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      Real Madrid fuming as ‘disaster’ ref Luka Modric called ‘one of worst ever’ will be in charge of crunch Chelsea showdown

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      A REFEREE Luka Modric has labelled a “disaster” has been put in charge of Real Madrid’s second-leg clash against Chelsea. Daniele Orsato will be the official at Stamford Bridge tomorrow for the huge Champions League quarter-final game.
      Daniele Orsato has refereed many high-profile matches at club and international levelCredit: Rex
      Luca Modric has been outspoken on his views on Orsato previouslyCredit: Rex
      Madrid hold a two goal lead after beating Chelsea at the Bernabeu and will be looking to get the job done.
      But the Mail report there is “panic” from Madrid at the decision to appoint Orsato to the role given club grievances with him before.
      Modric has been the most critical of the Italian ref after taking issue with his officiating in last year’s World Cup semi-final between Croatia and Argentina.
      The Croatian midfielder felt that his country should have been given a corner shortly before Argentina went up the other end and won a penalty which Modric also thought was unjust.
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      The Real Madrid star, 37, said: “It’s a key moment in the game, he doesn’t give us a corner and he whistles a penalty, which wasn’t for me, because he shoots and collides with our goalkeeper.
      “I can’t believe he whistled that penalty. That changes the game.

      “I never talk about referees, but today it’s impossible not to talk. He’s one of the worst I know.
      “Not only because of today’s game. He’s whistled me many times and I never have a good memory of him. He’s a disaster.”
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      Orsato also wound up Real Madrid when he officiated their first-leg last 16 Champions League defeat in 2020.
      Sergio Ramos was sent off late on for dragging back Gabriel Jesus and City won a penalty when Dani Carvajal took down Sergio Ramos.
      But Orsato was also in charge of Real Madrid’s dramatic extra-time win over Manchester City in last year’s Champions League’s semi-finals and awarded them a penalty.
      In total the ref has officiated seven Madrid games with Los Blancos winning three and losing four.
      The Spanish club will be favourites for the game regardless of the referee with struggling Chelsea without a win in six. More

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      Frank Lampard puts Chelsea flops to work in training after cheeky dig at Graham Potter ahead of biggest game of season

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      FRANK LAMPARD put his Chelsea players through their paces ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday.The Blues face the mammoth task of overturning a 2-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit at Stamford Bridge.
      Frank Lampard was out on the training pitch with Ashley Cole on MondayCredit: Reuters
      He is preparing for Chelsea’s clash with Real Madrid on TuesdayCredit: Reuters
      Cole has been appointed by Lampard as interim first-team coachCredit: PA
      Chelsea are looking to overturn a two-goal deficit against Real MadridCredit: PA
      And they come into the game off the back of a 2-1 home loss to Brighton on Saturday.
      Lampard has suffered three successive defeats since returning to West London as interim boss.
      But he was out on the training pitch on Monday morning as he bids to formulate a plan to defeat the 14-time European champions.
      It comes after a sly dig at former manager Graham Potter as he slammed the squad’s fitness.
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      Chelsea are looking to end a run of three defeats in a rowCredit: Reuters
      The Blues have not won any of their last six games in all competitionsCredit: PA
      Lampard is still searching for his first win since returning to ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      The Champions League is all Chelsea have left to play for this seasonCredit: PA
      Following the Brighton defeat, he said: “At the minute, it has been mostly conversations and meetings than training pitch stuff.
      “Training pitch stuff was all pretty walkthrough and low level because of the [tiredness] in the legs.

      “It is more about speaking to the players individually. When we do get the chance to work, I think the team needs some physical work.
      “I think that’s important for us because at this level you have to be right on the limit and we are not on the limit right now.
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      “I think that can be a capacity thing with the players for whatever reason. It doesn’t matter how we got there but it needs to be addressed now.”
      Ben Chilwell will be unavailable for the game following his red card at the Bernabeu last week.
      It means Marc Cucurella is expected to return at left-back, but Kalidou Koulibaly is unavailable with a hamstring problem.
      Armando Broja is still sidelined, with Kai Havertz, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Carney Chukwuemeka all facing late fitness tests.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana and Noni Madueke are all ineligible.
      Meanwhile, Real Madrid will still be without Ferland Mendy for the trip to Chelsea.
      But Vinicius Junior and Toni Kroos will be available despite missing Saturday’s 2-0 win over Cadiz due to minor knocks.
      Chelsea were eliminated by Real Madrid in last season’s Champions LeagueCredit: PA More

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      How Man Utd can drop SIX points from their remaining Premier League games and still qualify for the Champions League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED can drop six points from their remaining eight games and still qualify for the Champions League.Erik ten Hag’s side are plagued by injuries at the moment, and are still fighting on multiple fronts.

      Man United beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on SundayCredit: Getty
      The Dutchman’s squad is set to be stretched to the limit in the coming weeks, with the Europa League and FA Cup still to fight for.
      Defenders Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are among the absentees, as well as star forward Marcus Rashford.
      Even if United lose twice in the run in, however, they are still guaranteed to clinch a place in the Champions League by winning the other six.
      Six wins and two defeats would take the Red Devils on to 77 points.
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      The maximum tally Tottenham can reach by winning all of their remaining matches is 74 points.
      While Brighton, who have played fewer games, could reach 76 points if they were to win their final nine.
      In-form Aston Villa can reach 71 points by winning all of their remaining fixtures – the same figure as inconsistent Liverpool.
      Man United still have to play a number of the teams below them.
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      Aston Villa are surging up the tableCredit: Alamy
      Brighton won at Chelsea on SaturdayCredit: Rex
      Their next Premier League match is against Tottenham in North London on April 26.
      They then host Villa four days later, before a tricky trip to Brighton on May 4.
      That’s followed by an away fixture at West Ham and a home assignment with Wolves.
      United then finish their Prem season with a trip to Bournemouth and a final day rematch with FA Cup quarter-final opponents Fulham.
      Having beaten the Cottagers at Old Trafford, United face Brighton in the Wembley semi-finals this weekend.
      Before that they travel to Spain for Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla.
      United’s top four rivals Tottenham have a difficult run of fixtures coming up.
      Spurs travel to Newcastle this weekend ahead of their showdown with the Red Devils next Thursday.
      Just three days after taking on Ten Hag’s men they will then have to play Liverpool at Anfield.
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      They then finish their campaign with matches against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Brentford and Leeds.
      Among Brighton’s run-in are trips to Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brentford – while they finish with a final-day home clash with top four-hunting Newcastle.
      Tottenham slipped up to Bournemouth on SaturdayCredit: Getty More

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      Napoli vs AC Milan LIVE: Hosts look to flip Champions League tie on its head against bitter Italian rivals – updates

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      NAPOLI host bitter Italian rivals AC Milan in the second leg of their thrilling Champions League tie – and only one goal separates the sides so far.Ismael Bennacer’s first leg strike handed Milan the advantage going into the reverse fixture.
      But Stefano Pioli’s side will be disappointed to not be leading by more as Andre Zambo Anguissa’s sending off meant that Napoli played the last 15 minutes with just ten men.

      Date: Tuesday, April 18
      Kick-off time: 8pm BST
      Live stream: BT.com
      TV channel: BT Sport 2

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      Inter Milan vs Benfica LIVE: Champions League latest as Italian giants look to seal semi-final spot – updates

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      INTER MILAN will be determined to finish off the job in their Champions League quarter-final tie against Benfica.Goals from Nicolo Barella and Romelu Lukaku has put Nerazzurri in a commanding position.
      But Benfica cannot be written of just yet as stranger things have happened in football.

      Date: Wednesday, April 19
      Kick-off time: 8pm BST
      Live stream: BT.com
      TV channel: BT Sport 2

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      Bayern Munich vs Man City: Pep’s side aim to seal the deal in Germany after Champions League first leg romp – stream, TV

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      MANCHESTER CITY and Bayern Munich conclude their Champions League quarter-final encounter THIS Wednesday – but most would argue that the tie is all but over.Rodri’s 27th minute screamer broke the deadlock in the first leg despite City’s shaky start to the match.
      Erling Haaland sealed the deal for Manchester City in the first legCredit: Rex
      Sadio Mane got into a bust-up with Bayern teammate Leroy SaneCredit: Getty
      And two quick-fire second half goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland made sure that Pep’s men had a strangle hold of this mouth-watering fixture.
      To make matters worse for Bayern, ex-Manchester City star Leroy Sane and Sadio Mane got into a physical altercation which may have added some disruption to the team.
      However, the Bundesliga giants will back themselves to pull off a memorable comeback – something which fans have been treated too often in this monumental competition.
      When is Bayern vs Man City?

      Bayern Munich’s tasty Champions League second leg against Manchester City will take place on Wednesday, April 19.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 8pm BST – 9pm local time.
      Allianz Arena is the allocated venue for this match and it can host approximately 75,024 spectators.
      Manchester City raced to a 3-0 lead in the reverse fixture.

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      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      Bayern Munich vs Manchester City will be broadcast LIVE on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 7pm BST – a whole hour before kick-off.
      Subscription members of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the game including build-up and post-match reaction.

      What is the team news?
      Bayern’s boss Thomas Tuchel is expected to still be without Sadio Mane after punching teammate Leroy Sane resulted in a suspension for the AFCON winner.
      Leroy Sane has a swollen lip after being punched in the face by Sadio ManeCredit: Reuters
      Manuel Neuer (broken leg) and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (knee) are also ruled out this crunch clash.
      But French international Lucas Hernandez could return after shaking off a knee injury.
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      Elsewhere, Pep Guardiola almost has a full bill of fit players with only Phil Foden unavailable due to an appendicitis issue.
      What are the odds?

      Bayern to win 17/10
      Draw 13/5
      Man City to win 11/8

      To qualify

      Bayern 12/1
      Man City 1/50

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Chelsea vs Real Madrid: Lampard’s Blues facing mountainous task in crucial Champions League quarter-final – Stream, TV

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      CHELSEA face Real Madrid in a huge Champions League clash – but the Blues have it all to do. Frank Lampard’s side lost 2-0 to Los Blancos in the first leg and were outplayed throughout as Ben Chilwell was sent off.
      Vinicius was man of the match in Real Madrid’s win over ChelseaCredit: EPA
      Chelsea went 1-0 down in the first half through Karim BenzemaCredit: Getty
      And since Lampard took over for his second stint as Chelsea boss, he’s also lost both of his league games against Wolves and Brighton.
      Chelsea have already come from behind to knock Borussia Dortmund out of the competition earlier this season.
      But Real Madrid are a different proposition, and even if Chelsea manage to grab two goals, it’ll be hard to keep Carlo Ancelotti’s men from scoring themselves.
      A win for Lampard’s men would rank as one of their greatest in the competition they’ve won twice, but it’ll be the tallest of orders at Stamford Bridge.

      When is Chelsea vs Real Madrid?

      Chelsea’s clash with Real Madrid will take place on Tuesday, April 18.
      The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
      Stamford Bridge will play host.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Chelsea vs Real Madrid will be shown live on BT Sport 1 in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BT Sport app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Team news
      Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell will miss the game through suspension after being sent off in the first leg at the Bernabeu.
      Kalidou Koulibaly was hauled off in the second half with a hamstring injury and will be on the sidelines for a few weeks.
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      Joao Felix should be back in the side after suffering a minor knee injury, starting the game against Brighton at the weekend from the bench.
      Vinicius Jr and Toni Kroos missed their weekend win over Cadiz, but they should be back for the trip to West London.
      Odds

      Chelsea – 9/5
      Draw – 23/10
      Real Madrid – 29/20
      Chelsea to qualify – 7/11
      Real Madrid – 1/16

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Man City began Jude Bellingham transfer charm offensive last October with gift to Borussia Dortmund star

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      MANCHESTER CITY began ramping up their charm offensive to land Jude Bellingham last October.They presented the midfielder with a shirt signed by Erling Haaland after the 0-0 draw with Borussia Dortmund.
      Man City hinted at their interest for Jude Bellingham after meeting Dortmund in a Champions League group game six months agoCredit: Getty
      Bellingham, 19, was invited into City’s dressing room and given the top his old team-mate  wore in the Champions League tie.
      Boss Pep Guardiola has made signing the England star his priority this  summer and City are  confident of  winning a bidding war with Real Madrid, despite Dortmund likely to want £130million.
      They feel the chance to work under Guardiola and link up again with Haaland  also gives them the edge.
      Manchester United are also thought to be keen.
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      But any serious offer from Old Trafford could depend on a potential takeover being completed in time for the summer window.
      Liverpool, however, appear to have backed out of the hunt because of the expected fee
      And Dortmund still believe they can keep Bellingham.
      The Bundesliga giants reckon the £138m deal they received from Barcelona for Ousmane Dembele in 2017 is a fair indicator of how much the ex-Birmingham teenager should command.
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      At the time France winger Dembele was just 20 — a few months older than Bellingham is now.
      Any move seems certain to shatter the £106m Chelsea paid Benfica for Enzo Fernandez in January. More