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      Arsenal files: What really happened in Arteta’s Old Trafford interview as Gunners target £12.5m La Liga star transfer

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      FOLLOWING Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend, Mikel Arteta faced up to the world’s media, from the written press to international broadcasters.But it was his interview with Sky Sports in the Old Trafford tunnel that grabbed the attention of fans and pundits, appearing to show Arteta “storm out” of his one-on-one chat with reporter Patrick Davison.Mikel Arteta drew headlines after seemingly walking away from an interview with Sky SportsBut the real reason behind the mix-up has now been explainedCriticism followed. Some called it “petulant”, others claimed it showed that Arteta was cracking under the pressure of a Premier League title race.But what really happened, and why?To throw in some context, like most Prem managers, Arteta had a whole host of post-match media to get through before he could travel back to London with his squad.On this occasion, there were nine interviews to complete, including six international TV broadcasters, UK radio, Arsenal TV and a press conference.Arteta’s interview with Sky’s Davison was going as expected – questions about the match as well as Arsenal’s ongoing injury issues.The length of these full-time Sky interviews can vary. For example, United boss Ruben Amorim spoke for four-and-a-half minutes.But usually, they last between two minutes and two-and-a-half minutes before managers must move on to other post-match responsibilities.In this instance, after two minutes and 40 seconds, Arteta was asked whether he regretted not buying a striker in January, to which he replied: “No, it’s not about that” before moving to his right to leave the interview.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSunSport understands that Arteta believed the interview had come to a natural conclusion, only for Davison to stop him and say: “Mikel, one more. “I have to ask you about the title race because it is 15 points now. Is it too much?”Arteta insists Arsenal are capable of reaching Champions League semi finals after PSV draw Arteta interrupted to say: “No, thank you” before walking off. As the screen flicked back to the Sky studio, pundit Gary Neville looked slightly alarmed at what had happened.Neville said: “Usually if you see a manager walk off from an interview when he’s been asked a question, you normally think there is something getting to them.“Is he sick of being asked that question? Does he think that’s too simple an answer that he doesn’t have a striker?”However, SunSport understands that Arteta had no issue with the line of questioning, nor did he have a problem with Davison’s approach, just keen to get on to his next media obligation.It is normal for reporters to try and squeeze as many questions in during the allotted time as possible, as Davison rightly attempted to do.You may argue that Arteta could have stood still for a couple more seconds to answer the final question, instead of his awkward-looking rushed getaway.But there was no malice in his hurried departure, nor was he attempting to avoid that particular question.Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSVThe Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the nightIn fact, Arteta had already answered it in much more detail in several other post-match chats, including in the press conference, where he said: “I don’t want to say [the title race is over].“The frustration is that we haven’t won our game. We know the urgency and it’s about winning every single match if you want to have any chance of doing that.“I don’t think it’s the right moment to talk about that.”The Spaniard has not taken the reaction to the incident to heart either.Moments after Tuesday’s press conference previewing Arsenal’s Champions League last 16 clash with PSV, Arteta remarked to another Sky reporter with a smile that he thought he was going to be asked about it in order to clarify what happened.So, it may have looked tense, but it was far from it. Just clumsy.REAL (MADRID) CHANCEThe Bernabeu will soon play host to Arsenal in the quarter finals of the Champions League – a tie that brings back memories of Thierry Henry’s match-winning goal to down David Beckham and his fellow Galacticos in 2005/06.That season, Arsenal reached the final in Paris, eventually losing to Barcelona 2-1.Nineteen years on and it feels like it could be one step too far for this team – with no recognised striker – to knock out Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr on route to another final.But SunSport understands that there are those in the know in the Madrid press pack that feel the Gunners now have more of a chance to reach the semis after avoiding a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid.Diego Simeone’s Atletico would have put up an ugly fight, like they always do, and shut up shop with a low block for 180 minutes or more – something Arsenal have struggled to break down this term.In comparison, Real will surely attack from the off. That may just make this a 50/50 tie if Arsenal can find their shooting boots and be brave with the ball when space opens up.Arsenal face 15-time European champions in the quarter-finalsCredit: APESPANYOL DECISIONSSunSport understands that Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El Hilali, who is believed to have a release clause of around £12.5m.El Hilali can also play as a winger, something Arteta likes in his new recruits. The Moroccan is just 21 years old with a contract until June 2027, and is also being looked at by Barcelona.He leads LaLiga in terms of successful tackles resulting in ball recoveries (63) this term.But Arsenal are also keen on Espanyol’s keeper Joan Garcia, 23, for the summer, needing a No.2 to come in to compete with David Raya when Neto returns to parent club Bournemouth. Garcia could cost upwards of £25m.In the scenario that Espanyol do not want to sell both their stars in the same window, Arsenal and Arteta may have a tricky decision on their hands.Arsenal are keeping tabs on versatile Espanyol full-back Omar El HilaliCredit: GettyDRESSING DOWNNormally on a Champions League night at the Emirates, the Arsenal players cannot wait to shower, change and get home – speedily walking through the mixed zone where journalists often stand towards the car park.But on Tuesday night, after a 2-2 draw with PSV, they were nowhere to be seen.Instead, they were huddled around a TV in the dressing room watching the penalty shoot-out between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid to find out their quarter final opponents.It is believed that among them were Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz – both watching the game from the stands as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori eventually came out to conduct interviews sometime after, the former revealing the reaction to the result amongst the squad.The Ukrainian said: “How can you cheer? It was a mixed feeling. No one said anything. It was just mixed emotions.”Real Madrid edged the most controversial shootout in recent European memoryCredit: ReutersFormer Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger just about sealed a 4-2 win over Atletico MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Kylian Mbappe moves into new sport as Real Madrid star expands growing business empire

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has made a shrewd investment in one of the most high-tech sports in the world.Real Madrid and France star Mbappe, 26, and his investment arm Coalition Capital have today been announced as new investors in the France SailGP Team.Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring Real Madrid’s first penalty during the Champions League last-16 second legCredit: GettyMbappe has been confirmed as a new investor in SailGPThe French team already hold the speed record in the Sail GP series, reaching just shy of 100km/hCredit: Bob Martin for SailGPSailGP is a high-tech, high-speed sailing league, featuring 12 national teams each competing in 50-foot catamarans.The season kicked off in Dubai in January, before heading to Auckland and then on to Sydney.Though the French team sat out the first two events, they returned to the competition in Sydney.Going into this weekend’s Grand Prix in Los Angeles, the French sit seventh in the league table, with the British team proudly leading the way.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe event series was founded by five-time America’s Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist Sir Russell Coutts in 2019.Real Madrid star Mbappé and his ‘Inspired by KM’ foundation will become the French team’s official charity partner, and he hopes to open countless more doors for young people and give them a voice they might not have otherwise had.Reacting to the announcement, Mbappé said: ““We are excited to be on board with this new adventure with the France SailGP Team, alongside Accor and other investors.”I’m also proud that IBKM has the opportunity to engage more young people around the world through this relationship.”Most read in FootballCoutts welcomed the announcement and the impact it might have on SailGP.He said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kylian Mbappé into our growing SailGP family of partners and investors – he’s undeniably one of the most influential athletes of our time, and an inspiration to sports fans across the globe.”Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSpeed-merchant Mbappe will hope to inspire the French team, dubbed Les Bleus, to new heights. They already hold the record for the highest speed in a SailGP event – reaching a staggering 99.94 km/h (62.1 mph) in season 3.His investment in SailGP becomes the latest in a series of business ventures for the Frenchman, on top of his reported £26.3million salary at Real Madrid.Inside Kylian Mbappe’s private suite at Real Madrid training ground with fingerprint scanner and huge balconyJust last year, Coalition Capital acquired a majority stake in Ligue 2 side Caen, who sit rock bottom of the second tier of French football.They also acquired a minority stake in Loewe Technology – a German electronics company specialising in home cinemas and top-of-the-range televisions.Mbappe – alongside Lionel Messi and Serena Williams – is also an investor in cryptocurrency-based fantasy football game Sorare, and he has a further investment in luxury watch trading platform Wristcheck.And he now has a Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal to look forward to after Wednesday’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid. More

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      Prince William reveals superstitious match day rituals when watching Villa & how he lurks on fan forums with random name

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      PRINCE William has spoken of falling in love with Aston Villa after being taken to a match by friends as a boy.The heir, 42, said he was gripped by the “sense of belonging” and the passion of his fellow football fans.Prince William has revealed his ‘passion’ for Aston Villa and shares his superstitions, including moving the kids around during gamesCredit: Dan CharityGeorge, Charlotte and Louis better not get comfortable if their dad is watching Aston Villa losingCredit: GettyPrince William enjoys a matchday at Villa Park – where he enjoys mixing with the other fansCredit: GettyWills also revealed he visits fan forums anonymously online — and moves his kids around when watching at home to bring the team luck.We sat down with the heir to the throne for a chat at Villa’s training ground on the eve of their Champions League win over Club Brugge.They now have a glamour tie with PSG in the last eight to look forward to — and their fans can maybe dream of the glory days when they lifted the European Cup.Wills said: “Yep they won it, 1982, the year I was born. There’s a nice connection with them straight away.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut how did he become a Villa fan, seeing as he had no obvious connection with the Midlands?William, now 42, concedes it was relatively late when he got the bug but he was gripped by the camaraderie, and his interest intensified when Villa got relegated in 2016.He said: “There were a few moments that happened. I had some family friends who took me to my first Villa game when I was younger because they are big Villa fans.“It was against Bolton and I sat in the stands with my Villa beanie hat on and I remember Paul Merson was playing for Villa at the time. With the camaraderie among the fans and the chanting and the singing, I just felt like I belonged there.Most read in Football“I kept an eye on Villa from then on but didn’t get too involved initially. But Villa being relegated to the Championship in 2016 got me even more interested, strangely.“A few years earlier, we’d finished sixth under Martin O’Neill and now we weren’t even in the Premier League. Prince William on recreating Ronaldo’s goal celebration in his garden as he builds ‘Perfect Footballer'”I’m not certain why I became much more interested then but it might have been due to the rise of the smartphone.“I’d grown up looking at Ceefax on the television or the back pages of newspapers and if you didn’t have those to hand you were a bit out of the loop.“But now you can get so much data and follow how your team is doing all the time and there’s so much more discussion and debate. That’s how my passion really increased.“I’m incredibly proud of the club and the journey it’s been on. It’s hard to put into words and a lot of Villa fans are still pinching themselves a bit that we’re here and we’ve done this.”’The atmosphere was electric’William poured praise on manager Unai Emery, and said he can learn from his exceptional eye for detail and man-management skills. “He went on: “Last season was very tense and we were wondering if we’d get over the line to get in the Champions League and when we did it was a big deal.“When I came up here to see the team, the atmosphere was electric.“We are all so proud and pleased with what they’ve done and you can see the difference with a manager like Unai, who brings people together and works hard on the little details. “He’s a really good man-manager with a great support staff around him and the players enjoy playing for him.I’m kind of hoping they’ll all find their own teams in time. They don’t all have to be Villa fans. I’m trying not to be biased but obviously they see how passionate I am about it and they watch the matches with me.Prince William“There have been lots of good managers in Villa’s time but I’d say Unai is a step up on some of them in terms of his formations, and the length of detail he goes into with his videos. “He spends hours debriefing the previous match to get them ready for the next one.“He lives, eats, breathes and sleeps football and it gives you a bit of a lesson in life that if you really want to do something right, you’ve got to throw everything at it and give your time. “Unai is that dedicated, a completely obsessed man of football and that rubs off on the players.“If you’re doing what you love and speaking so well about how you love it then they’ll follow you. It’s quite a good leadership point.”William has often taken son George to games but is not forcing his eldest, or their siblings Charlotte or Louis, into supporting Villa.He said: “I’m kind of hoping they’ll all find their own teams in time. They don’t all have to be Villa fans. I’m trying not to be biased but obviously they see how passionate I am about it and they watch the matches with me. I’m trying to spread the love a little bit.“They do have Villa shirts, and ask to come to games with me, but they have other shirts as well. There’s been a bit of courting going on by other managers too.”William also revealed his irritation over the TV blackout, which bans Premier League games from being broadcast in England at 3pm on a Saturday.He said: “Getting up to Villa Park isn’t the easiest thing for me but I like to watch as many games as I possibly can either by being there or on TV. “I’ve tried to really make an effort to get there for all the Champions League games because it feels like that’s something you’ve got to make the most of when you’re in it. “The biggest thing at home is trying to find it on TV sometimes because obviously you’ve got the Saturday 3pm blackout which is irritating.”Illegal firestickHe puts the shutters up when it is suggested he could use an illegal firestick. He laughs: “Haha, no comment on that one. I’m a paid-up member of Villa TV though so I keep up to date through that. “But it’s really annoying that we still can’t watch our own team’s Premier League match in this country but you can go abroad and watch any game any time.”So when he watches Villa on TV, does he get into the matchday spirit as if he was in the ground?I like mixing with the fans. Anything Villa I love and they all love their Villa. It’s a family within a family and I do feel part of the Villa family.Prince WilliamHe replied: “If I’m home alone with the children, I probably don’t have the pre-match pint but I do have a bit of superstition about where I sit when I’m watching them. “If we’re not doing very well, I start moving round the house quite quickly and I put the children in different positions hoping that’s going to change our luck.” William recently popped into a Birmingham Wetherspoons to join Villa fans for a beer before a game at Everton.He said: “I like mixing with the fans. Anything Villa I love and they all love their Villa.“It’s a family within a family and I do feel part of the Villa family. This club does an awful lot — and I know lots of clubs do it too — but I particularly feel it with Villa in my life that I’m very included.“The morals and the vision and the general atmosphere and the culture of the club really matters.“For me, it’s always been very welcoming, very diverse, and all-encompassing.” He unhesitatingly names Irish stalwart defender of the 90s, Paul McGrath, as the greatest Villa player ever, while he also has a particular soft spot for Norwegian striker John Carew.He said: “Yeah it has to be McGrath, doesn’t it? I really liked Carew as well, he was a serious all-round player. There’s been quite a few good ones, but they are two who I would pick out.”He also loves to chip in with his opinions on fans’ internet forums, posting anonymously of course.He revealed: “I like going on the forums, I can be on there for ages. I listen to what other fans have to say and give them my opinions. I get quite into it, definitely. It’s important to have that debate.”However, he added: “Having said that, while I may be an armchair fan, I wouldn’t presume to tell Unai if he’s doing anything wrong.“I’m fascinated by what Unai is doing and how he tweaks his system and what he sees. “I’d love to know more about how he goes about managing the team better and how do you see those little details which no one else does.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.Wills chats with Villa fave Morgan RogersCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceThe prince is full of praise for Villa’s Spanish manager Unai EmeryCredit: ReutersWills sits down for an exclusive chat with The Sun’s head of sport, Shaun CustisCredit: Dan Charity More

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      Paul Scholes ‘jumps out of his skin’ live on TNT Sports as pundit is shocked by Man Utd’s pre-game antics

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      PAUL SCHOLES “jumped out of his skin” at Old Trafford as Manchester United prepared for a huge European night.And it wasn’t the unpredictable horrors offered up by United this season that made him do it!Paul Scholes and Karen Carney were both caught outBruno Fernandes hit a penalty leveller in an absorbing second legCredit: APThe Red Devils were readying for Real Sociedad in the Europa League last-16 second leg.And at 1-1 from the first leg in Spain, it was understandable if TNT Sports pundit Scholes was a little nervous.United were looking for more than a spark of intervention.But it was something even more dazzling that caught out the former England midfielder and colleague Karen Carney. READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited suddenly let off fireworks around the famous old ground.And TNT’s commentator told viewers the pair of pundits leapt with surprise when the pyrotechnics fizzed into action.Armchair observers weren’t able to see the reaction of Scholes and Carney for themselves – as the cameras weren’t on the twitchy duo at the time.It came after Scholes backed plans for a £2billion new home unveiled by United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe said: “I was quite excited to hear it. It’s about time United caught up.”I think the time is right to move to a better, bigger, brilliant stadium.”Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up’Meanwhile, on the pitch It was the Red Devils who were soon looking jumpy – as Mikel Oyarzabal hit a 10th-minute penalty opener for Sociedad.That put the visitors 2-1 in front on aggregate, with a quarter-final place at stake.But United soon rocketed back into it, thanks to a spot-kick of their own from Bruno Fernandes. More

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      TNT Sports reporter reveals Marco Asensio’s ‘humble’ question off-camera after TV interview

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      MARCO ASENSIO has made an instant impact at Aston Villa… on and off the pitch.The Spaniard, 29, joined Unai Emery’s side on loan from Paris Saint-Germain during the January transfer window.Marco Asensio spoke to TNT Sports after last night’s matchCredit: X/ footballontntBecky Ives interviewed Asensio for TNT SportsCredit: RexThe winger has already scored seven goals in just eight matches for his new side.Last night Asensio netted twice as Villa beat Club Brugge 3-0 in the Champions League.After the match, the former Real Madrid star spoke to TNT Sports reporter Becky Ives.Despite having never played in England before, Asensio is already conducting interviews in English.READ MORE IN SPORTIves was quick to praise the “humble” star after their interview.She wrote on X: “He asked me afterwards if his English had been ok…..”What a baller, but maybe more importantly want a lovely, humble human being he is! A major assets to this Villa squad!”Asensio appeared to be thrilled with life at Villa Park.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe said: “Very happy for the victory, now we are in the quarter-final – that was the objective. Very happy for the team, for the fans and now we will continue.”Incredible, every match we play here is top. We have to be grateful with the fans. They give great support to us and we are very happy.Unai Emery still wants improvement from Aston Villa after Club Brugge victory “We want more, so now we will have a little break and then we will think about our upcoming objectives.”I like to score there [Holte End]. I am very motivated and also very happy to be able to score the goal and contribute.”Villa will play Asensio’s parent club PSG in the quarter-finals.Due to Uefa regulations, Asensio WILL be able to play.Uefa regulations state teams do not have “any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match”.Villa had the rule go against them earlier this season when on loan man Samuel Iling-Junior came on at Villa Park for Bologna in the league phase.Asensio has made a huge impact at Villa ParkCredit: Rex More

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      Uefa ready to open talks over shock rule change after controversial Julian Alvarez penalty disallowed vs Real Madrid

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      UEFA ready to open talks over a shock rule change after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was controversially disallowed against Real Madrid.The Spanish derby went to a shootout in the Champions League last 16 after Atletico won 1-0 on the night to level 2-2 on aggregate.Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed in the shootoutCredit: GettyBut controversy struck when former Manchester City star Alvarez slipped while taking his spot-kick. His effort went in but was soon chalked off and overturned to a miss after replays revealed the slip caused him to twice touch the ball before it went in.It violated Uefa’s rules on penalties but, after Atletico launched an appeal, the governing body ruled the stipulation could be looked at and changed.Uefa said in a statement: “Atletico de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julian Alvarez at the end of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.READ MORE IN football “Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip. “Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee signalling that the goal should be disallowed.”UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where a double touch is clearly unintentional.” Madrid progressed 4-2 on penalties with ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger scoring the deciding spot kick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut, had Alvarez’s kick have counted, Atletico would have had one final penalty to take the contest to sudden death.Atletico manager Diego Simeone fumed in the post-match press conference. Fans can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his shirt for with fan after Atletico winHe said: “Don’t be afraid to speak. Are you afraid because you’re going to be punished? “If you’re afraid, don’t say anything. Raise your hand if you think Julian knocked twice. No one? No one. Okay.”Honestly, I won’t lie to you, being eliminated the way we’ve been is not an easy thing to accept.”Simeone continued: “I just saw the image of the penalty. “The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. “That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. “I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMadrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “I think they had detected it already at the VAR when we were hesitating. “We haven’t warned them, not me at least because I didn’t realise. I’ve seen the replay and I think he touches it with his left foot, the second touch.”Real Madrid won the shootout in very controversial circumstancesCredit: Alamy More

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      Conor Gallagher showed why he must be part of Tuchel’s England plans after upstaging Bellingham with ‘feral’ display

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      CONOR GALLAGHER had started just one game in almost two months before Wednesday’s Madrid derby.He may have, brutally, ended on the wrong side of things, as Atletico Madrid always do against Real.Conor Gallagher stole the show in a match that was expected to be all about Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyBellingham cut a frustrated figure as he was unable to take the game by the scruff of the neckCredit: ReutersBut Bellingham would end up on the winning side as Real Madrid prevailed on penaltiesCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel will name his first England squad this weekCredit: GettyBut the midfielder showed exactly why he must and will be a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s England plans ahead of his first squad announcement.Gallagher’s standout 85 minutes in the thunderous Metropolitano is worthy of praise for far more than his record breaking goal.The second leg opener, bagged after just 27 seconds, is the fastest Champions League goal ever scored by an Englishman.That was a moment to cherish, but everything which came after was equally as important.READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAMAll English eyes will have been on Jude Bellingham at the start, but Gallagher grabbed the spotlight and helped Atletico’s midfield frustrate the life out of his Three Lions teammate and the rest of the Real Madrid side.While the two were on the pitch together, Gallagher was easily the more impressive.What will have been even more encouraging for Tuchel, however, was how Bellingham grew in stature as everyone else faded and was the stand-out in extra time before burying a confident penalty.Carlo Ancelotti’s men had plenty of joy down their right-hand side during the first leg, so Diego Simeone tasked Gallagher with blocking them.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe carried it out magnificently. With his usual feral energy Gallagher shut down Brazilian Rodrygo and made some fine challenges on Kylian Mbappe, including one which stooped a rare dangerous break.It was just his second start in the last 11 games for Atletico, but Simeone clearly trusts him with the big ones. Wednesday night showed that Tuchel can too.Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card Gallagher’s previous start was against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and you would not bet against him being tasked with shutting down Lamine Yamal in La Liga this weekend.Tuchel, who has been in touch with Gallagher and spoke with his former Chelsea player ahead of the first-leg, must harness his undervalued quality.The German has options galore in the attacking areas.But finding someone to do the dirty work is equally important as to whether you can fit Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in the same team.Tuchel is in the England job for one reason – to win the World Cup. To do so will require shades of light and dark within his side.Gallagher showed his adaptability by moving out to the left of the pitch to deal with the threat posed by the likes of Bellingham and RodrygoWith Gallagher’s help, Atletico were very successful in playing on the counter-attackConor Gallagher was a safe pair of hands on the ballGallagher had just one touch in the opposition box but it resulted in the only goal of the gameThe prowess of Bellingham and the other star names is a must, but at holders Argentina proved you need some dogs in there too.There was just one start for England in the Euros, a nightmare against Slovenia which lasted just 45 minutes, but he looked a different player here.Gallagher is learning from the best when it comes to doing anything and everything for the team and has fully bought into Simeone’s ways.Even out on the left, not his favourite position, Gallagher gave everything and left the pitch to a standing ovation.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe would, it is true, rather have played terribly and been looking forward to a quarter-final with Arsenal.But given the cruel nature of Real Madrid’s latest Champions League victory over their rivals, the England midfielder can take nothing but immense pride from his performance.Bellingham was forced to play in areas outside the Atletico box where he couldn’t have his usual devastating impact on the gameWhile Real Madrid took up more attacking positions than their counterparts, it was Atletico who appeared to have greater control of the gameBellingham spent much of his time camped outside the Atletico box, but his opponents deprived him of the space to make use of the positions he took up More

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      Aston Villa hero Marco Asensio WILL face parent club PSG in Champions League quarter-final thanks to little-known rule

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      ASTON VILLA star Marco Asensio WILL be able to play against his parent club Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final.The 29-year-old joined Villa in January on a six-month loan from the French giants.Marco Asensio can face PSG in the Champions League quarter-finalCredit: GettyAsensio has made a stunning start to life in Birmingham, scoring two last night to seal last-16 victory over Club Brugge.The strikes took his goal tally to seven in eight games.Villa face PSG in the next round and the Spanish midfielder is eligible to play.Players are banned from facing their parent side in the Premier League but this rule does not apply in the Champions League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa regulations state teams do not have “any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may (or may not) field in a match”.Villa had the rule go against them earlier this season when on loan man Samuel Iling-Junior came on at Villa Park for Bologna in the league phase.Looking ahead to the quarter-final, it is not just Asensio who will be looking to haunt his old employers on April 9 and 15 as boss Unai Emery used to manage the Parisians from 2016 to 2018.But fans reckon it is written in the stars for the ex-Real Madrid star to score the winner, with one saying: “That would be absolutely beautiful.”Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsAnother added: “Asensio knocking out PSG in the next round of the Champions League is the sort of s***housery I’m all up for.”He already has Champions League pedigree, having lifted the trophy three times at Real Madrid.Awkward moment Aston Villa keeper refuses to move out of net and let kids take penalties at half-time of Crystal Palace clash More