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      BT Sport forced to apologise as X-rated blast caught on microphone and aired on live TV in Liverpool vs Real Madrid

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      BT SPORT apologised to viewers after microphones picked up an X-rated blast during Liverpool vs Real Madrid.Commentator Darren Fletcher apologised to anyone that may have heard the shout from Anfield.
      BT Sport apologised after microphones captured an X-rated blastCredit: Alamy
      Fans reacting on social media claimed to have heard a cry of “f***ing wake up” come through the pitchside mic.
      It came during a pulsating encounter at Anfield that saw Liverpool throw away a two goal lead.
      Darwin Nunez put the Reds ahead with an outrageous flicked effort, before Mo Salah doubled the lead following a Thibaut Courtois howler.
      The goalie saw the ball rebound off his knee and into the path of Salah, who gratefully poked home.
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      But Real Madrid came roaring back, levelling the score through a Vinicius Jr brace.
      Vinicius copied Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration after finding the back of the net.
      His second came after another goalkeeper error, although this time it was Alisson at fault.
      The Anfield keeper saw a shocking pass rebound off Vinicius and loop into the back of the net.
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      It prompted an unusual reaction from Jurgen Klopp, with the Liverpool boss clapping his hands following Alisson’s error.
      Eder Militao headed the visitors ahead after the break, before a Karim Benzema double made it 5-2 on the night.
      And 5-2 was how it was ended, as Liverpool failed to exact revenge on Los Blancos for last season’s Champions League final defeat.
      Klopp’s side now have a mountain to climb going into the second leg at the Bernabeu on March 15. More

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      Fans stunned after Peter Crouch makes hilarious gaffe discussing Man City ahead of Liverpool’s Real Madrid clash

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      PETER CROUCH had fans stunned after his hilarious gaffe live on air.The ex-England striker, 42, was part of BT Sport’s coverage of Liverpool’s heavyweight showdown with Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday night.
      Peter Crouch previewed Liverpool vs Real Madrid pitchside for BT SportCredit: BT Sport
      He dropped an accidental expletive while discussing Manchester CityCredit: BT Sport
      And as the popular pundit discussed reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, he seemed to suffer an unfortunate slip of the tongue.
      Instead of referring to Pep Guardiola’s side as “Man City”, former Liverpool man Crouch accidentally labelled them “Manchester S****y”.
      And unsurprisingly plenty of viewers watching on at home picked up on the funny blunder.
      One said: “Peter Crouch love it you calling Man City Man S****y live on BT Sport at Anfield.”
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      Another wrote: “Crouch just said Manchester S****y 🤣🤣🤣
      And a third added: “Peter Crouch saying Manchester S****y live on BT Sport, get in.”
      Crouchy also got plenty of love for his special corduroy suit brought out for the European night.
      He told presenter Jules Breach: “Well, it’s a big game so the big suit has come out.”
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      And the big-game, pre-match hype was certainly justified with a bonkers clash on the slippery Anfield pitch.
      Darwin Nunez flicked in after just four minutes before Thibaut Courtois’ horror moment gifted Mo Salah a second.
      But Vinicius Junior curled in a superb effort to reduce the deficit for the Champions League holders.
      And then he inadvertently made it 2-2 when Alisson passed straight into the Brazilian’s leg as the ball looped into the open net.
      Eder Militao headed in immediately after half-time before Karim Benzema turned on the style with two goals of his own to record a staggering 5-2 win for Los Blancos. More

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      Thibaut Courtois’ Champions League final blast comes back to haunt him after huge blunder in Liverpool vs Real Madrid

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      REAL MADRID keeper Thibaut Courtois’ Champions League final rant has resurfaced following a NIGHTMARE error against Liverpool.The Belgian shot-stopper, 30, embarrassingly gifted Mo Salah a straightforward finish after getting his feet in a muddle inside his own six-yard box at Anfield on Tuesday night.
      Thibaut Courtois was caught out dithering on the ball inside his own areaCredit: BT Sport

      Mo Salah made him pay with a routine finishCredit: EPA
      The mistake handed Liverpool a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes as Carlo Ancelotti’s men were caught cold.
      It comes after Real beat Jurgen Klopp’s side 1-0 in the 2022 final – a game in which Courtois was named player of the match.
      The former Chelsea man made a string of sensational saves to deny Liverpool in Paris.
      And after the game he demanded respect from English supporters.
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      Courtois said: “Yesterday I said when Real Madrid plays in the finals we win it. We have a good set of history. 
      “I had all the tweets coming my way that I would get humbled. Today it was the other way around. 
      “I needed to win a final for my career for all my hard work and to put respect on my name because I don’t think I have enough respect, especially in England.
      “I saw a lot of criticism after a great season that I was not good enough. I’m just really proud of the performance from the team and when I needed to be there I was there for the team. 
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      “We have beaten the best clubs in the world. This year, City and Liverpool were unbelievable this season fighting till the end in the Premier League. 
      “Liverpool won two cups and today they were really strong but I think I played a great game and that was the difference today because we had one chance and we scored it.”
      Courtois left Chelsea for Real Madrid in 2018 and has gone on to win two LaLiga titles and the Champions League.
      And his blushes were spared somewhat in the first half at Anfield as a Vinicius Junior brace saw the sides go in level at the break. More

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      ‘Is it waterlogged? – Fans slam Anfield pitch with players slipping everywhere in Liverpool clash with Real Madrid

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      FANS slammed the Anfield pitch as players slipped all over the shop.Liverpool hosted Real Madrid in another epic European night under the lights on Merseyside.
      Liverpool hosted Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty
      But it appeared the grounds team may have overwatered the playing surface prior to kick-off.
      Within the first couple of minutes, both Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo took unfortunate tumbles, the latter when in a great position in the Real Madrid penalty area.
      BT Sport commentator Steve McManaman said: “They need the extra big studs on, change them at half-time.
      “Liverpool’s pitch is well watered and will be at half-time.”
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      And viewers took to Twitter to blast the state of the pitch.
      One said: “Is the pitch waterlogged or something?”
      Another wrote: “What’s going on with the Anfield pitch? Both teams struggling!!”
      A third added: “Soggy & slippery Anfield. What have they done to the pitch?”
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      And a final user hilariously joked: “Why is the Anfield pitch a slip and slide?”
      Others compared the pitch to an F1 track in the rain or an ice rink – while one cruelly likened the scenes to Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip in 2014.
      Darwin Nunez had no problem keeping his footing when he superbly flicked in Liverpool’s opener in the fourth minute.
      But both Jordan Henderson and Eduardo Camavinga fell over in the build-up to the Reds’ second on 14 minutes – however, the big blunder came from Thibaut Courtois.
      The Belgian stopper made a hash of a pass back and the ball bounced off his knee to gift Salah an easy finish.
      Eder Militao and Vinicius Junior also ended up on their backsides as the chaos continued throughout the first half.
      But in the end it was Jurgen Klopp’s Reds who ultimately slipped up most as they blew their two-goal lead to lose 5-2 on a staggering night. More

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      Ill Real Madrid star flies into Liverpool alone at last minute to take place on the bench for Champions League tie

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      TONI KROOS has flown into Liverpool at the last minute to make the Real Madrid bench.The midfielder was thought to have been unavailable for tonight’s Champions League clash due to illness.
      Toni Kroos is well enough to make the squadCredit: Getty
      But he is ready to play after joining up with his team-mates at around 2pm today.
      The Germany international reportedly spoke with manager Carlo Ancelotti and staff this morning.
      The decision was then made to fly Kroos out alone – just in time to be included in the matchday squad.
      It is a big bonus for Real Madrid as the midfielder has missed the last two games with illness.
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      The club confirmed the late addition to their squad with a statement.
      It reads: “Toni Kroos has joined Real Madrid’s squad for tonight’s match against Liverpool, corresponding to the first leg of the Champions League round of 16,” their statement read.
      “The German joins the list of players available by Carlo Ancelotti for the match at Anfield.”
      Real visit Anfield for the first time since April 2021, when they drew 0-0 with the Reds to reach the Champions League semi-final.
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      But the two teams have met more recently – last season’s Champions League final which ended in a 1-0 win to the Spaniards.
      Jurgen Klopp is seeking revenge but admitted his side need to produce two top performances across the two legs.
      He said: “We need to play two super games to go through. We have to be at our best to stand a chance.
      “For Real Madrid it is different — even if they don’t play their best they still stand a chance.
      “That’s what is special about them.” More

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      Real Madrid announce team to face Liverpool two hours before clash as Carlo Ancelotti springs selection surprise

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      REAL MADRID named their team to take on Liverpool over TWO HOURS before kick off.The two sides meet in a rematch of last year’s Champions League final in a mouthwatering last-16 encounter.
      Real Madrid named their starting line up to face Liverpool over two hours before kick offCredit: PA
      The Spanish giants went early on releasing team news, doing so on Twitter exactly two hours and four minutes before kick off at Anfield.
      And some fans on social media were surprised by the selection of Rodrygo, with Dani Ceballos expected to have been given the nod.
      One wrote: “Madrid is wrong not to play with the four midfielders…!!! I preferred Ceballos or Kroos in the midfield not Rodrygo…!!!”
      Another added: “I was expecting Ceballos instead of Rodrygo, a brave bet.”
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      Former Arsenal man Ceballos has started the last five La Liga games in a row but is only good enough for the bench this evening.
      Rodrygo has played up front recently while Karim Benzema has been dealing with an injury.
      The Frenchman returns to the team against Liverpool, but Rodrygo also keeps his place in the XI.
      Thibaut Courtois starts in goal for Real Madrid, looking to repeat his heroics from last year’s final against the Reds.
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      Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Miliatao and David Alaba have been named at the back.
      Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde appear set to play in the middle, with Rodrygo, Benzema and Vinicius Jr up front.
      However, another option would have been for Valverde to play out wide instead of Rodrygo and keep Ceballos midfield, with Toni Kroos originally expected to be missing through illness.
      However, Kroos was a late addition to the matchday squad after initially not being named in the travelling party.
      Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy remain sidelined through injury. More

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      Liverpool 2 Real Madrid 5 LIVE RESULT: Benzema caps stunning comeback for Los Blancos as Reds collapse – reaction

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      REAL MADRID came from two-goals down to win at Anfield 5-2.Goals from Vinicius Jr, Eder Militao and Karim Benzema fired the defending European champions to a stunning win.
      After Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah’s early strikes, Liverpool simply collapsed in the face of a superior and more composed opponent.
      Goals: Nunez (4), Salah (14); Vinicius Jr (21, 36), E Militao (47), Benzema (55, 67)
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      Stay up to date with all the latest from Anfield…
      Klopp’s headache set to continue
      The biggest question that is being asked of this Liverpool team this season is whether they will be able to achieve a top four finish.
      Without that, the implications are huge to the club.
      Klopp may have to now focus on their remaining league fixtures to try and ensure they stand any chance of reducing the gap between themselves and teams vying for the Champions League qualification spots.
      Watch out for those hairdryers
      Jurgen Klopp will no doubt be tearing into his side in the changing rooms right about now.
      Not one to pull any punches, his players can expect the full hairdryer treatment from the Liverpool manager.
      The fans would say, rightly so, as they saw their team make far too many mistakes and they were up against a side who punished them.
      Real Madrid took their chances and humbled The Reds in front of their own fans.
      Credit: Getty
      Liverpool legend has his say
      Ex-Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher gave his verdict on Jurgen Klopp’s side this evening as he spoke with CBS:
      That was shambolic from Liverpool. Embarrassing. We’ve made excuses for them all season but that was a disgrace in that second half.Jamie CarragherFootball pundit
      Croatian rolling back the years
      Some people have questioned whether this Real Madrid side is too old now and needs revamping.
      Luka Modric answered those questions this evening with a sublime performance.
      In the heart of midfield he was pulling the strings and the 37-year-old was ghosting past players he is almost double the age of.

      FT: Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      Well, that was a footballing lesson by the Spanish giants.
      Clinical in front of goal, they punished Liverpool for every mistake they made.
      Luka Modric has shown tonight that form is temporary, class is permanent.

      FT: Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      The referee blows his whistle to bring the game to an end.
      Liverpool’s fans will be somewhat relieved.
      This has been a hiding at Anfield tonight.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      90+2. Liverpool have been the comeback kings in Europe for so many years but this will be surely too big of an ask even for The Reds.
      Salah goes down in the box and there is a half-hearted appeal for a penalty but the referee is not interested.
      The home fans sing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      90. Jurgen Klopp looks like he is ready to go home.
      What makes it worse for the German manager is that he is going to have to watch this all again to do his analysis of the game.
      Madrid are still looking to come forward, they are not done.
      There are going to be three minutes added.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      88. Madrid make a few changes now with Benzema and Modric coming off for Asensio and Toni Kroos.
      The Spanish side have some big games coming up.
      Ancelotti would not have expected to be able to rest players at any stage in this game tonight.
      Credit: Getty
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      86. Elliott comes on for Bajcetic.
      Alexander-Arnold whips in a corner but Madrid clear easily.
      What a difference in the atmosphere now compared to the first 15 minutes of this game.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      84. It won’t be long before the home end starts looking like we are having a fire drill.
      Modric has been immense this evening, rolling back the years.
      Nacho comes down the flank and he thinks he should have a free kick but the referee is not having any of it.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      82. Any side left in the competition who wondered if Real Madrid were capable of defending their crown have had their answer here tonight.
      This side just do not know when they are beaten.
      Carlo Ancelotti’s side certainly have not read the script.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      80. The home fans are relishing the final whistle now.
      Real Madrid have put Klopp’s side to the sword this evening.
      Rodrygo comes off for Ceballos.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      78. You have to credit where it’s due, Madrid’s performance has been something else.
      Most sides would have crumbled going 2-0 down so early on in a big European night at Anfield.
      Klopp’s side have big worries about qualifying for next season’s competition, but they can be assured that it is over for this one.
      Credit: EPA
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      76. Liverpool are struggling to get the ball off Madrid.
      They are the masters of controlling the game when they don’t need to chase it.
      These fans will not forget where they were when Liverpool conceded five goals in the Champions League for the first time.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      74. Joe Gomez comes off for Joel Matip.
      If Gomez had anymore of a nightmare this evening, no one would be surprised to find his home address is Elm Street.
      This tie is all but over for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      72. This is not a sight these fans are used to seeing.
      The last team to score five goals at Anfield were Arsenal in the Carabao Cup four years ago.
      Madrid are starting to dominate the ball.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      70. This has gone from the sublime to the surreal.
      Liverpool were 2-0 up in this game and since that, Madrid have scored five unanswered goals.
      Looking around the ground the fans look stunned.
      Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
      68. Wow, this has gone pear-shaped for Liverpool.
      Modric and Vinicius Junior combine before finding the Ballon D’Or winner.
      He takes the ball around on the onrushing Alisson and slots the ball home.
      Credit: Getty
      Goal – Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
      Liverpool 2-4 Real Madrid
      66. The ball breaks out to Bajcetic and he tries to curl one in from some distance.
      It looked closer from some angles but was not troubling Courtois in the Madrid goal.
      Madrid clear downfield and van Dijk heads the ball clear.
      Liverpool 2-4 Real Madrid
      64. Klopp does not look a happy man on the touchline.
      Robertson is still driving forward looking to support their attacks.
      Alexander-Arnold crosses and Carvajal puts it behind for a corner.
      Liverpool 2-4 Real Madrid
      62. This could play into the visitors hands now that Liverpool need to chase the game.
      Modric is finding too much space in the centre of park here.
      Rudiger tries an optimistic effort from long range, well over.
      Gakpo and Nunez are coming off for Jota and Firmino.
      Liverpool 2-4 Real Madrid
      60. Vinicius Junior gets a yellow card for trying to delay a free kick.
      As Liverpool come forward, the attack breaks down and the visitors look to counter attack.
      They are in no rush now having already scored four goals this evening.
      Liverpool 2-4 Real Madrid
      58. We still have over 30 minutes of this game remaining and there has already been six goals.
      Am sure we will see more.
      The referee is having a word with Nunez who went in with his arm leading against Rudiger.
      Load more entries… More

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      Kevin De Bruyne among three Man City stars ruled OUT of crucial Champions League clash with RB Leipzig

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      MANCHESTER CITY have suffered a blow ahead of their Champions League clash against RB Leipzig after three key stars were RULED OUT of the game.Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones have all not been included ahead of the Champions League last 16 clash.
      Kevin De Bruyne has missed Manchester City trainingCredit: Getty
      De Bruyne in particular has been crucial in helping Pep Guardiola’s outfit maintain a title push this season.
      He has registered 18 assists in all competitions, while adding the opener against Arsenal during the 3-1 win at the Emirates last week.
      However, he was unable to help Man City overcome Nottingham Forest at the weekend as Forest held the Champions to a 1-1 draw.
      With Arsenal getting back to winning ways before that, City are now once again chasing Mikel Arteta’s challengers.
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      Regardless, the trophy the Cityzens are truly desperate to get their hands on is the Champions League.
      But if they are to do it this year they will need to play the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie without some major stars.
      None of the three aforementioned stars have been included in the 22-man travelling squad, while Kyle Walker also missed training ahead of the fixture.
      Laporte remains an invaluable player when Guardiola wants to build up from the left flank, with the defenders passing range second to none from deep.
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      Stones is also a big part of City’s defence in both offensive and defensive phases, but remains sidelined after aggravating an injury earlier this month.
      Walker has also seen his role in the team lessen this season, but he has also filled into a more auxiliary centre-back role when required.
      City will be among the last sides to play in the Champions League, with Liverpool in action against Real Madrid tonight and Chelsea and Tottenham having already had their first legs.
      The Reds and City will hope to fare better than their London counterparts did, with both picking up 1-0 away defeats.
      Following the midweek visit to Germany, City will visit the South Coast in the hopes of getting back to winning ways in the Prem against Bournemouth. More