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      Real Madrid STRANDED at airport in shambolic preparations for crunch Champions League clash with Man City

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      REAL MADRID stars were left STRANDED at the airport ahead of their crunch clash with Manchester City. The Spanish giants are facing off against City in the second leg Champions League semi-final on Wednesday with the sides all square after a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu last week.
      Real Madrid were left stranded at the airport ahead of their clash with Manchester CityCredit: Zenpix
      Carlo Ancelotti did not appear to be pleased at the disruptionCredit: Zenpix
      Ancelotti is looking to guide Madrid to their 15th UCL titleCredit: Zenpix
      But the squad, including Vinicius Jr. appeared to be in good spiritsCredit: Zenpix
      Karim Benzema struck a calm posture with the squad donning a mostly blackoutCredit: Zenpix
      Luka Modric stared down the camera on his return to EnglandCredit: Zenpix
      Dani Carvajal, left, and Lucas Vasquez, right, will be hoping for a repeat of last yearCredit: Zenpix
      However, their preparations took a turn for the worse after they were left stranded at Manchester Airport.
      After getting off their plane, the team were pictured standing around at terminal two after their coach failed to arrive.
      The UCL heavyweights were forced to wait for half an hour before transport finally arrived.
      And the wait left Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti not looking too pleased.
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      Fortunately, his team seemed to be in good spirits despite the delay.
      Star winger Vinicius Jr. was pictured laughing and smiling alongside his team-mates.
      Karim Benzema also struck a relaxed figure, while Luka Modric stared down the camera on his return to England.
      The team donned an all-black look for the most part, with only flashes of white being seen on shirts and collars.
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      Their coach eventually arrived at T2Credit: Zenpix
      Ending the half an hour waitCredit: Zenpix
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      The winner of Wednesday’s clash will set up a final clash with either AC Milan or Inter, with the latter holding a two-goal advantage going into their second leg tonight.
      The two clubs sit at opposite end of the Champions League success table, with Madrid looking to win a 15th title and Man City looking to win it for the first time in their history. More

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      Arsenal face horror Champions League group and will be praying Liverpool miss out on top four

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      ARSENAL face a Champions League kick in the teeth for next season.Despite a likely runners-up spot in the Premier League, the Gunners are heading for the THIRD seeding pot in August’s group stage draw in Monaco.
      Arsenal could be in line for a nightmare Champions League drawCredit: Reuters
      Mikel Arteta will be desperate for Liverpool not to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters
      It means Mikel Arteta’s side, back in the elite competition after a seven-year absence, could face a horror draw against the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
      And while the Gunners could still be promoted into the second batch of seeds, they will be desperate for Liverpool’s late top four charge to fail – as success would boot them another place down the rankings.
      Uefa regulations mean the champions of the top six nations in the “country coefficient” – compiled over five seasons are automatic top seeds, along with the Champions League and Europa League winners.
      The rest of the seeding pots are ranked on the “club coefficient” scores, with each team’s results during the past five seasons of European action added up.
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      If things remain as they are across Europe’s major leagues, the top seeds will be Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Napoli, PSG and Benfica, along with the two competition winners.
      If City win the Champions League as well as the Prem, the final and eighth spot will go to Dutch champions Feyenoord.
      As things stand, the eight highest ranked non-champion qualifiers, who would form the second seeding group, would be Real Madrid, Manchester United, Juventus, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig and Porto.
      Arsenal will miss out by one place.
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      That could change, however, with Juventus facing a final decision on whether they should be deducted points, potentially ruling them out of the Champions League frame by an Italian tribunal next Monday.
      The Turin side are currently second but are expected to lose as many as ten points, and if they finished outside the Serie A top four in place of AC Milan, that would promote Arsenal.
      Likewise, if Real Madrid or Inter Milan – they have one foot in the final after their first leg win over their San Siro neighbours last week – triumph in Istanbul next month, Arsenal would be assured of the final second seeding berth.
      However, if Liverpool get into the top four, with Newcastle the team to miss out, then it would need BOTH Juventus’ demotion and a Real or Inter Champions League triumph for Arsenal to be in the second tier.
      Newcastle, who have not played in Europe since reaching the last eight of the Europa League in 2013, will be guaranteed a group stage place if they finish in the top four.
      But Eddie Howe’s Magpies are certain to be in the bottom seeding pot, ensuring a tough draw with at least two major sides to face. More

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      Man City vs Real Madrid: Pep Guardiola’s side aim to overcome Spanish giants to boost treble hopes – stream, TV

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      MANCHESTER CITY will host Real Madrid at the Etihad on Wednesday night as the Cityzens eye a historic treble.The two sides met in the Spanish capital last week for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash.
      Vinicus Jr scored the opener at the BernabeuCredit: EPA
      Kevin de Bruyne equalised for Man City against Real MadridCredit: GETTY
      Vinicius Jr opened the scoring on the 36-minute mark with a thunderbolt.
      Kevin de Bruyne replied with a screamer of his own to put City on level terms heading into the second leg at the Etihad.
      Pep Guardiola’s side are in pole position to claim the Premier League title following rivals Arsenal’s defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
      While Real Madrid will have to fight for second with Atheltico in La Liga after rivals Barcelona lifted the trophy on the weekend.
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      When is Man City vs Real Madrid?

      Man City vs Real Madrid will take place on Wednesday, May 17th.
      Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
      The Etihad will play host.

      What channel is Man City vs Real Madrid on and can it be live streamed?

      Man City vs Real Madrid will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1.
      BT Sport customers can live stream all the action via the BT Sport app which is free to download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action from the Etihad.

      Team news
      Pep Guardiola could be without midfield general Rodri after he was withdrawn late on from the Everton game with a knock.
      Key players such as Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Jack Grealish all started from the bench on the weekend.
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      Defender Nathan Ake could return to the squad after a spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury.
      Eduardo Camavinga could miss the second leg at the Etihad after he was subject to an injury scare in Real’s game against Getafe on the weekend.
      Eder Militao will return to the squad after missing the first leg due to suspension.
      Carlo Ancelotti was able to rest key players such as Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Vinicius Jr on Saturday.
      Odds
      Match result:

      Man City – 3/5
      Draw – 3/1
      Real Madrid – 17/4

      To qualify:

      Man City – 2/7
      Real Madrid – 12/5

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      Inter Milan vs AC Milan: Inzaghi’s side look to book their place in Champions League final – stream, TV, team news

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      INTER MILAN take a two-goal lead into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Italian rivals AC Milan.Goals from former Premier League stars Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan gave Filippo Inzaghi’s side the advantage.
      Edin Dzeko scores Inter’s first goal against AC Milan in the Champions League semi-finalCredit: AP
      AC Milan dejected after their Champions League semi-final first-leg defeatCredit: GETTY
      The two sides were in league action on the weekend as the race for a Champions League spot heats up in Serie A.
      Inter increased the gap on AC Milan in 5th to six points as they beat Sassuolo 4-2 at the San Siro.
      Elsewhere, Stefano Pioli’s side were on the end of a shock 2-0 defeat to relegation-battling Spezia.
      When is AC Milan vs Inter Milan?

      AC Milan vs Inter Milan will take place on Wednesday, May 10th.
      Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
      The San Siro will place host.

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      What channel is AC Milan vs Inter Milan on and can it be live streamed?

      AC Milan vs Inter Milan will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1.
      BT Sport customers can live stream all the action from the BT Sport app, which is free to download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up with all the action from the San Siro.

      Team news
      Inzaghi made a number of changes at the weekend as Inter beat Sassuolo 4-2.
      Key players such as Andre Onana, Lautaro Martinez and Denzel Dumfries were all rested ahead of the second leg with Milan on Wednesday night.
      Robin Gosens returned to the squad on the weekend after a long layoff with injury.
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      Milan Skriniar will definitely miss the derby due after undergoing spinal surgery at the end of April.
      For Milan, they could be without Rade Krunic and Junior Messias after they were all missing from the squad at the weekend.
      Midfielder Ismael Bennacer will not be available after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first leg.
      Stefano Pioli will be hoping star man Rafael Leao will recover in time to feature in the second leg.
      Odds
      Match result:

      Inter Milan – 1/1
      Draw – 23/10
      AC Milan – 14/5

      To qualify

      Inter Milan – 1/12
      AC Milan – 6/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

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      How Wolves and legendary boss Stan Cullis accidentally created the Champions League

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      THE Champions League is unquestionably one of the most exciting and fiercely competitive tournaments in world football.Some clubs have historically thrived at Europe’s top table with Real Madrid, AC Milan, Liverpool and Bayern Munich the most successful teams.
      A match between Wolves and Budapest Honved inadvertently sparked the creation of the European CupCredit: Getty
      Wolves beat Budapest Honved 3-2 at Molineux – with the win sparking a reaction across EuropeCredit: Rex
      Wolves boss Stan Cullis sparked controversy by calling his side the ‘champions of Europe’Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      The legendary manager now has a statue and stand named after him at MolineuxCredit: Rex
      But what many don’t know is how Europe’s top competition – originally called the European Cup – actually came to be.
      And it’s an incredible story of pride and wounded egos.
      So settle in, as we transport you back to 1953 for an international match between England and Hungary.
      The Three Lions had only ever lost once on home soil – to the Republic of Ireland in 1949.
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      But the arrival of the Olympic champions and No1 ranked team in the world would test that.
      Hungary turned up at Wembley on a 24-match unbeaten streak.
      In a clash now known as the “Match of the Century”, Hungary would go on to win 6-3 in front of 105,000 fans.
      Just six months later, Hungary thumped England 7-1 in Budapest – to this day, the Three Lions’ heaviest defeat.
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      The captains that day were Billy Wright and Ferenc Puskas.
      That season, they led their teams to their respective league titles, as Wolves stormed to the First Division crown under Stan Cullis, while Budapest Honved scored 100 goals en route to a fourth straight championship.
      Under their brand new floodlights, Wolves were keen to welcome foreign opponents – and regularly thumped them.
      Cullis’ side beat the South Africa national team, Celtic, Argentine side Racing Club, Maccabi Tel-Aviv – winning that one 10-0 – and Spartak Moscow, while playing out a goalless draw with First Vienna.
      So, on the back of Hungary’s two storming wins over England, Wolves and Honved did battle as each nation’s best side were pit against one another at Molineux.
      Honved raced to a 2-0 lead within 14 minutes, with things looking bleak for England… again.
      Johnny Hancocks pulled one back from the penalty spot early in the second half before Roy Swinbourne scored twice in as many minutes late on to secure a famous 3-2 victory.
      The win salvaged some pride for England, before Wolves boss Cullis announced his side were “champions of the world”.
      Those four words angered a hatful of clubs, players, managers and journalists across the globe.
      A young Ferenc Puskas was part of the Budapest Honved side vs WolvesCredit: AFP – Getty
      Honved took a 2-0 lead early at Molineux but Wolves fought back to win 3-2Credit: Alamy
      The match sparked the creation of the European Cup with the inaugural season taking place in 1955-56Credit: Rex
      French journalist Gabriel Hanot strongly voiced his disagreement – saying Real Madrid and AC Milan would trounce Wolves.
      Hanot suggested “a European championship be organised between clubs” to determine who is truly the best on the continent.
      Jacques de Ryswick – his colleague at L’Equipe – drew up a proposal for the tournament and its format.
      And just a year later – in 1955-56 – the first European Cup took place, featuring 16 of the finest teams on the planet.
      In a cruel twist of fate, Wolves were NOT invited as they surrendered the First Division title the season prior.
      Chelsea were instead primed to take part, only to be urged to withdraw by the Football League due to fears European fixtures would hinder attendances for the weekend domestic matches.
      With no Blues – and no Wolves – Real Madrid would go on to be crowned champions of the first European Cup, beating Reims in the final after scraping past Milan in the semis.
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      Los Blancos now boast more titles than any other side with 14.
      And Wolves? The “champions of the world”? Still none… More

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      Man Utd 2 Wolves 0: Garnacho scores just minutes into incredible return to fire hosts towards Champions League football

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL rediscovered the golden touch in front of his old gaffer to shoot his current one a step closer to the Champions League.Martial had managed just three goals since the turn of the year and had drawn a blank in his previous eight games.
      Alejandro Garnacho scored on his return from injuryCredit: Getty
      Anthony Martial scored the opening goal against WolvesCredit: Getty
      He fired home after being set up by AntonyCredit: PA
      The win has put United four points clear of LiverpoolCredit: EPA
      And to be fair he could hardly miss when Anthony’s square ball left him with an open net from 12 yards just after half an hour here.
      Yet after waiting so long to celebrate a goal of his own, it was as welcome as a 30-yard scorcher for the Frenchman, who knows he is playing for his Old Trafford future.
      Erik ten Hag may believe it is easier now to attract top names to United than when he first arrived a year ago, but try doing it without the offer of dining at Europe’s top table.
      And if they hadn’t seen off a tenacious Wolves, the door to fourth place would have much have swung open for bitter rivals Liverpool, now hot on their heels.
      It is still far from slammed on their back-to-form Scousers, but at least United have a little breathing space again and can decide their own destiny.
      But there remains so much for Ten Hag to put right at this slumbering giant that, for all the improvements he has made, is only just rising to its knees.
      A goalscorer has long been a priority in the summer, regardless of whether Martial is still here or not, and at least one new face in midfield is only slightly less crucial.
      At least there are still some things you can rely on at Old Trafford…and few of them quite so dependable as Bruno Fernandes. It is just as well.
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      Fittingly – and not surprisingly – he had a key role in Martial’s big moment against Wolves, stretching out a foot to retain possession when Jadon Sancho’s ball sold him short.
      From there he fed Anthony and when the Brazilian picked out Martial, it was basically harder to miss than score. Fortunately for United, he proved the point
      Although you could have said the same about an unmarked, point blank header from Anthony minutes earlier and he managed to fire that over the top.
      And talking of over the top, Julen Lopetegui’s in-your-face appeal to fourth official Andre Marriner was exactly that on 70 minutes when he claimed David De Gea had felled Hee Chan Hwang.
      The result left Julen Lopetegui’s Wolves side in 13th placeCredit: AFP
      When Daniel Podence clipped one over the top, De Gea raced from his goal but was never going to reach the ball.
      Crucially he never touched Hwang either, for all the South Korean went to ground…leaving Lopetegui leaping around appealing for a foul and a red card.
      It wasn’t the last time the Wolves boss was left spitting mad, either, as United finally put an end to any doubts four minutes into stoppage time.
      Fernandes was the creator with a cutting ball through the middle – and Alejandro Garnacho marked his return to action after eight weeks out thanks to a damaged ankle, with the coolest of finishes.
      Garnacho sealed the points on his return to the teamCredit: Getty More

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      Fans convinced Cristiano Ronaldo has unfollowed Bernardo Silva – and they think they know why

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      FANS are convinced that Cristiano Ronaldo has unfollowed Bernardo Silva on Instagram over the Man City star’s Ballon d’Or prediction.Silva named team-mate Erling Haaland, Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr and Ronaldo’s old rival Lionel Messi as the favourites to win the illustrious accolade.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is not following Bernardo Silva on InstagramCredit: Getty
      Silva does not appear among Ronaldo’s following listCredit: Instagram
      Fans think it is because he backed Lionel Messi to win another Ballon d’OrCredit: AFP
      Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or five times in his career but is unlikely to be in the running this year.
      He failed to make a positive influence at Manchester United before leaving the club for Saudi Arabia outfit Al-Nassr.
      At the World Cup, Ronaldo also disappointed with only one goal in five appearances as he was dropped from the side in favour of Goncalo Ramos.
      And it may have impacted his international team-mates prediction as Silva never mentioned him.
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      When giving his prediction, he told L’Equipe: “If [Eriling] Haaland wins the league and the Champions League, you can put him in the Ballon d’Or discussion, and you can also talk about Vinicius Jr.
      “If Madrid win the Champions League, but in general, it is between [Lionel] Messi and the winner of the champions, and so far, I will give it to Messi.”
      Following the comments, fans have noticed that Ronaldo is no longer following Silva on Instagram – although it is not confirmed that he followed him before.
      Ronaldo follows many of his international team-mates, including Bruno Fernandes, Pepe and Joao Moutinho.
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      After seeing the comments from Silva, one fan suggested: “Certain someone won’t like that.”
      A second wrote: “Ronaldo unfollowing another teammate because he chose Messi 🤣🤣🤣🤣 .
      “Messi owns him without even trying 🐐.”
      A third said: “No way Ronaldo already unfollowed Bernardo Silva on Instagram.”
      Messi has won seven Ballon d’Or’s in his career and, despite an early exit from the Champions League with PSG is one of the favourites to win it this year.
      The Argentine won the Golden Ball at the World Cup as well as the whole tournament with his nation.
      Meanwhile, Silva also suggested Haaland will be in the running after his prolific season with Man City. More

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      Man Utd legend keeps leaving WhatsApp group for getting ‘bullied’ then asking Rio Ferdinand to be added back in

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      RIO FERDINAND has revealed that Patrice Evra keeps leaving a WhatsApp group for getting “bullied”.However, after calming down, the former Manchester United defender will quickly ask to be re-added to the group.
      Rio Ferdinand revealed one former team-mate gets bantered on a WhatsApp groupCredit: Rex
      And it is none other than Patrice EvraCredit: The Mega Agency
      Ferdinand, 44, admitted that there is an existing WhatsApp group for the United stars that won the 2008 Champions League, so they can keep in touch.
      Some of the players from the group played key roles in the Red Devils’ success under Sir Alex Ferguson between 2006 and 2013.
      The club picked up five Premier League titles in the period and reached three Champions League finals, losing in 2009 and 2011.
      The retired defender admitted that some of the people in the group are club legends such as Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher, Nani and Evra.
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      However, Evra, 41, is the target of some brutal banter between the former team-mates, leading to him coming in and out of the group.
      Ferdinand said on The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan: “Evra just comes in and out because he gets bullied in there.
      “He gets ripped and all you see is, ‘Patrice has left the group’.
      “And then you get a text a couple of hours later, ‘Can you let me back in please, add me, add me’.”
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      Ferdinand was then asked by host Gilligan about the famous white suit that he wore when he was announced as a Man United player in 2002.
      He responded by sending a voice note to the WhatsApp group asking if he should bring it back, to which Evra replied: “Bro, this is fire, you have to wear it!”
      Evra sent the message directly to Ferdinand as to avoid being targeted in the group chat.
      Ferdinand said: “So, he’s come outside of the group because he knows if he says that inside of the group, they’ll kill him.
      “He’ll be told to get out of the group.”
      Ferdinand wore the suit following his record transfer move from Leeds to Manchester United for £29.1million.
      Ferdinand wore a unique suit when he joined Manchester UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More