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      Jude Bellingham copies Erling Haaland’s celebration following winner vs Man City… just days after Lewis-Skelly antics

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM copied Erling Haaland’s celebration following his winner against Manchester City… just days after Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly also impersonated the striker.Former Borussia Dortmund teammates Bellingham and Haaland went up against each other in last night’s Champions League play-off.Jude Bellingham copied Erling Haaland’s celebration after netting Real Madrid’s winner against Man CityCredit: GettyHaaland strutted his stuff as he scored twice in City’s 3-2 defeatCredit: GettyMan City’s talisman struck twice to leave his side on the brink of victory.But after Real hit a late equaliser, Bellingham went one better by netting a 92nd minute winner to seal a 3-2 victory.The result leaves Los Blancos just 90 minutes away from booking their place in the next round of Europe.And Bellingham celebrated by walking in a bizarre manner down the touchline in front of fuming City fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was the exact same celebration Haaland performed when he netted City’s opener at the Etihad.But it isn’t the first time the Norwegian has been copied.Just 10 days ago, youngster Lewis-Skelly netted the third goal in Arsenal’s 5-1 demolition job of City at the Emirates.The defender had previously clashed with Haaland at the reverse fixture in September, which ended 2-2 after John Stones netted a 98th minute equaliser.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter telling Arsenal to “stay humble”, Haaland took aim at Lewis-Skelly as he asked the teen: “Who the f**k are you?”Lewis-Skelly got his revenge in the 5-1 win though and mocked Haaland by copying his meditation celebration after scoring.’Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on headMyles Lewis-Skelly mimicked Haaland after netting in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over CityCredit: ReutersHaaland often performs his meditation pose after nettingCredit: GettyHowever, Bellingham’s decision to do Haaland’s strut can only have come from a place of love.The pair struck up a long-lasting friendship during their time together at German club Borussia Dortmund.Last night saw Bellingham hail Haaland as the “best No9 in the world” after the game.And they have previously spoken highly of each other, with Haaland saying in 2021: “Bellingham is three years younger than me. That’s crazy, he is incredible.”The same year saw Bellingham say: “I stand here every week and tell you how great he is. The player you see isn’t a fluke.“He works his socks off every day and he’s an even better guy than he is a striker.”Despite their friendship, fans still found Bellingham’s decision to mimic Haaland’s celebration funny.One said: “I thought that was not allowed, possible fine?”Another declared: “Stay humble eh.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Beautiful scenes.”Another added: “He’s allowed to because he’s won stuff.” More

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      Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror show

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      WAYNE ROONEY has questioned Manchester City’s “strange” decision to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan mid-season.The reigning Premier League champions suffered a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday, putting them on the verge of a Champions League exit.Wayne Rooney has claimed that Man City’s decision to let Kyle Walker leave on loan was ‘strange’Credit: ReutersWalker joined AC Milan on loan last monthCredit: GettyErling Haaland fired his team into the lead before Kylian Mbappe equalised after half-time.Haaland then thought he’d won the match from the penalty spot in the 80th minute, but two late goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham sealed the win for Los Blancos.Man City experienced some defensive weaknesses during the second half, prompting Rooney to question why Pep Guardiola let Walker leave mid-season.Walker joined AC Milan on loan until the end of the season last month.Read More on RooneyThe full-back had previously informed Guardiola that he wanted to leave Manchester – despite being City’s captain.But Rooney believes the club made the wrong decision by allowing him to move on when he did.Speaking on his Amazon Prime debut, Rooney said: “I think you see the importance of Kyle Walker over the last seven or eight years for Manchester City.”It’s so strange to see Kyle Walker go out on loan to AC Milan.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Akanji’s obviously not a right-back, Rico Lewis is a young player playing in different positions, at this point in the season where Manchester City are struggling, Kyle Walker is the captain of the football club, to allow him to go on loan, for me, is really odd.”Walker will have one year remaining on his Man City contract when he returns to the Etihad.Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobHowever, he will likely seek a permanent move away in the summer.Reflecting on the defeat to Real Madrid, City boss Guardiola said: “It’s the fourth time we played in a row against Madrid here and in the three previous we were much, much better than them but today was tight and in certain times they had chances and Ederson was our best player.”Sometimes it happens that a team is better and the result doesn’t work.” More

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      ‘Sky got no ideas of their own?’ asks Kate Abdo as she calls out Henry, Carragher and Richards live on CBS Sports

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      KATE ABDO called out her CBS Sports “family” members Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards after they “left her out” earlier this month.The presenter is usually given the job of keeping the boisterous trio on track, not that she is above partaking in the banter.Kate Abdo called out her CBS colleagues after they appeared on Sky SportsCredit: CBSThierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards wore sheepish looksCredit: CBSHowever, for the North London derby earlier this month, Sky Sports took inspiration from their US rival by bringing the trio together.Sky presenter David Jones even took inspiration from Abdo—now Scott after marrying boxer Malik Scott last year—by using the same style of introduction for the show.But with the return of the Champions League, Abdo has now called out her colleagues and Sky.Introducing the show, Abdo said: “Welcome to our London studios, I’m Kate Scott, joined by my three trusted team-mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”If you’ve been watching on CBS and Paramount+ in the US over the last couple seasons I’m sure you would have seen that us four are like family.”And I’m sure you know how close our bond is and how it would feel to see one of us left out of the group.”Henry, Carragher and Richards all wore sheepish smiles knowing what was to come next.Abdo continued: “But, that didn’t stop these three. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”No, if you were in the UK and watching football on Sky then you would have seen our show, but without me.”A clip from Sky was then played out, with Abdo describing the trio as going “rogue”.’Bro thinks he’s Kate Abdo’ say fans as David Jones introduces very familiar panel for Sky’s coverage of Arsenal vs CityShe then joked: “Have Sky got no ideas of their own? What’s going on?”In response, Richards said: “Dave did it nice Kate, he did it nice.”Carragher cheekily joked: “I thought he added a bit of professionalism.”Abdo replied: “Bit of a knockoff some people might say. Should we compare notes because it’s not just me that you’ve slighted; it’s production, it’s the director, it’s everybody.”Carragher hit back: “Where did they get us all from originally? You were with Sky before wasn’t you?”The presenter replied: “Yes I was.”Henry then finally got involved, asking his colleagues: “Are you exclusive?”The pair replied: “No,” before Henry added: “And no I’m not.”He then asked Abdo: “Are you exclusive?” She then said: “Yes sir I am.”The trio then burst out into cheers.Reacting to the exchange, one fan said: “This crew is awesome. They come to work every week and knock it out of the park.”A second said: “I like how Henry explained why she was left out. But they are a fun dynamic.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third added: “Honestly that my first thought when I saw them together on Sky.”Another said: “Kate needs to speak to her agent! [Laughing emoji]” More

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      Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr reveals how Man City fans’ trolling tifo massively backfired

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      VINICIUS JR has revealed how Manchester City fans’ trolling tifo massively backfired last night.The Real Madrid star joined teammates at the Etihad for the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Pep Guardiola’s men.Vinicius Jr claims a trolling tifo from Man City fans backfired massively last nightCredit: RexThe banner mocked Vinicius Jr by showing Rodri with the Ballon d’Or trophyCredit: RexThe meeting marked the fourth successive year the two giants had met in Europe.And it was Real who came out on top after Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic late winner to down City 3-2.But before kick-off, there was a major talking point as home fans unfurled a banner mocking Vinicius Jr and Real fans.It showed a picture of City star Rodri kissing his Ballon d’Or trophy along with the words: “Stop crying your heart out.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe tifo was in reference to October’s Ballon d’Or award ceremony, which saw Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to football’s top individual prize.Real Madrid chiefs were left incensed when they discovered their Brazilian maestro had finished runner-up.And the Spanish club ended up boycotting the award ceremony as Rodri, who was injured at the time and remains sidelined with the same ACL problem, collected his award on crutches.City’s tifo looked to have worked a treat as they twice went ahead, with Erling Haaland’s second goal coming from the penalty spot in the 80th minute.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut after Kylian Mbappe had netted the first equaliser, former City youngster Brahim Diaz levelled things up again in the 86th minute before Bellingham struck his 92nd minute winner.The England star was teed up by Vinicius Jr for the defining strike.Wayne Rooney slams ‘strange’ decision by Man City to let Kyle Walker join AC Milan on loan after Real Madrid horror showAnd Real’s flying winger now admits he was fired up to perform after seeing City fans’ tifo in the stands.He said: “I saw the banner. Whenever the opposing fans do things like that they give me more strength to have a great game and here I have done it.”On the win, Vinicius Jr added: “They know our history, everything we do in this competition.“It is the fifth time we come here, it is always very cold, but this time we have won and we have to continue this.” More

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      ‘Pep Guardiola is stressed, man’ – Fans fear for Man City boss as Etihad legend spotted with fresh scratches on head

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has again been spotted with what appears to be more scratches on his head.The Manchester City boss, 54, watched his side surrender a late 2-1 lead to lose 3-2 to Real Madrid at the Etihad.Fans thought they could see scratches on Pep Guardiola’s headMan City fell to a crushing late defeatCredit: AlamyCity’s last-gasp defeat leaves them with an uphill battle in the Spanish capital next week.Earlier this season, Guardiola sported several cuts on his head after City gave up a 3-0 lead to Feyenoord in the Champions League.He went on to say “I want to harm myself” before issuing an apology for the joke, claiming that he did not intend to make light of self-harming with his words.Guardiola again wore scratches on his head during City’s clash with Club Brugge last month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPosting a picture of the City boss this evening, a fan on social media wrote: “Pep is stressed man.”The reigning Premier League champions had begun the night by poking fun at Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or snub, with fans holding up a tifo of Rodri lifting the trophy alongside the message “Stop crying your heart out”.City then took the lead on 19 minutes, after a lengthy VAR check deemed Erling Haaland to have been onside from Josko Gvardiol’s knock down.Kylian Mbappe went on to level in fortuitous fashion, with his shinned volley beating Ederson.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSGuardiola, 54, looked dejected after the agmeCredit: GettyHaaland restored City’s lead from the penalty spot after substitute Phil Foden was brought down in the box.But City old boy Brahim Diaz equalised in the 86th minute, before Jude Bellingham broke home fans’ hearts with a stoppage time winner, with both goals a result of gaffes from the hosts.Pep Guardiola reveals fears as Man City prepare for Real Madrid in the Champions League Speaking after the game, Pep said: “Many times it happen this season. I know the quality of Real Madrid. We started the game really well in the first ten minutes and took it to them. “In the second half we tried to attack too quickly. “Sometimes it is not the best performance compared to the ones we had in the last three seasons but it happens because they [Real Madrid] are an exceptional team.”It happens many times this season. We gave away what we had.”Asked if the lapses were a result of something mental, he added: “Bad decisions, that’s all.”A distraught John Stones struggled to explain the collapse afterwards.He told Prime Video: “A few games after the Arsenal one, I don’t know how to put it into words straight away, it’s so raw and frustrating for everyone.”We were in the game until so late and then it’s two situations that happen and we concede. It’s frustrating as a defender to come away with that result.”It’s a feeling of anger and frustration.”We need to see games out better. The manager said we need to take accountability for what we do on the pitch, I think we do that. We need to step up when these bad moments happen.Guardiola previously cut his face after a clash with Feyenoord”Today we had a great opportunity to go to the Bernabeu with a 2-1 lead. It’s not done. We have to stay positive, which is difficult now.”As the manager says we need to look at ourselves and take accountability.”We were right on top at the start of the game and we know Real have quality to come out in the second half. It is avoidable from us as the eleven on the pitch. We have to do better – it’s as simple as that.”We have to keep a positive mentality and try to put it right.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCity will face Real Madrid again in the second leg next Wednesday.In the meantime, they will host Newcastle in the Premier League this Saturday.City wasted a golden opportunity to take a lead to SpainCredit: Reuters More

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      Man City vs Real Madrid player ratings: Haaland shines for City as Ederson struggles but Vinicius Jr has last laugh

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      REAL MADRID always find a way in the Champions League and Vinicius Jr made sure they had the last laugh at the Eithad.The Brazilian winger was taunted by City fans before the game with a huge banner that reminded him of his Ballon d’Or snubbing last season.Erling Haaland scored twice but it was not enough for CityCredit: GettyEderson had a tough night in goalCredit: GettyJude Bellingham tapped in from close range to win it for Real MadridCredit: GettyBut Vini Jr showed his quality throughout as Kylian Mbappe, Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham made the most of Ederson’s tough evening. Here is how SunSport rated the performances.MANCHESTER CITYEDERSON – 5Some great saves to keep City in the tie – but will be disappointed with the goals and ended up having a disaster. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMANUEL AKANJI – 6 Makeshift right-back did well against Vinicius but picked up a knock and did not reappear for second half.RUBEN DIAS – 6City much more solid with the Portuguese at the back but even he found it tough against Real Madrid’s rapid forwards. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNATHAN AKE – 6Tough to be plunged back from injury in such a difficult game. great tackle to deny Mendy certain goal and lasted. Man City cheekily welcome Vinicius Jr before fans unveil brutal ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ tifo amid Ballon d’Or dramaJOSKO GVARDIOL – 7Played his part in City opener and a wonderful tackle on Mbappe in second half. JOHN STONES  – 7Pushed into midfield and it worked wel, but then dropped back in second-half reshuffle.BERNARDO SILVA –  6Gave away the free-kick that led to first equaliser but could not fault his work-rate in the middle.JACK GREALISH – 5Surprise pick to start and played his part in opener but so unlucky to see his night ended by injury around the half-hour mark.KEVIN DE BRUYNE – 6Did not stand out like he has sometimes against Madrid but the skipper deserved his ovation.SAVINHO – 6Worried the visitors at times in the first half with his pace and directness but faded in the second half. ERLING HAALAND – 8Finally broke his duck against Madrid, hit the bar after the break and kept his nerve with the pen. SUBS:FODEN (for Grealish 30) 6 Won the pen and some nice moments.LEWIS (for Akanji 46) 5 Painful ending for the youngster.KOVACIC (for Ake 61) 5Struggled to make an impact against old club.GUNDOGAN for De Bruyne 86) 5Not much chance to make impact.MARMOUSH (for Savinho 86) 5No time to do anything of note.It was another late collapse from City in Europe this seasonCredit: EPAReal Madrid found a way in the Champions League againCredit: PAREAL MADRIDTHIBAUT COURTOIS – 6Good save from Foden but not given much chance with Haaland goals.FEDE VALVERDE – 7Too good to be playing full-back but showed his quality. Run and shot that clipped the bar.  AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI – 6Pressed into action as an emergency centre-back and did a decent job for his boss.RAUL ASENCIO – 7Only fit centre back, produced a good block to keep out Haaland in the first half and kept it together when City got on top.FERLAND MENDY – 6Dallied too long with a sight of goal allowing Ake to block – kept it tight down his flank. 6EDUARDO CAMAVINGA – 7 A class act in the middle of the park helped Madrid get control back off City in the first half. DANI CEBALLOS – 5Provided the key pass that finally got Madrid level but then clumsy tackle on Foden for the pen. JUDE BELLINGHAM – 7Header wide from Vinicius cross early in second half and saw another saved by Ederson but had the last word.RODRYGO – 6So often the scourge of City and always a threat but it was his replacement who got the equaliser.KYLIAN MBAPPE – 7Could have had a hat-trick in the first half before finally scoring off his shin – what a livewire though. VINICIUS JR – 8Booed by home fans over the Ballon d’Or snub but showed his quality to create the dramatic late winner.SUBS:MODRIC (for Ceballos 80) 6Some nice touches from the veteran.READ MORE SUN STORIESBRAHIM (for Rodrygo 84) 6 Key moment as he grabbed the second equaliser against old club. More

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      Man City vs Real Madrid LIVE RESULT: Jude Bellingham scores 92nd-MINUTE goal as Real fight back from behind to win

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM scored two minutes into injury time as Real Madrid fought back from a goal down to BEAT Manchester City.Erling Haaland scored twice as City took a 2-1 lead into the last ten minutes. But Brahim Diaz scored against his former side before before Jude Bellingham poked home from close range to earn a massive win.The second leg takes place next week.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…More from AncelottiThey are a really good team and they played a really good game in my opinion.I think it was a penalty [Foden fouled]. The referee is one of the best in Europe.It was a big goal [from Bellingham]. He played a fantastic game and was always dangerous. It was a top game for him.Carlo AncelottiCopy linkCopied’We have to stay calm’Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti also spoke to Amazon prime after the game. We didn’t deserve to be 1-2 down. We were really dangerous and defended really well.At the end of the day the victory is deserved.We have to stay calm. It’s only the first half. Anything can happen at the Bernabeu.[I liked] The character, the personality. We had a good block defensively.It wasn’t easy. Tonight we were able to do this.Carlo AncelottiCopy linkCopiedMore from PepToday was tight and in certain times we had chances.Many games at the end we give away. In that level it is so difficult. It is not the first time, it happens many times.There are mistakes in similar areas. It is difficult to manage but yeah, it happens many times.Players take decisions in the moment, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. We arrived in the last minute with the result but we could not keep it.It belongs to all of us, not just the players. I have not a problem to accept that it doesn’t work like it worked in the past. It is all of us.They want it, how they run and how they do it but the truth is that we are not stable enough in the moments. At the end, today is what it is and after tomorrow we have to continue to learn.There are many, many good things that we played. The result is what it is. Of course we did many good things, things can improve and always give credit for the opponent and the quality they have.Pep Guardiola, Man CityCopy linkCopiedLeave everything out on the pitchAnything but victory at Santiago Bernabeu would see Man City crash out of Europe and seriously dent any hopes of silverware.When you look at the squad, you cannot deny there is enough quality to give anyone a game.However, Guardiola will need every one of his starting XI to give the performance of their seasons to see them progress to the round of 16.With the tie so finely poised, it is another mouth-watering clash to look forward to.Copy linkCopiedTough run ahead for SpaniardMan City have a crucial period of their campaign coming up.With so much to do in this second-leg, Guardiola also needs to juggle a very testing domestic run.Add to that, after their trip to Madrid, they welcome league leaders Liverpool to The Etihad.Copy linkCopiedPep reeling after throwing game awaySpeaking with Amazon Prime post-match, Guardiola was very matter of fact in his overview of his side’s performance:Many times happen this season. I know the quality of Real Madrid and what they have. Sometimes it is not about the other team but we gave away what we had. Of course now it is tough, we have to recover and look to Newcastle. We have to go to the Bernabeu and score goals, that is for sure.Pep GuardiolaMan CityCopy linkCopiedMassive challenge for Citizens aheadNot many people will be putting their savings on Man City getting the victory they need in Madrid in the second leg.That said, you also wouldn’t bet against it.If they can find a performance more akin to the City of old, anything is possible for Guardiola’s side still.They will need to go there with attacking intent, which could make for another European classic.Copy linkCopiedBell of the ball in ManchesterYou could have been forgiven for wondering if Jude Bellingham was even playing in the first-half until he almost got booked.Exceptional players have the ability of just popping up at the right time to deliver the goods.The England midfielder did just that, scoring the winner for Carlo Ancelotti’s side late on in the game.Copy linkCopiedDemons cloud minds of City playersHaving experienced so many incidents which would be unthinkable in previous seasons, it seems to be getting to the players.There is a vulnerability to this Man City team and even from a position of strength, the game can still change in an instant.Despite bringing players in during the transfer window, it looks like the spine of this trophy laden squad needs replacing.Even with Rodri back, something has changed at The Etihad.Rebuilding Man City may be Pep Guardiola’s biggest challenge of his managerial career.Credit: AlamyCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedHeads drop after late defeatSpeaking with Amazon Prime after tonight’s match, Stones faced up to the media:Yeh, especially so close after the Arsenal one. I do not know how to even put it. Angry and frustrated is what I can say. I haven’t got the answer but we need to see games out better that is for sure. The manager said we have to take accountability for what happens on the pitch. It’s not done, we have to stay positive, which is difficult right now. We know the quality Madrid have and what has happened is avoidable by us. We have to do better.John StonesMan CityCopy linkCopiedCity have lost the ‘fear factor’Form is temporary, class is permanent.Man City are currently proving that to not be the case.Teams used to fear going up against Pep Guardiola’s side, wherever it may be.Now, that does not seem to be the case and the players no longer seem to believe it either.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLos Blancos stun Eithad crowdIt just shows the potential of this Real Madrid side in the attacking third, you are never safe against them.Man City found that out the hard way as they went from leading the encounter heading into the closing stages, only to end up with defeat.Pep Guardiola has it all to do now to try and keep his side’s season on track and with a potential of some silverware.Credit: GettyCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEnglish star haunts Man CityAfter scoring the added-time winner, Bellingham spoke with Amazon Prime after the match:It was a weird one. I don’t care what form City are in, they are always tricky to play. There are ups and down in these sorts of games. I just kept running to see if the ball came out wide and put it in. Like I say, I thought we were playing well and the chances would come. We are in a good position now to go to the Bernabeu.Jude BellinghamReal MadridCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn at The EtihadA STUNNED silence greeted the final whistle at the Etihad as City somehow threw another game away. Erling Haaland’s two goals looked to have given them a crucial advantage to take to Spain but two poor goals in the last few minutes turned the game on its head. Jude Bellingham will never score an easier goal than the one he tapped in with the last kick. City have a mountain to climb in eight days time to avoid an early European exit.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man City 2-3 Real MadridThis is a massive victory for Real Madrid.With only four minutes remaining, they trailed by a goal.Not only did they find an equaliser, they even managed to grab a winner.Copy linkCopiedFT: Man City 2-3 Real MadridWow. What a game.The referee brings the game to a close, a true classic.Man City have thrown this game away in the closing stages.Copy linkCopiedMan City 2-3 Real Madrid90+2. What a turnaround from Real Madrid.The visitors break forward with pace and Vinicius Junior lifts the ball over Ederson, who is racing out of his goal.His effort is not going in and Bellingham is there to slot home.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)Copy linkCopiedMan City 2-2 Real Madrid90. That equaliser has really stunned The Etihad.Everyone thought that Man City had sealed victory with Haaland’s penalty.We are going to have three added minutes.Copy linkCopiedMan City 2-2 Real Madrid88. What a blow for Guardiola’s side.A poor kick from Ederson gifts possession to the visitors.As they come forward, the Brazilian saves the initial effort but Diaz is there to tuck home the rebound.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid)Copy linkCopiedMan City 2-1 Real Madrid86. Lewis has a good game since coming on at the interval.Vinicius Junior looks to take him on again but the sliding challenge is superb.Ancelotti looks a bit worried now on the touchline.Copy linkCopiedMan City 2-1 Real Madrid84. Real Madrid have brought on the evergreen Modric.He is coming up to his 40th birthday very soon.Man City briing on Marmoush and Gundogan for the final flurry.De Bruyne and Savinho are the players being replaced.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedMan City 2-1 Real Madrid82. This has been a great watch for the neutral this evening.It has been more of a rollercoaster for the two sets of fans.We have a big finish to this tie on our hands now.Copy linkCopiedMan City 2-1 Real Madrid80. What a huge goal that could be in Man City’s season.Haaland steps up to take it and sends Courtois the wrong way.That said, even if the keeper had chosen correctly, that penalty was right in the bottom corner of the goal.Copy linkCopied More

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      Man City 2 Real Madrid 3: Bellingham & Co have last laugh as hosts blow 2-1 lead with horror gaffes after Vini Jr taunts

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      WHY on Earth do Manchester City suddenly seem determined to make their heavyweight opponents so angry? Why would anybody go out of their way to wind up the 15-time champions of Europe, who possess the most terrifying attacking force on the planet?  Jude Bellingham bundles home Real Madrid’s last-gasp winnerCredit: PABellingham celebrates his last-gasp strikeCredit: ReutersVinicius Jr was thrilled with Real Madrid’s late winnerCredit: GettyWhy rub Vinicius Junior’s nose in it? Why give Kylian Mbappe the hump? Why add extra fuel to the fire of Jude Bellingham?After Erling Haaland had provoked Arsenal into dishing out a 5-1 gubbing of Pep Guardiola’s team nine days earlier, here an ongoing feud over last season’s Ballon d’Or award prompted City’s first European home defeat in seven years. And now, after Bellingham’s last-gasp winner, City must face their annual trial by fire in the Bernabeu with a one-goal deficit heading into next Wednesday’s second leg. City are furious that Real boycotted last October’s awards ceremony after their man Rodri pipped Vinicius to be crowned world player of the year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd here they unfurled a huge banner of Rodri kissing his golden globe, having plastered similar pictures around the players’ tunnel to get under Real’s skin. Just like Haaland’s infamous ‘stay humble’ jibe at Mikel Arteta, it backfired. Real chief Carlo Ancelotti said: “I don’t know if Vini saw the banner but looking at the game if he did see it it was a huge source of motivation for him. “When City were all-conquering they never felt the need to play the wind-up merchants. So all of these antics smack of desperation. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBrahim Diaz celebrates his late equaliser at the EtihadCredit: GettyDiaz fires past Man City goalkeeper EdersonCredit: GettySure, it was petty of Real to snub those awards – but turning the other cheek and rising above it would have served City better.  Anyway, it is a childish squabble over an individual gong. It shouldn’t have impinged on this fixture, right at the summit of club football. Man City player ratings vs Real MadridErling Haaland fires Man City into the leadCredit: GettyHaaland celebrates with Josko GvardiolCredit: ReutersWhen the four-in-a-row champions of England meet the age-old kings of Europe it is football’s version of a Hollywood red carpet on Oscars night.The top six in that Ballon d’Or voting all now play for either Real or City. Four of them played last night and three scored – Haaland twice giving City the lead with his first ever goals against Real, but Mbappe netting the first equaliser and Bellingham the late clincher after sub Brahim Diaz had made it 2-2 in the 85th minute.As usual when these two collide, it was high-quality, high-tempo, with wild swings in momentum and breathless late drama. The knock-out stages of the Champions League are as good as football gets. And City versus Real so often feels like the creme de la creme. Before kick-off, the injured Rodri was spotted in the stands taking a photo of his own image on that giant banner.Real, dressed in Dutch orange, were ready to dish out some total football. This has become an annual clash, usually in the latter stages, but here were the top two clubs in the Deloitte Money League scrapping it out in a play-off round for the right to reach the last 16. Guardiola didn’t include any of his £180million January recruits but sprang a surprise by starting Jack Grealish ahead of Phil Foden. City had five specialist centre-backs in their starting line-up – John Stones in midfield and four strung across the back.But Real, suffering a defensive injury crisis to rival Tottenham’s, only had one young reserve central defender, Raul Asencio, available.Kylian Mbappe celebrates his equaliserCredit: AFPThe Frenchman fortuitously found the net off his shinCredit: ReutersIn attack, though, Real go from famine to feast. From the off, they set about City by pinging passes at improbable angles at an impossible speed. Vinicius was floored by Ederson, who was rescued by an offside flag, and then thwarted Mbappe after a gorgeous pass from the scorned Vinicius.City were looking dizzy right up until the moment they scored. Grealish played a delightful chipped pass into an advanced Josko Gvardiol who chested down for Haaland to lift his shot over Courtois.It was the Norwegian’s first goal against Real, at his fifth attempt – although it took an age for VAR to adjudge him onside, presumably a problem with the robot linesman’s wiring.Grealish was forced off injured, with Foden arriving and having a powerful shot pushed away by Thibaut Courtois.  Vinicius sent a curling effort against the crossbar but City were gaining control in midfield and, after the break, Haaland rattled the crossbar.Then the European champions went up a gear – Bellingham heading wide, Mbappe testing Ederson. These were the warning signs. City didn’t – or couldn’t – heed them. On the hour, Real were level. Haaland strikes from the penalty spotCredit: GettyMan City were left dejected upon the final whistleCredit: GettyA free-kick was blocked to Dani Ceballos who floated a delicious ball over the top. Mbappe timed his run perfectly but shinned his effort, which looped over Ederson – the ball crossing the line in slow motion – it took several seconds for Real’s fans at the far end of the stadium to realise their team had scored.   Federico Valverde picked out Bellingham with an extraordinary raking pass but the Englishman’s finish was weak. Then a moment of fortune which swung the match back in City’s favour. Foden cut inside, beat Mendy and was too quick for Ceballos, who dived in and trod on his foot on the edge of the area – Clement Turpin pointed to the spot. Up stepped Haaland, who had missed a couple of penalties during City’s slump, and sent Courtois the wrong way. But five minutes from time, Vinicius had an angled drive saved by Ederson only for Diaz to snap up the rebound.  READ MORE SUN STORIESReal’s winner was a disaster for City – Mateo Kovacic playing a poor ball to Lewis who lost possession, Vinicius chipping Ederson and Bellingham sliding in to score with virtually the last kick of the match.Next Wednesday City into football’s crucible. Heaven knows why they needed to turn up the heat.  More