m, down 22.9 per cent from £91.4m in 2Q24.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, including player trading, this figure resulted in a £27.7m loss.The balance sheet of the club was also strengthened by an £80m investment by Ineos – without which Man Utd would have been left with just £15m in cash.Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-upInterest costs since the 2005 Glazer buy-out have now gone over £1billion after £18.8m payment, while the total debt stands at £731m – with around £300m still owed on transfers.In a statement, CEO Omar Berrada spoke about the challenges facing the club and the ongoing work to regenerate Old Trafford and redevelop the Carrington training centre.He said: “We recognise the challenges in improving our men’s team’s league position and we are all working hard, collectively, to achieve that. “At the same time, we are pleased to have progressed to the knock-out phase of the UEFA Europa League and the 5th Round of the FA Cup. “Meanwhile, our women’s team is currently placed second in the Women’s Super League, and has reached the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup.“Our redevelopment of the Carrington Training Complex remains on track. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We continue to work towards a decision on the future of Old Trafford as part of a wider regeneration programme, which has now attracted UK Government support. “This follows the work of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force in demonstrating the significant economic potential of a revitalised area around a future stadium project.” More

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      Wayne Rooney spotted training his England teammate Kyle Walker’s six-year-old son at £8k Dubai holiday camp

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      WAYNE Rooney is training up the next generation of football stars – including former England teammate Kyle Walker’s six-year-old son.Ex Manchester United ace Rooney has been spotted at an £8,000 kids’ football camp based at a five-star Dubai hotel.Wayne Rooney’s son Cass and Kyle Walker’s son Reign are at the footie campWalker remains in Milan for football training after last night’s drawCredit: ReutersRooney is coaching the kids’ team after a setback in his own careerCredit: Football EscapesThe legendary goalscorer, 39, is back coaching this February half-term – two months after being sacked as Plymouth Argyle manager after just seven months in charge.Pictures show Wayne’s son Cass, also six, playing footie with Walker’s third child Reign as his dad’s AC Milan team were knocked out of the Champions League.Walker, 34, looked gutted last night to lose out at the play-off stage with a 1-1 draw to Dutch team Feyenoord, having quit Man City for the Italian club and admitting: “Winning the Champions League would be a dream come true. I have experienced it in a great final with City.”Meanwhile his football mad son Reign is almost 4,000 miles away in Dubai with his mum Annie Kilner and brothers Roman, Riaan and Rezon, where Rooney is hosting a special event at the stunning Jumeirah Beach as the new Football Escapes ambassador.READ MORE ON WAYNE ROONEYRunning from February 17-21, Wayne is putting the kids through their paces as they learn from one of England’s all-time greats.A spokesman for Football Escapes posted on social media: “Wayne Rooney’s first Football Escapes course is in full flow, and it’s been nothing short of amazing. “Expert coaching, plenty of laughs, and memories being made on and off the pitch.”Since leaving Plymouth Argyle, Rooney landed a punditry gig for Amazon Prime’s live coverage of Man City’s Champions League efeat to Real Madrid last week.Most read in FootballHe’s now back coaching again in his new role as ambassador for Football Escapes – after being sacked for winning just four of his 23 Championship matches.He’s being used as a way to entice parents to splurge on the package, with prices for a family of four averaging between £7,500 and £8,650.Wayne Rooney starts new job in Middle East as Man Utd legend touches down for first day after leaving Plymouth “While the children learn from one of football’s most celebrated players, parents can relax by the private beach”, says the event website.”Indulge in fine dining, or explore the many family-focused activities the resort has to offer.”From football coaching with a Premier League legend to relaxing in Dubai’s luxurious setting, this Football Escapes holiday strikes the perfect balance of fun, learning, and quality family time.”Rooney got involved as he put the kids through their pacesCredit: Football Escapes More

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      ‘He’s really lost his head’ – Atalanta captain sent off for moment of madness after ’embarrassing’ blunder

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      ATALANTA captain Rafael Toloi saw red as the Serie A side crashed out of the Champions League.The Italians went into last night’s second leg trailing Belgians Club Brugge 2-1 from the first match.Rafael Toloi attempted to throw the ball at an opponentCredit: TNT SPORTSHe then bundled over the Club Brugge aceCredit: TNT SPORTSThings swiftly went from bad to worse for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, as a disastrous first half saw them fall 3-0 down on the night.Ademola Lookman pulled one back for the Serie A side moments into the second half.But after the former Everton and Fulham man missed a penalty on the hour mark, Atalanta’s hope began to ebb away.In the 86th minute, Toloi’s frustration boiled over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question After the game, veteran boss Gasperini was disappointed at his skipper.He said: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.”Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”On the winger’s botched penalty, the 67-year-old added: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them.”Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”Ademola Lookman botched his second half penaltyCredit: AFP More