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      Millie Bright relishes Real Madrid battle and backs calls for more away ends in the Women’s Super League

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      MILLIE BRIGHT hopes to see more away ends in the women’s top tier following the intense atmosphere at Chelsea’s last game in Europe.And the Blues vice-captain, 29, is relishing taking on Caroline Weir for the first time since the Scotland star’s July move to Real Madrid.
      Millie Bright says away sections in women’s football are important for momentum in the gameCredit: Getty
      The fans of Albanian side Vllaznia created a raucous atmosphere when their team took on Chelsea at Kingsmeadow in OctoberCredit: Getty
      Tonight Chelsea will play their first Group A game against Real Madrid whose squad includes Caroline WeirCredit: Alamy
      Bright was speaking ahead of Chelsea’s first-ever Women’s Champions League group stage clash with Madrid this evening.
      The Group A game at Kingsmeadow comes four weeks after the Blues trounced Albania side Vllaznia 8-0 at the ground.
      Despite the score their opponents’ enthusiastic away fans provided raucous support throughout the encounter.
      The Albanian club’s fans had been allocated a section behind a goal at the Blues’ fortress which their supporters had pretty much filled.
      Bright said: “I think every player will agree that we want that in the women’s game.
      “It’s intense, but that’s what you want games to be like.
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      “It can change the game and can sway momentum for or against.
      “The fans enjoy it, and it shows what football in Europe is all about and we want to bring that to the WSL as well.”
      Uefa’s Women’s Champions League regulations stipulate that clubs competing in the competition should ‘make at least five per cent of the total capacity of their stadium available exclusively to visiting supporters in a segregated, safe area’.
      However, in the women’s domestic game in England, separate sections for away fans are not offered by all clubs.
      Some away visitors have had to set up accounts on the websites of the home teams their clubs are playing in order to buy tickets.
      And some visiting supporters have found themselves sitting with home fans rather than having the option of a designated section.
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      It is an issue that a number of supporters groups, including Manchester United Women’s Supporters Club, hope to see addressed with the introduction of away ends.
      On Saturday more than 1,000 Red Devils supporters were clustered in a section of the Emirates cheering their team’s 3-2 defeat of Arsenal in the league.
      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes and Ian Wright are among the leading figures in the sport who back the idea of away sections at WSL games.
      Hayes, 46, said: “It’s probably the thing I’ve screamed for the most, I’ve wanted the most.
      “I’ve always felt we have to separate into certain sections, it creates atmosphere. For fan safety, it has to be that.
      “Watching the Man Utd-vs-Arsenal game and seeing the Man Utd fans there in their numbers; this is what has to happen going forward.
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      “Everything that’s happening is a notch up from where the game has been.
      “I think that inevitably this time next year it won’t be a conversation we’re having because I imagine those things will be in place.”
      This evening will see Chelsea take on Real Madrid for the first time ever in the Champions League.
      The Liga F giants, currently third in Spain’s top tier, have lost just once in 12 games across all competitions this season when they fell to a 4-0 home defeat against Barcelona this month.
      Everybody knows Caroline’s technical ability and the magic that she can perform, but we’re just focusing on ourselves.Millie Bright on Caroline Weir
      Tonight’s game will see Weir, 27, in action against Chelsea for the first time since the Blues beat her former side Man City in the FA Cup final in May.
      Bright added: “She’s a wonderful player and she’s gone to a new level since she has been out there
      “Everybody knows her technical ability and the magic that she can perform, but equally, we’re just focusing on ourselves.
      “We know Real Madrid’s threats but equally, we know us and we’re just ready for the game.
      Weir has notched up four goals and three assists in seven games for Real Madrid in Spain’s top divisionCredit: Alamy
      “We’re expecting them to be aggressive with great energy and an attacking presence.
      “We’ve got to be switched on defensively. It’s going to be an interesting game.
      “I think it’s going to be a feisty (game) and certainly one that we’re ready for.”
      Chelsea vs Real Madrid can be watched live from 8:00 pm tonight on DAZN’s YouTube channel More

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      What is a semi-automatic offside and will it be used in the World Cup 2022?

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      OFFSIDE calls has been one of the major talking points at the winter World Cup in Qatar – but it’s not all down to the referees.FIFA have reportedly spent the last three years testing its semi-automatic offside tool.
      Referees can now get assistance from the semi-automatic VAR tool
      And it has now been in use at the 2022 World Cup on multiple occassions.
      But what is the semi-automatic offside tool?
      What is a semi-automatic offside?
      The semi-automatic offside tool is a piece of technology being introduced to make VAR decisions quicker and more accurate.
      It will be done by a system using computer tracker of 29 body parts of each player, combined with a microchip inside the ball.
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      This is expected to determine the positions of the players at the exact moment the ball has been played.
      So in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatic selected point and an instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.
      Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.
      Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in a average of 25 seconds.
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      And that illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium and for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.
      Has it been used in the World Cup?
      The 3D animation was deployed in the first match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador.
      Enner Valencia’s opening strike was ruled out for offside within the first three minutes of the match.
      Argentina also saw THREE goals disallowed in their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia courtesy of the semi-automatic VAR.
      Where else has it been used?
      The semi-automatic offside technology was initially meant to be rolled out for the opening fixture of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
      However, UEFA have stolen a march on FIFA as it was deployed in the Super Cup fixture between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt.
      Karim Benzema’s goal was ruled out due to the semi-automatic VAR systemCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And now, it has been revealed that they will use the new tool in this season’s Champions League.
      What has been said?
      FIFA’S head of refereeing mentioned that: “There is a talk of robot referees, it looks good but it’s not true. On-field referees will continue to be decisive.
      “Semi-automatic offside will only be used when a player who is offside touches the ball. If there is interreference in play, it will be the referee’s decision.”
      UEFA’S refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti also had a say and he believes that the semi-automatic offside technology will be beneficial to the match officials, players and fans.
      Rosetti said: “We are constantly looking for new technological solutions to improve the game and support the work of the referees. 
      “This innovative system will allow VAR teams to determine offside situations quickly and more accurately, enhancing the flow of the game and the consistency of the decisions. More

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      Pep Guardiola agrees new two-year deal with Man City that will keep him at the club until 2025

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      PEP GUARDIOLA has agreed to a new two-year deal at Manchester City that will keep him at the Etihad until 2025, according to reports.The Spaniard joined City in 2016 and in six years has won nine major trophies, including four Premier League titles.
      Guardiola has agreed a new two-year deal with CityCredit: AP
      City have also made a Champions League final under Guardiola, but they lost the 2021 all-English affair 1-0 to Chelsea.
      And they’ll have until 2025 to win their first European crown under the iconic manager, as, according to The Athletic, City have reached an agreement with Guardiola to extend his stay for another two years.
      The deal will be structured as an initial one-year deal, with both the club and manager holding an option for a further season. 
      That means either side can choose to part sooner if they wanted.
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      The structure is the same as the contract he signed in November 2020.
      His existing contract at the Etihad was set to expire at the end of this season.
      Guardiola is making back-to-back visits to Abu Dhabi, where owner Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak are based.
      He was in the Middle East over the weekend for the Grand Prix and will return again for a warm weather training camp with some of his squad early next month.
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      Guardiola, 51, said earlier this month that he considered it unlikely he will find a better club to manage than Manchester City.
      He said: “(Would I) stay in another place for seven years? No, I don’t think so. It is difficult to find what I have here as a manager.
      “To be a manager for a long time you need to be so supported. The results help a lot, that is undeniable. In this world they sack you, they fire you, we know that.
      “But, at big clubs, part of the success of the manager is the chairman, the sporting director especially, the CEOs and all the people here.
      “It goes to the media, fans and players. There is stability. This is why I think only in few clubs this can happen.”
      City are currently trailing Arsenal by five points in the Prem after 14 games played.
      Arsenal have lost just one game this season with the defeat coming against Manchester United. More

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      Mauricio Pochettino sensationally hints at taking Man Utd job from Erik ten Hag and reveals why summer move failed

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has hinted he could still become Manchester United manager.The Argentine, 50, was heavily linked with the job earlier this year, even before being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain.
      Pochettino missed out on the Man Utd job in the summerCredit: The Mega Agency
      Ten Hag has made a positive start to life at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      But the role ended up going to Dutchman Ten Hag following his impressive spell at Ajax, with United handing him a three-year deal.
      And he has made a decent start to life at Old Trafford, with Man Utd heading into the World Cup break in fifth place in the Premier League.
      Yet that has not stopped Pochettino from speculating about eventually taking over in the future, insisting he did not in the summer due to the timing of the vacancy.
      Speaking about the Man Utd job in an interview with Radio Marca, he said: “Football is timing.
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      “It’s the moments for it to coincide and for that marriage to happen.
      “Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing. I don’t believe that trains pass just once.”
      Pochettino first arrived in the Premier League with Southampton in January 2013.
      In his first full season at St Mary’s, he guided the south coast side to an eighth place finish.
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      And his impressive impact saw Tottenham come calling as they hired him to succeed Tim Sherwood.
      Thus began a superb five-year stint at Spurs in which Pochettino helped Tottenham to qualify for the Champions League every year from 2016 to 2019 – including a second place finish in the Premier League.
      He also led them to the Champions League final in 2019, before they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.
      Pochettino was then dismissed towards the end of 2019 after a run of poor results.
      After 14 months out of the game, Poch returned to football in January 2021, joining Paris Saint-Germain following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel.
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      He missed out on the Ligue 1 title at the end of his first campaign as Lille were crowned French champions.
      Poch did manage to win the league last season, but that could not save him from being dismissed as PSG’s Champions League last 16 exit to Real Madrid ultimately cost him his job. More

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      Mohamed Salah shares awkward hug with Sergio Ramos at awards bash 4 years after Champions League final injury

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      LIVERPOOL star Mohamed Salah was involved in an awkward exchange with old nemesis Sergio Ramos last night.The pair came face-to-face in Dubai at an awards ceremony.
      Mohamed Salah shared an awkward hug with Sergio Ramos at a Dubai awards bashCredit: Twitter @433
      That was four years after the Spaniard injured the Egyptian in the Champions League finalCredit: PA:Press Association
      Egyptian forward Salah was there to pick up a prize after being crowned as TikTok Fan’s Player of the Year.
      He beat the likes of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to the gong.
      However, he also had to interact with foe Ramos, who is now at Paris Saint-Germain, at the lavish bash.
      Salah was carried off back in the 2018 Champions League final following a cynical challenge from the then Real defender that left him with a dislocated shoulder early doors.

      The Reds crumbled without their talisman as a double from sub Gareth Bale and a Karim Benzema strike after a mistake from Liverpool keeper Loris Karius sealed a 3-1 win.
      The 30-year-old would later describe it as the “worst moment” of his career.
      But now a clip from the ceremony has been shared by Dubai Sports Council.
      And it seems that all has been forgiven as it showed Salah embracing Spaniard Ramos, with the duo also being joined by AC Milan’s legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
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      Salah had previously said: “I remember when I went off, it was the worst moment in my career.
      “It was the worst thing to happen for a player.
      “I knew the result from the hospital. We couldn’t lose that way.
      “I was really down at that time. We had a good season and came to the Champions League final and then I went off.” More

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      Brazilian ace Endrick, 16, learning English in huge transfer hint after Chelsea visit and reveals Champions League dream

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      WONDERKID Endrick has revealed he is learning English and dreams to play in the Champions League.The hotshot 16-year-old is one of the most-highly rated youngsters of the next generation, and is already being watched by Europe’s biggest clubs.
      Endrick is being tipped as the next big talent in footballCredit: Getty
      That includes the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, with Endrick making it clear he idolises one Red Devil in particular with a recent goal celebration.
      The fight for his signature will be one to watch as major club’s try and reel in the teenage talent.
      It is hoped the young Brazilian, who currently plays for Palmeiras, will follow in the footsteps of other Samba stars like Neymar and Vinicius Junior.
      Endrick revealed in an interview with Gazzetta that he was gearing up for a move to a Champions League club – and added he was learning English.
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      He said: “I’m not gonna answer about my future club.
      “Of course, I’d like to play Champions League in 2, 3 or 4 years.”
      “I’m open to all the clubs, waiting for the best proposal for me and my family.”
      Chelsea’s pursuit of the forward has received multiple boosts this week.
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      Thiago Silva, 38, reportedly gave Endrick and his family a tour of Chelsea’s training ground.
      PSG are also believed to have had two bids knocked back by Palmeiras for the star.
      Chelsea have also reportedly held several transfer meetings with Endrick as they look to steal a march on rivals. More

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      How Atletico Madrid could line up under Tuchel with Aubameyang and Mount and hijacking Chelsea’s Nkunku transfer

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is favourite to replace under pressure Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone and he could look to bring a number of Chelsea stars with him.Pressure is mounting on the Spaniards’ legendary long-term boss after the humiliating exit from European football.
      Tuchel is favourite to replace under pressure Atletico boss SimeoneCredit: Alamy
      Simeone is an Atletico legendCredit: Getty
      The 52-year-old, the world’s highest-paid manager, has been in charge at Atletico since 2011 and has won both LaLiga and the Europa League twice in taking Atletico out of the shadows of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
      But this season’s Champions League calamity, while also trailing league leaders Barcelona by 13 points, could see Atletico part ways with Simeone.
       Fichajes are claiming that Tuchel is the favourite to take over should Simeone leave and he could transform how the Spanish side look.
      A number of stars Tuchel managed at Chelsea could make the switch, as well as some transfer targets that were identified during his 20-month reign at Stamford Bridge.
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      One of those stars could be Mason Mount, who is at a contract renewal stalemate with Chelsea.
      Mount’s contract expires in 2024 and Chelsea would like to tie the academy product down to a new deal.
      The England international played some of his best football under the German.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined Chelsea in the summer and was excited to work under Tuchel, who managed him at Borussia Dortmund.
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      The pair could reunite for the third time at Atletico with Aubameyang leading the line.
      Joao Felix is also reportedly heading for the exit door, leaving a potential opening.
      Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is said to be considering his future at Stamford Bridge after falling behind Kepa Arrizabalaga in the pecking order.
      Mendy was Tuchel’s No1 in the 2021 Champions League win.
      And RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku could also become a target.
      The Frenchman was identified as a transfer option for Chelsea while Tuchel was in charge.
      In a sweet bit of revenge, Tuchel could look to scupper Blues owner Todd Boehly and Co’s plans to sign the attacking sensation.
      Mount, Nkunku and Aubameyang could form a deadly front three at Atletico More

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      Karim Benzema claims ex-Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo has not congratulated him on Ballon d’Or win

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      KARIM BENZEMA has revealed that he has not received a message from former Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after winning his Ballon d’Or.The French forward was well deserving of the award after he led Madrid to the Champions League and LaLiga double last season.
      Karim Benzema won his first Ballon d’Or award in October.Credit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo however has not sent his former team-mate a message congratulating him.Credit: Reuters
      He was on top form throughout the season as he scored 44 goals in 46 games in all competitions, including key strikes in their Champions League run.
      The striker even beat Premier League stars Sadio Mane and Kevin De Bruyne as well as PSG’s Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe to the coveted award.
      Benzema was congratulated worldwide for his achievement as his former manager Zinedine Zidane hailed him as the “best striker in French football history.”
      However, there was one notable omission as Ronaldo did not send him a message, despite playing together for nine years.
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      Benzema was asked if the Portuguese attacker had contacted him following the award, and he said: “No, not yet.”
      Ronaldo has won the award five times but was not in the running for it last year even though he was Manchester United’s top scorer last season.
      Benzema is now looking forward to the World Cup in Qatar and is hopeful of helping France lift the trophy, especially as the day after the final is his 35th birthday.
      He said: “Winning the World Cup would be one of my best ever birthday presents.
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      “Each match will be a cup final. We’ve got a great group of players, we’re going to take it one game at a time.
      “I’ve had a few little fitness issues but nothing serious. There’s still plenty of time until the 22nd. I’ll be fine, I’ll be physically and mentally ready.”
      Ronaldo however is all over the news following the reveal of his explosive interview with TalkTV in which he speaks about his time at Manchester United.
      In this he admitted he “has no respect” for his manager Erik ten Hag, criticised the club’s owners and slammed his former team-mate Wayne Rooney. More