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      Atletico Madrid 1 Real Madrid 0 (agg 1-1, pens 2-4): Ancelotti’s men WIN after major penalty shootout controversy

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM and the Kings of Europe will take on Arsenal in the quarter-finals after Real Madrid’s dramatic derby win.Conor Gallagher scored a shocking 27-second opener to level things up, but Atletico Madrid could not find a winner against their old rivals.Real Madrid booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a shootout win over Atletico MadridCredit: EPAAntonio Rudiger scored the decisive spot-kick for Los BlancosCredit: AFPJulian Alvarez’s shootout spotkick proved to be a controversial oneCredit: ReutersVAR ruled out the Argentine’s penalty after he was deemed him to have kicked the ball twiceCredit: TNT SportsEverything looked to be going against Real, especially when Vinicius Junior missed a woeful normal-time penalty.But they turned it around in the shootout – as they always do against Atletico – but not without some controversy.Julian Alvarez slipped as he tucked home a penalty – but it was dramatically referred to VAR.The shootout continued before the effort was disallowed as the ex-Manchester City forward was ruled to have touched the ball twice.READ MORE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUEHowever, many fans appeared to remain in the dark over the intervention of the assistant referee.Jan Oblak went onto save from Real wideman Lucas Vazquez, but the keeper’s team-mate Marcos Llorente then struck the bar.That enabled Antonio Rudiger to squirm home Real’s winning kick under the grasp of Oblak – with Atleti supporters now realising the full impact of VAR.The fire and fury from Atletico’s fans, who saluted them in defeat, had been imposingat the start.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsConor Gallagher broke the deadlock in the second legCredit: GETTYThe former Chelsea midfielder found the back of the net a mere 28 seconds into the matchCredit: APVincius Jr had the chance to restore Real’s aggregate lead but blazed his penalty high and wideCredit: GETTYBut it was simply ear-splitting inside 30 seconds, when Gallagher struck.It was Atleti’s tenacity which made the goal. After Antoine Griezmann won the ball in the Real half, it was shifted right where Rodrigo De Paul crossed.Mum of Thibaut Courtois’ love-child reveals fear they will be made homeless over unpaid mortgage despite his huge salaryGuiliano Simeone, the boss’ son, could not quite connect but the deflection fell for Gallagher to prod in on just his second start in 11 games.Real steadied themselves but were not at all dangerous. Atleti had all the energy, all the passion.So much so you worried it was too much.But they kept up their intensity after the break, continuing to rattle Real and cause trouble.The 15-time champions had a look of a side who had nothing going for them, evidenced with Vinicius’ horrendous spot kick.The first time Kylian Mbappe – absent until now – had been given space he punished the hosts, winning a penalty from Lenglet’s clumsy attempt at a challenge.But his Brazilian teammate, the man so angered at not winning the Ballon d’Or, sent his shot so high over the bar it could have landed in the Bernabeu.It was a devastating blow, but they were still level in the tie. Atleti tried for a winner in normal time, Simeone and Griezmann both having a go from range. Sub Angel Correa blazed over the bar in the 90th minute when he could have squared.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs has been the case in the previous six cup ties between these rivals, extra time was needed – though both were playing for penalties by the end of it.Bellingham had been off the boil for the most part but converted his spot kick, along with Mbappe and Fede Valverde and Rudiger to send the holders through. More

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      Champions League quarter-finals CONFIRMED with Arsenal and Aston Villa both set for horror last-eight clashes

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      ARSENAL and Aston Villa are both set for horror last-eight clashes after the Champions league quarter-finals were finally confirmed.The pair are English football’s final representatives in Europe’s top competition this season.Arsenal are set for a horror Champions League quarter-final tieCredit: GettyAston Villa also face a tough test in the last eightCredit: GettyManchester City crashed out in the playoffs to Real Madrid, while Liverpool were sent packing by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties last night.And both continental giants are now set to cause chaos for Mikel Arteta and Unai Emery in the final eight.Arsenal defeated PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw at the Emirates this evening.But their reward is a battle against record winners Real, who controversially defeated rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties at the Wanda Metropolitano.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs for Villa, they cruised past Club Brugge 3-0 tonight for a 6-1 aggregate victory.And they will now take on French kings PSG, who ran rings around Liverpool in both legs of their last-16 tie.Amazingly, should Arsenal and Villa come through their quarters unscathed, the English duo will face each other in the semis.On the other side of the draw, Italian champs Inter Milan will take on Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsInter beat Feyenoord 2-1 yesterday for a 4-1 aggregate win.While Bayern battered German title holders Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 on aggregate.Arsenal star spotted furiously gesturing at Declan Rice in unseen moment after equaliser against Man UtdThe final quarter tie sees Borussia Dortmund face Barcelona.Dortmund edged past French side Lille 3-2 on aggregate.While Barcelona completed a 4-1 aggregate rout of Benfica on Tuesday. More

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      Arsenal player ratings: Raheem Sterling shines with more confidence against PSV but rusty Ben White makes mistakes

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      ARSENAL set up a Champions League quarter-final showdown with Real Madrid as a 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven sealed a 9-3 aggregate win.Raheem Sterling provided two assists for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice after Arsenal blew the Dutch champions away by a 7-1 scoreline last Tuesday.Oleksandr Zinchenko scored six minutes into his rare startCredit: GettyDeclan Rice put Arsenal 2-1 up just before the intervalCredit: GettyPSV faced an impossible task of overturning the ridiculous six-goal deficit – but gave it a respectable go.Zinchenko curled in a sixth minute opener, before former Spurs star Ivan Perisic levelled.Rice headed in Sterling’s brilliant cross on the stroke of half-time, before Couhaib Driouech made it 2-2 on the night.But Arsenal now face an even more ominous task of facing 15-time European champions Madrid in the last-eight on April 8.Perhaps Sterling doubling his assist tally for the entire season with two on Wednesday evening was the biggest takeaway. That and Zinchenko refusing to celebrate against his old loan club – where he made 17 appearances in the 2016/2027 season.Arsenal made seven changes ahead of kick-off, with full-back Kieran Tierney playing as a WINGER, alongside stand-in No 9 Mikel Merino.Here is how SunSport’s Dan King rated Arsenal’s performances in North London.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Raya – 7 Had absolutely nothing of note to do before he found himself picking the ball out of the net. Had to find focus quickly because Driouech’s deflected shot was creeping in before the Spaniard fingertipped it around the post.Will not have been impressed with a lot that was going on in front of him, especially down the PSV left. Made another good save, from Isaac Babadi, before being totally exposed again for PSV’s second equaliser, which was also an excellent finish. Saved Jorginho’s blushes late on with another save.Ben White – 4 First start since November 10 after knee surgery just in time for plenty of England speculation..Plenty of energy, pressing high into the PSV half when required and getting forward to deliver a dangerous cross inside 15 minutes.But rustiness clear in two first-half mistakes that almost led to goals for Driouech. He was rescued by Raya the first time, and by Gabriel the second. Hit a tame shot straight at Benitez.Trademark spikiness in a spat with Tyrell Malacia but most of dangers was coming down his flank.Ben White made his first start since NovemberCredit: RexJakub Kiwior – 6 Had to fill in to cover injuries a few times but this was very much a case of his presence indicating a game without much jeopardy. Although he did his best to create some with a panicky attempted clearance that gave Johan Bakayoko a decent chance just before Perisic’s equaliser. Rightly unhappy to be booked for a tussle with Perisic and looked more solid as the game went on.Gabriel – 6 The Brazilian’s decision-making is usually excellent but when faced with a stick or twist dilemma, he left Perisic all on his own to equalise when PSV broke.Regained his composure to make a superb sprinting block in the box when White gave the ball away and could not catch Driouech.Was clearly frustrated with some of his team-mates, judging by the frequent arm gestures and the mini-tantrum after PSV’s second goal.Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6 Arteta admitted the youngster became a “liability” in the away leg but gave him the chance to redeem himself in a match with less riding on it.It might be a bit harsh to criticise him for the Perisic goal, but once Gabriel had stepped across MLS really needed to bust a gut to get goal side of the Croat. Almost restored Arsenal’s lead but PSV keeper Walter Benitez actually made a decent smothering save that diverted the ball on to the post. Set up decent second-half chance for Calafiori in solid performance.Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7 Instead of inverting into midfield from full back, the Ukrainian was asked to be there all the time. And he made his presence felt with a brilliant finish from outside the box after only six minutes.Zinchenko looked comfortable on the ball, although sometimes looked unsure where he needed to be when out of possession. Yet this was a decent all-round performance, especially compared to Jorginho just inside him. You can never question his commitment to the cause and willingness to do whatever job is asked of him.Jorginho – 4 Man voted most likely by his peers to become a coach was asked to anchor the team in what was at times a 4-1-4-1 formation.There is no doubting the Italian’s footballing brain but you wondered about his legs when he was trying in vain to get back to prevent Perisic’s goal. Important defensive header early in the second half but then caught out, losing the ball and unable to recover as Driouech made it 2-2. Another mistake gave PSV late chance to win it.Declan Rice – 7 The England star had been quietly efficient before restoring Arsenal’s lead with a powerful header. Showed off his usual strength, commitment and stamina in a controlled performance. Arteta had to include some of his regular starting 11 but can ill afford any more injuries to key players, so took the chance to bring Rice off before three-quarter mark. Another Arsenal player to receive a strange yellow card from the Slovenian referee and substituted straight afterwards.Raheem Sterling – 7 Livelier than usual right from the start, releasing the ball for Zinchenko to run on and score.Improved confidence was clear in way he attempted give-and-go’s and solo runs. One of those, and a fine cross, created Arsenal’s second for Rice. Yet the lack of complete belief could be seen in unconvincing finish when Zinchenko played him through late in first half.Faded a bit after the break, but kept going and almost got the goal at the death that most were willing him to score. Booked in stoppage time for rash foul so will miss first leg of QF.Sterling of Arsenal won Man of the Match for his lively first half performanceCredit: GettyKieran Tierney – 6 Having been preferred to Sterling as an attacking substitute in a recent game, the Scottish full back was given the chance to show what he could do from the start.The answer was: not a great deal. His ball retention and passing were fine but he didn’t offer much in the final third.Victim of a spiteful foul by Perisic that somehow didn’t earn a booking.Fair to say that his defensive nous was a help to Lewis-Skelly, the midfielder being picked ahead of him Full-back Kieran Tierney started as a left winger against PSVCredit: GettyMikel Merino – 6 Almost carved himself out a shooting opportunity straight from kick-off but Arsenal’s makeshift striker was soon upstaged by Zinchenko. A backheel flick almost turned into an assist for Lewis-Skelly, but only thanks to a deflection.Adept at holding up the ball and linking play but in terms of threat in the penalty area, the two-goal cameo at Leicester felt like a long time ago. The second half pretty much passed him by until he was taken off in a double change.SUBSLeandro Trossard (’63 for Merino) – 5 Not much is running for the Belgian at the moment. Made little impact, giving a new meaning to the term “false nine”.Riccardo Calafiori (’63 for Rice) – 6 The Italian defender is one of Arsenal’s best finishers but the chance laid on for him by Lewis-Skelly seemed to come too early and his shot was saved. Good block on a Babadi shot.Martin Odegaard (‘ 79 for Zinchenko ) – 6Added a bit of late zip to Arsenal’s attacks lbut did not have enough time to influence proceedings much.Jurrien Timber (‘ 79 for White) – 6On a night when Arsenal used four, five, or even six left backs, depending on your point of view, the Dutchman shored up the Arsenal right in the final minutes..Gabriel Martinelli (’80 for Tierney) – 6Got a few more minutes in his legs ahead of Sunday’s important game against Chelsea.  More

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      Arsenal 2 PSV 2 (agg 9-3): Much-changed Gunners cruise into Champions League quarters despite playing SIX left-backs

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      ARSENAL are back amongst the European big boys – and so is Raheem Sterling.After knocking nine goals past a hapless PSV over two legs, the Gunners have secured back-to-back Champions League quarter finals for the first time in 15 years.Arsenal cruised into the Champions League quarters with an aggregate 9-3 win over PSVCredit: ReutersThe Gunners fielded SIX left-backs as they drew 2-2 on the nightCredit: GettyRaheem Sterling had a blinding game for the GunnersCredit: GettyTheir Prem title hopes may be dashed and injuries continue to cripple them this term, but boss Mikel Arteta has the North Londoners back where they feel they belong on the grandest stage in football.The last time that was the case was under Arsene Wenger, reaching the last eight in 2008 and 2010 – with a semi-final appearance wedged in between in 2009.And there is a growing belief they can go one better than their quarter final defeat to Bayern Munich last term, meeting Real Madrid this time around.Miracles can happen – just look at Sterling.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 30-year-old has spent the majority of this campaign sat on the bench, withering away, crying out for minutes and momentum after failing to make an impression on loan from Chelsea.With accusations his legs had gone, he finally got his chance here – and took it. In just his THIRD 90-minute outing of the season, two first-half assists teed up Oleksandr Zinchenko and Declan Rice.He now has 45 goal involvements in the Champions League (27 goals and 18 assists). Only England legends David Beckham (52), Harry Kane (50) and Wayne Rooney (47) have more.Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsThe irony is that, after picking up a booking in second half injury time, Sterling will now miss their quarter final first leg. Most read in Champions LeagueBoy do they need Bukayo Saka back from injury sooner rather than later.Jamie Carragher forced to leave CBS Sports studio midway through show after falling illArsenal were never in any danger of failing to progress last night after a record-breaking 7-1 score line out in Eindhoven last week.The visitors earned a second leg draw at the Emirates through goals from Ivan Perisic and Couhaib Driouech, but this was a rare game without any sort of jeopardy or tension.With PSV making five changes, it is why Arteta also opted to experiment with his line-up.A front three of Sterling, Kieran Tierney and Mikel Merino starting a Champions League last 16 clash will be giving Arsenal fans nightmares for weeks.Oleksandr Zinchenko opened the scoring for ArsenalCredit: GettyThe ace refused to celebrate after spending time on loan at PSV earlier in his careerCredit: ReutersHow many Championship clubs would swap their attacking trio for that? It is certainly a world away from first-choice starters Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.Tierney was one of THREE left-backs starting, alongside Zinchenko and Myles Lewis-Skelly.There was method to the madness. Martinelli has only just returned from injury and, alongside right back Jurrien Timber, is a booking away from missing next month’s quarter final.There was good news at the back. A first start for Ben White since November 10 after his knee operation to complete a muddled-looking outfield that had shades of Hackney Marshes about it.PSV pulled one back to stun the EmiratesCredit: ReutersThe goal came from ex-Tottenham winger Ivan PerisicCredit: PAThe Emirates atmosphere was being fuelled solely by the away end, packed and bouncing over an hour before kick-off dreaming of one of the most improbable comebacks in football history.That lasted all of six minutes. Sterling won the ball and a nice pivot pass sent Zinchenko driving goal wards, darting left and curling a beauty into the far corner.The Ukrainian refused to celebrate, holding his hands up apologetically, paying homage to the 17 appearances he made on loan at PSV back in 2016/17.His teammates barely jumped with joy either – another unnecessary nail in the already-sealed coffin.Declan Rice restored Arsenal’s lead before half timeCredit: ReutersThe ace fired home with a fine headerCredit: GettyYet the visitors were still keen to play a minor role in this North London exhibition, and who else but an old Tottenham foe in Ivan Perisic – the man whose taunts before last week’s first leg backfired spectacularly.Gabriel switched off as Guus Til slipped Perisic in behind before a cute chipped finish over David Raya in the 19th minute. The Dutch travellers erupted ironically in the corner.The Arsenal No.1 was called into more action, tipping a shot from winger Couhaib Driouech around his post. Arteta was irritable, demanding more than the six-goal advantage his team already had.Merino’s back-heeled flick sent Lewis-Skelly through with a jabbed effort that bobbled onto the post.Arsenal ratings vs PSV as Raheem Sterling shines with more confidence but rusty Ben White makes mistakesRAHEEM STERLING provided two assists as Arsenal drew 2-2 with PSV in the second- leg of their 9-2 aggregate Champions League last-16 win.The Gunners set up a Champions League quarter-final showdown with 15-time European champions Real Madrid, who beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penalties.Mikel Arteta took the chance to rotate following last week’s 7-1 first-leg win, naming a much-changed side which included Kieran Tierney on the left wing and Oleksandr Zinchenko in midfield.Sterling was also handed a rare start and set up both Arsenal goals in an eye-catching display, first for Zinchenko, and then for Declan Rice before half-time.Ben White struggled during his first start since November after minor undergoing surgery, while Jorginho took over captaincy duties from Martin Odegaard who was named on the bench.Here SunSport’s Dan King delivers his Arsenal player ratings against PSV from the Emirates. There was still time for PSV to find another goalCredit: RexCouhaib Driouech celebrated with passion despite knowing PSV were heading outCredit: GettyAnd then, Sterling rolled back the years with another assist, doubling his entire tally for the season, dinking a 37th minute delivery onto the head of an onrushing Rice.Remarkable what a bit of confidence does, even if he later fluffed two chances to find the net.READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal continued to cruise after the break – perhaps why PSV were gifted another goal as Driouech lobbing Raya in the 70th minute.Not that the home crowd cared one jot. They have the Madrid sunshine on their minds.Mikel Arteta was delighted with his side’s performanceCredit: ReutersArsenal will be heading to Spain in the quartersCredit: Getty More

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      Aston Villa 3 Club Brugge 0 (agg 6-1): Super sub Marco Asensio sets up mouthwatering PSG clash with brilliant double

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      LUIS ENRIQUE could be in for a few sleepless nights as the PSG boss faces up to his worst nightmare.Aston Villa are heading to Paris for a Champions League showdown and Marco Asensio – the man he allowed to leave on loan – is in the form of his life!Marco Asensio celebrates with Marcus Rashford after making it 3-0Credit: PAAsensio cracks the first of his quickfire doubleCredit: GettyBoss Unai Emery’s smile says it all after victoryCredit: GettyThe 29-year-old Spaniard will head back to his old club next month with a point to prove.And he warmed up with a deadly double here to put 10-man Club Brugge to the sword, like a Matador slaying a bull.The three-times Champions League winner has been an absolute steal after joining in the January window.Last night he took this game by the scruff of the neck and delivered his sixth and seventh goals to ease Villa’s nerves – six of which have come in front of an adoring Holte End.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThrow in the fact Unai Emery will also have a grudge to bear against the club who binned him after he delivered a domestic quadruple in 2018, and Enrique might discover beating Liverpool was the easy part!Yet until Asensio came on, with Leon Bailey in a double substitution at half-time Villa looked listless.In truth they did most of the heavy lifting when they won 3-1 in Bruges last week.That left Emery and his side with one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals – his task here was to firmly plant his remaining foot there.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut there were a few early stumbles along the way as Villa made a nervous start.Brugge knew they had nothing to lose and dominated the first half.Liverpool boss Arne Slot left with sense of shock after Champions League penalty shoot-out exit against PSG Kyriani Sabbe fired a first-time shot over after Matty Cash gifted him the ball with a sloppy pass.Then skipper Jan Vanaken flashed a flashing header inches wide after he burst in front of Tyrone Mings.When Raphael Onyedika blasted in a shot which Ezri Konsa did well to head clear, the Villa fans started to grumble and Emery called for calm on the touchline.But suddenly the pressure valve was eased as Brugge were reduced to 10-men.Emi Martinez deserves credit for doing what none of his teammates could – pierce Brugge’s defence – with a raking 60-yard delivery which picked out Marcus Rashford on the run.The winger sprinted off like a greyhound chasing a hare and although poor Sabbe did his best to halt him, he could only grapple with Rashford before sending him toppling with a clip of his heels.German ref Daniel Siebert reached for his red card and suddenly Villa’s task looked a whole lot simpler with Brugge reduced to 10 men.Youri Tielemans beat the wall from the resultant free kick but Simon Mignolet got down low to push the ball out.Then Ollie Watkins spotted Mignolet off his line but his audacious attempt from 45 yards lacked the height to clear the keeper.Ian Maatsen rejoices after doubling Villa’s lead on the nightCredit: AFPMaatsen helped put Villa in command as they cruised throughCredit: GettyAnd Villa ended the half looking more likely as Rashford slammed a shot into the side netting.But it was Asensio’s arrival at half-time which made all the difference.He finally broke Brugge with a move he started and finished, five minutes after his arrival.His positive burst saw Morgan Rogers feed John McGinn who played in Bailey.The Jamaican’s clever flicked pass was pounced on by Asensio who took the ball off the bounce and fired beyond Mignolet.He almost added a second when he broke clear onto a Tielemans chip, only to hit the post with Mignolet beaten.And Villa doubled their lead before the hour when Rashford’s sublime touch set up Rogers who cut back for Ian Maatsen to score with a deflection off Brandon Mechele.But Asensio wasn’t finished and he made it 3-0 with his second four minutes later.Rashford played a 1-2 with Rogers and cut back for Asensio to beat Mignolet with a simple finish.READ MORE SUN STORIESNext stop – Paris in springtime.I’ll bet Asensio and Emery can’t wait! More

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      ‘WTF is wrong with Chelsea?’ moan fans as Conor Gallagher makes history with one of fastest Champions League goals ever

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      FANS moaned “WTF is wrong with Chelsea?” after Conor Gallagher scored one of the fastest goals in Champions League history.The former Blues star lined up for Atletico Madrid in their hreatbreaking last-16 penalty defeat against city rivals Real.Conor Gallagher scored for Atletico Madrid against Real after just 27 secondsCredit: ReutersChelsea fans bemoaned the situation after selling Gallagher last summerCredit: AFPDiego Simeone’s men lost the first leg 2-1 and came into Wednesday’s game needing a quick goal.But nobody was expecting Gallagher to get off the mark in lightning fashion as he returned to Atleti’s starting XI.The England star needed just 27 SECONDS to fire home past Thibaut Courtois at the Wanda Metropolitano.Gallagher’s first goal in nine games sent Atletico supporters wild and gave his side an immediate platform to launch a potential comeback.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIndeed, Chelsea fans also sang the ace’s praises as they lamented last summer’s shock exit.Gallagher was flogged by Todd Boehly and Co for just £33million to satisfy PSR demands following a £1.2billlion spending spree.The 25-year-old had previously spent nearly two decades at Stamford Bridge after joining the club as a six-year-old.And replacement Joao Felix — signed from Atletico — has already been loaned out to AC Milan after failing to fill Gallagher’s boots.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsOne fan, who targeted fellow pricey midfield arrival Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, said: “Chelsea actually sold Gallagher just to end up with Dewsbury-Hall. Wtf is wrong with this club?”Another declared: “Unbelievable goal from Gallagher, why did Chelsea sell this guy?”Ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher already has his own song at Atletico Madrid as he’s serenaded by packed stadium on debutOne noted: “Chelsea fans in regret.”Another added: “Gallagher to Atletico has been a slam dunk signing, did not see that coming. Apparently neither did Chelsea.”Indeed, one supporter backed Gallagher to receive a call-up for Thomas Tuchel’s first-ever England squad on Friday.And the German boss was even urged to build his side around Gallagher.The fan said: “Build the team around him Thomas.”Unfortunately for Gallagher though, his goal after 27 seconds was still not enough to be crowned the fastest-ever Champions League strike.Indeed, it doesn’t even make the top five, with Roy Makaay’s 2007 strike for Bayern Munich against Real Madrid coming in just 10.12 seconds.Jonas’ 2011 goal for Valencia against Bayer Leverkusen occurred in 10.96 seconds.While Gilberto Silva’s 2002 effort for Arsenal against PSV Eindhoven came in 20.07 seconds.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Gallagher’s hit does make him the quickest-ever Englishman to net a goal in Europe’s top competition.Unfortunately for the ex-Chelsea man, Atletico still crashed out of Europe as they lost on penalties to Real after a thrilling clash.Fastest Champions League goals10.12 seconds: Roy Makaay (Bayern Munich 2 Real Madrid 1, 2007)2. 10.96 seconds: Jonas (Valencia 3 Bayer Leverkusen 1, 2011)3. 20.07 seconds: Gilberto Silva (PSV 0 Arsenal 4, 2002)4. 20.12 seconds: Alessandro Del Piero (Man Utd 3 Juventus 2, 1997)5. 21.06 seconds: Clarence Seedorf (Schalke 2 AC Milan 2, 2005) More

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      Jamie Carragher forced to leave CBS Sports studio midway through show after falling ill

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER was forced to leave the CBS Sports studio early – after falling ill.The Liverpool legend departed midway through their Champions League coverage on Wednesday night.Jamie Carragher was in lively action as a pundit earlier in the eveningBut Carragher was a noticeable absentee at half-timeThe pundit had looked his normal self when speaking before the games started.And the previous night he was an animated figure in the stands at Anfield as Liverpool exited the competition on penalties to PSG.But he reportedly felt unwell on Wednesday evening and was absent from the half-time coverage onwards.Presenter Kate Abdo explained to viewers that he’d been allowed to head home early.Carragher is one quarter of a familiar CBS team for European nights.Abdo oversees the ex-England defender, Arsenal icon Thierry Henry and former Manchester City star Micah Richards.And after the first 45 minutes of match action there was a noticeable gap at the table for the rest of the night where Carra usually sits.However, he later went on social media to reassure fans and send a mischievous message to his studio colleagues.Most read in Champions LeagueCarragher reassured viewers later that he was fineAlongside a snap of the trio sitting without him, Carra wrote: “Feeling better now & just checking if the team can cope without me” – followed by a crying-with-laughter emoji.Earlier in the evening CBS had shared a clip of him telling a story of being trolled on a Paris train journey – in which he heard the driver was an Arsenal fan.Jamie Carragher forced to leave CBS Sports studio midway through show after falling illCarragher ended the tale by revealing he got his own back by asking the attendant to remind the driver of the Gunners’ long trophy drought.Meanwhile, it was a particularly massive Champions League night for Aston Villa as they brushed aside Club Brugge to earn a quarter-final tie with PSG. Real Madrid sneaked past Atletico Madrid after a controversial penalty shootout to set up a tie with Arsenal.The Gunners completed a 9-3 aggregate win over PSV with a 2-2 home draw,And Borussia Dortmund KO’d Lille in the night’s early kick-off.Fans spotted Carragher looking miserable as PSG KO’d LiverpoolThe ex-Three Lions star was at Anfield on Tuesday More

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      Virgil van Dijk ‘considering joining Al-Hilal in mega-money transfer’ with Liverpool captain’s future up in the air

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      VIRGIL VAN DIJK is mulling over a mega-money approach from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, reports claim.The centre-back is out of contract in the summer and fans could well be witnessing the end of his Anfield career.Virgil Van Dijk might consider a big-money move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyThe Reds skipper has entered the final three months of his current dealCredit: RexVan Dijk added to the misery of Liverpool’s Champions League exit by insisting he has “no idea” whether he will be at the club next season.The Reds skipper has entered the final three months of his current deal, along with Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Arne Slot’s runaway Premier League leaders were knocked out of Europe in the last-16 in a 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night at Anfield.And when asked if he will be back for another crack at winning a second European Cup with Liverpool next season, Van Dijk said: “I have no idea. I still have no idea at the moment. Genuinely.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It is not on hold. Nothing is on hold. Listen, there are 10 games to go [in the season] and that is my full focus. If there is news, you guys will know it. But I don’t even know myself.”But the Netherlands international has received a £17m-a-year offer to join Al-Hilal, according to L’Equipe.The 33-year-old is clearly still undecided and is focusing on the business end of the season, including Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley.Van Dijk sent Liverpool fans into a panic after footage emerged of him chatting with two PSG chiefs after Liverpool’s shootout defeat.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsA viral clip showed Van Dijk having a cordial conversation with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Luis Campos in the corridor.However, RMC Sport reports that tempting the defender to the Parc des Princes was not a topic of conversation. Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Liverpool fans were left concerned after seeing Virgil van Dijk speaking to Paris Saint-Germain chiefsApparently, Van Dijk apologised to the pair after he was involved in a clash with Campos during Liverpool’s first leg 1-0 win last week.Campos raged at the referee’s decision not to award Ibrahima Konate a red card after the Frenchman pushed Bradley Barcola in the first half.The incident was analysed during a lengthy VAR check, but the officials decided against any further action.PSG’s fury was heightened when Liverpool earned a smash-and-grab win in the late stages in the 87th minute after super-sub Harvey Elliott scored.Van Dijk appeared to take issue with Campos and could be heard saying: “It’s not Ligue 1 here, bro” in the tunnel in Paris.RMC Sport outlined that the centre back and PSG officials crossed paths rather than planned to meet in the tunnel at Anfield.Meanwhile, Salah has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in the summer.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Real Madrid were chasing the full-back Alexander-Arnold in January, with Liverpool rebuffing the Spanish champions’ £20m bid.SunSport revealed last week that Madrid are keen to get Trent through the door BEFORE the Club World Cup in June. More