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      Champions League 2023-24 prize money revealed with Man City on course to shatter record earnings

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      MANCHESTER CITY hope to be the first English club to pocket £100 million in UEFA prize money this season by defending the Champions League crown.And with television cash added in, that could rise to a record-smashing whopping £128 million if they lift the trophy at Wembley on June 1. 
      Man City could pocket over £100m if they win the Champions League again this seasonCredit: AFP
      Pep Guardiola’s men picked up around £85 million from the organisers by lifting the trophy for the first time in Istanbul in June.
      But if they go all the way and retain their title on home soil it will be worth substantially more.
      While UEFA’s cash pot for the competition remains at a total £1.73bn, favourites City are in line to take their biggest share yet.
      And if Guardiola’s men, who have a 100 per cent winning record from their first seven games this season, can be Euro kings for the second year running, the Etihad side will crush the current record European earnings tally.
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      City banked around £12 million from winning all their six group matches against RB Leipzig, Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade.
      The holders will be expected to complete the job against FC Copenhagen next month and book a place in the quarter finals – which is worth a further £9 million.
      There is another £33 million on offer if they can negotiate their way through to the showpiece final for a third time in four years.
      Lifting the trophy is only worth a further £3.8 million – the same amount they earned from winning the Super Cup in August.
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      Man City’s potential UEFA earnings
      City also earn slightly more than £28m from Uefa’s controversial “10 year coefficient table”, as they take the fourth-largest share behind Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
      Television money will boost their earnings till further – meaning they would eclipse the record £116 million Real Madrid picked up when they beat Liverpool to lift the crown in 2022.
      Phil Foden brutally trolls Micah Richards live on TV over £600-a-week barber trips and reveals how much his trim costs
      The maximum City can win is a stunning £128 million.
      But with Manchester United and Newcastle both having been knocked out in the group stage, City are now guaranteed a minimum £127m for going all the way – and that would require them beating Arsenal in the final.
      Midfielder Phil Foden believes the holders have the squad to become the first team since Real Madrid to defend their crown.
      He said: “I look around the changing room and still see the determination and hunger – so I don’t see why not. We’ve got the squad to do it.” More

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      Uefa set for major rule change amid fears both Man Utd and City will NOT be able to play in Europe

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      MANCHESTER rivals United and City will both be allowed to play in Europe next season – as Uefa is rewriting its multi-club ownership rules.Current Uefa regulations state that no individual or entity “may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a Uefa competition”.
      Uefa is set to change its rules on multi-club ownershipCredit: Reuters
      Pep Guardiola’s side are the figurehead of the City Football Group, which includes shock La Liga contenders Girona.
      Newly confirmed United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group also own Nice, who are second in France’s Ligue Un.
      Current rules are based on defending the “integrity” of competitions, so that clubs under common ownership cannot manipulate results to the benefit of one or the other.
      But Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis confirmed Europe’s top brass are actively discussing a rules revamp for next season that would give both City and United the green light come what may – and access to £100m-plus in potential prize money.
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      Theodoridis said: “It’s a difficult issue and there are continuous discussions, with club representatives and with European Club Association representatives as well.
      “We have to decide what we must do moving down the line because there is a change in our competitions.
      “There are some clarifications to be done on the rules because now there will be no feeding between the competitions, where clubs can drop down from the Champions League to the Europa League, for example.
      “Right now, because of the feeding system, there is an even bigger issue.
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      “So we are trying to look at that and at the same time to speak to the clubs.
      “Soon we will be coming up with the changes and you will be informed – because we have to adapt to the post-24 format as well.”
      Under the current regulations, United would have to finish higher in the Prem than Nice did in France to be allowed to play in the Champions League, with the French side then not being allowed in any competition.
      If they finished lower in the Prem, United could only play in Europe if they qualified directly for a specific competition – by their final league position or winning the FA Cup.
      Man Utd legends Patrice Evra and Park Ji-sung reunite… but at the ground of Premier League rivals
      Even if Girona stay second in Spain – they are five points ahead of third-placed Barcelona – City would be sure of taking part in the competition next season by retaining the trophy or winning the Prem for a record fourth year running.
      But the proposed changes – expected to be confirmed at the next meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee in Dublin in May – give United a potential £100m carrot for creeping into the top four.
      And that would even be available for a fifth place finish if English teams progress deep in Europe to take one of the two extra Champions League slots in the expanded 36-team competition for the best performing nations each season. More

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      Man City break Champions League record as Pep Guardiola’s romp to dominant 3-1 win over Copenhagen

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      MANCHESTER CITY set a new Champions League record following their 3-1 win over Copenhagen on Tuesday.The treble winners took control of the last-16 tie thanks to goals from Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.
      Man City broke a Champions League record on WednesdayCredit: AP
      City have set the longest streak by any English side in the competition’s historyCredit: AP
      De Bruyne broke the deadlock in the 10th minute with a composed strike into the bottom-left corner.
      Magnus Mattsson then equalised for Copenhagen after capitalising on a rare error from Ederson.
      But Silva fired his side back into the lead on the brink of half time before Foden sealed the win in added time.
      City have now won nine straight games in the Champions League, setting the longest streak by any English side in the competition’s history.
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      Speaking after the match, Pep Guardiola said: “I know how difficult it is. People believe it is easy. Ask United and Bayern. It’s a really tough opponent.
      “We made perfect concepts today. My job is to warn the players, the attributes they have. We behaved with character and personality, patience.
      “Everyone was at a top level. It’s not decisive, a good result. Hopefully we can make the quarters.
      “Copenhagen are so compact. These type of games you expect the transitions where you suffer. Slow it down in this incredible stadium with the crowd behind. Make 1,000 goals, don’t allow them to score a goal.
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      “The stadium goes down. We have to find the spaces in the next leg. I saw the United games and how difficult it was for them.
      “I knew it, the players knew it. They follow us and play for that way.”
      Phil Foden brutally trolls Micah Richards live on TV over £600-a-week barber trips and reveals how much his trim costs
      Man City face Copenhagen again in the second leg on March 6 at the Etihad Stadium. More

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      Farce over ‘crazy’ disallowed Champions League goal as even Real Madrid star says RB Leipzig strike should have counted

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      TONI KROOS shockingly admitted that Leipzig’s disallowed goal should have stood in Tuesday’s first-leg Champions League tie.Real Madrid ran out 1-0 winners in Germany, after a wonder goal from Jude Bellingham replacement Brahim Diaz.
      Sesko’s early header was controversially ruled out in Tuesday’s tie with Real Madrid
      But Toni Kroos acknowledged that the goal should have stood
      Both fans and footballers were left perplexed with the confusing refereeing decision inside three minutes.
      Benjamin Sesko found the net with a header, but the goal was disallowed due to a slight nudge from Benjmain Henrichs on goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. 
      It was initially deemed that Sesko was offside, but the defender was then somewhat harshly penalised for colliding with the goalkeeper.
      Leipzig then went onto dominate the chances in the first half, before former Manchester City star Diaz’ brilliantly worked strike in the 48th minute.
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      But Madrid’s legendary midfielder has even confessed that Leipzig were hard done by.
      Kroos said: “I think in the end he called offside because it got in his way.
      “But the goalkeeper couldn’t reach the ball and that’s why the goal had to be given. You can’t argue any other way.”
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      Referee and analyst Mateu Lahoz added: “It’s crazy to disallow the goal for that. This is not football.
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      “Leipzig’s goal should have gone up the scoreboard. We have to be honest. 
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      “If this happens to a Spanish team we would put our hands on our heads.”
      Fans also took to social media to express their bewilderment at the goal being chalked off.
      One wrote: “Leipzig have been robbed.”
      Another said: “How is he interfering?!”
      However, Thierry Henry had a different outlook.
      He told TNT: “The disallowed goal was the correct decision. I first thought it was a goal, but on the replay, you can see it is not. As a player, you are told if you are offside don’t get involved.
      “He involves with Lunin, even if the push is little and he was offside.” More

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      Phil Foden brutally trolls Micah Richards live on TV over £600-a-week barber trips and reveals how much his trim costs

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      PHIL FODEN cheekily trolled Micah Richards over his £600-a-week haircut habit after starring in Manchester City’s latest win.The England ace, 23, has been in red-hot form for Pep Guardiola’s side.
      Micah Richards commented on Phil Foden’s haircutCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      The pundit, 35, asked Foden where he gets his barnet choppedCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Kate Abdo was left stunned by Foden’s responseCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      Jamie Carragher and Richards laughed along with the Man City starCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazo
      After adding another goal to his tally during City’s 3-1 win over Copenhagen, Foden stopped to chat with CBS Sports’ Champions League crew comprising of Kate Abdo, Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry.
      After chatting about the game, Richards pivoted to Foden’s barnet.
      The former City ace, 35, asked: “Before you go, who’s your barber?
      “Because your trim’s looking kinda fresh I’m not gonna lie.”
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      Foden quipped back: “I’ve heard you pay a lot for your trim.”
      Richards stunned Henry last year by revealing that he has his hair cut three times a week at £200 a pop.
      It was even revealed that Richards jetted his barber out to Qatar for the World Cup.
      Following Foden’s remark Carragher howled with laughter, before Abdo asked: “How much do you pay for yours?”
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      Down-to-earth Foden replied: “Twenty quid from the local.”
      An incredulous Abdo responded: “No, you do not pay twenty quid!”
      Pep Guardiola’s reacts to Manchester City’s Champions League win over Copenhagen
      But Foden insisted: “I swear! Obviously I sort him out sometimes but I go to the same barber from the age of eight.”
      Richards then cheekily cut in: “Did he slip when he went to your eyebrows?”
      Foden has scored eight goals and laid on a further seven assists in 23 Premier League appearances this season.
      He recently netted a stunning hat-trick against Brentford, and contributed a goal and an assist against Copenhagen last night.

      Asked if he’s ever felt more vital to City’s success, Foden told the CBS Sports team: “I don’t think so. It’s the most run of games I’ve probably had in a City shirt.
      “When you’re playing every game I think you can get a lot of rhythm. I’m feeling good this year and I’m helping the team the best I can.” More

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      Watch ‘inhuman’ Erling Haaland leap 7ft 6in in air for insane Cristiano Ronaldo-like flying kick against FC Copenhagen

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      ERLING HAALAND left fans’ jaws on the floor by leaping 7ft 6in into the air for Manchester City last night.The 6ft 4in star lined up against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

      Erling Haaland rose 7ft 6in into the air for an acrobatic effortCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo scored an amazing goal against Juventus in 2018Credit: EPA
      Haaland, 23, didn’t get on the scoresheet as his side ran out 3-1 winners.
      But he still managed to take fans’ breath away.
      Rising to try and meet a cross, Haaland jumped an astonishing 7ft 6in into the air.
      He connected with the ball, but wasn’t quite able to convert the shot.
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      Haaland’s effort was likened to Cristiano Ronaldo’s astonishing goal for Real Madrid against Juventus in 2018.
      On that occasion, the Portuguese superstar rose 7ft 8in to convert a remarkable overhead kick from Dani Carvajal’s cross.
      Ronaldo received acclaim from fans of Juventus, who he would go on to join later that year.
      Foreshadowing his move, he said at the time: “It was an unbelievable moment. I have to say thank you a lot – grazie – to all supporters of Juventus.
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      “What they did for me was amazing, I’m so happy.
      “Thank you to all of them. This has never happened in my career so far.”
      Erling Haaland gives up on winning second Treble in shock interview after brace for Man City against Everton
      Ahead of last night’s game, Haaland was told to “relax” by his boss Pep Guardiola.
      And while he didn’t score, City fans loved their striker’s acrobatic exploits.

      One wrote on social media: “literally how?”
      While a second gushed: “brother was levitating.”
      A third swooned: “he was floating.”
      And another added: “In a league of his own.”
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      Haaland has scored 73 goals in 79 appearances since joining City from Borussia Dortmund.
      He is the Premier League’s top scorer this season with 16 goals – despite having missed nearly two months through injury. More

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      Champions League last-16 LIVE SCORES: PSG face tricky Real Sociedad test, Bayern travel to Lazio – latest updates

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      THE last-16 stage of the Champions League continues with PSG and Bayern Munich both in action.Kylian Mbappe and Co face Spanish side Real Sociedad, while Harry Kane is set to lead the line for Bayern against Lazio.
      And both sides will be hoping that they can emulate Manchester City who beat Copenhagen 3-1 or Real Madrid after their 1-0 away win against RB Leipzig.

      TV channel: TNT Sports 1/TNT Sports 2
      Live stream: discovery+

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      Neuer makes Harry Kane demand
      Manuel Neuer has made a strict demand to his Bayern Munich teammates ahead of their Champions League clash against Lazio after Harry Kane failed to find the net last weekend.
      Kane was limited to just one shot and 18 touches of the ball on Saturday afternoon as Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.
      Neuer commented on the defeat, saying: “We haven’t quite gotten over it. When you lose like that, it does something with you. We’ve spoken about it, analysed it and been clear about it.
      “The good thing is we’ve got a game straight after. We want to get to the next round. We want to make up for things that we didn’t do well in Leverkusen.”
      Neuer added: “It’s important that we stick at it. It’s a new competition, a new day. Even when Bayern Munich lose, the sun still rises. We’re looking forward to the game.”
      Copy linkCopiedSchmeichel shows love for City star
      Peter Schmeichel hailed Kevin De Bruyne after Manchester City defeated Copenhagen 3-1 in the first leg of the Champions League last 16.
      He said: “He’s always got good things to say. What a player he is. He got Player of the Match today as well.”
      Pep Guardiola also described De Bruyne’s showing at the Parken Stadium as “extraordinary.”
      Copy linkCopiedCity set for huge windfall
      Manchester City hope to be the first English club to pocket £100 million in UEFA prize money this season by defending the Champions League crown.
      And with television cash added in, that could rise to a record-smashing whopping £128 million if they lift the trophy at Wembley on June 1.
      Pep Guardiola’s men picked up around £85 million from the organisers by lifting the trophy for the first time in Istanbul in June.
      But if they go all the way and retain their title on home soil it will be worth substantially more.
      While UEFA’s cash pot for the competition remains at a total £1.73bn, favourites City are in line to take their biggest share yet.
      Copy linkCopiedAncelotti praises Real Madrid duo
      Carlo Ancelotti praised Aurelien Tchouameni and Brahim Diaz following Real Madrid’s win over RB Leipzig.
      He told TNT Sports: “Without three centre-backs, Tchouameni played a fantastic game as a centre-back.
      “It’s an emergency now, but we understand he’s a fantastic player in every place you put him. He’s good as a number six, but also as a centre-back.”
      On Diaz, he added: “He [Diaz] played really well.
      “Obviously, Bellingham is a fantastic player and really important for us, but the fact we have a lot of injuries during the season gave everyone a strong motivation and they are doing really well.”
      Copy linkCopiedMan City break English record
      Manchester City set a new Champions League record following their 3-1 win over Copenhagen on Tuesday.
      The treble winners took control of the last-16 tie thanks to goals from Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden.
      City have now won nine straight games in the Champions League, setting the longest streak by any English side in the competition’s history.
      Copy linkCopiedHaaland plays through heartbreak
      Erling Haaland played through the heartbreak of losing his grandmother against Copenhagen.
      The Manchester City striker lost Tone Rasdal, 80, over the weekend.
      Rasdal, the mother of Haaland’s father Alfie, died peacefully on Saturday.
      An obituary for Rasdal read: “Our dear mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, grandmother and great-grandmother Rasdal died peacefully today, aged 80.”
      Norwegian outlet Nettavisen reported that Rasdal passed away at a Sivdaheimen nursing home.
      It is expected that her funeral will take place next week.
      Copy linkCopiedKroos makes shock revelation
      Real Madrid star Toni Kroos shockingly admitted that Leipzig’s disallowed goal should have stood in Tuesday’s first-leg Champions League tie.
      Real Madrid ran out 1-0 winners in Germany, after a wonder goal from Jude Bellingham replacement Brahim Diaz.
      Both fans and footballers were left perplexed with the confusing refereeing decision inside three minutes.
      Benjamin Sesko found the net with a header, but the goal was disallowed due to a slight nudge from Benjmain Henrichs on goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
      It was initially deemed that Sesko was offside, but the defender was then somewhat harshly penalised for colliding with the goalkeeper.
      Kroos said of the incident: “I think in the end he called offside because it got in his way.
      “But the goalkeeper couldn’t reach the ball and that’s why the goal had to be given. You can’t argue any other way.”
      Copy linkCopiedTuchel tipped to join Barcelona
      The representatives of Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel have offered him to another Champions League club, according to a new report.
      Journalist Fernando Polo claims that Tuchel’s entourage has offered his services to Barcelona, who will be looking for a new manager next season following the departure of Xavi.
      Xavi has already announced that he will leave Barca at the end of the campaign following a disappointing season which sees them sit 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid in the La Liga table.
      Copy linkCopiedFoden hilariously trolls Micah Richards
      Phil Foden cheekily trolled Micah Richards over his £600-a-week haircut habit after starring in Manchester City’s win over Copenhagemn.
      After adding another goal to his tally during City’s 3-1 win over Copenhagen, Foden stopped to chat with CBS Sports’ Champions League crew comprising of Kate Abdo, Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry.
      After chatting about the game, Richards pivoted to Foden’s barnet.
      The former City ace, 35, asked: “Before you go, who’s your barber? Because your trim’s looking kinda fresh I’m not gonna lie.”
      Foden quipped back: “I’ve heard you pay a lot for your trim.”
      Copy linkCopiedBarca hit by injury woes
      Barcelona are set to be without Ferran Torres and Joao Felix when they take on Napoli next week.
      Both are sidelined through injury which means Xavi will likely have to call upon Raphinha and Yamine Lamal instead.
      Copy linkCopiedFoden breaks Champions League record
      Phil Foden created history in the Champions League last night by becoming the youngest Englishman to reach 50 appearances.
      After the contest, Gary Lineker hailed the Stockport-born midfielder as “outrageously brilliant” as he registered a goal and an assist.
      Foden has scored 14 goals and produced 11 assists in the Champions League, helping Manchester City win the competition last season.
      Copy linkCopiedForgotten Arsenal star to return
      Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira is set to give Mikel Arteta a major boost by returning to the squad for next week’s Champions League last-16 first leg clash against Porto.
      The playmaker has been out since November after undergoing groin injury.
      The Gunners’ Champions League campaign resumes next week, with a trip to Porto to face the Portuguese giants.
      And Vieira has given Arteta a major boost by returning to training, and the midfielder hopes to be fit to face Porto.
      Copy linkCopiedTuchel to address Kane issue
      Thomas Tuchel is keen to fix an issue with Harry Kane in tonight’s clash against Lazio.
      The striker uncharacteristically was starved of the ball in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
      Tuchel said: “It was rare for Harry to have so few touches (against Leverkusen). The formation was actually thought of with him in mind, but we didn’t find him at all. We want to get Harry in the game more, and we need to fix it.
      “I’m convinced we can show a reaction (against Lazio). It wasn’t good enough in Leverkusen. But it’s a new opponent, a new competition. I hope we can make up for it.”
      Copy linkCopiedMan City suffer injury woes
      Pep Guardiola was left to rue injuries to Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva after Manchester City returned to Champions League action with a 3-1 win at FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.
      He detailed the issues they have, saying: “It’s something muscular with Jack, his groin.
      “He felt it on the grass, started to complain. The players can feel it immediately if it’s muscular. It’s a pity, he’s gutted.
      “He wanted to continue but we didn’t want to make the damage even worse. We’ll make tests tomorrow.
      “Bernardo has a big knock in his ankle and Josko is out two to three weeks. Kova is ready to come back.”
      Copy linkCopiedGuardiola with eyes on the defence
      After winning an amazing treble last season, Man City are still in a good position to defend all three trophies.
      It will take some doing but with the depth of quality in their squad, you would not bet against them.
      They have one foot in the quarter finals of the Champions League, face Luton Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup and are two points behind Liverpool in the Premier League.
      Copy linkCopiedMadrid in Kroos control in Leipzig
      With all the stars in Carlo Ancelotti’s side, one player who often gets overlooked is their midfielder Toni Kroos.
      The stability he brings to this team, while linking play, is something that takes Madrid to another level.
      Once again this evening, his stats over the course of the game are something to be respected.

      Copy linkCopiedQuiet night for Haaland in Denmark
      Despite their emphatic win, Copenhagen did manage to keep Erling Haaland fairly quiet this evening.
      The big Norwegian probably had more glimpses of goal in added time than he did in the rest of the game.
      Not that Guardiola will be worried, just his presence on the pitch creates openings for the players around him.
      Copy linkCopiedCity continue to impress with form
      Man City go into a run of games now before they face Liverpool at Anfield on March 10.
      Being the perfectionist that he is, Pep Guardiola will want to head into that crunch match having won every game before it.
      They face Chelsea this weekend but also have a Manchester derby thrown in the mix too.

      Copy linkCopiedDiaz takes over Bellingham mantle
      Brahim Diaz stepped into the void this evening due to the injury to Jude Bellingham.
      It was his goal that seperated the sides at the Red Bull Arena.
      With a special strike, it left many asking the question…..Jude who?

      Copy linkCopiedDe Bruyne back in groove for City
      Having spent such a long time out injured, many wondered if we would see the same Kevin De Bruyne when he finally returned.
      He has certainly answered that question and it looks like he has never been away as he is involved in all that Man City do.
      Another stellar performance this evening which saw him score one goal and get two assists.
      True class.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: RB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      Brahim Diaz’s stunning goal is the difference between the sides.
      Marco Rose will be giving his side some shooting practice when they get back together for training.
      The stats would suggest that the Germans dominated the game, but Real Madrid come away with a slender one-goal advantage.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Copenhagen 1-3 Man City
      It is a comfortable win for Pep Guardiola’s side in the end.
      They made things more difficult for themselves when Ederson’s blunder led to a Copenhagen equaliser.
      In the end, Man City will be pleased to take a two goal lead back to the Etihad Stadium.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: RB Leipzig 0-1 Real Madrid
      A disappointing result for the Germans at the Red Bull Arena.
      Real Madrid were favourites to win this game but Leipzig did enough to score the goals that could have won this game.
      They now face a tough task at the Bernabeu.
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Copenhagen 1-3 Man City
      Many City deal with a tricky fixture and now have one foot in the quarter finals of the Champions League.
      They will take a two goal advantage back to Manchester for the second leg.
      Copenhagen have tried their hardest to cause an upset but the visitors’ class shone through.
      Copy linkCopiedCopenhagen 1-3 Man City
      90+2. Foden cuts in from the flank and spots the run of De Bruyne.
      He gets to the byline and gives it back to Foden.
      Shifting it onto his left foot he buries his effort into the back of the net.
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      RB Leipzig 0 Real Madrid 1: Brahim Diaz copies Jude Bellingham’s celebration after moment of magic for Los Blancos

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM MIGHT not have been on the pitch but his celebration was.Bellingham scored twice at the weekend in the La Liga leaders 4-0 victory over second placed Girona.
      Brahim Diaz replicated Jude Bellingham’s celebration when he bagged the winner for Real MadridCredit: Getty

      But injury saw him replaced in the 57th minutes by Brahim Diaz who held his place with the lad from Dudley unable to play.
      Diaz did him proud with a brilliant 48th minute winner.
      He was like Diego Maradona as he picked the ball up, rode one tackle, and scampered between two more opponents before curling a shot home.
      Not forgetting his teammate who he had replaced on the night he did the Bellingham celebration as he jumped and landed with his arms out wide.
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      A great moment for him, a typical moment for Real Madrid who have lit this competition up like no others with their 14 triumphs.
      Nobody has powered them more this season though than Bellingham.
      A player who is the top scorer in La Liga, has 20 goals in all competitions and including assists has been involved in 28 goals in 29 games.
      It looked like his absence was going to tell as well when in the first half Leipzig looked to lift the roof off the Red Bull Arena.
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      They did just that after only 96 seconds and why oh why did the goal not stand?
      When the ball was bounced back into the box from a corner Benjamin Sesko headed home.
      Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top five
      He certainly looked offside which is why understandably the flag was raised.
      But replays showed he wasn’t and yet with the quickest of calls the goal was still ruled out because there had been the slightest of pushes on the goalkeeper by the same player in the build up.
      When I say slight, it’s like when you brush against someone in Tescos and apologise.
      That was not all that Leipzig had to rue on the night.
      Sesko had chance after chance to score but it was night when Andriy Lunin had a goalkeeper worldie night saving shot after shot.
      Advantage Real.
      Brahim Diaz was awarded the Man of the Match for his performanceCredit: Getty More