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    Jhon Duran calls Bayern Munich ‘club of my dreams’ after scoring sensational winner for Aston Villa in Champions League

    JHON DURAN made a shock revelation after sinking Bayern Munich to maintain his sensational super-sub season.The Aston Villa striker lobbed a glorious Champions League winner just nine minutes after coming off the bench on Wednesday.Jhon Duran celebrated hitting the only goal against BayernCredit: RexAnd after the crazy celebrations at Villa Park – with Prince William losing his voice – Duran claimed his goal fulfilled TWO of his footballing fantasies.The Colombian said: “I feel happy to be able to score, and even more so against a great team like Bayern Munich, which is the club of my dreams.”I am happy to be the man of the match against this team, which was also my dream.”The 20-year-old’s verdict might be taken by some as a hint he has one eye on his long-term future.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuran netted eight times in 37 games last term, but mainly as understudy to Ollie Watkins.And his frustration led to transfer talk over the summer.Chelsea pondered swapping the 12-cap star for England midfielder Conor Gallagher, who eventually moved instead to Atletico Madrid.And it’s understood West Ham were keen on a £30million swoop for Duran – but that fell £10m short of Villa’s valuation.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe even whipped social media into a frenzy by sharing a picture of him crossing his arms – a possible nod to the Hammers’ crest.Again this season Villa boss Unai Emery has preferred to start with Watkins in a one-man attack.Jhon Duran ’causes chaos with s—housery’ as Aston Villa ace performs controversial gesture amid West Ham transfer linkBut with Duran netting five more goals off the bench – more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues this campaign – his bid for a regular start could soon be irresistible.Emery said after Wednesday’s epic triumph: “He arrived two years ago, he has huge potential, sometimes passion.“Sometimes I need to speak with him as a person and connect with him and as a player to let him play and put him on the field because his talent is there and his capacity to improve us.“We have two very good strikers and the challenge is to manage both.”Whatever happens, Emery doesn’t shy away from big decisions over his team – such as bringing on and then subbing Leon Bailey against Bayern. More

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    Conor McGregor ‘asked to leave’ Arsenal clash against PSG with UFC star whisked away by security

    CONOR McGREGOR was asked to leave the Emirates pitch after Arsenal’s win over Paris Saint-Germain.The UFC superstar, 36, was in attendance at the Gunners’ 2-0 victory in the Champions League on Tuesday night.Conor McGregor went onto the pitch for pictures with Declan Rice and Bukayo SakaCredit: Social Media CollectIt is understood he was not an official guest at the matchCredit: Social Media CollectAfter the game he went onto the field and posed for photos with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.He was even seen jokingly practicing some MMA moves on Arsenal and England star Saka.However, The Irish Mirror are now reporting McGregor was not an official guest at the stadium.He had acquired a ticket through a third-party source, before he left his seat and breezed onto the pitch at full-time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter several minutes on the turf, security reportedly told him to get off the field.And McGregor’s presence at the game was made even more bizarre due to the fact he is a Manchester United fan.In 2022, he told The Red Devils’ website: “I was more a player than a watcher back then [when I was a child], but Manchester United was my team.”It was only the other day I came across an old picture of myself wearing that infamous grey United jersey, which I bought with my [First Holy] Communion money at eight years of age.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I see my son when I look at that photo. I’d love to know where it is now. A truly ‘Notorious’ football jersey!”I was attracted to the success and winning mentality of the club and people surrounded by United. Irish legends like Denis Irwin and Roy Keane were dedicated to their craft and had that winning mentality.”Chris Eubank Jr reveals shock talks to fight Conor McGregor and opens up on ‘crazy’ night out with ‘very drunk’ UFC starMcGregor confirmed last month his return to the octagon will come in 2025 – nearly four years since he broke his leg in his last fight against Dustin Poirier.He told DAZN: “It will be 2025. We will see.”My opponent that I had scheduled… it is what it is. I take it on board and rock on.”My job is to go to the gym and be in shape, whenever it is and wherever it is. I will be 100 per cent ready.” More

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    Mo Salah transfer: European giants leading race for Liverpool star on THREE-YEAR deal with forward to snub Saudi switch

    PARIS ST-GERMAIN plan to step up their bid for Mo Salah – and think the superstar striker still has at least THREE more years at the highest level.The Egyptian icon is out of contract at the end of the season, and recently revealed how Liverpool have yet to offer him a new deal.PSG are set to step up their bid for Mo Salah when his Liverpool contract expiresCredit: GettySalah has started this season in brilliant form with five goalsCredit: GettySalah could find himself playing at the Parc des Princes stadium next yearCredit: AFPReports claim he has received offers to move to Saudi Arabia to join the likes of Cristano Ronaldo and Neymar.But SunSport can reveal Salah, 32, has little interest in moving to the Arab state at this stage in his career.He’d prefer to stay playing at the highest level and it’s understood PSG are willing to offer him a three-year deal to leave Anfield.PSG’s owners are under pressure to secure a marquee signing following the loss of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in recent years.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSTheir performance at the Emirates on Tuesday has also created unrest with the French side losing 2-0.And the club’s billionaire owners – who are keen to build a team that can challenge for the Champions League – think Salah can help transform the fortunes of the club.Salah has started the season in brilliant form and smashed in a great goal against Bologna in Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win.He’s believed to have quickly gelled with new manager Arne Slot, who sees Salah as a player to build his strike force around.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Dutchman – who has won eight of his first nine games – will be desperate to retain Salah’s services.But Liverpool are unlikely to be able to match the wages which PSG or clubs in Saudi can offer.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsIt raises the possibility he could leave the club in the summer in what would be a massive blow to Liverpool fans, and to the Premier League.Salah was the subject of interest from Al-ittihad, who reportedly offered £200m for him in the summer of 2023.Liverpool were able to resist the eye-watering sum to hold on to Salah for a least another two seasons.Several reports have linked PSG with Salah since 2021.The winger has scored five goals in nine games in all competitions this season and is Liverpool’s all-time Prem goalscorer.Five Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More

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    Spanish media turns on Jude Bellingham as England star slammed for ‘declining’ after Kylian Mbappe transfer

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has “declined” following Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid, according to a Spanish media outlet.The 21-year-old enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Real Madrid, winning both the Champions League and LaLiga.Jude Bellingham has ‘declined’ this season, according to the Spanish mediaCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid in a free transfer this summerCredit: GettyHe managed 36 goal involvements in 42 appearances for Los Blancos, making him one of the club’s most influential players.But Spanish outlet AS claims Bellingham has suffered a “decline” this term.The midfielder has managed just two assists in seven games since the start of the campaign.He is yet to score.Read More in FootballLast season, he scored six goals and assisted two in his first seven matches.With former Paris Saint-Germain striker Mbappe having joined Real Madrid in a huge free transfer this summer, Bellingham’s role in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has changed.The England star now plays in a slightly deeper position, meaning his attacking impact is limited.But AS suggests it has negatively affected his game.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBellingham’s average stats comparedA recent article from the popular Spanish publication read: “In Bellingham’s case, the decline is much more palpable: he has only two assists, without goals, in seven games played.”Last season, after seven games, he had scored six goals. These figures should not be compared coldly, because his role now, since the arrival of Mbappe, is very different, but the Englishman is still looking for his best version as a midfielder.”Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England starReal Madrid suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Lille on Wednesday.New signing Mbappe started the match on the bench and was introduced in the second half.However, he failed to make an impact.At full-time, manager Ancelotti said: “It was complicated, it was not our best game and we have to clean our heads.”It seemed that we were improving, but we took a step back with this match.”Lille have been better than us. We could use a stroke of attention and a little criticism.” More

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    Arne Slot record: New Liverpool manager officially best Reds boss ever after nine games thanks to record-breaking start

    ARNE SLOT has made a record-breaking start to his Anfield reign.The Dutchman officially has the BEST EVER start of any Liverpool manager after the Reds earned a 2-0 win over Serie A side Bologna.Arne Slot became the first Liverpool manager in history to win as many as eight of his first nine gamesCredit: ReutersIt’s eight wins from a possible nine for Slot – a feat not managed by any of his predecessors. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah either side of half-time saw Liverpool climb into the top eight of the European table.When informed of his record milestone, Slot told TNT: “It’s nearly impossible to do something special at this club.“It says a lot about where we started off, about how the players bought into it, how much effort they put in and how much the staff helped me as well to create this start.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But I hope I am remembered for more than that. It says everything about what Jurgen left at this club. I am hoping to do more special things.”The Reds currently sit top of the Premier League table with 15 points after six games, after wins over Ipswich, Brentford, Manchester United, Bournemouth, West Ham and Wolves.Slott has only dropped points once this season – in a shock 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, courtesy of Callum Hudson-Odoi.But Liverpool have maintained a 100 per cent Champions League record this season, having also beaten AC Milan 3-1 last month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the Reds face some tricky fixtures in RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen before hosting current champs Real Madrid, and Lille.And Slot can set another record if he wins against Madrid next month – as Liverpool haven’t beaten the LaLiga giants since the 2008-09 Round of 16.Watch Konate’s stunned reaction that he wasn’t Man of the Match… but his Liverpool boss AGREES with the decisionThe two European giants have played eight times since then, with Madrid winning all but one encounter – a 0-0 draw in one leg of the 2020-21 quarter-finals.Slot has only had to make slight cosmetic tweaks to the squad left by club legend Klopp.Federico Chiesa’s £11m arrival from Juventus was his only new signing, with the winger currently out injured with a foot issue.Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will join at the start of the 2025-26 season, pending the end of Alisson’s current contract in 2027.Results of Arne Slot’s first nine Liverpool gamesIpswich Town 2-0 Liverpool (Premier League)Liverpool 2-0 Brentford (Premier League)Man United 3-0 Liverpool (Premier League)Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)AC Milan 1-3 Liverpool (Champions League)Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)Liverpool 5-1 West Ham (League Cup)Wolves 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)Liverpool 2-0 Bologna (Champions LeagueKlopp had chanted Slot’s name in his final address to 60,000 fans at Anfield on the final day of last season.The former Feyenoord boss stepped into huge shoes when he succeeded Klopp in the summer.The German enjoyed a glittering nine-year reign on Merseyside, winning the Champions League and Premier League.What is more, Slot was not the only one breaking records for Liverpool on the night.Salah became the first Liverpool star to score in five consecutive Champions League home matches.He also became the only player to score and assist in nine Champions League games for any English club.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, who blew open their title surge last season, at 12:30pm on Saturday.With even harder games against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa to come.Mohamed Salah won Player of the Match against BolognaCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd fans furious at ‘grim’ realisation how far Aston Villa have come while they’ve gone backwards under Erik ten Hag

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left licking their already gaping wounds on Wednesday night – despite the fact the team didn’t even play.Sorry fans of the Red Devils are still hurting from last weekend’s battering by Tottenham, a defeat which continued the years-long trend of woefulness at Old Trafford. Manchester United’s start to the new season has been a woeful oneCredit: REXPressure is mounting on manager Erik ten Hag, who remains bullish on his futureCredit: REXAston Villa’s stunning Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich rubbed more salt into the wounds of Unted fansCredit: GETTYErik ten Hag and Unai Emery have been at United and Villa for nearly the same time but their fortunes have drastically differedCredit: EPAIn contrast, Aston Villa are flying high.And it’s not gone unnoticed by the Old Trafford faithful who have noted the differing impacts their respective managers have made having taken over at a similar time.The Villans recorded a famous 1-0 win over German giants Bayern Munich last night thanks to a sensational second-half strike from Jhon Duran.It was their second outing in Europe’s elite club competition since 1983READ MORE ON VILLATheir downing of Bayern – which will go down in club history – is so far, the pinnacle of Unai Emery’s reign at Villa Park.And it’s capped off a remarkable turnaround from the Spaniard, who arrived with the club in tatters.In just two years, Emery has taken Villa from the brink of relegation to rubbing shoulders with and beating Europe’s elite.And the success he’s brought hasn’t gone unnoticed by United fans, many of whom believe their club has gone BACKWARDS during Ten Hag’s reign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Unai Emery has transformed Aston VillaBy Graeme BryceASTON VILLA suspected they were on to a winner when they enticed four-times Europa League king Unai Emery away from Villarreal in October 2022.They will certainly never bag a bigger bargain than the £5.2million compensation fee they paid the La Liga side for their Spanish tactical genius.Emery started the way he meant to continue at Villa, ironically beating Sunday’s opponents Manchester United 3-1 on his debut – to record Villa’s first home Premier League victory over United since August 1995!And he has continued smashing records and setting new standards ever since, culminating in Wednesday’s incredible win over six-times European champions Bayern Munich.Emery credits his Basque upbringing for his workaholic nature and he is first into Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training base before 8am every morning – and he is usually the last there, switching the lights off when he leaves around 9pm most nights.A Villa insider once summed it up by saying: “It’s not unusual for managers to spend long hours at the training ground, chatting to staff, having cups of coffee. Unai is different, he doesn’t do down-time, it’s full on work-mode from the minute he arrives to the minute he leaves.”On away trips Emery opens his laptop as soon as he boards the team coach and starts analysing his own team’s performance as well as the opposition.”He will watch all of our games seven or eight times and does the same for our opponents,” says Villa’s Director of Football Operations, Damian Vidagany – one of 23 Spaniards Emery has taken with him to Villa, including the world-famous transfer guru Monchi.Emery trusts Monchi to supply the talent he needs from £50million record signing Amadou Onana to £8million bargain-buy Morgan Rogers and then he improves them beyond recognition.Lesser managers would have written hotheaded hitman Jhon Duran off as a troublemaker – cut their losses and flogged him this summer after a series of high-profile PR gaffes.But Emery was cold and clinical and asked himself one question – does the kid have any worth to me? Once he decided he did, he put an arm round the youngster and talked him through how he would transform him into one of the world’s great strikers.Now the smile is back on Duran’s face, never more so than after his stunning winner against Bayern, which underlined Emery’s extraordinary man-management skills. Training is meticulous and repetitive until players get the drill with the aid of constant video reminders, both collectively and individually, while his army of coaches work tirelessly on improving individual players’ skill-sets and game intelligence with tailor-made sessions.Against Bayern Emery not only set Villa up brilliantly defensively to frustrate the Bavarian giants, who failed to score for the first time this season. He also hammered home over and over again verbally and visually with video clips, Manuel Neuer’s tendency to stray miles off his goal line in his sweeper-keeper role.Jhon Duran’s first-time finish to send the ball soaring over a stranded Neuer was pure genius – but the seed to try such an outrageous attempt was planted in his head by another genius.Take a bow, Unai Emery!Several took to X to lament the Ten Hag era, which began a mere six months before Emery took charge of Villa.One frustrated supporter wrote: “Gerrard had Villa in the relegation zone and they sacked and replaced him with Emery 3 months into ten Hag being at United.Aston Villa fans spot what Unai Emery did immediately after win over Bayern Munich as they say ‘what a man'”Today Villa, are playing Bayern in the Champions League and I’m still seeing ten Hag quotes bragging about winning an FA Cup & Carabao Cup. Grim.”Another said: “Ineos are not serious. United hierarchy is not serious.”Why this j***water is still at post baffles me and he’s talking loftily.”And another said: “A good manager vs a bad one.”A bad one always have excuses while a good one uses what he have.”One remarked: “Emery is an insane coach.”Defiant Ten HagLast Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham has ramped up the pressure on Ten Hag, who remains bullish on the prospect of being given his marching orders.He told Sky Sports: “We are going to make a success from the season.”Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about.”We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.”When asked if he’s fearing the sack, the defiant Dutchman said: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. “We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTen Hag will be hoping his troops will be able to alleviate some of the pressure on his shoulders tonight when they face Porto in their second Europa League outing of the season.Things don’t get any easier after that – Manchester United’s next Premier League game is on Sunday away to Emery’s Aston Villa.Erik ten Hag is confident he turn Manchester United’s fortunes aroundCredit: GETTY More

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    Champions League: Football fans over the moon after realising highlights after back on free-to-air TV

    GLEEFUL football fans were chuffed to realise that Champions League highlights have returned to free-to-air TV.It’s been NINE years since Europe’s top competition left ITV and moved over to TNT Sport.Fans were thrilled to catch Duran’s late winner on free-to-air TV on the BBCAnalysis was provided on Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to LilleCredit: RexMost football lovers believed it was travesty, with many unable or un- willing, to pay the £53.99 monthly subscription for TNT Sport.While live European matches have not returned to free TV, fans can tune into a Match of the Day-style show on the BBC for highlights of each round.A brief match-by-match highlight compilation is also available from 10pm on the BBC website as well.Both the show and online package can be viewed every Wednesday on a week of Champions League action.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAston Villa’s incredible 1-0 triumph over Bayern Munich at Villa Park was the first game to be shown this week.Emery’s men went ahead via super-sub Jhon Duran’s 79th minute audacious off-the-cuff lob.Liverpool also retained their 100 per cent record in the competition this season with a routine 2-0 win over Bologna with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah.And fans were thrilled to learn that they could catch all of the action for free.Most read in Champions LeagueJhon Duran scored a goal that will go down in Villa’s historyCredit: GettySalah scored a stunner to double Liverpool’s leadCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne wrote on X: “Champions League highlights on BBC is possibly the best thing ever.”A second said: “The show is quite a breath of fresh air. Really good sampled footage of the games.”Arsenal player ratings vs PSGA third said: “BBC iPlayer has got the Champions League highlights of you didn’t know!”Another wrote: “It died off when they took it off ITV. Hopefully bringing highlights to the BBC will be the start of the comeback but wishful thinking.”While another added: “Feels so strange watching Champions League games and analysis on the BBC. Thank god for that.”Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan seem to take turns hosting, alongside pundits Nedum Onuoha and German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger.Fans were also pleased to see some fresh faces, with one writing: “It can’t always be likes of Micah Richards, Danny Murphy and Jamie Redknapp.” More

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    Champions League: Arsenal’s opponents Girona set unwanted competition record as fans claim ‘they’re cursed’

    GIRONA set an unwanted Champions League record during their clash with Feyenoord last night.The Catalan side lost 3-2 to the Dutch giants in their first ever Champions League match on home soil.Girona were beaten 3-2 in their first ever Champions League home matchCredit: GettyGirona’s team sheet featured a host of names that will be familiar to British football fans.Former Manchester United star Donny van de Beek started in midfield, with Tottenham loanee Bryan Gil and former Spurs stopper Paulo Gazzaniga also in the XI.Summer signing from Aberdeen Bojan Miovski got the nod up top, while ex-Tottenham, Everton and Bournemouth ace Arnut Danjuma came off the bench alongside former Championship duo Yaser Asprilla and Cristhian Stuani.Girona began their Champions League campaign a fortnight ago with a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe tournament debutants held their own until the 90th minute, when Gazzaniga scored a nightmare own goal.In last night’s 3-2 defeat to Feyenoord, Girona scored two further own goals – setting an unwanted record in the process.Michel’s men had actually taken the lead on 19 minutes, when David Lopez scored their first ever Champions League goal.But they were pegged back just four minutes later, with Yangel Herrera turning into his own net.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis moment saw Girona become the first side to ever concede own goals in each of their opening two games in the competition.It also saw them become the first team to have their first two Champions League concessions be via own goals.Arsenal set to play Champions League decider in half-empty stadium with tiny away allocation thanks to little-known rule Remarkably, more records would tumble as the extraordinary encounter progressed.Teenager Antoni Milambo put the visitors 2-1 in front on 33 minutes, before Feyenoord were awarded a penalty just moments later.Having given the ball away in the build-up to the spot kick, Gazzaniga made amends by saving Ayase Ueda’s subsequent effort.Girona thought they’d levelled just after half-time, only for their goal to be disallowed for an offside in the build-up.They then spurned a huge opportunity on 67 minutes, with Miovski this time being denied from the penalty spot.Yangel Herrera scored an unfortunate own goalCredit: GettyPaulo Gazzaniga saved Ayase Ueda’s penaltyCredit: GettyThe home faithful did finally have an equaliser to cheer on 73 minutes, however, when Van de Beek converted following good work by his Dutch compatriot Danjuma.Incredibly, Girona gifted Feyenoord their lead back just six minutes later, with Ladislav Krejci this time turning into his own net.The Czech international’s nightmare moment saw the match become the first in Champions League history to feature two missed penalties and two own goals.Try as they might, Girona could not conjure another equaliser, with Feyenoord winning a bonkers encounter 3-2.Former Man Utd star Donny van de Beek celebrates his goalCredit: GettyFeyenoord celebrate Ladislav Krejci’s own goalCredit: AFPAmazingly, the memorable match was watched by under 10,000 fans.That’s because due to Uefa rules, Girona were forced to operate with a reduced capacity.Their Estadi Montilivi home usually holds 14,624 spectators.But Uefa competitions ban temporary structures, thus reducing the stadium’s capacity by more than 5,000 seats.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis rule will also be in effect when Arsenal visit Girona.The two sides are set to meet in Catalonia on January 29.The match was forced to be played in front of a reduced capacityCredit: Reuters More