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      Real Madrid vs Man City – Champions League quarter-final: European giants face off in thrilling first leg – stream, TV

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      HOLDERS Manchester City take a trip to serial winners Real Madrid for the first leg of their thrilling Champions League quarter-final tie.Pep Guardiola’s side secured maximum points in Group G before annihilating Copenhagen with a 6-2 aggregate scoreline in the last-16.Manchester City are looking to make a historic defence of their Champions League crownCredit: AlamyReal Madrid got embarrassed in their last game with Manchester CityCredit: GettyAnd the Treble winners will be oozing with confidence as they head into this match fresh from a 4-2 mauling triumph against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.However, Madrid matched City’s group stage points tally and their Champions League heritage makes them one of the most dangerous clubs in Europe.Furthermore, Carlo Ancelotti’s men also go into this game off the back of a win – beating Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of LaLiga.But City will still feel as if they have the upper hand after their complete domination the last time these two giants met.Read more in Champions LeagueIn the Champions League semis last season, City drew 1-1 at the Bernabeu before thumping the Spaniards 4-0 in the second leg.What is the team news?Real Madrid manager Ancelotti will still be forced to play without first-choice keeper Thibaut Courtois (knee) and defender David Alaba (cruciate ligament).Manchester City gaffer Guardiola is hoping that the trio of Kyle Walker (hamstring), Nathan Ake (calf) and Josko Gvardiol (knock) shake off their injuries before the first leg.What is their form like?Man City have managed to keep their Premier League title hopes alive after beating Crystal Palace 4-2.Most read in Champions LeagueGuardiola’s last defeat was back in December, a 1-0 loss against Aston Villa.They sit third in the Premier League just one point behind Liverpool and Arsenal.Meanwhile, Real Madrid now lead LaLiga by eight points after their 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao.Carlo Ancelotti’s squad have faced just one defeat in the league this season, a 3-1 loss against rivals Atletico Madrid – who face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.Ones to watchDespite missing the first half of the season due to a hamstring injury Kevin De Bruyne has been in spectacular form since returning to the squad.And in Saturday’s clash at Selhurst Park the Belgium international scored twice.He has made 14 goal contributions in all of his 16 appearances this season across all competitions.Real Madrid’s star man continues to be Jude Bellingham.The £114million signing has more than lived up to his price tag since the start of the campaign.Despite suffering minor injuries and recently a two-game suspension, the midfielder has scored 20 goals and created 10 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this term.What has been said?Ex-Barcelona boss Guardiola is relishing the challenge of facing his old rivals yet again.He said: “It’s a bit like a tradition, three years in a row playing the king of the competition who have won 14 Champions Leagues.“It is what it is, hopefully we can have a good moment.“[There are] still a few weeks before the first game in Madrid. We’ll see.”Ancelotti accepted that City is a tough draw but to win the Champions League you play against the best.The ex-Chelsea and Everton gaffer said: “The idea is to win the competition, and for that you have to beat the best. “City may be one of the best in Europe at the moment, it will be tough, of course. “But if you want to be European champions, you have to eliminate City,”SunSport’s score predictionReal Madrid 1-1 Manchester CityWhen is Real Madrid vs Man City?
      Real Madrid and Manchester City battle in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final TOMORROW – Tuesday, April 9.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST.
      The Bernabeu in Madrid is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host a staggering 81,044 passionate fans.
      City humiliated Madrid 4-0 (5-1 on aggregate) when the sides last met in last season’s semi-final.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
      Real Madrid vs Manchester City will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.
      Coverage is expected to get underway from 7pm BST – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Fans can also head to discovery+ to stream the entire action.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match through our live blog.
      What are the odds?
      Real Madrid to win 9/5
      Draw 12/5
      Man City to win 11/8
      To qualifyREAD MORE SUN STORIES
      Real Madrid 13/8
      Man City 4/9
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Why are Bayern Munich fans BANNED from the Emirates Stadium for their Champions League first leg against Arsenal?

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      ARSENAL are all set for their revenge mission on Bayern Munich in what is set to be a mouthwatering Champions League tie – and they have been given the biggest advantage ahead of the first leg.The Gunners finally broke their last-16 curse by sending Portuguese icons Porto home via a dramatic penalty shootout.David Raya was the hero during Arsenal’s penalty shootout win against PortoCredit: AlamyAs a result, they were rewarded with a two-legged quarter-final tie against Bayern – the team who famously humiliated them 10-2 on aggregate.However, things will already be different this time round as UEFA have revealed that Bayern fans will NOT be allowed in the stadium for the first leg at the Emirates.And SunSport have the reasons why.Why are Bayern Munich fans BANNED from the Emirates for the first legDuring their 1-0 first leg defeat away at Lazio in the last-16, travelling Bayern fans threw fireworks onto the pitch. They would eventually win 3-1 on aggregate to advance.Read more in ArsenalBayern fans through fireworks on the pitch against LazioCredit: AlamyHaving already received a suspended one-match ban – as well as a £30k fine – for an identical incident in the group stages at Copenhagen in October, Uefa were left with no choice but to impose the ban.The away end at the Emirates will also be free to be filled instead by more home fans, meaning the possibility of the 60,000-capacity stadium being a sell-out without any travelling supporters.What has been said?Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has admitted that his club have to accept the ban that has been given to the fans.Dreesen said: “We have to accept this punishment.Most read in Football”Not only were pyrotechnics set off, but also fired deliberately onto the field, directly endangering bystanders.“This was such an explicit violation of the conditions of probation that an appeal is unfortunately futile.“The fact we now have to play away without the support of our fans is a big blow.”A small group of individual offenders have done a disservice to all our supporters and the team.”When is Arsenal vs Bayern Munich’s first leg?Arsenal’s thrilling Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich will take place TOMORROW – Tuesday, April 9.It is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST.And the Gunners will be determined to get revenge for the last time the two sides met which ended in an embarrassing aggregate defeat of 10-2. More

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      Leeds wonderkid eyed by European giants for shock summer transfer but Premier League clubs chasing him dealt blow

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      LEEDS starlet Archie Gray faces a massive decision this summer as he is being chased by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.The Germans want the versatile midfielder, 18, to grow with them in the same way as Jude Bellingham, 20.Archie Gray is wanted by German giants Borussia DortmundCredit: RexThey want to mould the teen in the same way they did with Jude Bellingham, who now plays for Real MadridCredit: PADortmund  will pay big money for the Whites academy product.He has been namechecked by England manager Gareth Southgate as a future international.Dortmund head the hunt and have a chance if Championship Whites fail to go up.That would leave Gray and his legendary Leeds family with a huge call to make.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSources close to the camp suggest he will not move to another English side if he leaves.And that gives the Bundesliga a chance.Ideally, Gray wants to play in the Premier League with Leeds.But there could be a short cut to the Champions League on offer in the next window.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERRecent reports suggest European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are both tracking him.SunSport also revealed interest from Premier League outfits Crystal Palace and Everton last Septmber.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024 More

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      Bayern Munich chief ‘doesn’t give a s***’ about replacing Thomas Tuchel as he admits major Arsenal concern

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      BAYERN MUNICH chief Max Eberl says he “doesn’t give a s**t” about replacing Thomas Tuchel while the club is still in the Champions League.The German giants were 2-0 up against Heidenheim yesterday but capitulated and lost 3-2.Max Eberl’s focus is on beating Arsenal on Tuesday and not the search for a new managerCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel leaves Bayern Munich at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyBayern are now 16 points behind Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga and Tuchel has already congratulated Xabi Alonso’s side on their title.All eyes are now on their Champions League quarter-final tie against Arsenal.The first leg at the Emirates is on Tuesday before the Gunners head to Bavaria for the return fixture on April 17.Tuchel leaves the club at the end of the season and Bayern remain on the hunt for a new manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut director Eberl is more concerned by current performances than who will be in the dugout next term.Asked about the managerial situation, he instead raged about Bayern’s latest display with a team Arsenal’s calibre on the horizon.Eberl said: “I don’t give a s**t about the search for a coach. “Now it’s all about the Arsenal game. We’ll face a team, with all respect to Heidenheim, that is a class above them.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We have to make a proper turnaround so that we don’t get a slap to the face.”I already said after the Dortmund loss that we would have a test of character in Heidenheim. We passed it in the first half and failed in the second half. Gary Lineker says ‘it’s written in the stars’ as MOTD presenter predicts Premier League winners”Now we have the Champions League game against Arsenal. There’s a lot coming up.”Failure to secure European glory means Bayern will suffer a trophyless season for the first time since 2011/12.Meanwhile, Alonso has already snubbed the chance to become their new boss to stay at Leverkusen.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and ex-Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick are the favourites to takeover. More

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      Arsenal vs Bayern Munich – Champions League quarter-final: Gunners welcome bruised Germans for huge first leg

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      ARSENAL host German giants Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.The Gunners are in the last-8 of the iconic European competition for the first time since 2009-10, ending a run of seven straight last-16 exits.Arsenal advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals on penalties against PortoCredit: GETTYHarry Kane returns to North London for the first time since his summer move to Bayern MunichCredit: GETTYArsenal were pushed all the way to penalties by Portuguese giants Porto in the last round but eventually booked their place in the quarter-finals thanks to David Raya’s heroics in the shootout.Mikel Arteta’s side are still firmly in the race for the Premier League title after superb domestic showing this season.The same can’t be said for Bayern Munich as they look set to miss out on the Bundesliga trophy for the first time in 12 seasons.However, their presence in the Champions League can’t be understated, especially with England skipper Harry Kane up top for the German giants.When is Arsenal vs Bayern Munich?
      Arsenal vs Bayern Munich will take place on Tuesday, April 9.
      Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
      The Emirates will host.
      What TV channel is Arsenal vs Bayern Munich on and can it be live streamed?
      Arsenal vs Bayern Munich will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
      TNT Sports customers can live stream the match via the discovery+ app/website.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.
      Team newsBukayo Saka marked his return from injury with a goal in Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Brighton on Saturday and is set to feature on Tuesday night.Jorginho and Gabriel required treatment during the Gunners’ triumph at the Amex but both players finished the 90 minutes unscathed.Most read in Champions LeagueThomas Tuchel has revealed that captain Manuel Neuer is a doubt, as well as first team regulars Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.Full-back Noussair Mazraoui will also potentially be unavailable, but Sacha Boey, Bouna Sarr and Tarek Bunchmann will definitely miss the trip to the Emirates.What are the odds?Match result
      Arsenal – 8/11
      Draw – 11/4
      Bayern Munich – 7/2
      To qualify
      Arsenal – 4/5
      Bayern Munich – 19/20
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Man City star Kevin De Bruyne reveals whether he’d rather win Premier League or Champions League live on TNT Sports

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE has revealed whether he would rather win the Premier League or Champions League this season.The Manchester City captain put in a Man of the Match display as he netted two goals and added an assist in the team’s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace.Kevin De Bruyne has revealed what competition he wants to win the mostCredit: GettyHis second goal saw him hit the century mark for City to add to his list of incredible accolades for the club, which includes last season’s continental Treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.However, it seems the Belgian still has a hunger to win one particular competition.Speaking to TNT Sports following the game, the 32-year-old was asked whether he would rather land a never-before-done fourth Premier League title in a row or a double or treble.He said: “It’s hard to choose.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Maybe the Champions League. It’s hard to say. “I’ll take any.”Pundit Rio Ferdinand joked De Bruyne was “bored” of winning the league, to which he replied: “No, no I’m not bored.”If we were bored we would not push like today. We’ll see.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERElsewhere at the game today, Bernardo Silva was seen in an animated state on the bench.Meanwhile, Ederson was “done dirty” by a camera as he was shown appearing to pick his nose.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanCity’s win against Palace saw them go level on points with Liverpool at the top of the tree. Title challengers Arsenal are in action against Brighton in today’s late kick-off.Meanwhile, leaders Liverpool face Manchester United tomorrow.City have a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid to contend with on Tuesday and an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on April 20. More

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      Luka Modric’s former club go to extreme lengths to convince Real Madrid star to leave

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      LUKA MODRIC’S former club have made a bold move to convince the star to Real Madrid – by buying a full-page advert in a national newspaper.Modric, 38 has played for the Spanish giants since 2012 following a transfer from Tottenham.Dinamo Zagreb have taken a full page ad out in Marca to convince Luka Modric to join themModric’s time at Real Madrid could come to an end after 12 years this summerCredit: GettyHe won three league titles at Zagreb before he joined TottenhamCredit: AFP – GettyIn that time he has racked up a breathtaking trophy cabinet including five Champions League titles, three LaLiga titles and two Spanish Cups.This period has also been a success for his national team and individually, with Modric guiding Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final which helped him to pick up the Ballon d’Or gong for that year.However, amid speculation over his future, Dinamo Zagreb – where the midfielder won three league titles before he joined Spurs in 2008 – have made their intentions overtly clear.In the April 6 edition of Spanish newspaper Marca, a full page ad had been taken out displaying a Dinamo shirt with’ ‘Modric 10’ on it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ad came with the message in the bottom left: “Join us! “It makes sense, all the possible sense in the world.”It was also signed by club president Velimir Zajec with his signature seen in the bottom right of the ad under the club’s badge.The club also shared a message on social media of someone sitting at a table with Marca in front of them before opening the paper on to the page of the ad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERModric has appeared 522 times for Real Madrid, including 34 games this season.Reports suggest he is not in Madrid’s plan from next season with the growing influence of Aurelien Tchouameni.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveThe Croatia captain is said to have several options available to him should he leave Madrid this summer, including the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer. Modric is understood to want a big send off from the club, unlike former team-mates Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.Modric remains a star player for Madrid this season More

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      Man Utd ‘interested in Thiago Motta as manager to replace Erik ten Hag’ – whose philosophy is bizarre 2-7-2 formation

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in appointing Thiago Motta as Erik ten Hag’s replacement, according to reports.The Paris Saint-Germain legend has been defying expectations at Bologna this season, leading the Italian outfit in an unlikely top four charge.Thiago Motta has been linked with Man UtdCredit: ReutersErik ten Hag could be replaced by the Italian in the summerCredit: AlamyMotta’s football philosophy is underlined by a stunning ‘2-7-2’ formationCredit: RexAfter taking charge in September 2022, the 41-year-old led Bologna to ninth in his first season and now has them fourth with a five-point cushion ahead of the run in.Despite his remarkable achievements in northern Italy, founded by an unorthodox “2-7-2” formation, Motta’s contract expires in the summer. According to Gazzetta, Man Utd chiefs are among the biggest admirers of the former Barcelona and Inter Milan midfielder. Further reports have also seen Bologna ace Joshua Zirkzee, 22, linked to boost the firepower in the team’s ranks.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHowever, the Red Devils will face competition from Juventus for his signature. Motta’s agent, Dario Canovi, recently declared he will coach in the Champions League one day.Therefore, Man Utd’s struggles in the Premier League – which has left them nine points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham who look set to claim the last Champions League spot – could be decisive.Regardless, Motta has not decided on his future at the Stadio Dall’Ara.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROld Trafford head coach Ten Hag remarkably received a boost to his prospects of keeping his job after reports emerged suggesting there were “a lack of viable interested alternatives”.Names touted for the Man Utd hotseat include the likes of former Chelsea coach Graham Potter and England boss Gareth Southgate.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Late collapses against Brentford and Chelsea this week have seen Man Utd’s hopes of earning a spot in the UCL next season all but mathematically end.They face Liverpool next in a rematch of their thrilling FA Cup quarter-final before the international break.What is Motta’s football philosophy?After hanging up his boots and stepping into coaching with PSG’s Under-18s in 2018, Motta shocked the world when he announced a brand new formation – the 2-7-2.The formation sounds extreme on paper, especially considering Motta treats his goalkeeper as a “midfielder”.But Motta reads his team from left to right rather than bottom up – so it is actually similar to a traditional 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.Speaking on his ideas in 2018, Motta said: “My idea it to play offensively. A short team that controls the game, high pressure and a lot of movement with and without the ball.Motta’s 2-7-2 reads from left to right with two left-sided players, seven midfielders including the goalkeeper and two right-sided players”I want the player that has the ball to always have three or four solutions and two team-mates close by to help.”The difficulty in football is, often to do things simply but to control the base, pass and get free.”I don’t like the numbers of the field because they trick you. You can be super offensive with a 5-3-2 and defensive in a 4-3-3.”Depending on the quality of the guys. I had a game a while ago where the two full-backs ended up playing as the 9 and 10.”But that doesn’t mean I don’t like people like Samuel and Chiellini, born defenders…”The goalkeeper counts as one of the midfield seven. For me, the attacker is the first defender and the goalkeeper is the first attacker.Motta’s managerial record
      Genoa (October 2019 – December 2019): Played 10, Wins 2, Draws 3, Losses 5
      Spezia (July 2021 – June 2022): Played 40, Wins 11, Draws 6, Losses 23
      Bologna (September 2022 – Present): Played 67, Wins 33, Draws 19, Losses 15.
      Overall win percentage: 40.91 per cent

      “The goalkeeper starts the play, with his feet and the attackers are the first to put pressure to recover the ball.”While opting for a more pragmatic approach at Spezia, Motta’s Bologna team have favoured a possession-dominant system this year.They are second in the division for most passes completed at an accuracy of 85.2 per cent. In build up they opt for a 1-3-2-5 formation but are proficient in rotating their options with 2-3-5 a common switch to help play through the lines. The 4-3-3-esque shape then sees the two No8s move wide to support the wingers and full-backs. But Bologna are far from direct and rank among the lowest in the division for crosses into the box, with Motta preferring his players to work the space and create from narrower positions where superior numbers can make their mark.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe formation is supplemented by players such as Zirkzee dropping into space to help progress the ball with Bologna’s box midfield.Defensively, Bologna press high but drop into a 4-1-4-1 mid-block.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More