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      Man City cheekily welcome Vinicius Jr before fans unveil brutal ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ tifo amid Ballon d’Or drama

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      MANCHESTER CITY cheekily reminded Vinicius Jr of the Ballon d’Or saga with a brutal Oasis-inspired banner – but the Real Madrid man ended up having the last laugh.City star Rodri won the prestigious award given to the world’s best player ahead of him back in October.Man City fans taunted Vinicius Jr with a brutal tifoCity also posted a snap of Vinicius walking past a Rodri muralCredit: @ManCity
      Rodri won the prestigious award in OctoberCredit: EPAReal Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in protest at Vinicius’ snubCredit: GettyLos Blancos were left fuming over the snub and decided all members of the club would not attend the glamorous ceremony in protest.Ahead of Real Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 Champions League win over City, the hosts cleverly taunted Vinicius.The Premier League champions posted a snap of their opponents arriving at the Etihad, which included a picture of the Brazilian winger walking into the stadium.Eagle-eyed fans noticed he was cheekily pictured next to a display of Rodri kissing the iconic Ballon d’Or trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSupporters found it hilarious, with one saying: “I saw what you did here.”Another added: “We all see it, right?”The taunting did not stop there as City fans welcomed Vinicius to the pitch ahead of kick-off with a brutal tifo.Those sat next to the away end behind the goal held up a banner of Rodri with the trophy along with the Oasis lyrics: “Stop crying your heart out.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCity supporters called it “superb” and “phenomenal” – with Rodri appearing to take a photo of it – but others were worried it was “all the motivation Real needs”.A defiant Vinicius, who was booed by City fans, tweeted at the time of the boycott: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobAnd he will be desperate to get one over the injured Rodri as he even reportedly had a Ballon d’Or party planned for 50 people to celebrate.Meanwhile, Nike had to scrap the specially designed boots they made and Real Madrid TV were forced to ditch the five hours of programming they had in place to to commemorate the success.The club were fiercely criticised for not showing up to the ceremony but boss Carlo Ancelotti doubled down ahead of tonight’s game, saying: “I don’t think it was the wrong decision.”We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon d’Or. “It doesn’t mean we don’t respect Rodri because he is a fantastic player. I think Rodri deserved to win it the year before.”Pep Guardiola said there was “absolutely not” any resentment at Real over the incident.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Vinicius had the last laugh on the night, setting up Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp winner.Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said afterwards: “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. ” More

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      Kylian Mbappe suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction as Amazon Prime commentators joke ‘surely he has sponsors for this’

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE suffered an awkward wardrobe malfunction in Real Madrid’s win over Manchester City.The LaLiga giants faced the Cityzens in the Champions League play-off round.Kylian Mbappe’s laces snapped against Manchester CItyCredit: amazon PrimeHe had to go off the pitch to deal with the issueCredit: Amazon PrimeHe then had to redo the lacesCredit: Amazon PrimeMbappe, 26, started the game but needed to leave the pitch inside just nine minutes.The forward could be seen fiddling with his boots on the touchline while the action continued.It was then realised that his laces had snapped on his boot, and a replacement was needed.The commentators could not help but poke a bit of fun at the Galactico.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne said: “Surely he has sponsors for this.”Fans were also unforgiving as they reacted to the wardrobe malfunction on social media.One posted: “Mbappe’s laces are off haha.”A second wrote: “Mbappe needs his mum to tie his laces.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third commented: “State of them laces on Mbappe.”A fourth said: “Mbappe’s laces are cooked.”Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobAnother added: “Mbappe broke his laces and needs a new shoe LOL.”Manchester City took the lead in the match as Erling Haaland smashed his effort past Thibaut Courtois.However, fans complained at the length of time that was needed for VAR to check the goal.Minutes later Jack Grealish was forced off with an injury in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel.Mbappe was on target to level the game as Real went on to win the clash 3-2, with Jude Bellingham netting the winner.Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney was in attendance as he made his debut for Amazon Prime.And he was quick off the mark to make a dig against the host team due to his background as at Manchester United player. More

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      Fans slam ‘longest VAR check ever’ as Man City vs Real Madrid hit by HUGE delay despite semi-automated technology

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      FANS were left fuming as Erling Haaland’s Manchester City opener against Real Madrid was subject to a lengthy VAR check.The Norwegian’s strike was finally awarded after it was deemed that he had been onside when Josko Gvardiol chested the ball down to him.The goal was subject to a lengthy checkCredit: ReutersHaaland was onside when Josko Gvardiol chested the ball to himCredit: Prime VideoErling Haaland celebrates firing Man City into the leadCredit: ReutersHaaland scored in the 19th minute of the contest.It was nearly five minutes before the goal was confirmed, despite the Champions League using semi-automated offside technology.A visual graphic eventually illustrated that only Haaland’s hand had been in an offside position.And as you cannot score with your hand, the forward was confirmed as being onside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans were left bewildered at the delay.One wrote on X: “I don’t think I’ve seen a longer VAR check before. If it’s clearly not offside give it as a goal and move on!”While a second sarcastically added: “Five minutes to confirm what was obvious. UEFA drama at its finest.”During the delay, Haaland could be seen exchanging words with Vinicius Jr.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHaaland was narrowly deemed to be onsideCredit: Prime VideoThe Real Madrid star was mocked by a City tifo as the teams walked out.Vinicius had been left extremely disappointed when he missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Rodri.Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobReal Madrid even boycotted the event over their winger’s snub.Poking fun at Real’s stance, City fans held up a huge image of Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy, with the Oasis lyrics: “Stop crying your heart out.”City took a cheeky dig at Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or snub More

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      My hair will be all over the place’ – Wayne Rooney leaves Amazon Prime panel in stitches with gag about Manchester rain

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      WAYNE ROONEY trolled himself on his rain-lashed Amazon Prime debut.The Manchester United icon was the only one in a four-person broadcasting team at Manchester City against Real Madrid without an umbrella.Wayne Rooney gave himself some stick over his hairCredit: X @primevideosportAnd when his brolly bravery was pointed out to him, Rooney joked: “I hope the rain doesn’t come down any more, my hair will be all over the place!”Rooney is understood to have had two hair transplants.The procedures are thought to have cost around £30,000.After his first op in 2011 he was happy to share the experience on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe posted: “Just to confirm to all my followers I have had a hair transplant. I was going bald at 25, why not? I’m delighted with the result.”Rooney reportedly then had a top-up two years later.The former Everton striker, 39, was sacked from his last managerial job in December – after just seven months in charge of Plymouth.But amid a string of offers he chose a TV stint with Amazon.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd in fact it took him just THREE SECONDS with the microphone at the Etihad on Tuesday night to land a dig.He told his new colleagues: “Obviously a stadium I’ve scored a lot of goals in.”Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobA grinning Rooney then added: “I’m sure I’ll get a nice welcome.” One fan responded on X: “6 goals he scored at the Etihad btw wouldn’t say that’s a lot of goals.”Meanwhile, City were more concerned about keeping Real out – with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe both starting for the visitors. More

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      ‘I’ve scored a lot of goals’ – Man Utd idol Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just THREE SECONDS of Amazon Prime job

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      WAYNE ROONEY set a cheeky new record just three seconds into his debut as an Amazon Prime Video pundit.The Manchester United legend was at the Etihad for City’s Champions League play-off with Real Madrid.Wayne Rooney made a mischievous instant impactCredit: GettyHe scored six goals at the Etihad Stadium during his careerCredit: GettyAnd after just THREE SECONDS the ex-striker joked: “Obviously, it’s a stadium I’ve scored a lot of goals in…”Rooney immediately added: “So I’m sure I’ll get a nice welcome!”He joined Gabby Logan, Daniel Sturridge and Clarence Seedorf on Prime for the coverage of the match.The former England skipper has had some memorable moments at the Etihad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, his overall stats against City are pretty modest – by his incredible standards.Rooney, 39, notched nine goals and three assists in 27 games against the Cityzens for United and Everton.And six of these came on City’s own patch, with five during his time at Man United and one at the Toffees.Fans loved the joke as they reacted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne posted: “Hahaha classic one from Rooney there.”A second commented: “Brutal jibe from Wazza.” ‘My hair will be all over the place’ – Wayne Rooney leaves Amazon Prime panel in stitches with gag about Manchester rainWayne Rooney’s record-breaking careerWAYNE Rooney took the football world by storm when he made his debut for 2002 with Everton.He quickly became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer aged 16 years and 342 days and was named the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.The striker joined Manchester United in 2004 and spent 13 years at Old Trafford. He went on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 253 goals. To this day he is still the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.Following his spell with United, Rooney returned to Everton for a season. He also spent one-season stints with D.C. United and Derby County at the end of his career.As well as his impressive club career, Rooney is also England’s second-highest goalscorer with 53 goals in 120 appearances, behind only Harry Kane.After hanging up his boots, the England icon turned to a career in management.He took charge of Derby County in 2020 and managed to just about save the club from relegation from the Championship at the end of his first season.However, with Derby handed a 21-point deduction the following campaign, he was unable to keep them up again and subsequently left.Then came a 15-month spell in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He failed to impress during his time in Washington and parted ways with the club at the end of the 2023 regular season.Rooney was controversially handed the Birmingham job in October 2023, replacing John Eustace with the club doing well and sixth in the Championship table.However, in 15 games he suffered nine defeats and managed just two wins. He was sacked in January 2024 with Birmingham down in 20th. The club were relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.He returned to management in May with Plymouth Argyle but managed just five wins in 25 games. The United legend now finds himself out of work once again.The former Red Devils star is a club legend with an all-time record of 253 goals in 559 appearances in all competitions.He starred for the club between 2004 and 2017, during which he won five Premier League titles and one Champions League.He retired in 2021 and has worked in club management up until last year when he was axed by Plymouth Argyle.He has recently been tipped for a stunning return to the dugout with Steven Gerrard at Rangers. More

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      Are Champions League knockout play-offs one or two legs?

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      CHAMPIONS League action is back with the knockout phase play-offs.16 teams are gearing up to compete against each other, looking to join the eight teams that have already advanced to the last 16.Manchester City had to come from behind against Club Brugge to progress to the knockout phase play-offsCredit: EPAManchester City and Celtic are among those who are playing this week and will be aiming to progress to the next stage – they’re up against current holders of the competition, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, respectively.This will be the fourth year in a row that City have faced off against Real in the knockout stage of the competition – and they will know they need nothing short of a perfect display across both legs to get passed the 15-time winners of the competition.In the previous three meetings of these two footballing giants, City have only got past Los Blancos once and that was the year they went all the way to pick up their first Champions League title.Similarly, Real Madrid have beat City twice in the last three years, and they picked up the trophy on both occasions, so fans will know they are in for a hell of a tie over the next week!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAre Champions League knockout play-offs one or two legs?Just like any other knockout stage in the Champions League round, there will indeed be two legs.The first legs of these play-off fixtures will take place on the 11th and 12th February, with the second legs the following week on the 18th and 19th February.The eight winning teams will join the eight teams that have already qualified in the last 16.Which teams are in the play-off round and when are they?The full draw for the play-off round is as follows:Most read in Champions LeagueBrest v Paris St-Germain – first leg 11 February, second leg 19 FebruaryJuventus v PSV Eindhoven – first leg 11 February, second leg 19 FebruaryManchester City v Real Madrid – first leg 11 February, second leg 19 FebruarySporting v Borussia Dortmund – first leg 11 February, second leg 19 FebruaryClub Brugge v Atalanta – first leg 12 February, second leg 18 FebruaryCeltic v Bayern Munich – first leg 12 February, second leg 18 FebruaryFeyenoord v AC Milan – first leg 12 February, second leg 18 FebruaryMonaco v Benfica – first leg 12 February, second leg 18 FebruaryWho’s already in the last 16?The teams through to the round of 16 are:LiverpoolBarcelonaArsenalInter MilanAtletico MadridBayer LeverkusenLilleAston Villa. More

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      Man City vs Real Madrid live stream FREE: How to watch huge Champions League clash TONIGHT

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      MANCHESTER CITY host European heavyweights Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase play-off.Pep Guardiola’s men clinched a playoff round place with a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in their final league phase match.Savinho’s goal against Club Brugge helped Man City qualify for the knockout stagesCredit: AFPThe result was their only victory in their previous five European matches, losing to PSG, Juventus and Sporting CP in their poor run of form.Real Madrid picked up their form in the competition towards the end of their campaign.They have won three of their last five Champions League matches after a poor start saw them lose three consecutive games to Lille, AC Milan and Liverpool.Read more football newsWednesday’s match will be the fourth time Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti’s sides have met in the knockouts of the competition in as many years. Madrid have the slight edge over City, running out 2-1 winners across the last three ties.When is Man City vs Real Madrid?Man City vs Real Madrid will take place on Tuesday, February 11.Kick off will be at 8pm GMT.The Etihad Stadium will host the first leg.How to watch Man City vs Real Madrid for FREEThis season’s Champions League sees a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.Most read in FootballAmazon Prime Video is showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at no additional cost to Prime members.Should you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member, including access to watch Man City vs Real Madrid.Alternative, SunSport will blog all the action as it happens.What other games are on this round?Brest host PSG in the earlier kick off on Tuesday. The all-French tie begins at 5.45pm GMT in the first of four matches on the dayJuventus face PSV Eindhoven at 8pm GMT while Borussia Dortmund meet Portuguese league leaders Sporting CP at the same time on Tuesday.There are four more fixtures in the Champions League this week which will all be played on Wednesday, February 12.Club Brugge host Serie A dark horses Atalanta in the early kick off at 5.45pm GMT.Wednesday’s 8pm GMT matches see Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich travel to Celtic Park to face the Scottish giants.Meanwhile, Feyenoord face AC Milan and AS Monaco go up against Benfica. More

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      ‘I’ll cut off my testicles’ – Sergio Aguero makes bold Man City vs Real Madrid prediction

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      SERGIO AGUERO made an incredibly bold prediction for Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid.The two titans faced off in the Champions League play-off round after struggling through the league phase.The two sides faced off in the Champions LeagueCredit: PASergio Aguero had said he would be shocked if Real Madrid beat Manchester CityCredit: GettyManchester City have been out of sorts for most of the season while their Spanish opponents are leading LaLiga.The two were going head to head in a two-legged fixture in order to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.The first leg of the tie was played at the Etihad and Aguero, 36, believed his former side could not lose.The retired striker was so confident that he jokingly offered to dismember himself if he was wrong.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking on the Som I Serem FCB Podcast, he said: “Real Madrid can not beat Man City.”If they beat City, I will cut off my testicles.”Aguero has more disdain for Real Madrid than the general City legend, having also played for Barcelona during his career.He joined the Catalonian side in 2021 but only played four league games before being forced into retirement for medical issues.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMan City manager Pep Guardiola had also spoken about the clash against Real Madrid.He had declared that his players are good enough to get a result against the 15-time winners.Erling Haaland falls down in training as Man City prepare for Real Madrid clash He said: “We are where we are, and I know perfectly but the team has something special and hopefully we can prove it.“I will not deny how I trust with the players who gave us that incredible decade, winning a lot of things and playing a high standard, I know what we are capable of.”However, Aguero will be hoping people forget about his promise after City blew a 2-1 lead to lose the first leg 3-2.Meanwhile, Aguero is gearing up for an intensive boot camp in motorsport.He is set to compete in Formula E’s new Evo Sessions and will come up against the likes of Brooklyn Beckham.Bellingham clinched the comeback victory with a late goal More