Champions League

HARRY KANE has revealed that Jude Bellingham attempted mind games before taking a Champions League penalty for Bayern Munich.The England captain made it 2-1 from the spot in Tuesday’s 2-2 first leg clash with Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena.Jude Bellingham was spotted speaking to his England skipperCredit: X / @footballontntHarry Kane was able to ‘zone out’ BellinghamCredit: X / @footballontntReferee Clement Turpin shooed Bellingham awayCredit: X / @footballontntKane, 30, celebrates after making no mistakeCredit: GettyBut seconds before taking his penalty, England team-mate Bellingham attempted to make contact before referee Clement Turpin told him to move away.Kane said: “Actually on the pitch, I knew he was there but I didn’t know what he said.“I spoke to him after and he said: ‘I know you’re going to go left of the keeper.’ But it was nice for me because I saw the keeper go a little bit early and I put it away. So I went left anyway.”Kane and Bellingham are now preparing for a blockbuster second leg in Madrid next Wednesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Spurs striker said: “When you are 2-1 up in a big game and don’t win it, then there’s always a sense of disappointment but there’s a lot of positives to take.”We’ve got a week now to digest it, look again and I think it will be a similar game next week.”It’s amazing. Bayern Munich v Real Madrid in the semi-final of the Champions League is as big as it gets.”The Bernabeu will be the same next week and so this is the experience I want to take in my stride and this is what I came here for.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“To have this opportunity is what I’m really excited about. It was nice out there, I felt I had a decent game, could have done better with a couple of half chances.”But overall I know next week will be similar and I’m excited for that.”Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller accuses Real Madrid star of ‘listening for the tactics’ in cheeky live TV interview Real will be favourites to reach the final but Kane has not given up hope of returning to London on June 1.He said: “It’s there in the back of my head and I would be lying if I said that it wouldn’t be a dream to play a Champions League final at Wembley.”But I said from before the Arsenal game, there are some big, big steps we have to take and next week will be the biggest.“We have come through three big games pretty well. The two Arsenal games, the first Real Madrid game here but it all comes down to next week and we have to perform on that occasion.”Real Madrid took the lead on 24 minutes last night when Toni Kroos found Vinicius Jr with a pinpoint pass after the Brazilian ran in behind Kim Min-jae before slotting past Manuel Neuer.Leroy Sane thwacked Bayern level in the 53rd minute, coming inside onto his left foot before firing beyond Andriy Lunin.Kane, 30, then made it 2-1 from the spot a few minutes later after “zoning out” Three Lions pal Bellingham.Real Madrid levelled from a spot kick of their own on 83 minutes following a clumsy foul by Kim, Vinicius Jr making no mistake.I’m sure he was saying something to try and put me offHarry KaneAfter the game, Kane spoke of “zoning” Bellingham out.He said: “I’m sure he was saying something to try and put me off but, thankfully, it was OK.“I don’t know what he was saying. I saw him there mumbling something.“I’ll have to ask him what he actually said. Once I’m in my zone I’m trying to block everything out.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then added: “The Champions League is the biggest of them all so if we can somehow get our hands on that one then of course it would be an amazing season. There’s still a long way to go.”Bayern travel to Stuttgart this weekend ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg in Madrid, while Real will host Cadiz.This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, the Bundesliga will have stung the most.
This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
Read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
Or read more from Dave Kidd. More

PETER SCHMEICHEL walked out of a post-match interview following Jamie Carragher’s antics on CBS Sports.The Manchester United and Liverpool legends were both on air for Real Madrid’s trip to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.Peter Schmeichel walked away from the camera while live on CBS SportsJamie Carragher’s antics were too much for the Man Utd legend to handleThe 14-time champs secured a 2-2 draw in Bavaria ahead of next week’s return leg at the Bernabeu.And tonight’s other semi-final sees Borussia Dortmund welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Germany.Jadon Sancho’s side will be fancying their chances against Kylian Mbappe and Co.And it makes for an easy journey for CBS’ pundits, who face just a one-hour flight up north.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Schmeichel is sure to feel uncomfortable in front of the Yellow Wall.They famously belt out a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before each match.The anthem is seamlessly intertwined with Carragher’s beloved Liverpool.And the former Anfield star could not resist belting out his own version while Schmeichel was delivering his thoughts on Real’s draw at Bayern.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarragher began belting out the lyrics as Schmeichel, who was also serenaded by his CBS co-star Susannah Collins, grimaced painfully.It got too much for the Dane after a few more seconds as he turned and walked away from the camera.Man Utd legend Peter Schmeichel turns back on Richard Keys in live TV interview and says ‘there’s no way’Schmeichel was serenaded by Carragher and Susannah Collins with ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’Collins burst out laughing as she was left on air by herself momentarilyThis prompted fits of laughs from the CBS crew, with Schmeichel quickly returning to his post and enjoying the joke.He then noted: “I said to Jamie before, finally there’s a crowd who can sing that song!”Schmeichel added: “What I can guarantee is when you hear that song tomorrow, it will be sung a lot better.”The incident came just days after the ex-goalie turned his back on Richards Keys during a live TV debate.The BeIN Sports studio were discussing potential Man Utd replacements for Erik ten Hag.But when asked if Thomas Tuchel should get the job, Schmeichel turned around in his chair and refused to answer.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

CARLO ANCELOTTI admits Jude Bellingham was “not at his best” after subbing him off in Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich.The Champions League giants played out a tense first leg in their semi-final battle at the Allianz Arena.Carlo Ancelotti admitted Jude Bellingham was off the pace against Bayern MunichCredit: EPAThe Real Madrid star was subbed off during his side’s 2-2 draw in GermanyCredit: GettyDespite Bayern dominating the ball early on, it was Real who drew first blood when Vinicius Jr pounced onto Toni Kroos’ defence-splitting pass to fire past Manuel Neuer.But Bayern bounced back in the second half and restored parity through Leroy Sane’s excellent finish.Moments later they were ahead after Jamal Musiala was fouled in Real’s box by Lucas Vazquez.Harry Kane stepped up to fire in the penalty, sending the Allianz Arena wild.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Real ensured they had the final word when Kim Min-Jae gave away a penalty down the other end, allowing Vinicius to bag his second goal of the night.All eyes will be locked on the Bernabeu next week when the two sides meet for the return leg.And home supporters will be hoping for a much better showing from Bellingham after he was stifled on his return to Germany.The ex-Borussia Dortmund ace struggled with the intensity of the game, with Thomas Tuchel ensuring his midfielders never stopped running and pressing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal were eventually forced to bring Fede Valverde inside from the right wing to shore things up and regain some control.And when Ancelotti decided to make some second-half subs, nobody was surprised when Bellingham’s No5 flashed up on the board.Jude Bellingham shows off bizarre new goal celebration as England wonderkid nets winner in El ClasicoSpeaking after full-time, the England star’s boss admitted he did not have his finest night in a Los Blancos shirt.But Ancelotti insists he subbed Bellingham as the star was suffering from cramps and could not continue.Real’s manager said: “Bellingham was tired. He had cramps and I changed and put on more energy because Toni Kroos played a fantastic game.“It was just to put more energy in midfield. He couldn’t continue any more. I have enough good plays on the bench, he will get back to his best performances.“I think he was injured, which affected him, but today he wasn’t at his best. He will be back for sure and on Wednesday he will be at 100 per cent again.” More

THOMAS MULLER joked Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni was listening in for tactics after gatecrashing his post-match interview.The Bayern Munich legend made his 150th Champions League appearance in the 2-2 draw with Real Madrid.Thomas Muller cheekily winked at Aurelien Tchouameni during his interviewThe Real Madrid star gatecrashed the interviewThe pair then shook handsMuller, 34, appeared on CBS Sport after the semi-final first leg and was asked if he feels like an old man.But before the German could deliver a proper answer he was interrupted by opponent Tchouameni.Muller laughed in response to the midfielder before winking at him and delivering a cheeky joke.He said: “Tchouameni is listening for the tactics for the next game.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe France international then appeared in front of the camera and shook hands with Muller before smiling at the camera.Muller started the 2-2 draw which saw Bayern come from behind with goals from Leroy Sane and Harry Kane before Real Madrid equalised.The Germany icon made his Champions League debut against Sporting Lisbon in 2009 and has won the competition twice – in 2013 and 2020.He is now looking to reach the final for a fifth time but Bayern must overcome Real Madrid at the Bernabeu to do so.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMuller – who has a horse named Dave – is now the sixth-highest appearance maker in Champions League history behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema and Xavi.He is also closing in on the record appearances for Bayern Munich and needs just seven more games to overtake Sepp Maier. Fans tell Thomas Muller ‘never change’ as madcap Bayern Munich star kisses new horse Kylie Minogue on the nose More

DANIEL STURRIDGE stunned fans with an incredible Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid prediction.The pundit shared his thoughts ahead of the Champions League semi-final clash.Daniel Sturridge stunned fans with his Champions League predicitonCredit: PAThe pundit correctly tipped Leroy Sane and Harry Kane to scoreCredit: EPAHe was specific with his prediction and got it spot on, tipping Leroy Sane and Harry Kane both to score – even adding the striker’s goal would be a penalty.Sane nearly scored in the first minute of the match and was only denied thanks to a brilliant save from Andriy Lunin.He was a thorn in Real Madrid’s side until his 87th-minute substitution, proving Sturridge’s prediction correct.The former Liverpool star tweeted ahead of kick-off: “Sane will be a big problem tonight. Goal for him and a pen for Kane.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were very impressed with the bold call and began asking Sturridge for other predictions.One joked in response: “Who’s gonna win the league bro?”Another quipped: “Am I getting a girlfriend this year mate?”A third wrote: “Lottery numbers?”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd another replied saying: “Witchcraft 🤣”Sturridge fared a lot better with his guess than Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, who tipped Serge Gnabry to score yet did not start the injury-fit forward.Sane and Kane weren’t the only goalscorers on the night as Madrid got two themselves in a 2-2 draw.Vinicius Jr opened the scoring in the first half before netting a late pen to pull things level.The sides face off in the second leg next week.Meet Jude Bellingham’s glam new Wag More

HARRY KANE won the first of his two battles with Jude Bellingham. But whether the England captain will get to Wembley remains to be seen.Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham squared off in the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: ReutersKane scored from 12 yards to give Bayern Munich a second half lead over Real MadridCredit: ReutersBut a brace from Vinicius Jr meant the Spanish side will go into the second leg on level termsCredit: AFPWhen he was unveiled as a Bayern player here at the Allianz Stadium back in August, Kane said the plan was to return to London on June 1 and win the Champions League.Despite his team’s spectacular title collapse in the Bundesliga, Kane still has a chance of winning the first trophy of his career.Yet he needs to deliver another fine performance in Madrid next Wednesday and hope – and this is the problem – that his defence does not let him down.Kane won the first of his two battles against Bellingham in an intriguing Champions League semi-final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOutstanding throughout, Kane put his team ahead in the tie from the penalty spot for his 43rd goal in 43 games for Bayern.His strike completed a huge turnaround at the start of the second half as it came just four minutes after Leroy Sane, with his first goal since October, cancelled out a first half strike from Real’s Vinicius Junior.But with seven minutes left, Vinicius got his second of the game from the penalty spot after Bayern defender Min-jae Kim fouled RodrygoWhile Kane was impressive, particularly with his build-up play, Bellingham did not enjoy the best of nights. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe put in a shift but playing extremely high up the pitch, at times as a false nine, he did not see much of the ball.He even appeared to try and say something to Kane just before he took the 54th minute spot kick but the youngster was told to go away by French referee Clement Turpin. Bayern Munich’s private training session leaked as Thomas Tuchel appears to plan shock tactical tweak against Arsenal With 15 minutes left, he was replaced by Luka ModricIn his three years at Dortmund, Bellingham faced Bayern eight times and was not on the winning team for any of them and failed to score a goal.Maybe that run will end next Wednesday and he will need to cause Bayern’s defence, which can be rocky at times, a bit more discomfort than last night.But their trump card is the star striker Kane. He has now been directly involved in 11 goals in the Champions League this season – eight goals, three assists – and it is the most ever by an English player in a single campaign in the competition.Apart from his outstanding goals return for Bayern, Kane has also chipped in handsomely with assists, 13 in total, although no14 should have arrived after 40 seconds.Here’s how the teams fared on paperBayern dominated the early on but Madrid proved to be deadly on transitionSane was put clean through by a clever Kane pass but the former Manchester City winger hammered a shot straight at Andriy Lunin when he needed to be a bit more composed.Kane then attempted one of the most outrageous goals of this Champions League season.After Bellingham was caught in possession – and having spotted Lunin off his line – Kane tried his luck from just inside the half but there was too much pace on the shot and it sailed over the bar.Bayern started off impressively and were threatening to overwhelm the Spaniards. Ancelotti stood on the edge of his technical area, hands in pockets, shaking his head in disbelief.Yet just when they were in serious danger, Toni Kroos proved to be a calming and decisive presence for Real.Jude Bellingham had a poor night in MunichBellingham struggled to get into the dangers areas todayKane impressed against Madrid tonightKane’s influence was felt all over the pitchIn February, Kroos announced he was ending his international retirement to feature at Euro 2024 and you can see why German boss Julian Naglesmann was feeling particularly pleased with himself after using his powers of persuasion.After overcoming that early spell of Bayern pressure, Kroos gave a reminder as to why, at the age of 34, he remains such a class act.He spotted a huge gap in Bayern’s defence because Kim had pushed up too high to keep close to Vinicius.Kim was clearly terrified of his opponent’s speed. Kroos sensed that, played a ball behind the South Korean who could not keep up with Real’s lightning-quick No 7 while Eric Dier could not get across.The Brazilian international struck a first-time shot from around the penalty spot past the exposed Manuel Neuer and while that 24th minute goal may have not silenced Bayern’s noisy ultras, it knocked the stuffing out of their team.While Kroos forced a fine-one-handed save from Neuer shortly into the second half, Bayern then hit Real with a proper one-two.Sane collected a pass from Conrad Laimer, carried the ball from the right into the area, cut inside Ferland Mendy and then dispatched an unstoppable shot past Lunin at his near-post.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen Jamal Musiala burst into the box, he was kicked on the shin by Lucas Vazquez and Kane was never going to miss from the penalty spot – even if Bellingham was trying to put him off.Real were handed a way back when Kim fouled Rodrygo and Vinicius and now, tantalisingly, this huge battle remains in the balance. 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