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      Robin van Persie lands new job at Champions League club and could be set for instant Arsenal reunion

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      ROBIN VAN PERSIE is on the verge of landing a new job with his boyhood club.The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker turned to a career in coaching after hanging up his boots in 2019.Robin van Persie is on the verge of a return to FeyenoordCredit: RexHe first took up an unofficial role at Feyenoord as an assistant to then-manager Dick Advocaat.After his position was eventually made permanent two years later, the Dutchman became the co-head coach of the club’s U16s.Van Persie was then promoted to co-head coach of the U18s and U19s.But he left in May 2024 to become head coach of Heerenveen – his first proper job in senior football.READ MORE ON ARSENALNow, however, he is in talks to make a triumphant return to Feyenoord.Dutch outlet 1908.nl claims the Rotterdam-based side want Van Persie to replace Brian Priske, who was sacked last week.The 41-year-old is understood to be keen on the move, but Feyenoord have to reach an agreement with Heerenveen first.While he would like a return to his former club, the ex-striker will not force a move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVan Persie would like to take his coaching staff – including assistant Brian Pinas – with him should he complete the switch.Rene Hake, who worked with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd, is also in talks to join Feyenoord.How did you get this’ – Aaron Ramsey left stunned as details of Arsenal bust-up with Robin van Persie leakedShould he return to his old club, he could be in line to face Arsenal in the Champions League last-16.After leaving the Dutch side as a player in 2004, Van Persie joined Arsenal and spent eight years in London, where he scored 132 goals in 278 appearances.He then moved on to join United in 2012 and stayed at Old Trafford for three years before signing for Fenerbahce.The ex-striker then ended his playing career back at Feyenoord. More

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      Champions League last-16 confirmed as Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa learn which two teams they could face

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      LIVERPOOL, Arsenal and Aston Villa finally know which two teams they might face in the Champions League last 16.The big draw for the first true knockout phase is at 11am on Friday – after the midweek play-off results at last made the format of the new-look competition appear more straightforward!Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick helped Real Madrid KO Man CityCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard & Co face a tough last-16 tie if Arsenal are to taste gloryCredit: RexMo Salah and Liverpool will take on PSG or BenficaCredit: PAOllie Watkins hopes Villa’s impressive European adventure continuesCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe’s hat-trick sent Manchester City crashing out 6-3 on aggregate after a 3-1 loss at Real Madrid.But the Prem’s other three representatives had already qualified automatically after finishing in the top eight in the group stage, with Liverpool going through as top seeds.The other teams into the last 16 without needing the play-offs were Barcelona, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille. And following the midweek action, the Champions League takes the shape of a standard cup competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBayern Munich broke Celtic’s hearts on Tuesday, with Benfica, Club Brugge and Feyenoord also reaching the last 16 the same night.And on Wednesday they were joined by Real, Borussia Dortmund, PSG and PSV, who edged out Juventus 4-3 on aggregate after extra time.It all means Liverpool will face a mammoth task against PSG, who thrashed Brest 10-0 on aggregate, or Benfica.Arsenal take on Dutch opposition – either Feyenoord or Juventus’ extra-time conquerors PSV.Most read in Champions LeagueHOW THE LAST 16 LOOKSHere’s what is coming up next – with Liverpool boss Arne Slot perhaps hoping to avoid PSG. PSG vs Liverpool/BarcelonaClub Brugge vs Lille/Aston VillaReal Madrid vs Atletico/LeverkusenBenfica vs Barcelona/LiverpoolBorussia Dortmund vs Aston Villa/LilleBayern Munich/Leverkusen vs AtleticoFeyenoord vs Inter/ArsenalPSV vs Arsenal/Inter MilanBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd eighth-ranked Villa meet Borussia Dortmund (10th), who KO’d Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, or Club Brugge (24th).Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real face Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.Barca’s Lamine Yamal is dreaming of his first Champions League crownCredit: RexPep Guardiola’s City had begun a dramatic Wednesday night by leaving record-breaking goal-getter Erling Haaland on the bench.And they ended it dumped out in humiliating fashion at the Bernabeu.Arsenal post new footage of Mikel Merino goal… but supporters are more interested in what Leicester fans are doingBut for the remaining trio of Prem giants, it’s all eyes on Friday.Meanwhile, Guardiola admitted: “After we conceded a goal we didn’t defend well.”But we accept it – the best team won. Now we focus on the Premier League.”Borussia Dortmund celebrated going through after a 0-0 home draw sunk Sporting Lisbon 3-0 on aggregate in the play-offsCredit: AFPKhvicha Kvaratskhelia was one of seven scorers on the night as PSG destroyed Brest 7-0 to triumph 10-0 over the two legsCredit: AFPPSV scorer Ivan Perisic tangles with Juve’s Lloyd Kelly as the Dutch side beat the Italian giant 3-1 on the night, 4-3 on aggregateCredit: Rex More

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      When is the Champions League last 16 draw, and when do the fixtures take place?

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      THE expanded Champions League has delighted and confused fans in equal abundance so far this season.More teams and more matches – plus a league table to contend with – have left many fans wondering what exactly is going on.Liverpool are already into the hat for the Champions League Round of 16 draw – but will have to wait to find out who their opponents areCredit: APThe second legs of the knockout phase play-offs are currently taking place right now.But then what?Here’s everything you need to know about the Champions League Last 16 draw and stages.When is the Champions League Last-16 stage draw?The main draw for the Champions League Last 16 phase takes place on Friday, February 21.Under the new league table format, which has 36 teams, the top eight teams in the table are automatically in the Round of 16 and are seeded.The bottom eight teams have been eliminated from European competition, with no move into the Europa League like in previous years.The next 16 teams – those that finished between 9th and 24th – have headed into the knockout play-offs.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.When does the Champions League knockout phase play-offs take place and when is the Round of 16?Teams that finished in the top eight and automatically reached the Round of 16 have a little bit of a wait on their hands.Most read in Champions LeagueAfter the final league phase game on January 29, the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona will not play their Champions League last 16 games until March.Those fixtures are scheduled to take place on March 4-5 and 11-12.What was the final Champions League league phase standings?Liverpool (straight into last 16)Barcelona (straight into last 16)Arsenal (straight into last 16)Inter (straight into last 16)Atletico Madrid (straight into last 16)Bayer Leverkusen (straight into last 16)Lille (straight into last 16)Aston Villa (straight into last 16)Atalanta (into last-16 play-off)Borussia Dortmund (into last-16 play-off)Real Madrid (into last-16 play-off)Bayern (into last-16 play-off)AC Milan (into last-16 play-off)PSV (into last-16 play-off)PSG (into last-16 play-off)Benfica (into last-16 play-off)Monaco (into last-16 play-off)Brest (into last-16 play-off)Feyenoord (into last-16 play-off)Juventus (into last-16 play-off)Celtic (into last-16 play-off)Man City (into last-16 play-off)Sporting (into last-16 play-off)Club Brugge (into last-16 play-off)Dinamo Zagreb (eliminated from Europe)Stuttgart (eliminated from Europe)Shakhtar Donetsk (eliminated from Europe)Bologna (eliminated from Europe)Crvenza Zvezda (eliminated from Europe)Sturm Graz (eliminated from Europe)Sparta Praha (eliminated from Europe)RB Leipzig (eliminated from Europe)Girona (eliminated from Europe)RB Salzburg (eliminated from Europe)Slovan (eliminated from Europe)Young Boys (eliminated from Europe)Premier League clubs opponentsHere’s how the English clubs are shaping up for the Last 16.These are the current opponents who Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa will face following the conclusion of the knockout phase play-offs.Last 16Liverpool vs PSG/BenficaArsenal vs PSV Eindhoven/FeyenoordAston Villa vs Borussia Dortmund/Club Brugge More

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      Real Madrid 3 Man City 1 (6-3 on agg): City OUT of Champions League and lose incredible streak after Mbappe hat-trick

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      HOW far and how fast the mighty have fallen. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, the dominant force in English football and a major European powerhouse for so long, are now not even close.Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring after just four minutes with a clever lofted finishCredit: GettyHe then sat down Josko Gvardiol for the secondCredit: PATNT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher said Gvardiol would ‘need a ticket to get back in the stadium’Credit: ReutersMbappe then completed his hat-trick as the holders progressedCredit: GettyWhenever they travel away to face an elite team, City are being hammered – at Liverpool, where the 2-0 scoreline flattered them immensely, at Arsenal where they were trounced 5-1. They were soundly beaten at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain too. And here in the Bernabeu tonight, they were taunted, tormented, toyed with and ultimately humiliated – the mocking ‘oles!’ of Real Madrid’s supporters ringing in their ears as Carlo Ancelotti’s men ran rings around them. On the eve of this match, Guardiola claimed he had been joking when he said City had only a ‘one per cent chance’ of overturning their 3-2 first-leg deficit. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWell, within four minutes, those odds looked spot-on, after Kylian Mbappe had lobbed Ederson on his way to a high-class hat-trick.  This was billed as the latest installment in an epic rivalry, played out annually in the Champions League knock-out stages. It was talked up as a bitter grudge match, especially after Real had boycotted Rodri’s coronation as winner of the Ballon d’Or – and City had responded with a vast banner of their injured midfielder kissing his golden ball before last week’s first leg. But it was no epic. There was no need for any needle. It was a mismatch, a total eclipse of the Blue Moon.  Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd so City have failed to reach the last-16 of the Champions League for the first time in 12 years. Their only hope of silverware this season is in the FA Cup, where a fifth-round home tie against Plymouth no longer looks like a gimme.  Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starThey may have improved since a horrific run of one win and nine defeats in 13 games before Christmas but, despite a £175million January transfer-window trolley-dash, there have been no quick fixes.   The winner of this annual tie has gone on to be crowned champions of Europe in each of the past three seasons. And you wouldn’t bet against Real continuing that trend after witnessing this evisceration.   Erling Haaland was only deemed fit enough to start on the bench after jarring his knee in the 4-0 hammering of Newcastle – the first time he hadn’t started a Champions League or Premier League game this season. But Omar Marmoush was bang in form, having bagged a hat-trick on Saturday.Kevin De Bruyne was benched, testimony to the Belgian’s waning powers, rather than the old chestnut about Guardiola ‘over-thinking’ his team selections in the Champions League knock-out stages. The scratches on the City manager’s head have made the workings of his hyperactive mind all too apparent.   After City had taunted Real with that Rodri banner before last week’s first leg, there was no tit-for-tat tifo spat. A rumoured banner which warned City ‘You Won’t Get Out Alive’ failed to materialise. But, in footballing terms, it would have been spot-on.The Madridistas kept it simple, belting out their anthem and creating a wall of sound beneath the roof of the full-refurbished Bernabeu. Then it was over to their team – who took only four minutes to double their aggregate lead. Raul Asencio played a diagonal ball over the top and Mbappe sprinted clear of Ruben Dias, with John Stones failing to make a challenge before the Real striker lobbed a stranded Ederson – a goal which was as simple as it was clinical. For the second time in five minutes of football during this tie, City’s Brazilian keeper had been stuck in no man’s land for a Real goal – after Jude Bellingham’s injury-time winner at the Etihad. Mbappe started whipping up the crowd and almost instantly it was worse for City when Stones was forced to limp off, replaced by Nathan Ake. It was shaping up like an old-school 4-4-2 for City with Savinho up top alongside Marmoush. Guardiola’s back-to-basics approach never looked remotely like working. The idea of playing the rookie Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back against Vinicius Junior was certainly a bold call – Vini and Bellingham seemed to be taking it turns to tease the young Uzbek.   Ilkay Gundogan, one of several City players to have lost a yard of pace, was booked for just that reason, as he tripped Rodrygo. City only hope of silverware now comes in the FA CupCredit: GettyIt was quiet in the cauldron. Real were in cruise control. This didn’t possess the jeopardy of many recent meetings.  But then the fab four decided to turn it on – Real’s famous attacking quartet combining for the killer second. Bellingham kicked it off with a wicked turn and pass for Vinicius. His pass was under-hit, yet Rodrygo was still able to tee up Mbappe.The Frenchman looked crowded by City defenders, yet one swivel sent Gvardiol for an early half-time Bovril and he drilled past Ederson. This was the sort of high-quality team goal City would so often inflict on opponents in their pomp, yet here they were on the receiving end. Real continued to strut their stuff and Mbappe’s hat-trick goal arrived on the hour. Ancelotti’s men were stroking it around imperiously before their centre-forward cut inside Phil Foden and whipped a shot low into the far corner. After 76 minutes, Foden produced City’s first shot on target, which Courtois comfortably saved. In injury-time, feeble City finally mustered a response – Nico Gonzalez tapping home after a Marmoush free-kick had come back off the bar. READ MORE SUN STORIESBy then, Mbappe was then long since been withdrawn, to a thunderous reception, afforded a nice little breather. City couldn’t touch him. They weren’t even close.Pep Guardiola watched his side not even lay a glove on RealCredit: Rex More

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      Real Madrid vs Man City LIVE: Champions League result and updates as Kylian Mbappe hits magical HAT-TRICK – latest

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      MANCHESTER CITY were dominated by Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League knockout phase play off.Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning hat-trick as Real won 3-1 on the night, and a whopping 6-3 on aggregate.The result means it is the first time in 12 years that City failed to reached the Last 16 of Europe’s elite competition.Result: Real Madrid 3 Man City 0 (Real win 6-3 on aggregate)Real Madrid team: Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Mendy; Tchouameni, Ceballos, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius JrMan City team: Ederson, Khusanov, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Nico, Gundogan, Bernardo, Foden, Savinho, MarmoushCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Match reportHow far and how fast the mighty have fallen. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, the dominant force in English football and a major European powerhouse for so long, are now not even close.Whenever they travel away to face an elite team, City are being hammered – at Liverpool, where the 2-0 scoreline flattered them immensely, at Arsenal where they were trounced 5-1. They were soundly beaten at Juventus and Paris St Germain too. And here in the Bernabeu tonight, they were taunted, tormented, toyed with and ultimately humiliated – the mocking ‘oles!’ of Real Madrid’s supporters ringing in their ears as Carlo Ancelotti’s men ran rings around them. On the eve of this match, Guardiola claimed he had been joking when he said City had only a ‘one per cent chance’ of overturning their 3-2 first-leg deficit. Well, within four minutes, those odds looked spot-on, after Kylian Mbappe had lobbed Ederson on his way to a high-class hat-trick.  Copy linkCopiedCreating the wrong historyOptaJoe say tonight’s defeat:meant Pep Guardiola hasn’t reached the knockout round of the Champions League for the first time in his career.was City’s 13th of the season in all competitions – the most Guardiola has suffered in any single season. With three months to go…saw the earliest goal Man City have conceded in the competition since October 2018 against HoffenheimCopy linkCopiedLast 16 completePSV have beaten Juventus in extra time to round off the last-16 contenders in Friday’s draw.Some top teams in it, City will be devastated to miss out.Seeded teamsLiverpoolBarcelonaArsenalInter MilanAtletico MadridBayer LeverkusenLilleAston VillaUnseededBayern MunichFeyenoordClub BruggeBenficaBorussia DortmundReal MadridPSGPSVCopy linkCopiedNext up for Madrid?They’ll find out in Friday’s draw.But it’ll be either ATLETICO MADRID or BAYER LEVERKUSEN in the next round.A local derby or game against last season’s Bundesliga Invincibles, coached by their former midfielder.Tasty.Copy linkCopiedJude reactsJude Bellingham says winning their defensive battle was key to allowing the forward players to do the damage.He told TNT Sports: “It was a good evening and a good performance from us. It was a really enjoyable game to play in. The most important thing for us was the defensive side of the game. “We knew that once we boxed that off we could attack with more freedom and that was the key tonight and in the other game.”They [Man City] have had some injuries and we are also on the back end of that and welcoming some of the lads back. He is important for us in terms of the leadership in the dressing room, having that loud presence before the game, particularly for us younger players. When we are at full strength we are a much better team.”You always want to play teams at their best and when you see Haaland is not in the team you obviously hope it is nothing serious. He is a good mate of mine and I hope it is not too bad. “You play against what you are up against and I thought we managed it well today. They still have other players that can step in and cause damage.”Copy linkCopiedDoesn’t get easierGuardiola said his focus now is on beating Liverpool this weekend, then the next game and compete for top four.Things don’t get much easier, with Liverpool (H), Tottenham (A) and Nottingham Forest (A) the next three league games.Plymouth at home in the FA Cup looks a tricky game the way things are going too.Copy linkCopiedPep reactsPep Guardiola told TNT Sports: “After we conceded the goal it was more and more difficult.“The best team won, so congratulations to Real Madrid. Our focus is now all on the Premier League.“In the 180 minutes we had a good 30-35 minutes in the first half of the first leg.“Not just Kylian, they have a fantastic team. They deserve to go through.“It’s the first time we didn’t have a good Champions League run so we need to fight to be back in this competition again next year.“They’ll be a contender but there are other good teams. It’ll be interesting.”Copy linkCopiedFinal 16So 16 teams remain in the top competition.Well 17 at the minute as PSV and Juventus are into extra time in their play-off round.Seeded teamsLiverpoolBarcelonaArsenal Inter Milan Atletico Madrid Bayer Leverkusen Lille Aston Villa UnseededBayern MunichFeyenoordClub BruggeBenficaBorussia DortmundReal MadridPSGPSV / JuventusCopy linkCopiedKyl-er instinctKylian Mbappe says it was only logical that Madrid would reach the next round and he’s thriving now his adaptation period is over.He told Uefa’s website: “A perfect night for the team. We wanted to win. “We wanted to qualify for the next round. For us it was only logical that Real Madrid reached the next round of the Champions League.”When you play against Manchester City it is always a difficult game but we knew that at home we would be very strong. We played better as a group and we were able to give a lot of joy to the fans. We have to continue in this way if we are to win what we want to win this season.”I want to play well here, I want to make a mark on the season. I want to write history with Real Madrid. The adaptation period for me has ended and now I have to show my quality.”Copy linkCopiedFinal statsPlenty times covering Man City I’ve said they’re keeping possession for possession’s sake.No real threat, nobody to play that pass that Kevin de Bruyne does.They’ve ended up with more possession than Real Madrid tonight. Only when Madrid let them have it though.But to barely threaten the Madrid goal highlights that point earlier in this post.Copy linkCopied’Miles off it’Ex-England keeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Manchester City are miles off it. They really are. “We have seen them lose games in the Premier League that we wouldn’t have expected them to lose. “But look in the Champions League, losing away wat Sporting, the loss at Juventus, the way that they capitulated at Paris St-Germain. “There have been signs of their form coming back in the league but tonight highlighted all the flaws that they have got.”Copy linkCopiedMan of the matchProbably no surprise that his hat trick also earned a man of the match award for Kylian Mbappe.A terrific night for him though he didn’t have to work overly hard for it.Copy linkCopiedUnwanted historySo exit from the Champions League before it even gets juicy.The damage was done in an appalling league phase and they’ll be looking back at chances missed.It’s the first time in the Pep Guardiola era and first time since the 2012/13 season that they’ve been dumped from Europe before the knockout stage really begins.Nobody could’ve seen this coming four months ago.Copy linkCopiedFull time from Martin Blackburn at the BernabeuThese two teams have produced some incredible drama in recent years – but there was none of it here. As easy as it gets for Real who completely outclassed a bitterly disappointing City side – and won thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s wonderful hat-trick. A late goal from Nico Gonzalez was no consolation at all.A rare early exit for Guardiola’s men but they only have themselves to blame for a turbulent group stage. Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEManchester City exit the Champions League before the round of 16 with a whimper.REAL MADRID 3-1 MAN CITY – AGG: 6-3Copy linkCopied90+1 – Real Madrid 3-1 Man City (agg: 6-3)Marmoush’s free kick hits the crossbar and bounces back into the six-yard box.The Madrid defence are all sleepy and Nico drifts in all alone to tap it uncontested into an empty net.Ironic cheers from the Manchester City supporters, which in turn are cheered by the Madrid fans.Copy linkCopied90+1 – GOAL! Real Madrid 3-1 MAN CITYNico Gonzalez grabs a consolation in stoppage time.Copy linkCopied90+1 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Another City free kick as Camavinga penalised.This one 25 yards from goal and central, so it opens up the chances someone else can take it.Copy linkCopied90 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Two minutes added.Copy linkCopied90 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Marmoush’s free kick sums up City’s night. Pathetic.Straight into the wall.Madrid make two more changes for the final seconds:OFF: Vinicius Jr and ValverdeON: Endrick and AlabaCopy linkCopied89 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)McAtee seems to be elbowed in the head inside the penalty area.The referee gives the foul but gives a free kick.VAR are checking it and should give a penalty. Somehow, he backs the referee’s decision and gives the free kick.That Madrid referee pressure carries some weight, eh….Copy linkCopied88 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Khusanov does well to collect the second ball and nutmegs Asencio before striking at goal.It hurts Courtois in a sore area – that’ll wake him up – and goes behind for another corner.Copy linkCopied86 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Savinho’s attempted cross from the left hits the first man.Gvardiol then slides a clever pass into the box for McAtee but he’s followed by Modric who gets back well to concede the corner.MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 19: Omar Marmoush of Manchester City looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu on February 19, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)Copy linkCopied85 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Good build-up from Madrid as Modric finds Vinicius Jr charging down the right.He pings it to the edge of the box to find Bellingham, who slides in Rodrygo on the left but his attempt at running round the ball and getting a good strike on goal isn’t great.It rolls harmlessly for Ederson to pick up.Copy linkCopied81 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Another Madrid change as we countdown to the final whistle.The stark contrast of what Madrid are bringing off the bench compared to City is telling.OFF: TchouameniON: ModricCopy linkCopied More

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      ‘Gvardiol might need ticket to get back in stadium’ – Man City star red-faced after he is ‘sent for hot dog’ by Mbappe

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE humiliated Josko Gvadiol as the hat-trick hero embarrassed Manchester City.The Premier League champions went to the Spanish capital trailing 3-2 from the first leg of the Champions League play-off round clash.Josko Gvardiol was humiliated by Kylian Mbappe’s brillianceCredit: @footballontntMbappe sent Gvardiol flying with his ‘devastating’ touch insideCredit: ReutersMbappe’s finish saw Real Madrid go 5-2 up on aggregateCredit: AFPThe Frenchman gave the defender a look as he ran off to celebrateCredit: ReutersBut City gave themselves a mountain to climb soon after kick-off when Mbappe scored a clever chipped opener just four minutes into the game.He then grabbed his second in stunning fashion, embarrassing Josko Gvardiol in the process.Mbappe twisted and turned his way passed the City defence with magical quick feet before finishing clinically beyond Ederson.Real Madrid’s main man knocked the ball beyond Gvardiol and sent him flying, twisting his ankle in the process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTo rub salt into City wounds, Mbappe pointed at him as the City star lay on the turf, laughed at his rival’s discomfort and gestured a slip with his hands as he ran off celebrating.It left TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher in awe, who said: “That’s brilliant. Gvardiol might need a ticket to get back in the stadium.”Kylian Mbappe just planted him on the turf and then planted the ball pass Ederson.”Real Madrid lead 2-0 on the night, 5-2 on aggregate, and Mbappe looks like he might run riot.”Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRio Ferdinand added: “He has absolutely laid the defender down on the floor and said ‘sit down there, watch me slot this home’.”Wonderful from Mbappe. Devastating. Lay down.”Inside Jude Bellingham’s new romance with stunning Instagram modelAt half-time, Ferdinand joked that Mbappe should have got Gvardiol a pillow.Ex-City star Joleon Lescott compared the ex-PSG superstar to the legendary Thierry Henry. Meanwhile, fans joked Gvardiol was sent for a “hot dog” and “back to Croatia”.Mbappe was not done there though, completing his hat-trick in the second-half with another stunning finish. More

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      Champions League prize money 2025: How much can each team earn by playing in Europe’s top competition?

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      THE revamp of Europe’s elite club competition comes with an added boost to the coffers of contenders.The total prize pot for the Champions League is expected to be around £2.07BILLION this season – a huge increase on last year’s £1.68bn.There’s been an increase in prize money for the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersHow much can each team earn by playing in Europe’s top competition?Each of the 36 League Phase clubs earned £15.6million for their participation, with £1.7m for each victory and £587k for each draw.The value of each spot in the table was £230k, therefore the club that comes second last in 35th place got double that amount, £461k, while the table-toppers got £8.3m.Clubs that placed 9th through 16th got £830k, while the top eight additionally received a £1.6m bonus.Reaching each knockout stage only results in more money being awarded – the Allianz Arena’s overall champions took home £21.1m.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUEPerformance-related prize money makes up 37.5 per cent (£766m) of the total pot. Of that amount, 35 per cent goes to Uefa’s recently established value pillar, which divides broadcast income based on coefficient points, while the remaining 27.5 per cent is divided equally among the 36 teams.That meant top-eight finishers Aston Villa earned LESS than play-off placed Manchester City, despite finishing above them, due to their poor coefficient.Here’s what each team have earned at the time of writing:Most read in Champions League1.Liverpool£82.9million2.Inter Milan£75.8m3.Arsenal£74.8m4.Barcelona£74.7m5.Bayer Leverkusen£72.9m6.Atletico Madrid£71.1m7.Bayern Munich£68.1m8.Paris Saint-Germain£67.7m9.LOSC Lille£65.8m10.Borussia Dortmund£65.8m11.Real Madrid£65.5m12.Manchester City£63.5m13.Aston Villa£59.5m14.Atalanta£56.1m15.Juventus£55.5m16.AC Milan£51.3m17.SL Benfica£50.5m18.AS Monaco£50m19.RB Leipzig£49.2m20.PSV Eindhoven£45.4m21.Feyenoord£45m22.Stade Brestois 29£43.4m23.Club Brugge£41.7m24.Sporting Lisbon£41m25.Celtic£38.7m26.Stuttgart£36.2m27.RB Salzburg£35.6m28.Shakhtar Donetsk£34.5m29.Dinamo Zagreb£33.2m30.Bologna£29.2m31.Red Star Belgrade£26.8m32.BSC Young Boys£25.3m33.Girona£25m34.Sparta Prague£23.9m35.Sturm Graz£23.4m36.Slovan Bratislava£18.3m More

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      Why is Jude Bellingham not suspended for Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Man City?

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      JUDE Bellingham WILL be available for Real Madrid tonight against Man City in the Champions League – and here is why.Bellingham was sent off during Madrid’s 1-1 draw at Osasuna in La Liga over the weekend, but will not miss Real Madrid’s clash against City.Jude Bellingham was sent off for telling referee Jose Munuera to “f*** off”Credit: GettyThe incident between Jose Munuera and Bellingham was described as a “miscommunication.”Credit: Vincent West TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYLos Blancos have experienced a turbulent season with referees in the Spanish League, with the 21-year-old’s dismissal only adding fuel to the fire.REAL VS MAN CITY LIVE – LATEST UPDATESWhy is Bellingham not suspended for the Champions League?Jude Bellingham will not be suspended from the Champions League as suspensions from La Liga do not carry over into UEFA competitions. Bellingham, however, is likely to get a lengthy ban from La Liga, after being sent off during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna.Read more FootballThe Three Lions midfielder has avoided a lengthy ban, and will be suspended for matches against Girona at home and Real Betis away.Reports in Spain suggest Real will appeal.Why is Jude Bellingham suspended?The 21-year-old Bellingham was sent off for dissent during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna. In an incident which has been described as a “miscommunication” by Bellingham, he told referee Jose Munuera to “f*** off”, but Munuera thought he said “f*** you.” Most read in Champions LeagueBellingham will be banned for two matches for the incident.Who is playing in the Champions League knockout stage tonight?There are eight games of action over two nights, with half of the pack being eliminated from the Champions League, as part of their new format.Tuesday, February 17:Milan 1-1 Feyenoord (Feyenoord win 2-1 on agg)Atalanta 1-3 Club Brugge (Brugge win 5-3 on agg)Bayern Munich 1-1 Celtic (Bayern win 3-2 on agg)Benfica 3-3 Monaco (Benfica win 4-3 on agg)Wednesday, February 18:Dortmund (3) vs Sporting (0) – 5.45pm GMTParis (3) vs Brest (0) – 8pm GMTReal Madrid (3) vs Manchester City (2) – 8pm GMTPSV (1) vs Juventus (2) – 8pm GMT More