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      Arne Slot record: New Liverpool manager officially best Reds boss ever after nine games thanks to record-breaking start

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      ARNE SLOT has made a record-breaking start to his Anfield reign.The Dutchman officially has the BEST EVER start of any Liverpool manager after the Reds earned a 2-0 win over Serie A side Bologna.Arne Slot became the first Liverpool manager in history to win as many as eight of his first nine gamesCredit: ReutersIt’s eight wins from a possible nine for Slot – a feat not managed by any of his predecessors. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah either side of half-time saw Liverpool climb into the top eight of the European table.When informed of his record milestone, Slot told TNT: “It’s nearly impossible to do something special at this club.“It says a lot about where we started off, about how the players bought into it, how much effort they put in and how much the staff helped me as well to create this start.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But I hope I am remembered for more than that. It says everything about what Jurgen left at this club. I am hoping to do more special things.”The Reds currently sit top of the Premier League table with 15 points after six games, after wins over Ipswich, Brentford, Manchester United, Bournemouth, West Ham and Wolves.Slott has only dropped points once this season – in a shock 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, courtesy of Callum Hudson-Odoi.But Liverpool have maintained a 100 per cent Champions League record this season, having also beaten AC Milan 3-1 last month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the Reds face some tricky fixtures in RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen before hosting current champs Real Madrid, and Lille.And Slot can set another record if he wins against Madrid next month – as Liverpool haven’t beaten the LaLiga giants since the 2008-09 Round of 16.Watch Konate’s stunned reaction that he wasn’t Man of the Match… but his Liverpool boss AGREES with the decisionThe two European giants have played eight times since then, with Madrid winning all but one encounter – a 0-0 draw in one leg of the 2020-21 quarter-finals.Slot has only had to make slight cosmetic tweaks to the squad left by club legend Klopp.Federico Chiesa’s £11m arrival from Juventus was his only new signing, with the winger currently out injured with a foot issue.Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will join at the start of the 2025-26 season, pending the end of Alisson’s current contract in 2027.Results of Arne Slot’s first nine Liverpool gamesIpswich Town 2-0 Liverpool (Premier League)Liverpool 2-0 Brentford (Premier League)Man United 3-0 Liverpool (Premier League)Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League)AC Milan 1-3 Liverpool (Champions League)Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth (Premier League)Liverpool 5-1 West Ham (League Cup)Wolves 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)Liverpool 2-0 Bologna (Champions LeagueKlopp had chanted Slot’s name in his final address to 60,000 fans at Anfield on the final day of last season.The former Feyenoord boss stepped into huge shoes when he succeeded Klopp in the summer.The German enjoyed a glittering nine-year reign on Merseyside, winning the Champions League and Premier League.What is more, Slot was not the only one breaking records for Liverpool on the night.Salah became the first Liverpool star to score in five consecutive Champions League home matches.He also became the only player to score and assist in nine Champions League games for any English club.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, who blew open their title surge last season, at 12:30pm on Saturday.With even harder games against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa to come.Mohamed Salah won Player of the Match against BolognaCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd fans furious at ‘grim’ realisation how far Aston Villa have come while they’ve gone backwards under Erik ten Hag

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans were left licking their already gaping wounds on Wednesday night – despite the fact the team didn’t even play.Sorry fans of the Red Devils are still hurting from last weekend’s battering by Tottenham, a defeat which continued the years-long trend of woefulness at Old Trafford. Manchester United’s start to the new season has been a woeful oneCredit: REXPressure is mounting on manager Erik ten Hag, who remains bullish on his futureCredit: REXAston Villa’s stunning Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich rubbed more salt into the wounds of Unted fansCredit: GETTYErik ten Hag and Unai Emery have been at United and Villa for nearly the same time but their fortunes have drastically differedCredit: EPAIn contrast, Aston Villa are flying high.And it’s not gone unnoticed by the Old Trafford faithful who have noted the differing impacts their respective managers have made having taken over at a similar time.The Villans recorded a famous 1-0 win over German giants Bayern Munich last night thanks to a sensational second-half strike from Jhon Duran.It was their second outing in Europe’s elite club competition since 1983READ MORE ON VILLATheir downing of Bayern – which will go down in club history – is so far, the pinnacle of Unai Emery’s reign at Villa Park.And it’s capped off a remarkable turnaround from the Spaniard, who arrived with the club in tatters.In just two years, Emery has taken Villa from the brink of relegation to rubbing shoulders with and beating Europe’s elite.And the success he’s brought hasn’t gone unnoticed by United fans, many of whom believe their club has gone BACKWARDS during Ten Hag’s reign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Unai Emery has transformed Aston VillaBy Graeme BryceASTON VILLA suspected they were on to a winner when they enticed four-times Europa League king Unai Emery away from Villarreal in October 2022.They will certainly never bag a bigger bargain than the £5.2million compensation fee they paid the La Liga side for their Spanish tactical genius.Emery started the way he meant to continue at Villa, ironically beating Sunday’s opponents Manchester United 3-1 on his debut – to record Villa’s first home Premier League victory over United since August 1995!And he has continued smashing records and setting new standards ever since, culminating in Wednesday’s incredible win over six-times European champions Bayern Munich.Emery credits his Basque upbringing for his workaholic nature and he is first into Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training base before 8am every morning – and he is usually the last there, switching the lights off when he leaves around 9pm most nights.A Villa insider once summed it up by saying: “It’s not unusual for managers to spend long hours at the training ground, chatting to staff, having cups of coffee. Unai is different, he doesn’t do down-time, it’s full on work-mode from the minute he arrives to the minute he leaves.”On away trips Emery opens his laptop as soon as he boards the team coach and starts analysing his own team’s performance as well as the opposition.”He will watch all of our games seven or eight times and does the same for our opponents,” says Villa’s Director of Football Operations, Damian Vidagany – one of 23 Spaniards Emery has taken with him to Villa, including the world-famous transfer guru Monchi.Emery trusts Monchi to supply the talent he needs from £50million record signing Amadou Onana to £8million bargain-buy Morgan Rogers and then he improves them beyond recognition.Lesser managers would have written hotheaded hitman Jhon Duran off as a troublemaker – cut their losses and flogged him this summer after a series of high-profile PR gaffes.But Emery was cold and clinical and asked himself one question – does the kid have any worth to me? Once he decided he did, he put an arm round the youngster and talked him through how he would transform him into one of the world’s great strikers.Now the smile is back on Duran’s face, never more so than after his stunning winner against Bayern, which underlined Emery’s extraordinary man-management skills. Training is meticulous and repetitive until players get the drill with the aid of constant video reminders, both collectively and individually, while his army of coaches work tirelessly on improving individual players’ skill-sets and game intelligence with tailor-made sessions.Against Bayern Emery not only set Villa up brilliantly defensively to frustrate the Bavarian giants, who failed to score for the first time this season. He also hammered home over and over again verbally and visually with video clips, Manuel Neuer’s tendency to stray miles off his goal line in his sweeper-keeper role.Jhon Duran’s first-time finish to send the ball soaring over a stranded Neuer was pure genius – but the seed to try such an outrageous attempt was planted in his head by another genius.Take a bow, Unai Emery!Several took to X to lament the Ten Hag era, which began a mere six months before Emery took charge of Villa.One frustrated supporter wrote: “Gerrard had Villa in the relegation zone and they sacked and replaced him with Emery 3 months into ten Hag being at United.Aston Villa fans spot what Unai Emery did immediately after win over Bayern Munich as they say ‘what a man'”Today Villa, are playing Bayern in the Champions League and I’m still seeing ten Hag quotes bragging about winning an FA Cup & Carabao Cup. Grim.”Another said: “Ineos are not serious. United hierarchy is not serious.”Why this j***water is still at post baffles me and he’s talking loftily.”And another said: “A good manager vs a bad one.”A bad one always have excuses while a good one uses what he have.”One remarked: “Emery is an insane coach.”Defiant Ten HagLast Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham has ramped up the pressure on Ten Hag, who remains bullish on the prospect of being given his marching orders.He told Sky Sports: “We are going to make a success from the season.”Nothing is easy, but this is nothing for me to panic about.”We can sort [the problems] out, this team can sort this out.”When asked if he’s fearing the sack, the defiant Dutchman said: “I’m not thinking about it, I’m not anxious.”We created a togetherness in the summer with the ownership and the leadership.”We made this agreement, and we were all behind it. “We know the strategy [is to bring in] young players in a transition period.”They also know in May in all my last six seasons there were always trophies and that is what we are aiming for.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTen Hag will be hoping his troops will be able to alleviate some of the pressure on his shoulders tonight when they face Porto in their second Europa League outing of the season.Things don’t get any easier after that – Manchester United’s next Premier League game is on Sunday away to Emery’s Aston Villa.Erik ten Hag is confident he turn Manchester United’s fortunes aroundCredit: GETTY More

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      Champions League: Football fans over the moon after realising highlights after back on free-to-air TV

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      GLEEFUL football fans were chuffed to realise that Champions League highlights have returned to free-to-air TV.It’s been NINE years since Europe’s top competition left ITV and moved over to TNT Sport.Fans were thrilled to catch Duran’s late winner on free-to-air TV on the BBCAnalysis was provided on Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to LilleCredit: RexMost football lovers believed it was travesty, with many unable or un- willing, to pay the £53.99 monthly subscription for TNT Sport.While live European matches have not returned to free TV, fans can tune into a Match of the Day-style show on the BBC for highlights of each round.A brief match-by-match highlight compilation is also available from 10pm on the BBC website as well.Both the show and online package can be viewed every Wednesday on a week of Champions League action.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAston Villa’s incredible 1-0 triumph over Bayern Munich at Villa Park was the first game to be shown this week.Emery’s men went ahead via super-sub Jhon Duran’s 79th minute audacious off-the-cuff lob.Liverpool also retained their 100 per cent record in the competition this season with a routine 2-0 win over Bologna with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah.And fans were thrilled to learn that they could catch all of the action for free.Most read in Champions LeagueJhon Duran scored a goal that will go down in Villa’s historyCredit: GettySalah scored a stunner to double Liverpool’s leadCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne wrote on X: “Champions League highlights on BBC is possibly the best thing ever.”A second said: “The show is quite a breath of fresh air. Really good sampled footage of the games.”Arsenal player ratings vs PSGA third said: “BBC iPlayer has got the Champions League highlights of you didn’t know!”Another wrote: “It died off when they took it off ITV. Hopefully bringing highlights to the BBC will be the start of the comeback but wishful thinking.”While another added: “Feels so strange watching Champions League games and analysis on the BBC. Thank god for that.”Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan seem to take turns hosting, alongside pundits Nedum Onuoha and German footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger.Fans were also pleased to see some fresh faces, with one writing: “It can’t always be likes of Micah Richards, Danny Murphy and Jamie Redknapp.” More

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      Champions League: Arsenal’s opponents Girona set unwanted competition record as fans claim ‘they’re cursed’

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      GIRONA set an unwanted Champions League record during their clash with Feyenoord last night.The Catalan side lost 3-2 to the Dutch giants in their first ever Champions League match on home soil.Girona were beaten 3-2 in their first ever Champions League home matchCredit: GettyGirona’s team sheet featured a host of names that will be familiar to British football fans.Former Manchester United star Donny van de Beek started in midfield, with Tottenham loanee Bryan Gil and former Spurs stopper Paulo Gazzaniga also in the XI.Summer signing from Aberdeen Bojan Miovski got the nod up top, while ex-Tottenham, Everton and Bournemouth ace Arnut Danjuma came off the bench alongside former Championship duo Yaser Asprilla and Cristhian Stuani.Girona began their Champions League campaign a fortnight ago with a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe tournament debutants held their own until the 90th minute, when Gazzaniga scored a nightmare own goal.In last night’s 3-2 defeat to Feyenoord, Girona scored two further own goals – setting an unwanted record in the process.Michel’s men had actually taken the lead on 19 minutes, when David Lopez scored their first ever Champions League goal.But they were pegged back just four minutes later, with Yangel Herrera turning into his own net.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis moment saw Girona become the first side to ever concede own goals in each of their opening two games in the competition.It also saw them become the first team to have their first two Champions League concessions be via own goals.Arsenal set to play Champions League decider in half-empty stadium with tiny away allocation thanks to little-known rule Remarkably, more records would tumble as the extraordinary encounter progressed.Teenager Antoni Milambo put the visitors 2-1 in front on 33 minutes, before Feyenoord were awarded a penalty just moments later.Having given the ball away in the build-up to the spot kick, Gazzaniga made amends by saving Ayase Ueda’s subsequent effort.Girona thought they’d levelled just after half-time, only for their goal to be disallowed for an offside in the build-up.They then spurned a huge opportunity on 67 minutes, with Miovski this time being denied from the penalty spot.Yangel Herrera scored an unfortunate own goalCredit: GettyPaulo Gazzaniga saved Ayase Ueda’s penaltyCredit: GettyThe home faithful did finally have an equaliser to cheer on 73 minutes, however, when Van de Beek converted following good work by his Dutch compatriot Danjuma.Incredibly, Girona gifted Feyenoord their lead back just six minutes later, with Ladislav Krejci this time turning into his own net.The Czech international’s nightmare moment saw the match become the first in Champions League history to feature two missed penalties and two own goals.Try as they might, Girona could not conjure another equaliser, with Feyenoord winning a bonkers encounter 3-2.Former Man Utd star Donny van de Beek celebrates his goalCredit: GettyFeyenoord celebrate Ladislav Krejci’s own goalCredit: AFPAmazingly, the memorable match was watched by under 10,000 fans.That’s because due to Uefa rules, Girona were forced to operate with a reduced capacity.Their Estadi Montilivi home usually holds 14,624 spectators.But Uefa competitions ban temporary structures, thus reducing the stadium’s capacity by more than 5,000 seats.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis rule will also be in effect when Arsenal visit Girona.The two sides are set to meet in Catalonia on January 29.The match was forced to be played in front of a reduced capacityCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal set to play Champions League decider in half-empty stadium with tiny away allocation thanks to little-known rule

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      ARSENAL could play their final Champions League group stage match in front of just 9,000 fans due to UEFA protocol.The Gunners are set to conclude their group stage campaign with a trip to Girona in January.The capacity of Girona’s stadium has been slashedCredit: ReutersOnly 9,000 fans will be allowed to attend Champions League gamesCredit: ReutersThey will face the La Liga side at Estadi Montilivi, a 14,600-capacity stadium in Catalonia.However, just over 9,000 fans will be able to attend the match.The stadium has temporary stands on all four sides to maximise capacity.But UEFA rules state these cannot be used during Champions League matches.Read More in FootballGirona will be forced to play in a half-empty stadium as a result.And travelling clubs have allegedly been limited to just 450 tickets.The White and Reds hosted their first ever Champions League match on Wednesday.They suffered a 3-2 defeat to Dutch side Feyenoord after conceding two own goals.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGirona also fell to a 1-0 loss against Paris Saint-Germain last month after goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga put the ball into his own net.The Spanish side have now equalled Fenerbahce’s record for the most own goals scored in a Champions League campaign.Bukayo Saka left looking ‘so helpless’ in bizarre moment Conor McGregor tries UFC moves on Arsenal star Following two defeats, they now sit 30th in the group stage table.Meanwhile, Arsenal are 13th with four points from two games.The Gunners cruised to a 2-0 win over PSG on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium.Arsenal ratings vs PSG as Havertz makes striker spot his own… but Calafiori shows chinks in his armourKAI HAVERTZ and Bukayo Saka sent Arsenal to a deserved victory borne of first-half dominance.Paris Saint-Germain did hit the bar and the post as they improved after the break in this Champions League tie.But Emirates chief Mikel Arteta will mostly be delighted with his side’s latest solid display in Europe’s top club competition.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners at the Emirates on Tuesday.DAVID RAYA – 7Was perhaps busier than he usually is at home.Helplessly watched a Nuno Mendes effort smack his far post and stood firm to deny Achraf Hakimi at his near post.RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6A frantic display, one that had more shaky moments than good. Kept busy by Hakimi and was done for pace on a few occasions but recovered well.A mistake early in the second half almost gave PSG a way back into the game. Needs to iron out these errors from his game, particularly when he is so dangerous in attack.However, he was playing at right-back for the first time in his career after the break.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Did not have much to do. A stray pass early on could have been costly but other than that another reliable and strong performance.GABRIEL – 7Sprayed some nice passes about from deep but this was a stress-free night’s work compared to the Premier League.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Just how on earth does Ben White get back in this side at right back? Another immaculate display from a man who seemingly has it all in defence and attack.Well, White may well get his chance after Timber was subbed off at half-time.DECLAN RICE – 7Solid as a rock and building a real partnership with Partey in midfield. Had a chance to drive forward just before the half hour mark but his pass to Saka was cut out.THOMAS PARTEY – 8So consistent at the moment, something Arsenal fans have not seen from the Ghanaian midfielder in a long time owing mostly to injury.Made some crucial interceptions and showed real composure playing out from deep.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8One of Arsenal’s most important players right now. Since his red card at Man City, he has notched a goal and an assist – the latter here for Havertz to open the scoring with a perfectly-timed cross.BUKAYO SAKA – 7After an early shot over the bar from a trademark cut inside, the England international had a slight drop off in influence before his scuffed free-kick flew in untouched from out wide.Still, he gave Mendes a torrid time at left-back. Even PSG manager Luis Enrique watched on at times in awe inside his technical area.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7A quiet night for the Brazilian following his first goal since March against Leicester, which may have been down to a big collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma in the first few minutes.Should have made it 3-0 with a volley inside the box after the break but it was straight at Donnarumma. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.KAI HAVERTZ – 9Brave and brilliant to head in from Trossard’s teasing cross, despite the onrushing lump that is Donnarumma trying to take his head off.Almost had an assist too with a cute lay-up for Martinelli in the box. The striker-midfield debate should be over – Havertz is a top-class centre forward.SUBS:JAKUB KIWIOR (TIMBER, 45) – 7Did what was expected of him at left-back. Produced a good recovery tackle on Kang-in Lee in the box.MIKEL MERINO (PARTEY, 64) – 7Finally, a debut for the Spaniard. Some neat touches under pressure, slotting in seamlessly next to Rice.GABRIEL JESUS (TROSSARD, 74) – 6Looked desperate to impress having struggled for starts so far and that looks to be working against him – things just aren’t clicking.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY (SAKA, 92) – N/A More

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      I scored on my Champions League debut… but my parents missed it as they were watching another game 840 miles away

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      JAMES McATEE’S mum and dad missed the magic moment he has waited more than a decade for — as they were 840 miles away at Northampton’s Sixfields Stadium instead!The England Under-21 international scored his first senior goal for Manchester City in the 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday night.James McAtee netted Man City’s fourth goal against BratislavaCredit: ReutersBut the 21-year-old’s parents were not at the game to watchCredit: APLocal lad McAtee, 21, has been turning out for the club since the Under-11s and admits he has dreamt about this day since his  journey at the City Football Academy beganYet his parents did not travel to Slovakia – instead choosing to watch their other son John, 25, score for Bolton in a League One clash against the Cobblers.Attacking midfielder McAtee said: “It’s a long way to come for my family.”My brother played and scored on Tuesday night as well — and they went to go and watch him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”It’s something I’ve dreamt of for my whole life. I cant explain it but I’m over the moon. It’s one of the better days of my life.McAtee is known as the Salford Silva as his style of playing in the pocket is similar to that of Etihad legend David.Compliments do not come much bigger than that in this part of Manchester — and Pep Guardiola has thought highly of him for some time. When he spent two loan spells at Sheffield United from July 2022 to this summer, there must have been doubts he would ever make the grade for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the City boss has full faith in him — maybe more than the player himself.Guardiola said: “I always had the feeling that I believe he can play here more than he does. Hopefully minutes can help him and show he is part of that.Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Phil Foden situation after fans’ conspiracy theory over England star’s absence “Of course, he will not be a regular player this season but in a lot of games he will help us and when he plays like he did here, I can always count on him perfectly.”Everyone adores him, you have seen the reaction of the players, everyone loves him.”City turned down offers of more than £30million in the summer as Guardiola wanted him to be part of his first-team squad and he featured in their pre-season tour of the US.McAtee said he would be fine to have a season where he never played as he was convinced being around one of the greatest bosses ever would help him develop.So far he is getting chances, like in the season-opening Charity Shield and the League Cup tie against Watford last month.        And he said: “I definitely think I’m sharper. Last year I was playing a bit wider, now I’m more central. “I’m getting to grips with that. I feel better now than I did two months ago. When I’m going out there now it’s not as chaotic.”For example, against Watford I hadn’t played for a while and it was a bit chaotic at the start. But today I felt a lot calmer and more composed.”Basically the manager is telling me to go and have fun. A bit more tactical but go and be myself and feel good about myself.McAtee’s brother John was on target for Bolton at NorthamptonCredit: Rex”With the way they set up I think I needed a bit of freedom to come and get the ball. It was so tight in there, lots of teams have done it already this year.”He gives me freedom when coming on to try to affect the game as much as I can.”City have had to rethink their midfield plans for the season following the serious knee injury suffered by Rodri – and that could lead to more opportunities for McAtee.The Spaniard is out for the rest of the season following ACL surgery with Ilkay Gundogan, 33, another option Guardiola can turn to in the middle of the pitch.READ MORE SUN STORIESMcAtee added: “Rodri’s a different position to me. It was bad news when we heard and it got the lads down a little bit.”Gundo can maybe drop a bit deeper and I’m just being patient, waiting for my chance and grabbing it when I do get it.” More

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      Real Madrid stunned as Lille end their mammoth 36-GAME unbeaten run with 1-0 win in Champions League

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      REAL MADRID’S 36-game unbeaten run collapsed as Lille stunned the Champions League holders.Jonathan David’s penalty also stopped Los Blancos equalling a club record of 15 straight games in Europe’s top club competition without defeat.Jonathan David hails his penalty winner for LilleCredit: GettyJude Bellingham shows his frustration as Real slumped 1-0Credit: GettyReal striker Kylian Mbappe came on for defender Eder Militao but it proved in vain as Lille pulled off an early shock in this season’s Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersCarlo Ancelotti’s LaLiga champs have stuttered all season.Yet until now they had not tasted a loss since Atletico Madrid KO’d them 4-2 after extra-time in the Copa del Rey in January.And Real’s last Champions League reverse was as long ago as May 2023 – a 4-0 semi-final second-leg loss to Manchester City at the Etihad.But Lille were as impressive for the first hour as Los Blancos were subdued for large spells.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd only Real keeper Andriy Lunin’s breathtaking double save denied Canadian striker David.Finally, in first-half stoppage-time, VAR ruled Eduardo Camavinga had blocked Edon Zhegrova’s free-kick with his arm.And David – long linked with Premier League clubs – fired home the resulting spot kick.Real’s England midfielder Jude Bellingham was booked as his side struggled.Most read in Champions LeagueDavid tucks his spot-kick winner as Real’s Aurelien Tchouameni looks onCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Kylian Mbappe – returning following a thigh problem – came off the bench to help Ancelotti’s men pile on the pressure late on.Ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger had a header cleared off the line.Kate Abdo stuns in bold outfit live on CBS Sports for Champions League coverage sending fans into meltdownArda Guler then nodded a gaping chance straight at Lille stopper Lucas Chevalier. Nonetheless, the French hosts will feel they deservedly held on for one of their finest ever victories.And to make things worse for Mbappe, his 17-year-old younger brother Ethan, who only missed out on playing for Lille due to a muscle problem, was shown by TNT Sports LEADING the home team’s dressing-room celebrations.And for Real their mediocre form now faces its most intensive examination.Barcelona are three points clear of Los Blancos in LaLiga.And Real are at home to third-placed Villarreal on Saturday.But it’s in the Champions League where Ancelotti might suffer the most heat.Real did beat Stuttgart 3-1 in their opener last month.But after Wednesday’s loss, they face Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Liverpool next.Ancelotti’s side will still expect to finish in the top 24 and advance to from the new-look group stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, they will need positive results in some tricky clashes if they are to finish in the top eight and punch a fast-track ticket to the last 16.If they finish between 9th and 24th in the 36-team league, they will face an extra two-legged knockout tie. More

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      Fans ask ‘do they hate him?’ as Micah Richards gets savaged live on CBS Sports with segment dedicated to his mistakes

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      MICAH RICHARDS had his Aston Villa career dissected by his CBS Sports co-stars during Wednesday night’s Champions League coverage.Richards was alongside the usual crew of Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher for the European clashes.Micah Richards was teased by his CBS colleagues for his time at Aston VillaCredit: CBS SPORTSDamning stats showing his time at Villa Park were used during the broadcastCredit: CBS SPORTSWith Aston Villa’s matchup with Bayern Munich one of the biggest games of the night, the CBS panel began discussing Richards’ four-year spell with the Villans.But instead of glowing about the twilight of the 36-year-old’s career, the pundits ripped into his time at Villa Park – pulling up some damning stats as evidence. A stats graphic, hilariously titled “Big Meeks: Four glorious years at Aston Villa”, painted the picture of his injury riddled spell in Birmingham.Showing that Richards had made just 31 appearances during the four-tear stint, missing 142 games and being an unused substitute 41 times.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the teasing didn’t stop there, Carragher then got up some old videos of a number of the former Man City star’s in-game mistakes – talking them through live on CBS Sports.The retired Liverpool centre-back highlighted four goals that Richards was as fault for during his playing days with Villa, showing clips of defensive mistakes against Arsenal, Norwich, Everton and Southampton.Fans couldn’t believe how much Richards’ colleague had ripped into him and took to social media to react.One wrote: “Do they hate him? Jeez”.Most read in FootballThe whole panel piled in on Micah RichardsCredit: CBS SPORTSJamie Carragher ran through some of Richards’ high-profile mistakes at VillaCredit: CBS SPORTSFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWhile another added: “They roasted him so badly!”A third commented: “They did big Meeks dirty”.Watch Micah Richards’ hilarious reaction after Arsenal hero David Raya reveals favourite CBS pundit in awkward interviewAnd a fourth joked: “This is the beginning of Micah’s villain arc”.Richards was a good sport and laughed it all off, while giving an explanation for why he struggled for form at Villa.Joshing: “I was in a bad place guys, but I did score a goal!”Richards has made a habit of being picked on since taking his role at CBS and in a recent interview with The Ringer, the show’s coordinating producer Pete Radovich explained that he has embraced the role.Radovich said: “As the show organically took shape, it was clear to us that Micah was going to be the little brother that everyone picked on, and it just so happens he’s in the last chair [on set].”While Richards added that he “never takes it to heart”.Aston Villa certainly didn’t need Richards for their clash with Bayern on Wednesday, pulling off a spectacular 1-0 win over the European giants at Villa Park. More