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    Atletico Madrid 2 Inter Milan 1 (agg 2-2, 3-2 on pens): Jan Oblak the hero as Man Utd flop misses penalty in shootout

    ATLETICO MADRID overturned a first leg one-goal deficit to beat Inter Milan on penalties in the last-16. Jan Oblak was the hero in the shootout, saving two efforts from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaassen before Lautaro Martinez blazed over the decisive kick.Jan Oblak was the hero in the shootoutCredit: GettyThe Atleti keeper made two stunning saves from the spotCredit: EPAAtletico showed all their experience to overturn the first leg deficitCredit: ReutersEx-Arsenal and Man Utd star Alexis Sanchez missed his spot-kickCredit: ReutersWhat a first half it was in an electric Estadio Metropolitano and one Inter Milan had looked totally in control of.Leading 1-0 from the first leg they were happy to control the ball and then broke to take the lead on the night and go 2-0 up on aggregate.It was a scintillating build up that had the home side chasing shadows before Nicolo Barella cut the ball back for Federico Dimarco to thump a shot past Oblak.His first goal in 25 Champions League matchesThe stadium silenced but for the ecstatic away following.But just two minutes 16 seconds later the teams were level on the night through the club’s all-time leading scorer Antoine Griezmann.Nahuel Molina crossed from the right and the clearance was met by Atletico captain Koke whose ball into the box took a couple of deflections before the French international turned home a volley.That took his tally to six in the Champions League this season, nobody has scored more in the campaign.The second-half was a more tense affair with so much on the line but chances fell at both ends.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Griezmann could have had a second when set up by smartly by Marcos Llorente but went for prescision more than power.Inter boss Simone Inzaghi was furious when Marcus Thuram fired wildly over when clean through.Diego Simeone’s son Giovanni nail impression of hot-head dad’s touchline antics leaving pals in stitches On came Depay and what an impact.Having hit the post with one effort he then grabbed the equaliser.The former Manchester United player received a pass from Koke, took it under his spell and then produced a magic finish.Then Riquelme could have put Atletico through with the last chance of the game but blazed a shot over.In the shootout, Oblak saved from Sanchez but Inter were let off the hook by Chelsea flop Saul Niguez as he missed.Former Everton man Klaassen then had his effort saved by Atleti’s world-class stopper before Martinez failed to keep his nerve as he fired over the bar to send the Spanish side through.The passionate boss Diego Simeone celebrated wildly as his backstreet brawlers lived to fight another day. PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – get £40 in free bet builder bets More

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    Borussia Dortmund 2 PSV 0 (agg 3-1): Jadon Sancho scores but forced off close to tears as Germans reach quarter-final

    JADON SANCHO showed Manchester United what they are missing by firing Borussia Dortmund into the quarters.The exiled Red Devils winger’s 20-yard beauty just two minutes in was enough to beat PSV 2-1 on aggregate before he hobbled off late on.Jadon Sancho opened the scoring for DortmundCredit: AFPHowever, Sancho was forced off with an injuryCredit: EPAHe left the pitch seemingly close to tearsCredit: GettySancho, 23, admitted at the weekend that he has “disappointed” since going back to Dortmund on loan in January after falling out with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.But it’s now back-to-back goals following his early struggles, leaving him chasing a Champions League crown while his United future remains up in the air.The Yellow Wall was jumping at kick-off and Sancho sent them wild with his first knockout goal in the competition.Picking it up 20 yards out, he shifted it to his right and fired a stunner into the bottom corner.A revitalised Sancho was running the show, involved in everything as they battered PSV in the first half without extending their lead.Striker Niclas Fullkrug lashed a great chance wide before keeper Walter Benitez kept his side in it with a great double stop.Dutchman Donyell Malen was then inches away as his former club clung on in at the Westfalenstadion.PSV finally got to grips as the opening 45 minutes wore on with Belgian winger Johan Bakayoko posing the greatest threat.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And Eindhoven forward Hirving Lozano went closest at the start of the second half, firing a brilliant 25-yard strike off the post with the keeper beaten.Benitez made a smart stop to deny Fullkrug and keep his side in it 65 minutes in before Dortmund stopper Gregor Kobel’s brilliant save denied Bakayoko at the other end moments later.Ten Hag claims there were ‘issues’ with Jadon Sancho BEFORE boss arrived at Man Utd and ‘all the way through’Sancho went off injured with 15 minutes remaining and Dortmund looked to be holding firm until Newcastle striker Luuk de Jong skied a sitter at the death.Yet the Germans still had time to make it 2-0 as sub Marco Reus finished off a counter to seal a spot in the last eight.Check out how the action unfolded… More

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    Did you spot ‘shameless’ detail in TNT Sports’ Arsenal celebration graphic with a nod to huge rivals?

    LIVERPOOL supporters have hilariously mocked Arsenal over a ‘shameless’ detail that was included in a social media post on Tuesday night. Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty 4-2 shootout victory over Porto – following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.Fabs have pointed out a huge error in TNT’s Arsenal graphicCredit: Instagram / @tntsportsThe Gunners rode their luck but went through to their first quarter-final in 14 years after Porto’s Wendell and Galeno both missed from the spot.Shortly afterwards, TNT Sports took to their social media pages to post a graphic celebrating Arsenal’s success.But eagle-eyed fans pointed out a huge faux pas.The collage showed a number of Gunners stars celebrating – with a Champions League trophy being lifted in the background.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, due to the fact that Arsenal have never won the competition, the graphic designers were forced to use a picture of Prem rivals Liverpool’s triumph instead.The photo came from Jurgen Klopp holding the cup after the Reds ran out 2-0 winners against Spurs in the 2019 final.One fan wrote: “They had to use Liverpool’s trophy lift because Arsenal’s doesn’t exist.”Another wrote: “Wow. They should have left it out.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third declared: “I see it. They’re really shameless.”A fourth chimed in: “Using a pic of Liverpool lifting the trophy…now that’s a rough one”.Thierry Henry filmed LEAVING during penalty shootout as former club Arsenal beat PortoElsewhere on the night, Porto head coach Sergio Conceicao has accused Mikel Arteta of insulting his family during the game.The Arsenal boss has denied the accusations, with the club also refuting Conceicao’s claims. More

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    Shock stat shows how lucky Arsenal were to scrape past Porto and reach first Champions League quarter-final in 14 years

    ARSENAL may have got through to the Champions League quarter-finals – but they left their shooting boots at home against Porto.The Gunners claimed a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory after David Raya’s double save allowed them to scrape through to Friday’s last-eight draw.Arsenal were limited to a few attempts on target across both legsCredit: RexSpot-kicks were needed to settle the tie after Leandro Trossard’s first-half strike made it 1-1 on aggregate.But Mikel Arteta’s side were limited to only four shots on target across both games.And all of them came on Tuesday’s tense affair at the Emirates – just two on target attempts in each half.After failing to challenge keeper Diogo Costa three weeks ago, Arsenal were again frustrated by a defensive Porto for long periods. READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSIt took a world-class pass from Martin Odegaard to finally put them on the scoreboard after 130 minutes of trying.That – and Odegaard’s disallowed goal – were the only times Arsenal were able to force the ball past the keeper across two games.One fan wrote: “Arsenal had the same number of shots on target in the penalty shoot-out (4), as they did in 180 minutes over the two legs against Porto (not including extra time).”While another tweeted: “Over 210 minutes of football, free-scoring Arsenal managed to get 4 shots on target against Porto. All 4 came tonight at home. Sergio Conceicao, ladies & gents.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis is a far cry from their free-scoring domestic form, which has left them top of the Premier League.The Gunners have netted an incredible 34 goals during a run of eight successive league wins – which amounts to an average of almost 4.5 goals per game.Porto boss Sergio Conceicao claims Mikel Arteta made horror insult during last-16 clash and blasts result as ‘unjust’Their current league tally stands at 68 – the most in the division and the most Arsenal have ever had at this stage of a campaign in the Premier League era, even more than the Invincibles season.And yet, less than three months ago, boss Mikel Arteta was under serious pressure to finally splash out on an elite No9 to take the North London club to the next level.Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Trossard, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Odegaard have all stood up in that time, hitting 24 goals between them since January 1.But fans noticed Saka’s quiet night against Wendell on Tuesday – although the England international did get the better of him in the shoot-out.Arsenal had been knocked out at the last-16 stage in their last seven appearances in the competition and are through to their first quarter in 14 years.The Gunners will be grateful their meeting with Chelsea initially scheduled for this weekend has been postponed. The Blues will face Championship leaders Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday. More

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    Man Utd ‘may be forced to NOT sack Erik ten Hag over FFP fears as cost of axing Dutchman revealed’

    MANCHESTER UNITED may have to splash over £10million to sack Erik ten Hag in June.Ten Hag’s position as United manager continues to come under pressure amid a turbulent campaign that has seen the team plunging to sixth place in the Premier League table.Manchester United will have to splash over £10m to sack Erik ten HagCredit: AFPSir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to reconsider Ten Hag’s position if Man Utd miss out on Champions League qualificationCredit: PAAccording to The Times, however, dismissing the Dutchman won’t be simple as he and his coaching staff would cost a large sum to offload this summer.The 54-year-old tactician warned the Red Devils were close to the spending limit which was allowed under Profitability and Sustainability rules in January.That is why the ex-Ajax boss was not allowed to sign a striker midseason.Therefore, new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have to decide whether sacking Ten Hag and recruiting a new manager would be worth it.Read More on Man UtdRatcliffe will have to take into account that the club needs every last penny to recruit new players and staff.The Manchester giants are also very keen on landing Dan Ashworth as their new director of football but Newcastle have slapped a £15m price tag on him after placing him on gardening leave.Nevertheless, Ten Hag is well respected among the Ineos hierarchy and there is a feeling that he had limited help before Sir Jim’s arrival.That is why the new club chiefs have included him in recent discussions regarding next season.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL However, Ten Hag will come under scrutiny if United fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League competition.The Red Devils are currently eight points away from Aston Villa and fourth place.’So refreshing’, says Rio Ferdinand after interview with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd training groundTherefore, United might find themselves needing that extra Champions League spot as they are six points away from fifth place.But that would only happen if England’s coefficient ranking is higher than Germany or Italy’s at the end of the season. More

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    I’m an ex-Man Utd star… Kobbie Mainoo reminds me of four-time Champions League winner and he’s only getting better

    FORMER Manchester United defender Wes Brown has likened star midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to Champions League legend Clarence Seedorf.Mainoo has been the main positive for United this season in what has been a tough campaign.Wes Brown has heaped praise on Kobbie MainooCredit: GettyThe former defender has compared him to legendary midfielder Clarence SeedorfCredit: GettySeedorf won the Champions League with three different clubsCredit: GettyBrown – who spent 15 years at Old Trafford – has been impressed by the 18-year-old midfielder.Asked if Mainoo reminds him of anyone he played with or against during his career, Brown told Instant Casino: “There is, and it’s Clarence Seedorf for me! “If you ever get a chance to watch Seedorf – how he receives the ball, how he wants the ball and how he protects it – to me it’s very similar to the way Mainoo plays. “Believe me, centre midfield is a very hard position to play, but the calmness and the way he looks after the ball is brilliant for someone of his age. You can tell he’s enjoying himself too!”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“When you think of the injuries Manchester United have had, he’s had to come in and play because the manager had no other option.”But I’m so happy he did because you can tell what a good, young player he is. “He will learn and get better, but his attitude is the main thing for me and the reason he’s played so many games.”Seedorf is the only player to have won the Champions League with three clubs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe lifted Ol’ Big Ears with Ajax in 1995, with Real Madrid in 1998, and twice with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007.Two-time Champions League winner Brown then urged the FA to lock down Mainoo to an international future with England.He added: “It’s going to be tight between England and Ghana. Ultimately it’ll be his preference, but it would be so good to see him in an England shirt. “The way he’s showcasing his abilities at such a young age for one of the biggest clubs in the world – he’s definitely a talent the FA will want to play for England for many years to come.”Bruno Fernandes made incredible Kobbie Mainoo prediction ‘two or three years ago’ before he burst on to scene at Man UtdFans have begged Gareth Southgate to take Mainoo to Euro 2024. One X account post posing the question received over 10k likes, with fans saying: “He deserves to play for England.”Another said: “He should be on that plane.”A third added: “He should be there over the likes of Jordan Henderson.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMainoo had not started a league game when England last took the field.Southgate is due to announce his squad on Thursday for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. More

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    Why Dream Team managers should already be planning for European quarter-finals

    MANY Dream Team managers prefer to live Gameweek by Gameweek but the best gaffers are able to plan ahead.Two weekly transfers allows for plenty of flexibility but it’s still wise to consider the broader picture when devising a strategy.In fact, it’s probably worth having one eye on the European quarter-finals as early as this week.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League last eight on Tuesday nightCredit: Dream TeamManchester City and Arsenal have already booked their places in the Champions League last eight while Liverpool are all but assured of a spot in the next stage of the Europa League having won their round of 16 first leg 5-1 against Sparta Prague.Brighton will need a miracle to join the Reds in the quarter-finals having lost 4-0 to Roma in their first leg.West Ham’s continental campaign hangs in the balance following their 1-0 defeat to Freiburg in Germany.And the same is true for Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League after their 0-0 stalemate with Ajax in Amsterdam.All the remaining relevant ties will be settled on Thursday night one way or the other, with the draw for the quarter-finals of all three European competitions set to take place on Friday.This means Dream Team bosses will have a good read on the upcoming schedule before the Gameweek 28 deadline (11:15am on Saturday).Most read in FootballGaffers will be hoping Villa get past Ajax on Thursday nightCredit: GettyThe first legs of the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League quarter-final first legs will take place in Gameweek 30, with the second legs following in Gameweek 31.Immediately, Pep Guardiola’s side catch the eye as they face Crystal Palace (GW30) and Luton (GW31) before each of their European legs – a favourable draw would create two appealing double headers.Dream Team gaffers should be cheering on the Hammers on Thursday night as the likes of Jarrod Bowen (£4.9m) and Mohammed Kudus (£4.8m) would be well placed to provide healthy returns across the next month if they are able to get past Freiburg.David Moyes’ side travel to Wolves in Gameweek 30 before hosting Fulham in Gameweek 31 – a relatively friendly Europa League quarter-final draw on top would look awfully tempting on paper.Arsenal assets are dropping in popularity ahead of their blank in Gameweek 28 but many gaffers will revert to Mikel Arteta’s favourites from Gameweek 30 when they face Brighton and a to-be-decided Champions League opponent.William Saliba (£3.3m), Ben White (£3.7m) and Gabriel (£4m) are all among the top seven defenders in the game after the Gunners’ clean sheet against Porto.Bukayo Saka (£5.8m) is second only to Phil Foden (£5.9m) in the overall rankings while Martin Odegaard (£4.3m) has been in great form of late.Man City’s upcoming schedule is already looking sweetCredit: GettyIt should go without saying that it’s an excellent time to back Liverpool players.The Reds remain active in the FA Cup and their Gameweek 29 double header is one to target when both Brigton and Sheffield United will visit Anfield.Jurgen Klopp’s troops will then face Manchester United in Gameweek 30 and Crystal Palace in Gameweek 31 around their Europa League quarter-final legs (barring a unthinkable turnaround from Sparta Prague).Smart gaffers will already be thinking of how their XI will shape up in Gameweek 30 in time to capitalise on the European quarter-finals.READ MORE SUN STORIESThose without suitable foresight risk getting caught short at a crucial juncture.All eyes on Thursday night’s results and the Friday draws – fingers crossed West Ham and Aston Villa pull through.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
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    Fans convinced Declan Rice suffered ‘Gary Lineker moment’ as they spot wardrobe malfunction during Arsenal clash

    FOOTIE fans reckon Declan Rice had a “Gary Lineker” moment in Arsenal’s win over Porto.Rice anchored the Gunners’ midfield in their Champions League last-16 triumph over the Portuguese giants.Declan Rice was at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield in their Champions League clash with PortoCredit: GETTYThe unfortunate placing of some mud on his backside had footie fans joking that he’d accidentally done a number twoCredit: TNT SPORTSBut the unfortunate placing of some mud on his shorts ended up being one of the big talking points after the match.A streak of mud and some grass on his backside had football fans joking that the England international had pooed himself.One wrote on X: “Did Declan Rice s**t his pants?”Another said: “No wayyyy.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd another said: “Eww, that man s**t his pants.”One remarked: “Declan Rice’s bowels think he’s Gary Lineker.”Another chimed in: “Is Declan Rice the new Gary Lineker?”Most sensible footie fans, however, were quick to blast suggestions Rice had done a number two.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote: “It’s literally from the ground.”Another said: “It’s mud.”LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Declan Rice of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Arsenal FC and FC Porto at Emirates Stadium on March 12, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)And another said: “No mate that’s mud.”Match of the Day presenter and former Barcelona hitman Gary Lineker famously lost control of his bowels during England’s 1990 World Cup opener against Ireland.Recalling the incident, he said: “I’d been ill overnight and it was the opening day of the cup and I’d woken up a few times with diarrhoea, etc.”I didn’t want to tell Bobby Robson because I thought he might leave me out of the team, and I wanted to play, as always.”Anyway the game started and I was alright, then about 20 minutes I started cramping. “Somehow I made it through to half-time and I thought I’d be alright.”The ball went left down the Irish left hand side and I ran across and tried to block something. “I sort of fell to the ground and relaxed for a second and it just went ‘boom’. Gary Lineker accidentally soiled his pants while on England duty”It was like, ‘Oh my god,’ but it was everywhere.”Arsenal booked their place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in 14 years thanks to a shootout victory after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.When asked if he was confident going into the shootout, manager Mikel Arteta said: “‘No, [I wasn’t].”Because practising in the training ground, a few of them missed by the way yesterday, not today.”We prepare everything, the extra-time, the scenarios, the changes, how the players have to drink and eat.”And all that and in the end, you have to do it in the game, and to replicate the scenarios is really difficult.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Total credit to the boys, stepping up with maturity, with that confidence and they delivered.”The North Londoners will learn their fate for the last eight on Friday afternoon.Arsenal beat Porto on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions LeagueCredit: GETTY More