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      Mahrez ‘proves Erling Haaland is human’ ahead of Champions League final with fans in stitches at Grealish’s reaction

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      ERLING HAALAND was left red-faced by Riyad Mahrez just days before the Champions League final.The Norwegian hitman has been flawless for the Premier League champions this season, scoring an unprecedented 52 goals in 52 matches.

      Erling Haaland was on defensive duties against Riyad Mahrez in Manchester City trainingCredit: BT SPORT
      The unstoppable goalscorer found himself beautifully skinned by his team-mateCredit: BT SPORT
      Haaland, 22, couldn’t quite believe he’d been done like a kipperCredit: BT SPORT
      Haaland has been machine-like in front of goal this campaign, although Man City team-mate Mahrez has proven the 22-year-old to be a mere mortal.
      The former Borussia Dortmund ace was sent for a hot dog by the Algeria skipper during one of City’s final training sessions for Saturday’s match against Inter Milan.
      Mahrez skinned Haaland with a beautiful drag back and change of direction – leaving the star of the season with his head and hands on the pitch.
      Footy fans were quick to comment on the clip, with one saying: “Haaland is nowhere near God level.”
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      Another said: “Damn.”
      And another said: “It’s just the beginning.”
      One remarked: “[Jack] Grealish thinking about what he’ll roast Haaland with next.”
      Another chimed in: “My question is: Why is Mahrez not starting most of the matches again?”
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      One fan, however, jumped to the Scandinavian’s defence, saying: “He’s not a defender, like.”
      City boss Pep Guardiola and the Etihad faithful will be hoping for more stability from his star striker in Istanbul on Saturday night.
      And team-mate Ilkay Gundogan has called on the giant Norwegian to fire City to their maiden Champions League title.
      The German told UEFA: “Right now, he might be the best striker in the world. He brings so much to our team.
      “He gives us a different quality, with his physical strength, with his mentality, with his speed and with his goals too, of course.
      Erling Haaland has scored a whopping 52 goals in competitions this seasonCredit: PA
      “The last couple of years, we didn’t have a classic No.9 in the team. Therefore we needed to play a bit more flexibly, a bit differently.
      “Now we know that we have someone in the box who can control the ball, including high aerial balls.
      “He is very good with his head and can win battles against tall, strong centre-backs.
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      “This adds a whole new dimension to our game. It gives us a new dynamic. And in addition, he brings a great mentality and character.
      “He has helped us a lot already. Let’s hope he can also help us in the final.” More

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      Fans demand ‘we need this in the UK’ as CBS reveals Champions League final coverage with ITV legend among ‘GOAT line-up’

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      FOOTBALL fans were left demanding CBS Sports come to the UK after the broadcaster announced its Champions League final lineup.CBS has shot to popularity thanks to the infectiously hilarious panel of Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards as pundits and Kate Abdo as host.
      CBS announced their line up for the Champions League finalCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGang
      CBS’ Champions League panel is popular among fansCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Clive Tyldesley will be commentating on the gameCredit: PA

      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL – MAN CITY VS INTER MILAN: All you need to know including kick-off time and TV details
      The quartet will once again be front and centre for the channel’s coverage of Saturday’s Champions League final when Manchester City take on Inter Milan.
      The commentary team will comprise of ITV’s former lead commentator Clive Tyldesley and ex-England shot-stopper Rob Green.
      Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel and Spanish journalist Guillem Balagué will be providing pitchside analysis, while former referee Christina Unkel will provide rule analysis.
      Upon seeing the announcement, fans reacted in awe to the cast.
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      One fan labelled it: “The goat lineup right here 🐐.”
      A second wrote: “We need this in the UK. Outstanding lineup.”
      “What a lineup! Puts the rest to shame,” said a third.
      A fourth remarked: “What a lineup that is. Any chance we can get this in place of BT Sport?”
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      Another fan said typed: “Look at that lineup. Every single one [is] better than their equivalent at BT Sport.
      “That’s before you even get to the fantastic studio camaraderie they’ve forged.”
      Tyldesley himself lavished praise on his colleagues, replying: “Keeping good company!”
      Many fans were pleased to see Tyldesley on the list, but they seemed to be unaware he has been with the broadcaster for their Champions League coverage since 2020.
      The 68-year-old could be about to witness the English football’s second-ever Treble, having been the voice of the final when Manchester United completed the historic feat in 1999.
      United are England’s only representative on a list of just seven clubs who have won the continental Treble, comprised of winning the Champions League, the country’s league and the main domestic Cup.
      Fans were left devastated about a potential shake-up of CBS’ coverage next season after reports suggested Henry was in line to become an assistant coach at Paris Saint-Germain. More

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      Newcastle owners buy FOUR new clubs ahead of Champions League campaign as Saudis make hugely ambitious move

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      NEWCASTLE’S owners have announced they have bought four new Saudi Arabian clubs.The Public Investment Fund, who control an 80 per cent stake at St James’ Park, have acquired Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Hilal.
      Newcastle’s owners have acquired four new clubs after buying the Premier League giantsCredit: Reuters
      Newcastle’s owners have bought Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al HilalCredit: PA
      The PIF holds 75 per cent ownership of each team with respective non-profit foundations holding the other 25 per cent.
      The Public Investment Fund tweeted the following statement: “As part of today’s announcement of the Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project, four Saudi clubs – Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal – have been transformed into companies, each of which is owned by #PIF and non-profit foundations for each club.
      “Existing members of each club will be included in the four foundations.
      “PIF is working closely with @gsaksa_en on all the necessary regulatory procedures to complete the clubs’ transfers to their new structures as newly founded companies alongside non-profit foundations.
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      “PIF’s ownership in the clubs’ companies represent 75% in each club, while their respective non-profit foundations hold 25% ownership of each club.
      “The transfer of the four clubs will unleash various commercial opportunities, including investment, partnership and sponsorships across numerous sports.”
      This comes after Newcastle qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2003.
      The Toon finished fourth in the Premier League after an impressive season under manager Eddie Howe.
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      The PIF is expected to back Howe in the upcoming summer transfer window.
      Newcastle have been linked with the likes of Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai, Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Leicester’s James Maddison.
      The Magpies are also looking to offer Bruno Guimaraes a £200,000-a-week deal, which will make him the club’s highest-paid star ever, amid interest from Barcelona. More

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      Former Champions League star Ishak Belfodil, 31, arrested for ‘trying to strangle his 15-year-old sister’ in France

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      A FORMER Champions League player has been arrested after allegedly trying to strangle his 15-year-old sister.Police sources said Ishak Belfodil, 31, left his sibling with strangulation marks after an argument.
      Former Champions League player Ishak Belfodil has been arrested last nightCredit: Getty
      He is being accused of allegedly trying to strangle his younger sister, 15Credit: AFP or licensors
      Her injuries did not require treatment but Belfodil was placed in police custody.
      According to information Le Parisien reported on Monday (June 5), the striker was arrested on Sunday night at his parents’ home, in the Paris region, where he was spending a few days.
      According to the French paper, cops were called 6.45pm by Belfodil’s sister, who accused the player of having wanted to strangle her.
      Upon arrival, police found strangulation marks and scratches on her arms.
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      The footballer was then questioned by police at Elancourt.
      However, it is understood the alleged victim has not filed a complaint yet, French Football Weekly and RMC Sport reported.
      The footballer will be interviewed by the investigators and the Versailles prosecutor’s office has 48 hours to decide what to do with this case.
      A forward with Qatari club Al-Gharafa, Belfodil has played 19 times for Algeria, scoring two goals since 2013, after representing France at youth level.
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      The Franco-Algerian athlete also played for Inter Milan in the 2013/14 season.
      Belfodil came through the Paris Saint-Germain youth training system but frequently changed teams during his career with 12 clubs in 13 years.
      When playing for German team Hoffenheim in 2018, the former forward stunned Man City when he opened the scoring after just 44 seconds.
      Belfodil also notably wore the colours of French club Lyon from 2009 to 2012.
      He later had spells with Parma in Italy, Standard Liege in Belgium, and other German team Hertha Berlin before joining Qatari club Al-Gharafa last year.
      Belfodil played for Italian giant Inter Milan in the 2013/14 seasonCredit: Getty
      The 31-year-old was arrested at his parents’ home after cops were called by his sisterCredit: Getty
      The 31-year-old (centre) played for German teams Hoffenheim and Hertha BerlinCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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      Fans heartbroken after realising there could be huge update to CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage in 2023-24

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      FANS have loved the on-screen chemistry between Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards on CBS this season.But Thierry Henry’s rumoured next coaching move may see him swap the studio for the sidelines next term.
      Fans have loved CBS’ coverage of the Champions League this seasonCredit: Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      According to reports in France, Julian Nagelsmann is the front runner to take the PSG hotseat.
      And L’Equipe report the young German manager wants Henry as his assistant next season – despite never having worked with him.
      Henry has not coached since departing as Belgium’s assistant boss following the World Cup.
      He has instead spent his time working as a pundit on French television as well as working with the CBS team for Champions League coverage.
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      With L’Equipe reporting that talks between PSG and Nagelsmann are at an advanced stage, fans are gutted that the CBS punditry team is set to be broken up.
      An Arsenal fan tweeted: “THIERRY NOOOO WE’RE FINALLY BACK IN THE UCL DON’T YOU DARE LEAVE CBS”
      Another responded to the L’Equipe reports saying: “That means no more Thierry at CBS 😩”
      One fan added: “CBS Sports Golazo won’t be the same without Thierry.”
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      Fans have loved the laid back approach of CBS’ coverage this season which has given Abdo, Carragher, Henry and Richards the space to express themselves on air.
      Ahead of Inter and AC’s Milan derby semi-final second leg, the pundits were left in stitches after a gaff from Abdo saw her say she was reporting for Fox instead of CBS.
      Henry jokingly walked away as Abdo said: “I’m about to get fired.”
      Fans also loved the moment earlier this season when Carragher had to bring Abdo a bottle of water when she fluffed her lines for a preview of a Champions League game.
      Perhaps the highlight of the season came when Carragher left Milan’s Leao baffled with his Italian pronunciation – and Richards in stitches.
      Some fans have already begun talk online about Henry’s CBS replacement, with one suggesting the recently retired Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the only man that can fill Henry’s boots.
      One fan tweeted in response to Zlatan’s retirement: “CBS should go after him if Thierry Henry takes the job on the PSG coaching staff.” More

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      Kai Havertz ‘on verge of shock Real Madrid transfer’ in ‘mega-deal’ from Chelsea after Karim Benzema exit

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      KAI HAVERTZ is on the verge of signing for Real Madrid in a “mega-deal” from Chelsea, reports in Germany say. The LaLiga giants have lost star striker Karim Benzema, 35, whose Bernabeu exit was revealed by the club.
      Kai Havertz is linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: AFP
      And Chelsea’s Havertz emerged as a shock contender to replace the Frenchman, who leaves after 14 years in the Spanish capital.
      Now according to Bild, the Germany international can “quickly” become a Real player.
      It is claimed manager Carlo Ancelotti and President Florentino Perez are both admirers of the forward.
      And with Chelsea open to selling Havertz, 23, an agreement with Real is expected to follow.
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      The playmaker joined Chelsea in 2020 for a then-club record £75m deal from Bayer Leverkusen.
      And despite scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final in his first season, he has lacked consistency.
      It leaves the Blues ready to sell Havertz after just three years in West London as they look to clear their squad out this summer.
      Real are also doing so, after ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard, 32, terminated his contract.
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      And Benzema’s exit shortly followed while the attacker is linked with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia.
      A statement read: “Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close.
      “Real Madrid would like to show our gratitude and affection to a player who is already one of our greatest legends.”
      Karim Benzema is leaving Real MadridCredit: AFP More

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      Kylian Mbappe and Trent Alexander-Arnold give their Champions League final predictions at Spanish GP

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE and Trent Alexander-Arnold have revealed their predictions for next week’s Champions League final.The two footballers were included in the star-studded line-up of special guests at the Spanish Grand Prix.
      Mbappe thinks Man City will win the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Alexander-Arnold also believes City will win the trebleCredit: Getty
      And Sky Sports presenter Craig Slater used the opportunity to question them both about next week’s match between Manchester City and Inter Milan.
      When asked who he thinks will lift the Champions League trophy, PSG striker Mbappe said: “Champions League final, it’s going to be a great game.
      “I think Manchester City are going to win.”
      Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold appeared to agree.
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      He told Sky Sports: “I think Man City are always the favourites for everything!”
      Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount was also in attendance at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over the weekend.
      But rather than asking him about the Champions League, Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle was quick to question the 24-year-old about a potential move to Manchester United.
      After Brundle had spoken to Mount’s Blues team-mate Ben Chilwell, the attacking midfielder asked: “What’s he saying?”
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      To which the reporter responded: “He says you’re going to Manchester United.”
      Mount dismissed the question and laughed before replying: “I’m here to just enjoy the race today.
      “Amazing day, I can’t wait to watch it.”
      Mount has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in recent weeks and Man Utd are understood to be interested in signing him. More

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      Man City fans in disbelief as two key FA Cup final stars are not given medals but forgotten squad player is

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      TWO Manchester City stars were not given FA Cup winners medals – leaving fans in disbelief. City beat arch rivals United 2-1 at Wembley, to guarantee the domestic Double following their Premier League title win.
      Manchester City stars celebrate their FA Cup final winCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Now they will turn their attention to the Champions League final against Inter Milan next weekend.
      Ilkay Gundogan was the star of the day as his two volleys sealed the win either side of Bruno Fernandes’ leveller from the spot.
      But despite his heroics, the City captain was left without a medal as SunSport understands the FA ran out.
      Prince William was seen explaining to Kevin De Bruyne that they had no more medals to award.
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      But the Belgian playmaker was later handed one by keeper Ederson.
      Still Gundogan – who WILL receive a medal at a later date – posed for pictures without one around his neck.
      But the likes of forgotten man Kalvin Phillips as well as youngsters Cole Palmer and Rico Lewis did get one.
      One fan said: “Poor Gundogan. Captain, double goalscorer and MOTM but doesn’t get a medal as they’ve run out.”
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      Another added: “Gundogan man of the match, super display, didn’t even get a medal.”
      One pleaded: “Somebody give Gundogan a medal.”
      Another said: “Hope Gundogan gets a medal!”
      Ederson hands Kevin De Bruyne a medal
      Ilkay Gundogan celebrates without a medalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More