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      in Soccer

      Chelsea 2-0 Lille LIVE RESULT: Havertz and Pulisic net for Blues but Ziyech injured – Champions League reaction

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      CHELSEA have won the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash with Lille.Kai Havertz headed the Blues in front unmarked after just eight minutes before Christian Pulisic scored a second after a brilliant run from N’Golo Kante.
      But Thomas Tuchel’s men have suffered a blow with Hakim Ziyech being forced off injured, leaving a doubt for the Carabao Cup final.
      There are no away goals in this season’s Champions League after the rule was scrapped.
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      That’s all from the Bridge
      It’s advantage Chelsea in the Champions League Round of 16 after the holders got the better of Lille on Tuesday night.
      The Londoners made it three wins from three for English sides in the knockout stage so far, and attention will now turn to Manchester United tomorrow as they visit Atletico Madrid.
      Meanwhile, these two sides will meet again for the second leg at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in three weeks time, but before then the Blues have the small matter of the League Cup final to negotiate.
      Join us on Sunday to see whether Thomas Tuchel’s team can get their hands on even more silverware as they face Liverpool.
      Goodnight.
      Boss Tuchel regrets Kovacic injury
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel faces an anxious wait on Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech to see if they are available for Sunday’s League Cup final.
      The two Chelsea players were both substituted in the second half after picking up knocks, but Tuchel has revealed that he wishes he had replaced the Croatian at half-time when an issue first became apparent.
      Instead, Kovacic was given the opportunity to run the complaint off, only to pull up minutes after the restart.
      However, Tuchel believes there is plenty of time between now and the final for his players to recover, and for other key tactical decisions to be made.
      I should have substituted [Mateo Kovacic] at half-time so we could have saved one more change. I did not speak to the doctor yet about Hakim [Ziyech], I hope it is not too much. It is the story of the season, we only make substitutions because of injuries. Today is Tuesday, there are a lot of days to recover until Sunday.”
      Kai makes role his own
      Kai Havertz will surely lead the line for Chelsea in Sunday’s League Cup final against Liverpool.
      In for Romelu Lukaku tonight after the Belgian’s seven-touch nightmare at Crystal Palace, the German was a menace from the off.
      Havertz opened the scoring with just eight minutes on the clock, registered four attempts at goal, and touched the ball on 46 occasions.

      Ed a safe pair of hands
      With Edouard Mendy back between the sticks, Chelsea have tonight become the first English team in the history of either the European Cup or Champions League to win five consecutive home matches without conceding a goal.
      The Senegalese international has kept as astonishing 14 clean sheets in his 18 Champions League appearances.
      And to think there were some wondering if he’d reclaim his place on returning from the African Cup of Nations.
      Credit: @OptaJoe Twitter
      Match stats from Stamford Bridge
      Chelsea scored with half of their shots on target as they fought their way to a first leg lead in their Last 16 Champions League tie with Lille.

      Full time – Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      A professional performance, a routine win, and Chelsea will take a two-goal lead to Lille in three weeks time.
      Goals in either half from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic have the European champions with one foot in the quarter-finals, and it’s now on to the League Cup final on Sunday.
      The only downside to tonight’s performance were the injuries suffered by Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech with both players now in a race against time to be fit for the weekend’s Wembley encounter with Liverpool.

      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      90+5. Just as the home fans relax in the knowledge of a job well done, Mendy presents them with one final moment of panic.
      The Chelsea goalkeeper completely slices at a free-kick out by the corner flag, and almost – almost – presents Yilmaz with an open goal.
      Thankfully for Mendy and most inside Stamford Bridge, the striker fails to control and the opportunity passes. Phew.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      90+4. The short answer is no.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      90. The fourth official puts up the board to signal five minutes of stoppage time.
      Is there a twist in this contest yet?
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      88. Chelsea are heading for an important first leg lead.
      Tonight’s performance may not have been as impressive or spectacular as Manchester City’s in Lisbon, or Liverpool’s in Milan, but it is the kind of professional display that ended with the Blues becoming European champions last year.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille – Ben Arfa yellow card
      86. The second corner is somewhat less successful.
      Ben Arfa is slow to react as the attack breaks down, and then finds himself well off the pace as he chases back after Werner.
      In the end, all there is to do is bring down the German, and the subsequent caution is an inevitability.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      85. Away goals may not count in this competition anymore, but Lille are pushing to find one in the final few minutes.
      Les Dogues win a corner on the right that ends up falling nicely for Ben Arfa to strike. The substitute’s volley cannons off a Chelsea defender and goes behind.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille – Loftus-Cheek yellow card
      83. The first yellow card of the night is shown to Chelsea substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
      The midfielder was late to react as he dived in on Bamba, catching the Little midfielder on the instep.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille – Lille substitutions
      81. Another two changes, but they include an interesting introduction.
      Jonathan David and Renato Sanches make way with Edon Zhegrova and former Newcastle ace Hatem Ben Arfa on in their place.
      Ben Arfa, now 34-years-old, was recently picked up on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Bordeaux.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille – Chelsea substitutions
      80. A double substitution by Thomas Tuchel brings Timo Werner and Malang Sarr into the game.
      Off for a breather go Christian Pulisic and Marcos Alonso.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille – Lille substitution
      78. Lille make a change that sees Swedish defender Gabriel Gudmundsson on in place of Tiago Djalo.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      77. Havertz is good to continue but he may not get much longer with the Chelsea bench preparing a double change.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      76. A firm but fair challenge from Botman puts Havertz knee-first into the electronic advertising hoardings. Ouch!
      Another injury is definitely not what’s needed at this stage.

      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      74. Buoyed by his goal, Pulisic tracks all the way back to his own touchline to block Sanches’ path to goal.
      The home crowd appreciate what they see, and chants of “USA! USA!” go up from the Shed End.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      72. The Blues have slipped into a 3-5-2 formation since Saul’s introduction.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      71. Christian Pulisic’s goal was the sixth goal scored in the Champions League knockout stages by an American.
      The Chelsea man is responsible for three of those six, but who got the others? Answers on a postcard…
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      68. Chelsea fans are now suggesting that Thomas Tuchel should utilise more of his bench with five substitutions at his disposal tonight, and the League Cup final on the horizon.
      But a two-goal lead can quickly be halved, and with 90 minutes in France still to face, this quarter of the game could yet prove crucial.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille – Lille substitution
      65. The Ligue 1 side respond to that second Chelsea goal by making their first change.
      Thirty-six-year-old striker Burak Yilmaz is on up front, replacing midfielder Amadou Onana.
      Chelsea 2-0 Lille
      62. Breathing space for the Blues!
      It’s a beautifully worked goal involving two beautiful players in Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante.
      The Brazilian helps to break up a move deep in the Chelsea half, and picks out the French midfielder with a crisp pass.
      It’s then over to Kante to do what he does so well. Accelerating away from Xeka, he drives forward over the halfway line and towards the Lille box.
      Backing off and backing off, the visiting defenders finally make a move towards Kante, who chooses that precise moment to slip a pass through for Chrisian Pulisic to slide home.

      Goal! Pulisic makes it two!
      Chelsea double their lead at the Bridge!
      Christian Pulisic has his fourth of the season!
      Load more entries… More

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      Atletico Madrid vs Man Utd: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time, team news for Champions League last 16 first leg

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      MANCHESTER UNITED return to Champions League action as they visit Spain to take on Atletico Madrid.The Red Devils have won their last two league games on the spin with the latest being a 4-2 triumph in the rain at Elland Road.
      Super sub Anthony Elanga sealed the deal for Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday
      Luis Suarez’ last goal against Manchester United came in a 2014 3-0 win for Liverpool
      However, tougher opposition lies ahead when they come up against Diego Simeone’s red and white wall on Wednesday night.
      Madrid will be going into this fixture off the back of an emphatic win themselves beating Osasuna 3-0 away from home.
      But the reigning La Liga champions are having a poor season by their standards – trailing league leaders and bitter rivals Real Madrid by 15 points.
      The Red Devils’ preparations for this match were disrupted, however, by tensions in Ukraine.
      United scrambled to find another airline to take them to Madrid, rather than use their official partners – Russian carrier Aeroflot.
      What time does Atletico Madrid vs Man Utd kick off?

      Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United takes place on Wednesday, February 23.
      The match is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm UK time – 9pm local time.
      It is happening at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Spain.
      This is the first time the clubs have met since the UEFA European Cup Winners Cup tie in 1991 which Atletico Madrid won on aggregate (4-1).

      What TV channel is Atletico Madrid vs Man Utd on and can I live stream it?

      Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United will be live on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 2 HD.
      The coverage commences at 7pm UK time or 8pm local time – one hour before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to the BT Sport website or app.

      Team news
      Thomas Lemar is a doubt for Atletico Madrid after missing this weekend’s match against Osasuna due to a close contact with a positive Covid case.
      Antoine Griezmann returned to the bench for the first time since early January but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to play.
      Matheus Cunha and Daniel Wass are both out with knee injuries.
      Man Utd have very few injury issues. Nemanja Matic and Raphael Varane both returned to the bench for the win at Leeds, with Varane coming on in the second half.
      But Edinson Cavani remains out with a groin injury.
      Latest odds
      Atletico Madrid to win – 6/4
      Draw – 21/10
      Manchester United to win – 21/10
      *Odds courtesy of Betfair correct as of Monday, February 21
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      Watch Juventus star Adrien Rabiot somehow escape stonewall red card after studs up challenge on knee against Villarreal

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      ADRIEN RABIOT somehow escaped a stonewall red card after his studs up challenge on the knee of Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze. The Juventus midfielder went crashing into Chukwueze with his studs showing, not even looking at the ball.
      Adrien Rabiot somehow escaped a stonewall red card after his studs up challenge
      Adrien Rabiot is a very, very lucky man!He’s somehow only shown a yellow card for this challenge on Samuel Chukwueze 😳😬The Villarreal players weren’t happy about it at all…#UCL pic.twitter.com/XlQLgoGdVo— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 22, 2022

      Rabiot received only a yellow card, despite the dangerously high boot.
      And fans were equally confused as VAR failed to follow up and reverse the decision to a sending off.
      One simply tweeted: “VAR?”
      One added: “That’s woeful officiating.”
      Another posted: “How does VAR miss this?”
      Another added: “Surely one of the main reasons for VAR is to capture and punish things like this?”

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      Ex-Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic’s fastest ever Champions League debut goal was not enough to earn Juventus a first-leg win at Villarreal.
      The Serb, 22, diverted a right-footed effort beyond Geronimo Rulli 32 seconds into the last 16 tie – beating Andreas Moller’s 1995 record for Borussia Dortmund, also against Juve, by six seconds.
      But former QPR midfielder Dani Parejo levelled with 24 minutes to go to seal a well-earned draw for Villarreal.
      Villarreal reacted well to the early set back in their first Champions League knockout game for 13 years.
      Giovani Lo Celso, on loan from Tottenham, saw a sitter ping off the post before ex-Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma’s clever effort nearly wrong-footed Wojciech Szczesny in the Juve goal.
      And they were rewarded 21 minutes into the second-half when Etienne Capoue dinked a peach over the defence for Parejo to sweep home with his left.
      Dani Parejo celebrates Villarreal’s levellerCredit: Reuters More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea 2 Lille 0: Havertz and Pulisic put Blues in control of Champions League tie after Lukaku axe

      by

      KAI HAVERTZ did in five what Romelu Lukaku could not do in seven.And the German is not even a striker.
      Kai Havertz got Chelsea off to the perfect start with his early headerCredit: Getty
      Christian Pulisic celebrates his second-half goal at Stamford BridgeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Havertz scored the goal which put Chelsea in command of a tricky Champions League clash with his fifth touch of the ball.
      A stark contrast to Lukaku’s dismal failure last weekend at Crystal Palace when he connected with the ball just seven times in 90 minutes.
      He was relegated even further to a mere spectator as he sat and watched from the bench as Havertz produced an energetic performance as a so-called ‘false nine’ and continued his scoring run.
      He followed on from netting the goal which crowned Chelsea as Club World Cup winners with a header on eight minutes against the stubborn French champions.
      Whilst it did not trigger the goal-rush boss Thomas Tuchel hoped for, it was enough of a platform for Christian Pulisic to build a decent first leg lead with the second in the 63rd minute.
      And it means they go to France for the second leg next month as firm favourites to reach the last eight in their defence of their European title.
      Whilst it was not a vintage display and Tuchel’s team were at times the architects of their own nervy moments, they held on and with a clean sheet as an added bonus should proceed to the quarter-finals.
      Before kick-off the Blues took a moment to parade the newly-acquired trophy, yet another bauble to add to the collection, but nowhere near as high on the list of objectives as retaining the Champions League.
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      It was at this point last year that Tuchel came in at Chelsea. His first European game as manager was a 1-0 away win at Atletico Madrid 364 days prior to last night’s fixture.
      He has stamped his mark on the club in many ways since then but the search for a striker of consistent quality is one area still causing problems.
      Hence the decision to drop Lukaku to the bench as his £97million striker and English football struggle to find common ground.
      There were calls in the House of Commons yesterday to sanction Chelsea’s billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich over his country’s incursion into Ukraine.
      Red Rom is sweating on his London investments, while Blue Rom is having his assets squeezed by Tuchel.
      Just 24 hours before kick off, there was a vow to ‘protect our player’ in a meaningful address by the boss as he claimed to be on Lukaku’s side during a dip in form.
      Kai Havertz headed Chelsea into the lead inside eight minutesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Christian Pulisic added a second on the counter-attack after half-timeCredit: Rex
      Romelu Lukaku was dropped to the bench after his horror show against Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters
      If axing your record signing is protection then Tuchel is playing mind games with the man who has cost Abramovich £9.7m a goal this season.
      He happily resisted the temptation to bring Lukaku off the bench to press home the advantage with Chelsea two-up. Instead Timo Werner, another forward failing to find form in front of goal, got a run out at the end of the night.
      There will still be questions from the boss regarding the way his team failed to finish off a team sitting 11th in the French League and a pale shadow of that which swept to their title last season.
      And as controlling as Chelsea were, Lille at times probed and prodded and were it not for a sterling display from the ageless Thiago Silva at the back, it could have been a much more uncomfortable night for them.
      After such a blistering start with the early goal from Havertz and an opening salvo of energetic football and gusto, Chelsea fizzled out and half-time arrived as a relief and a chance to regroup.
      The anticipated blitz on the Lille goal at the start of the second half barely flickered and the hosts were dealt another blow to their confidence and their shape when key men Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech were forced off with injuries within a seven-minute spell.
      It is a worry for the Blues with the League Cup final against Liverpool on Sunday.
      Havertz was ploughing on up front and did go close with a shot on the run in the 58th-minute, just as Ziyech was being carted off, but it looked like being a frustrating night for the European champions.
      That was until N’Golo Kante suddenly exploded forwards through the middle of the pitch as fast as his little legs could carry him.
      From centre circle to the edge of the Lille area, the crowd behind the goal in the Matthew Harding stand were sucking him towards the net, but the composed Frenchman resisted the urge to shoot with a clever lay off to the left.
      And from there American striker Pulisic arrived to plant a shot in the back of the net after which Stamford Bridge celebrated with an equal mix of celebration and relief. More

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      in Boxing

      Oleksandr Usyk back in London ahead of Anthony Joshua rematch to watch Chelsea in Champions League against Lille

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      OLEKSANDR USYK is back in London – but not to face Anthony Joshua just yet.The Ukrainian boxer, 35, enjoyed the posh seats at Stamford Bridge, watching Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Lille.
      Oleksandr Usyk in the stands at Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea vs LilleCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      Usyk posted a photo of his matchday ticket on his Instagram storyCredit: Instagram @usykaa
      He took to social media to share a picture of his matchday ticket for the Blues’ last-16 tie in West London.
      And a video showed the heavyweight world champ taking in the action from a box high in the West Stand.
      He would have been cheering along with the 41,000 at the home of the world champions as goals from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic ensured Chelsea put one foot in the quarter-finals.
      But after Usyk turned out for Ukrainian pro football side FC Polissya against mid-table Prem side NK Veres Rivne earlier this month, he won’t be getting any chances to play on the pitch for Chelsea anytime soon.
      The 35-year-old came off the bench but fluffed his lines with a staggering miss just ten seconds later as he failed to deliver the knockout blow.
      However, he may well be featuring across town at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium later this season.
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      That was where he beat Joshua back in September to wrestle the WBA, WBO and IBF titles from the Watford hero.
      And as negotiations continue over their rematch, Spurs are said to ‘really want’ to host the second fight which could take place in May or June.
      Talks over a unification showdown with Tyson Fury failed and now the former cruiserweight king is back in the UK to sit down for talks and find somewhere for Usyk vs Joshua II.
      The USA and the Middle East have both been suggested.
      However, a fight in the UK looks the most likely option as things stand.
      Christian Pulisic celebrates his side’s second goal of the nightCredit: Getty
      Usyk beat Anthony Joshua at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in SeptemberCredit: AP More

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      in Soccer

      Romelu Lukaku DROPPED for Chelsea’s massive Champions League clash with Lille after Crystal Palace horror show

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      ROMELU LUKAKU was sensationally AXED by Chelsea for their clash against Lille.The Blues striker was dropped to the bench for the Champions League game against the French side at Stamford Bridge.
      Romelu Lukaku was benched by Thomas Tuchel for Chelsea’s win over LilleCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Lukaku paid the price for a shocker at Crystal Palace at the weekendCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      It came days after he had just SEVEN touches during the whole match at Crystal Palace over the weekend.
      The former Manchester United star also had a fall out with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel over Christmas.
      He was axed following an explosive interview in Italy where he said he wanted to play for Inter Milan again.
      Tuchel said: “I felt him a little bit tired. He looked a little exhausted and you have to consider that he’s played a lot.
      “We’ve had extra time [in the Club World Cup final], a lot of travelling recently and it wasn’t easy for him against Palace.”
      Chelsea fans reacted with shock at the news, but were not surprised after his performance at Palace.
      Kai Havertz showed Lukaku up with his performance vs Lille
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      One said: “This is sad, but not a shock. He was really poor at the weekend and has been recently.”
      Another backed him and added: “Lukaku has been better than Ronaldo this season.”
      Chelsea decided to go for Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz up front to face Lille.
      And Tuchel would have been delighted with his selection as Havertz and Pulisic netted in a 2-0 victory to take a big step towards the quarter finals.
      Havertz in particular shone as he stood in for Lukaku up top, with his 46 touches on the night emphasising the difference he made to Chelsea’s attacking threat.
      Lukaku now faces taking his spot on the bench again for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.
      Lukaku touched the ball just seven times against Crystal Palace
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      Man Utd scramble to find last-minute jet for Atletico clash after Aeroflot flight CANCELLED amid Russia-Ukraine tension

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S flight to Madrid for their Champions League clash with Atletico was cancelled at the last minute.The Red Devils usually fly with Russian airline Aeroflot to their European games under a commercial agreement.
      Manchester United’s flight to Madrid with Aeroflot was cancelledCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Cristiano Ronaldo arrives at the airport for the trip to MadridCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      But Tuesday’s flight set to take off at 4pm was cancelled amid growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
      Ralf Rangnick’s men instead travelled with UK-based charter airline Titan Airways and are due to land in Madrid on Tuesday night.
      The Athletic report that the decision to cancel the flight was mutual between Manchester United and Aeroflot.
      The Russian airline describe themselves as ‘the official carrier of Manchester United’ and have been a long-time sponsor.
      Russia last night sent troops into two rebel-held areas of Ukraine in a ‘peacekeeping mission’.
      The actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin have been condemned by the likes of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden.
      Johnson also said it was ‘inconceivable’ that Russia could still host this season’s Champions League final.
      The showpiece is scheduled to take place at the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg on May 28 – but has been thrown into doubt by Moscow’s rampant aggression.
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      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      As Putin’s tanks rolled into Ukraine ahead of a “full scale invasion”, the PM warned Russia would become an international outcast.
      Johnson told MPs this lunchtime the Kremlin strongman would bring about “a Russia that is more isolated, a Russia that has pariah status.
      “No chance of holding a football tournament in a Russia that invades sovereign countries.”
      Victor Lindelof and Anthony Elanga board the flight to the Spanish capitalCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
      Man Utd defender Harry Maguire was also part of the travelling squadCredit: Getty
      Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries vowed to hold urgent talks with Uefa to discuss the ramifications of the crisis on the the cup clash.
      She tweeted: “I have serious concerns about the sporting events due to be held in Russia, such as the Champions League final, and will discuss with the relevant governing bodies.”
      The chances of Wembley getting the nod, believed to be worth around £60m, would be heightened should two English teams reach the final. More

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      Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick warns Cristiano Ronaldo he faces hostile reception on return to Spain for Atletico Madrid tie

      by

      RALF RANGNICK has warned Cristiano Ronaldo he faces a rough reception and a bruising encounter on his return to Madrid.The Manchester United star enjoyed the best days of his career at Real Madrid, where he won four Champions Leagues, three Club World Cups and two La Liga titles between 2009-2018.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been in regular match-winning form for Manchester United this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Portugal star won the Champions League with Real Madrid four timesCredit: AP
      So he will be public enemy No 1 at cross-town rivals Atletico when they host United in tomorrow’s first leg, last-16 Champions League clash.
      Red Devils boss Rangnick said: “Mentally, we need to be prepared for an emotional and hostile atmosphere in the stadium.
      “And we know that some of our players will not be received with the red carpet.”
      Atleti gaffer Diego Simeone has turned them into LaLiga champions with a robust and physical style of play.
      Rangnick said: “I’ve always admired what he’s done at Atletico and I’m looking forward to these two games.
      “We need to match the emotions and energy in both games and I will try to prepare our team for that challenge.”
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      Consecutive Prem wins over Brighton and Leeds have boosted fourth-placed United’s Champions League qualification hopes for next season.
      And Rangnick denies any suggestion their current European run has the potential to derail their push in England’s top flight.
      He said: “The Champions League can never be a distraction, it’s why the teams are desperate to qualify for it! How can it be a distraction?
      Ronaldo has a brilliant record in matches against Atletico Madrid
      “This is why we’re working for this club, we want to play in the Champions League and are up against one of the best teams in Europe.”
      On uncertainty over plans to host the Champions League final in Saint Petersburg due to military tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Rangnick added: “What happens is for Uefa and some politicians to decide.
      “We all hope things deescalate, nobody could be interested in war in Europe. This is more important than the Champions League.” More