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      Where Man Utd’s 2008 Champions League heroes are now after amazing Chelsea shootout win including Anderson

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      IN 2008, Manchester United edged out Chelsea in Moscow on a night of elation, heartbreak and pure drama at the Luzhniki Stadium.English football was in rude health, with both Champions League finalists coming from the Premier League, as well as a further semi-finalist in Arsenal.
      Man Utd’s Moscow XI would go down in club folklore
      And practically on the banks of the Moskva River, both sides played their part in a night that supporters will never forget.
      Cristiano Ronaldo gave the Red Devils a first-half lead, producing a mind-bending leap to meet Wes Brown’s cross and turn it past goalkeeper Petr Cech.
      Avram Grant’s Blues didn’t lie down, however, and Frank Lampard equalised on the stroke of half-time.
      Tension grew as the game went to extra time, and then penalties – but not before Didier Drogba had gotten himself sent off for slapping Nemanja Vidic late on.
      This robbed Chelsea of one of their best penalty takers – but things were going well for them with Ronaldo having missed… and John Terry would step up to win it for the Blues.
      His subsequent slip and miss – followed by tears of anguish – would go down in football folklore… and prove costly – with United going on to snatch victory 6-5 in the shoot-out.
      Sir Alex Ferguson’s incredible Double winners of 2007/08 have now been voted by fans as the greatest team in Premier League history.
      But what has become of the Red Devils’ Moscow heroes? 14 years on, SunSport are on hand to take a look.
      EDWIN VAN DER SAR
      The legendary goalkeeper was a pillar for the Red DevilsCredit: PA:Press Association
      He now works as CEO for AjaxCredit: REUTERS
      The legendary Dutch keeper, who crucially saved Nicolas Anelka’s penalty that night, played on for three further years at United.
      He retired after another Champions League final in 2011, but this time was helpless as Messi and Co ran riot at Wembley in one of the most accomplished performances of all time.
      At 51, he has now returned to his first professional club Ajax as CEO, a position he has held since 2016.
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      WES BROWN
      Brown delivered the cross for Ronaldo to score that night in MoscowCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Brown has done off-pitch work for UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Like van der Sar, Brown, 43, also left Old Trafford in 2011 – but saw the remainder of his career dogged by injuries.
      He managed only 76 league appearances in five years at Sunderland – with the majority of them at centre-half rather than right-back.
      He called time on his career in 2018 after brief spells with Blackburn Rovers and Kerala Blasters in India – and is now mostly seen doing punditry work – including for MUTV.
      Brown also holds a Uefa ‘A’ coaching licence after working with the Irish Football Association.
      RIO FERDINAND
      Ferdinand was a rock at the back alongside VidicCredit: AFP – Getty
      He now does regular punditry work for BT SportCredit: PA:Press Association
      A legendary figure at the back alongside Vidic, Ferdinand would captain United and England following this historic night.
      The rangy defender, 43, scored the final winning goal of Sir Alex Ferguson’s illustrious reign against Swansea in 2013, before departing for Queens Park Rangers a year later.
      He couldn’t prevent relegation for the West Londoners and retired in 2015 – he is now seen regularly as a pundit for BT Sport.
      Ferdinand also hosts his own YouTube talk show and podcast called ‘Vibe with Five’, which discusses all things football.
      NEMANJA VIDIC
      Vidic departed Old Trafford in 2014Credit: PA:Press Association
      He has since returned to watch United on occasionsCredit: Reuters
      The Serbian became a bona fide legend at Old Trafford, but like Ferdinand called time on his United career after David Moyes’ ill-fated tenure.
      He would then play a season at Inter Milan, but with his best days behind him he retired in January 2016.
      Now 41 and father of three children, Vidic stayed in Milan.
      But he still performs occasional ambassadorial duties for the Red Devils – and completed his coaching badges ahead of a potential day-to-day return to the game.
      United revealed last year that Vidic is now studying for UEFA’s Executive Master for International Players course, a 20-month programme that is held in Nyon, Switzerland.
      PATRICE EVRA
      Evra was routinely excellent for UnitedCredit: AFP
      He has recently been getting in pristine shape… and he certainly loves this gameCredit: Instagram / @patrice.evra
      Yet another member of this side to leave in 2014 after the defence began to creak under Moyes, Evra would still have a few years left in the game.
      He won titles with Juventus before being sacked by Marseille for an altercation with a fan.
      Evra then had a brief spell at West Ham in 2018 before retiring and now 41, he is most often seen bellowing “I love this game” to anyone who will listen, or working on his coaching badges.
      And Evra almost began a shock career change in BOXING against Adam Saleh, athough was postponed at the last moment.
      OWEN HARGREAVES
      Hargreaves was later labelled a ‘disaster’ by Sir AlexCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He regularly provides punditry on BT Sport, particularly on Bundesliga sidesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Having impressed in his first year at Old Trafford culminating in this match, unfortunately the rest of Hargreaves’ career would be plagued by injuries – featuring just five more times in three further years at United.
      He was later scathingly described in Ferguson’s book, with the Scot writing: “When I signed him there was something about him I didn’t like. It turned out to be a disaster.”
      Bizarrely he crossed the Manchester divide to play four times for City in the 2011-12 season before retiring, and now aged 41 regularly covers the Bundesliga for BT Sport.
      PAUL SCHOLES
      Scholes won his second Champions League medal that nightCredit: AFP
      He later had a brief spell managing OldhamCredit: PA:Press Association
      Another true Red Devils legend, he became even more revered in the tail end of his career after the role of deep-lying playmaker became popularised by Andrea Pirlo.
      He initially retired in 2011, before reconsidering and returning to action in January 2012 – eventually calling it a day for good in 2013 at the same time as Ferguson.
      Now 47 he has business interests with Gary Neville – including at Salford City FC – and even briefly managed boyhood club Oldham Athletic. Scholes is another that regularly provides analysis for BT Sport.
      But he was left red-faced last year when bizarre video emerged of Scholes chewing on his daughter’s toe-nails.
      MICHAEL CARRICK
      Carrick was Mr Dependable for UnitedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Carrick went on to work as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistantCredit: Reuters
      Always understated, Carrick appeared to belatedly gain more and more appreciation as his career began to wind down – eventually retiring in 2018.
      The Englishman, 41, was made United captain in his late Old Trafford career, but managed only five appearances in his final season after requiring a medical procedure for an irregular heart rhythm.
      He then worked as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s right-hand man as part of United’s coaching staff and even managed a few games as caretaker boss following the Norwegian’s exit in November.
      However, Carrick quit United when Ralf Rangnick was appointed interim manager until the summer and has just been appointed as boss of Middlesbrough.
      CRISTIANO RONALDO
      Cristiano Ronaldo would win the first of many European crowns that night in MoscowCredit: PA:Press Association
      Ronnie rejoined United from JuventusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      This match was the culmination of a season in which Ronaldo became untouchable.
      The 37-year-old would scoop his first Ballon d’Or later in 2008, before breaking United hearts and transferring to Real Madrid the following year.
      After nine astonishing seasons at the Bernabeu in which he scored 450 goals in 438 games, he moved to Juventus in 2018.
      Then in 2021 he made a sensational return to Old Trafford and has scored 14 times in 24 games during his second spell.
      However, it looks like he’s on borrowed time with new manager Erik ten Hag, after reportedly refusing to come on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat of Tottenham.
      CARLOS TEVEZ
      Tevez donned an Argentina shirt as he lifted the famous trophy in MoscowCredit: EPA
      Tevez won the league with Boca aged 36Credit: AFP or licensors
      Carlos Tevez, 38, was a favourite at Old Trafford for his blend of dogged determination and rich skill… but would do the dirty on them a year later.
      In 2009 he controversially switched red for blue and signed for Manchester City – prompting the infamous “Welcome to Manchester” billboard.
      He left English football for a successful period at Juventus in 2013, but after a dreadful spell at Shanghai Shenhua, Tevez returned for a third stint at boyhood club Boca Juniors – where he helped scooped a league title last year.
      But he left the club in the summer of 2021, retired in 2022, and is now manager of Rosario Central.
      WAYNE ROONEY
      Rooney was on his way to becoming United’s all-time leading goalscorerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Wayne Rooney managed Derby CountyCredit: PA
      A modern day Manchester United legend, Rooney is undoubtedly one of the finest players to ever pull on the red shirt.
      There were a few bumps along the way, however, having seemingly agitated for moves to City and Chelsea before becoming United’s all-time leading goalscorer.
      He left in 2017 for a return to boyhood club Everton – before moving stateside for a popular spell at DC United. Wazza then managed Derby County in the Championship aged 36 through adversity.
      This season he’s returned to the MLS – where he is coaching DC United.
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      SUBSTITUTES
      Among the replacements that night in Moscow, Giggs went on to manage WalesCredit: EPA
      The first replacement Ferguson drew upon was Ryan Giggs, with the Welshman going on to score the winning spot-kick. The Red Devils’ all-time leading appearance holder, 48, then managed his country after a stint on United’s coaching staff.
      He is now awaiting a second trial after being accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
      Nani, 35, also appeared in extra time, and would represent United until 2015 – although he faded after Ferguson’s departure. After a nomadic spell since, he then played for Orlando City in MLS, in Italy with Venezia and now stars for A-League Men club Melbourne Victory.
      Ferguson drew upon Anderson, 33, deep into extra-time purely to take a penalty – which he duly scored. Injuries curtailed his promising career and he retired in September 2019 at 31 after a spell in Turkey’s second tier.
      But he was charged last year with alleged involvement in a £4.7million cryptocurrency fraud ring in Brazil.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Marcus Rashford returns to Man Utd training for first time since shoulder operation as striker makes early recovery More

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      Paris Saint-Germain 0 Chelsea 1: Green hails might of Bright and the WSL after Blues beat PSG

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      PAUL GREEN praised Millie Bright for volleying Chelsea to victory as they got their Champions League trophy chase off to a flier.Her effort helped the Blues seal a gritty 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain with another French giant beaten by an English side.
      Millie Bright scored her second of the season across all competitions during Chelsea’s win against Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty
      The Blues are currently second in Group A ahead of their match against VllazniaCredit: Getty
      Blues general manager Green, who was Doncaster Rovers Belles director during Bright’s 2009 to 2014 spell at the club, said: “Millie used to be a striker when we were together at Doncaster.
      “She must have been remembering that time when the ball came to her at the back-post.
      “It was a fantastic finish, and I thought her overall performance as part of that defensive unit was really solid.
      “She’s a top player and she certainly put in a top performance.”
      The WSL title-holders’ Group A opening victory comes a day after Arsenal fired five goals past Lyon on Wednesday night.
      The French champions were run ragged as the Gunners turned on the style to claim a memorable win.
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      Goals in both spells saw Jonas Eidevall’s side dispatch the 15-time French champions.
      The club currently have several senior stars injured including Ada Hegerberg, Catarina Macario and Greidge Mbock.
      Green believes wins for the Gunners and the Blues show the strength of the Women’s Super League with both sides laying down markers for their European rivals.
      He added: “It shows how far the English league has come that ourselves and Arsenal have come to the top two teams in France and got two victories.
      “Lyon have a lot of injuries at the moment so I’m sure they’ll be back.
      “PSG are still a very strong team and they’re both very respected in Europe.
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      “Yes, the English teams have won over the last couple of evenings but there’s a long way to go in the group and a long way to go in the competition.
      “It’s a really positive thing for the English league and does show how far it’s come.
      “In years gone by it was probably unthinkable that teams would come to France and win games like this.
      “Maybe five or six years ago the English teams wouldn’t have been in that position.
      “It’s full credit to ourselves and Arsenal for the two performances.”
      Sam Kerr came close to giving the Blues an early lead in the 15th minuteCredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes, who is recovering from a hysterectomy, may not have been present on the touchline for her side’s first Champions League fixture this term.
      But it was business as usual for her aces whose efforts were watched by Neymar at the Stade Jean Bouin.  
      Bright got the ball rolling in the first-half firing Chelsea ahead in the 27th minute after Sam Kerr tested Sarah Bouhaddi with a close-range effort in the first quarter.
      The hosts were missing the services of star striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto who is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
      Kadeisha Buchanan put in a solid shift in defence for the visitorsCredit: Getty
      They looked to hit back in the second spell with Laurine Fazer firing a volley over the bar.
      They began to pressure Chelsea in the final third with former Lyon defender Kadeisha Buchanan intercepting a 65th-minute cross from Kadidiatou Diani.
      But the visitors held out to claim a gritty win and second spot in Group A. More

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      Eriksson is relishing tough Champions League challenge with Chelsea facing Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid tests

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      MAGDA ERIKSSON loves to see Chelsea challenged with the team set to take on two of the most formidable sides in Europe. The WSL champs will battle Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in what has been dubbed a Champions League group of death.
      Chelsea take on Paris Saint-Germain in the first of their Champions League Group A fixturesCredit: Getty
      Chelsea hope to finish top of their Champions League group which also contains Spanish outfit Real MadridCredit: Getty
      The first of Chelsea’s Group A duels takes place tonight at 8:00 pm when they face PSG in France’s capital.
      The Blues will then play Albanian side Vllaznia at home next Thursday.
      And the Kingsmeadow side are eager to finish top of their group following their surprise exit before last season’s knockout phase.
      The Blues skipper, 29, said: “I love to be challenged in these kinds of games.
      “As a team, you really grow when you are challenged so I see it as something positive to have a tough group.
      “We’re going to be so prepared once we get out of the group stage and go into the knockout stages.
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      “That’s the way you can look at it, being positive and imagining how much more experience we’re going to get as a team, especially our younger players.
      “But coming out on the top of the group – that’s our goal.
      “That’s what we strive for. It’s going to be tough, but that’s what we hope to do.”
      The group stage opener will see the Blues play their first match in Europe this season without boss Emma Hayes on the touchline.
      The popular Chelsea chief, 45, is currently recuperating after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy this month.
      Assistant manager Denise Reddy and general manager Paul Green will oversee her players for the second time this term.
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      However, Hayes, who had a direct line to the dugout for the Blues’ win against Everton last time out, will have input remotely.
      Eriksson added: “We miss Emma a lot, she is a special character.
      “We know that we’re going to have to find ways to handle this period without her.
      “Team-wise, I don’t really have to do anything more as captain because we have great people around the team.
      “We have great people in the team, so everyone has stepped up and taken more responsibility.
      “We have an amazing staff that’s looking out for us and we have Emma looking on from home.
      “She’s going to stay in close contact with all of us from there. Paul and Denise are relaying her messages.”
      Denise Reddy will be overseeing Chelsea from the touchline in their first game in Europe this termCredit: PA
      The last Champions League battle between PSG and Chelsea saw the Blues knock the French side out at the quarter-finals in 2019.
      And PSG reached the semi-final stage last season where they were defeated by tournament winners Lyon.
      Eriksson sees the Paris club, who finished second to Lyon in France’s top tier last term, as contenders for the Champions League crown.
      The Sweden star said: “There are a lot of teams that can do it.
      “I count PSG as one of those teams that can do it.
      Kadidiatou Diani was one of France’s standout performers at the Euros this summerCredit: Getty
      “They have really, really good players for example France forward Kadidiatou Diane.
      “She’s an amazing player and she showed that throughout the Euros
      “She’s going to be a big threat that we have to find ways to stop.” More

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      Lyon 1 Arsenal 5: Mead, Maanum and Foord strike as Gunners thrash record Champions League winners in six-goal thriller

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hailed a ‘special night’ that saw Arsenal cause Lyon mayhem and fire a warning to their Champions League rivals.Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord bagged braces with Frida Maanum also on target in a blistering 5-1 Group C thrashing of their opponents.
      Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord and Frida Maanum were on target as Arsenal brushed Lyon asideCredit: Getty
      Foord was on target in both halves as the Champions League title-holders were trounced at homeCredit: Getty
      Eidevall was expecting a reality check from the contest’s reigning champs.
      But his rampaging Gunners served one themselves in an enthralling group stage opener at the Groupama Stadium.
      The result saw the injury-ravaged French giants beaten by four goals for the first time since 2006.
      It also saw the side who have several aces crocked – including star striker Ada Hegerberg – suffer their first defeat on home turf since last April.
      The Arsenal chief said: “Of course, it’s a special night and we know that we were effective. 
      “Our win was well deserved but 5-1 is an unexpected result against a very, very strong team so I’m pretty happy about that. 
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      “I’ve spoken before about doing the right things. It’s not all the time you get rewarded for that.
      “But in this game, we got rewarded and that I think will increase the likelihood of us doing the right things again in the future.” 
      The match saw Maanum find the back of the net with the midfielder given a starting spot ahead of Vivianne Miedema in a bold move by Eidevall.
      The Gunners gaffer added: “Frida was brilliant both off the ball and on it. 
      “She carried out a role that required an extreme amount of running because you basically have to defend against two players all the time.
      “Frida is one of our players with the strongest running ability.”
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      For much of the past 11 years, Sonia Bompastor’s Lyon have carried an aura of invincibility in the Champions League.
      This is the tournament they have dominated with eight trophies wins since 2011.
      But their group-stage qualification bid took an early blow as the Gunners deployed their counter-attacking flair to deadly effect.
      Maanum saw a tame early effort claimed by goalkeeper Christiane Endler.
      But Foord got the Gunners off the mark smashing in a 13th-minute opener following Kim Little’s classy long ball and a pass from Mead.
      Wendi Renard came close to bagging a leveller with the Gunners forced to clear her header.
      Mead bagged a brace for the Gunners who play Swiss side Zurich next in the tournamentCredit: Getty
      But the visitors later doubled their lead with Maanum firing home in the 22nd minute after pouncing on a rebound after Stina Blackstenius shot.
      The hosts pulled one back with Melvine Malard leaping high to nod home near the half-hour mark.
      But a brilliant free-kick rocket from Mead saw Arsenal’s two-goal lead restored.
      The second spell’s early stages saw Manuela Zinsberger comfortably save Eugenie Le Sommer’s header.
      Maanum impressed in attack doubling the Gunners’ lead against Lyon in the first halfCredit: Getty
      But then her Gunners pals cranked up the pressure with Foord’s walloped wonder goal from distance after a mishit from Renard.
      Mead slotted home Arsenal’s fifth in the 69th minute to wrap up the hefty victory.
      The result saw the Gunners go top of their group before their Emirates clash with Zurich next Thursday. More

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      Jonas Eidevall expects a ‘reality check’ for Arsenal in clash with record Champions League winners Lyon

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      JONAS EIDEVALL is relishing the “reality check” awaiting Arsenal when they take on Lyon in their toughest Champions League test yet.And the Gunners chief, 39, hailed Beth Mead’s deadly finishing after the forward was narrowly pipped to a Women’s Ballon d’Or gong.
      Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal face a Lyon side who have won their opening five games in France’s top tier this termCredit: Getty
      Lyon are contending with injury issues with star striker Ada Hegerberg one of eight players crockedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      On Wednesday night Eidevall’s side will visit the Groupama Stadium in France for their first group-stage game in the contest.
      There they will face the French football juggernauts who are the Champions League record trophy winners with eight crowns to date.
      Eidevall said: “It’s a very good reality check to see where we are at the moment.
      “That is always very exciting to see we will know exactly where we are at and what we need to continue to improve on.
      “When you play in the Champions League, it is a little bit different when you’re playing really good teams like Lyon.
      “You can’t think that you will play a game where you will be in total control.
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      “We have to expect that we will be in control in some parts of the game but so will Lyon.
      “We need to deal with facing more shots on target than we have been doing recently, facing more set pieces than we have been doing recently.”
      April 2011 was the last time the Gunners faced the French giants in the tournament.
      Back then Lyon sealed a 3-2 semi-final victory over two legs against the WSL side that included current skipper Kim Little.
      Arsenal, currently second in the WSL, go into the game without crocked centre-backs Leah Williamson and Rafaelle.
      However, their hosts are battling with an injury crisis with several aces out of action. 
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      Players sidelined include star striker Ada Hegerberg and midfielder Catarina Macario who both netted in Lyon’s 3-1 Champion League final defeat of Barcelona last term.
      Despite their lengthy injury list Caitlin Foord reckons the French giants will pose a considerable threat.
      The Gunners forward, 27, said: “Regardless of injuries or not the squad they have is very strong and the starting eleven they put out will be a world-class team.
      “It’s going to be a good challenge for us.”
      Arsenal’s Lyon trip comes two days after Beth Mead, 27, finished as a runner-up to Alexia Putellas in this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or.
      The player, who won the Golden Boot at this summer’s Euros, finished just one point behind the Barcelona star in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
      Beth Mead’s performances earned her a second-place finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or awardsCredit: Getty
      Eidevall added: “I know the goals and assists that Beth provides are absolutely world-class.
      “I also see other things in her as a person and as a player that are so valuable to us.
      “When you see her reactions when we lose the ball for me she is the fastest player that I ever had the privilege to coach in reacting to those situations and to be able to be first to those balls.”
      Arsenal will play Swiss side Zurich at the Emirates next Thursday in their second Champions League group-stage gameCredit: Getty More

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      Jose Mourinho hails his Inter Milan Treble hero Dejan Stankovic as new Sampdoria boss’ side lose 1-0 to Roma

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      JOSE MOURINHO has hailed Dejan Stankovic after his Roma side edged past Sampdoria.Stankovic, 44, was a member of the Inter Milan squad that won the treble under the Portuguese boss.
      Mourinho shared a Instagram post hailing his former player
      Stankovic won the treble with Inter Milan under Jose
      But he could not defeat his former gaffer when his bottom-placed side came up against Mourinho’s Roman giants.
      The visitors won 1-0 thanks to a ninth-minute Lorenzo Pellegrini penalty.
      The ex-Manchester United manager, 59, heaped love onto student and “young bro” Stankovic after the match.
      He added a photo to his Instagram of the pair hugging after the game.
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      Inter arguably had the greatest season in their history with the duo, winning Serie A for the FIFTH consecutive season in 2009–10.
      They followed up with the Coppa Italia and the Champions League – the only Italian team to ever achieve the treble.
      But Stankovic’s Sampdoria side are struggling to lift themselves from the bottom of the nation’s top flight.
      Elsewhere, 13th-placed Fiorentina draw away to Leche.
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      Meanwhile, Frank Lampard has claimed he could learn the same amount from a League One manager as two-time Champions League winner Mourinho.
      The Everton boss has admitted football has moved on since Jose taught him the ways at Chelsea.
      Toffees gaffer Lampard played for Mourinho between 2004 and 2007, as well as the 2013-14 season.
      Speaking to Mike Calvin’s BT Sport podcast, Lamps revealed: “People ask me who were the managers that inspired you?
      “And as much as Jose Mourinho did, and I’ll always answer that, it was 20 years ago, nearly.
      “So for me to talk about an effect Jose Mourinho had on me 20 years ago is not necessarily relative to what’s now.
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      “I can learn as much as I can, and this is no disrespect, I’ll always say Jose because he changed my career.
      “But I could learn as much by listening to a podcast of a manager working in Division One now as I can from some of that from 20 years ago.” More

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      Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois slams Ballon d’Or chiefs after best keeper award win as Iker Casillas slates decision

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      REAL Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois has taken a dig at the Ballon d’Or organisers after being voted last season’s finest shot-stopper but missing out on a place on the best player podium.The 30-year-old was awarded the Yashin Trophy for his feats between the sticks but only ended up in seventh place for the main prize which went to his teammate Karim Benzema.
      Courtois won the Yashin Trophy at the awards ceremony on Monday nightCredit: Getty
      Casillas feels Courtois should have been in the top three for the Ballon d’OrCredit: AFP
      Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas criticised his omission from the top three in a Twitter rant after Monday night’s ceremony, describing him as the “world’s best keeper”.
      He added: “What I’m not happy about is that he was not included in the final podium for the Ballon d’Or.
      “I still don’t understand what those who choose this award base themselves on.”
      Courtois then went a step further in an interview after the Paris ceremony by describing the Yashin Trophy as “invented” and insisting he believed it was “impossible” a keeper would ever win the coveted prize again.
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      The ex-Chelsea goalie posted a photo of him with the trophy on Instagram alongside Benzema and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and wrote: “Very honoured to win this.
      “I would like to share this moment with all of you and to thank you for your unconditional support and love.”
      But in a post-ceremony TV interview, the Belgian international was asked about the chances of a keeper winning the Ballon d’Or again.
      To which he replied: “The truth is that I think it’s impossible. Karim deserved what happened today and we all agree about that.
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      “But after a season in which I was the goalkeeper and you win the league and your team wins the Champions League final thanks to your saves and you only end up seventh is significant.
      “At the end of the day the votes don’t go the goalkeepers’ way which is something you can understand.
      “I think there was no defender in the top ten.”
      Courtois, who controversially claimed he didn’t get “enough respect” in England after being voted man of the match in the Champions League final, went on to say: “At least they’ve invented this trophy for the best goalkeeper because every year a goalkeeper is more important in his team.
      “You have to make the saves and stay like a book behind the goal-line. Let’s hope that one day we’ll do it and we’ll continue to fight for it.”
      Courtois’ stunning Israeli model girlfriend Mishel Gerzig, who attended the awards ceremony with her partner, was also quick to congratulate him.
      She posted a photo of him accepting the Yashin Trophy and wrote in an Instagram message alongside it: “Can’t have enough words to tell how proud I am of you. You deserve it my life. Congratulations.”
      The pretty blonde finished her message with a heart emoticon.
      The only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d’Or is Lev Yashin – who the Yashin Trophy is named after – but he claimed the honour way back in 1963.
      The legendary shot-stopper played for Dynamo Moscow from 1950 to 1970, as well as internationally for the Soviet Union.
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      Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer came the closest to repeating Yashin’s feat in 2014 when he finished in third position.
      The Yashin Trophy was established in 2019 when it was won by Liverpool’s Allison Becker. More

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      Ballon d’Or 2022 LIVE REACTION: Karim Benzema WINS award as Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne make up top three

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      KARIM BENZEMA has won the 2022 Ballon d’Or award, with Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne making up the top three.The Frenchman has played second fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career, but an astounding year as Real Madrid’s main striker has seen him rocket to the one of the best players in the world.
      Barcelona youngster Gavi won the Kopa Trophy with club teammate Robert Lewandowski picking up the Gerd Muller Trophy.
      Thibaut Courtois was named as the winner of the Yashin Trophy, with Manchester City the Club of the Year before Benzema won the big award of the night.

      Start time: 7.30pm BST
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      Gavi wins Kopa Trophy as Bellingham doesn’t make top three
      Robert Lewandowski wins Gerd Muller Trophy
      Thibaut Courtois wins Yashin Trophy
      Man City win Club of the Year
      Karim Benzema wins Ballon d’Or award, with Sadio Mane in second place and Kevin De Bruyne third.

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      Follow all the results with our live blog below…
      Mane award one to savour
      Sadio Mane built a hospital in his hometown, as the lack of facilities there led to his father’s death.
      He donated £250,000 to a secondary school and gave the best performing students laptops worth in the region of £400 each.
      Apparently he gives each and every family in his village €70 a month and provides them with a 4G internet connection and built a post-office there.
      This award is in its very essence, the good human being award.
      Well done Sadio, you restore faith in humanity for us all.
      Credit: Reuters
      City the best in town
      Man City were awarded the ‘Club of the Year’ accolade this evening.
      Pep Guardiola’s side romped home to Premier League success and got to the Champions League semi-final stage.
      With Liverpool and Real Madrid in the chasing pack, Pep will be wanting to make sure this a season where they show why they are a team to be feared by all.
      Credit: AFP
      The grip has been released
      Often maligned as a ‘two-horse race’ over the last 10 years or so, both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated this trophy.
      With the exception of a token Luka Modric win, you have to go back to 2007 for when Messi and Ronaldo didn’t win it.
      That year Kaka picked up the trophy.
      Purist fans of the beautiful game will see this as a more open trophy for anyone to win going forward.
      Credit: AFP
      The stats don’t lie
      Karim Benzema had a world-class season last year, but it was not just goals and assists and that made him such a special player to Madrid.
      The ability to link-up play, motivate his team mates and fight right up until that final whistle for the win was what made him so integral to the success that Real Madrid enjoyed.
      He scored 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.
      Credit: Reuters
      Spain romps home at awards
      La Liga took home best young player, best goalkeeper, best striker and best player at the ceremony this evening.
      It was a clean sweep of epic proportions.
      With Barcelona and Real Madrid sharing the awards, having two winners each.
      Credit: @ESPNFC
      2022 Ballon d’Or final four:

      Karim Benzema
      Kevin De Bruyne
      Sadio Mane
      Robert Lewandowski

      Benzema achieves lifelong dream
      One of the most popular winners of the Ballon d’Or as cheers of ‘Karim, Karim’ can be heard from the crowd.
      The player went on to speak about how it was a dream of his to be footballer and he kept trying and training to make this moment possible today.
      Benzema went on to say despite the Ballon d’Or being an individual prize for him it is also a collective one.
      Credit: AFP
      2022 Ballon d’Or winner: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
      2022 Ballon d’Or
      We are edging closer to the pinnacle of the evening.
      The winner will soon be announced as we have now made it down to our final four players.
      Trophy fresh from Esteban Ocon’s car.
      Credit: AFP
      FIFA Club of the Year: Man City

      Man City
      Liverpool
      Real Madrid

      Now we have the ‘club of the year’ award
      2022 Yashin award
      Nobody could deny Thibaut Courtois the trophy this season after his exploits in Real Madrid’s run to Champions League glory.
      Chelsea and Liverpool can both attest to the abilities of the keeper.
      He kept the game in the final at 0-0, making save after save, before Vinicius Junior scored the winner.
      Seen on the red carpet with his girlfriend Mishel Gerzig.
      Credit: Getty
      Yashin award winner 2022: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
      Number 5
      Mohamed Salah
      Credit: Getty
      Number 6
      Kylian Mbappe
      Credit: Getty
      Number 7
      Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
      Credit: AP
      Some more final 10 placings:
      Gerd Muller award
      The newly renamed trophy is given to the best striker.
      This is the second time in two years that Lewandowski wins it.
      After his 57-goal season for Bayern Munich last season, there could not be a more worthy winner.
      He also broke Gerd Muller’s record in the Bundesliga with 41 goals.
      Gerd Muller award: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
      Lightening does strike twice
      Alexia Putellas made it back-to-back Ballon d’Or trophies this evening.

      Shunned by the cancel culture
      Robert Lewandowski arriving with his wife Anna Lewandowski.
      The Polish forward made a tongue in cheek comment earlier in the week when asked who he thought would win this year’s award.
      “The Ballon d’Or is likely to be won by Benzema… if they don’t cancel it.”
      Credit: AFP
      Cat who got the Karim
      Jordan Ozuna arriving on the red carpet this evening.
      The girlfriend of Karim Benzema, she will be hoping they have something extra to take home with them this evening.
      Credit: EPA
      Women’s 2022 Ballon d’Or winner: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
      Arrival of the trophy
      One of the weirdest things of the evening had to be Esteban Ocon driving the trophy 200 yards in a Formula One car, wheel-spinning all the way.
      Went through four tyres and a tank of fuel for the journey.
      That’s FIFA for you, from the sublime to the bizarre.
      Credit: AFP
      Socrates award 2022
      This is a new award this year and is a humanitarian award for those who look improve the world around us with their fame and wealth.
      Sadio Mane is well-known to finance schools, hospitals and water treatment works in his home country of Senegal.
      A worthy winner of the award, doing all he can to give back to the Senegalese people.
      Credit: EPA
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