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      ‘He’s really lost his head’ – Atalanta captain sent off for moment of madness after ’embarrassing’ blunder

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      ATALANTA captain Rafael Toloi saw red as the Serie A side crashed out of the Champions League.The Italians went into last night’s second leg trailing Belgians Club Brugge 2-1 from the first match.Rafael Toloi attempted to throw the ball at an opponentCredit: TNT SPORTSHe then bundled over the Club Brugge aceCredit: TNT SPORTSThings swiftly went from bad to worse for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, as a disastrous first half saw them fall 3-0 down on the night.Ademola Lookman pulled one back for the Serie A side moments into the second half.But after the former Everton and Fulham man missed a penalty on the hour mark, Atalanta’s hope began to ebb away.In the 86th minute, Toloi’s frustration boiled over.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question After the game, veteran boss Gasperini was disappointed at his skipper.He said: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.”Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”On the winger’s botched penalty, the 67-year-old added: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them.”Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”Ademola Lookman botched his second half penaltyCredit: AFP More

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      ‘You got it right, I lied’ – Pep Guardiola makes U-turn on Champions League prediction ahead of Real Madrid clash

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      PEP GUARDIOLA lied when he said Manchester City only have a one per cent chance of knocking out Real Madrid.But the Spaniard still accepts his side will have to be “almost perfect” if they are to overturn a 3-2 Champions League play-off round first-leg deficit at the Bernabeu.Pep Guardiola admitted City have a more than one per cent chance of knocking Real Madrid out the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Etihad chief wants his players to give the holders a “scare” and said: “Every time I say what I think, you don’t believe me but this time you got it right — I lied.”With a smile on his face, Guardiola added: “It’s true I said it because after the match in England, we were out.“Always it’s very tough coming to the Bernabeu, with the history but we’ve had good moments here.“Let’s see if we can at least scare them and we’ll see what happens.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal manager Carlo Ancelotti laughed off Pep’s claims, saying: “Before the game I’ll ask him if he really thinks they have a one per cent chance of winning.“We certainly don’t think we have a 99 per cent chance. We have a small advantage but have to make the most of it.”City have won at the home of the Spanish giants before  — back in 2020 — and will have to repeat that to stay in the competition.Yet one thing his team have not been short of in this troubled season is goals — with 33 coming in their last ten games in all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey will need more if they are to get through as Madrid will fancy their chances of adding to the three they netted in the first leg.That came after City threw away a 2-1 lead with just four minutes of normal time remaining to lose 3-2.How Pep used the world’s best striker Haaaland as a decoy to set up Marmoush masterclassGuardiola said: “We have to be almost perfect but we are coming here with a situation that is not perfect. We have to attack and score goals.“You have to play with courage, you have to be yourself. You have to play to win the game.”Madrid have only ONCE failed to go through in this competition after winning the away leg first — and that was to Erik ten Hag’s Ajax in a 4-1 loss six years ago.Guardiola said: “The pressure is there but  it’s welcome. You cannot perform well without it.“It depends how we play, how we handle the moments. In the big  stadiums you have to suffer the bad moments.”City have been boosted as Erling Haaland was passed fit despite jarring his knee on Saturday. More

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      Bayern Munich 1 Celtic 1 (3-2 on Agg): Late heartache as Davies sucker punch sees Hoops crash OUT despite Kuhn Leveller

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      THEY were dared to dream.Challenged to leave nothing out there to try and make the impossible possible.Nicolas Kuhn levels the tieAlphonso Davies of Bayern Munich celebrates his winnerCredit: GettyBrendan Rodgers’ Celtic did that and more in the Allianz Arena last night – but were still left devastated.Nicolas Kuhn scored against his old club Bayern to make their fans belief.But cruelly in the final, dying seconds of four minutes of stoppage time Alphonso Davies booked the Bundesliga giants’ place in the last 16.Rodgers’ side were moments away from taking this tie into extra-time after producing a performance no-one saw coming.It just wasn’t meant to be with gut-wrenching agony coming with virtually the last kick of the ball.But the Scottish Premiership champions did themselves and the country proud.It’s incredible to think Celtic had FOUR huge chances to score inside the first 20 minutes.Real, proper opportunities to take the lead and really stun their opposition.They set traps for Bayern.And the German, Bundesliga giants walked right into them.Awkward moment Martin O’Neill calls out Brendan Rodgers over 2019 Celtic exit to Leicester Callum McGregor just needed to show a little bit more composure when he burst through on goal instead of going for power and missing the target.Kuhn just needed to get a little bit more on his shot which was cleared off the line by defender Raphaël Guerreiro.Daizen Maeda just needed to take a step forward when Arne Engels flashed as low ball across goal and he would have had a tap in.Just seconds later he just needed to take a little bit off his attempted chip over Manuel Neuer.Down on the touchline Rodgers held his head in his hands at each passed up chance, fearing they’d live to regret them.What the moments did, though, was convince Celtic’s players they could cause Bayern problems.It wasn’t backs to the wall either.It wasn’t a Scottish team defending for its life.Celtic were outstanding in the first-half.The odds were always stacked against Rodgers’ side even before a ball was kicked.Bayern hadn’t lost at home in UEFA’s flagship competition for four long years.While Celtic came here knowing they had never won on German soil. Alphonso Davies celebrates his winnerCredit: AFPEver.Rodgers talked the talk in the build-up – insisting anything was possible – but it was a huge ask for his players to go out and walk the walk. Bayern had the added incentive of this season’s final being here in their awesome Allianz Arena on May 31.The last time that happened, in 2012, they were left devastated to lose to Chelsea in a penalty shootout.The German giants have lifted the trophy twice in the years since. But the prospect of going all the way this time was there for them.Ending that dream felt insurmountable for Celtic.There wouldn’t have been many of their supporters who were genuinely confident of seeing history being created.Rodgers and his team have given them some special European memories this season with big wins over the likes of Slovan Bratislava, RB Leipzig and Young Boys, along with draws against Atalanta, Dinamo Zagreb and Club Brugge.Sure, the defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa were humbling.But overall Rogers can point to genuine progress at this elite level. And this performance typified that like nothing else.Bayern would have been worried at the break, no doubt about it.Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers stands dejected after the Allianz Arena clashCredit: PAThey had moments of their own in front of Kasper Schmeichel’s goal with Harry Kane closest to scoring with a shot from outside the box which rattled the crossbar.Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise were always a threat.But the way Celtic defended, the way they got back into their shape when they lost possession, was sensational.Seeing Kane fail to appear for the second half was a boost for Celtic.Kompany clearly wasn’t kidding when he rated the England striker as an injury doubt, even though he started.Because other than the shot off the woodwork he did next to nothing.Bayern could have gone ahead right at the start of the second half but Schmeichel denied Leon Goretzka with a good block.But Celtic’s composure remained.After an hour Rodgers changed it with Jota taken off after running out of energy. Adam Idah went opt and was pushed through the middle with Maeda moved onto the left.And in 63 minutes they attacked on the break to take the lead.Defender Dayot Upamecano didn’t cover himself in glory with his attempted challenge on Kuhn after brilliant play from Maeda.But what a finish from the winger.Celtic’s Arne Engels stands dejected after the UEFA Champions League matchCredit: PAAfter powering his way into the box, he steadied himself and slammed his shot low and hard past Neuer.The away fans high up in the stands went wild as they started to dream big.Bayern were stunned.This wasn’t in the script with Celts more than worth their lead on the night.They still had it all to do, though, with Kompany’s side going all out to get the next goal and book their place in the next round.Schemeichel made saves with his team-mates in front him throwing themselves in front of shots to protect their lead.They were literally seconds away from taking the tie to extra time after four minutes of stoppage time.But agonisingly, it wasn’t means to be.In their very last attack of the night, a cross into the box saw Schmeichel save a point blank header.But the ball broke between Davies and Carter-Vickers with it finding the net.The final whistle was blown and it was over.Bayern Munich XI: Neuer, Stanisic, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro, Kimmich, Goretzka, Olise, Musiala, Gnabry, Kane. Subs: Urbig, Sane, Coman, Dier, Palhinha, Davies, Ito, Boey, Vidovic, Müller, Laimer, Pavlovic.Celtic X: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Schlupp, McGregor, Engels, Hatate, Kühn, Maeda, Jota. Subs: Sinisalo, Bain, Scales, Taylor, Idah, Yang, McCowan, Nawrocki, Kenny, Murray, Ralston, Bonnar.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Bayern Munich 1 Celtic 1 (3-2 on agg): Scots dumped OUT of Champions League after heartbreaking goal in dying seconds

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      HARRY KANE’S Champions League dream is alive and kicking – just – as Bayern Munich scraped past brave Celtic.Alphonso Davies bundled home from a yard out at the death to keep their hopes of lifting the famous trophy for a seventh time in their own city intact.Celtic suffered heartbreak at the death to be knocked out of the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyAlphonso Davies scored a last second equaliser to win the game on aggregateCredit: ReutersBrendan Rodgers’ side were on the brink of forcing extra time in BavariaCredit: RexHarry Kane’s dream of European glory lives onCredit: RexHowever, it was heartbreak for Brendan Rodgers and his side after they missed a host of glorious chances.England’s top goalscorer barely had a touch before he was taken off at the break amid fears the facial injury that kept him out of training on Monday had flared up again.He still managed to hit the woodwork – but he and his team-mates were the fortunate ones not to be trailing at the break as they were almost caught cold.Celtic made a flying start in trying to secure a first knockout tie in this competition for 36 years and should have been at least two up inside the opening 20 minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaptain Callum McGregor sliced over after being sent clean through early on.The Bhoys carved the hosts wide open again when Jota flew past Josip Stanisic and pulled it from the left to the unmarked Nicolas Kuhn.The ex-Bayern ace met it left footed at the far post and beat Manuel Neuer, but Raphael Guerreiro was able to clear on the line.Vincent Kompany’s side were struggling and alarm bells started to ring as Celtic came close once more.Most read in FootballKasper Schmeichel had a superb gameNicolas Kuhn gave Celtic the lead and looked to start a miracle in MunichCredit: RexKuhn capitalised on a Kim Min-jae mistakeCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThis time Kuhn flashed a ball along the front of goal but team-mate Daizen Maeda was just unable to reach.Bayern looked completely rattled, but once more the visitors failed to take advantage when Maeda shot wide with a first-time effort to leave Brendan Rodgers tearing his hair out.Rod Stewart steals show as he does duet with Carragher and dances at Celtic v Bayern Kane, chasing his 30th goal of the season, almost punished Celtic as he forced his ex-Leicester City team-mate Kasper Schmeichel into action.Bayern were now starting to get a grip of the game with Joshua Kimmich shooting wide from 20 yards.And Kane, who only had ten touches during the opening period, almost broke the deadlock with the last kick of the half as he rattled the crossbar from 12 yards.That would be the hotshot’s final act as he was replaced by Kingsley Coman.Schmeichel produced a vital save to deny Leon Goretzka after the restart and it proved to be crucial as Celtic soon stunned the Allianz Arena.Maeda’s through-ball should have been bread and butter for Kim Min-jae, but his poor defending was pounced on by Kuhn as the winger coolly drilled a low shot past Neuer.Celtic were level on aggregate but they missed another huge opportunity to lead the tie for the first time when Japanese ace Maeda’s diving header was straight at the keeper.Goretzka and Leroy Sane were both off target as Bayern desperately tried to fight back.READ MORE SUN STORIESSchmeichel then produced an acrobatic flying save to push away Kimmich’s long-ranger.Though there was a cruel twist in the fourth minute of added time when Schmeichel brilliantly saved from Goretzka’s header, Canadian Davies reacted quickest to smash home and win 3-2 on aggregate.Davies bundled home the winner in the final secondsCredit: ReutersBayern celebrate their goal wildlyCredit: Getty More

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      Kyle Walker’s AC Milan loan turns into nightmare after European giants suffer disastrous Champions League exit

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      KYLE WALKER’s stint with AC Milan has suffered an unexpected and embarrassing blow.The England international joined the Italian giants on loan last month from Manchester City.Kyle Walker joined AC Milan on loan from Manchester City in JanuaryCredit: GettyMilan having Champions League football likely played a role in his decision to move to the San SiroCredit: GettyBut they won’t be playing in Europe’s elite competition any more after being knocked out by FeyenoordCredit: APKyle Walker and his Milan team-mates let their frustrations get the better of them during the matchCredit: TNT SportsThe prospect of playing Champions League football at the iconic San Siro stadium was no doubt one of the things that attracted Walker to the move.But just 25 days after his arrival, the Rossoneiri are now no longer in Europe’s elite club competition.Milan were dumped out of the prestigious tournament thanks to a 2-1 aggregate defeat in their last-16 qualifier against Feyenoord.Feyenoord, who secured a stunning 3-3 draw with Walker’s parent club last year, went into the second leg leading the tie 1-0. READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERBut Santiago Jiminez cancelled out their lead just 43 seconds into the return leg and laid the foundations for a big comeback. Sergio Conceicao’s troops huffed and puffed but failed to breach the vistors’ goal a second time. And they paid the price in the 73rd minute when Julian Carranza struck to restore the visitor’s advantage and fire them into the last 16.Walker and his Milan team-mates cut frustrated figures after the final whilst.Most read in FootballKyle Walker has enjoyed a mixed start to life with AC MilanCredit: GettyThe visitors, on the other hand, were ecstatic with their famous progression through to the knockout stages.It’s been a rough few days for Walker, who is currently renting a £10,000-a-week apartment in the heart of Milan.Kyle Walker pictured reuniting with wife Annie & four kids over a meal after flying to Italy to watch him play for AC MilanThe former Sheffield United and Spurs ace was hooked at HALF-TIME during AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona last weekend.And to make matters worse, his replacement, Alex Jimenez, went on to help set up the winning goal.Walker has made six appearances for Milan since his temporary transfer. Milan have only won three of those matches, four of which Walker has played the full 90 minutes. Walker and his team-mates will be back in action on Saturday evening, travelling to Turin to take on Torino. More

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      Is there extra-time in Champions League knockout phase ties?

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      THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE knockout phase play-offs are about to claim eight victims – but what happens if scores are level after 90 minutes?Europe’s elite club competition is in the business end of it’s first knockout phase in the new format. Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal of Real Madrid’s first leg game against Man CityCredit: GettyErling Haaland will be hoping to add to his first leg brace to send Man City throughCredit: GettyManchester City have work to do as they travel to the Bernabeu, trailing Real Madrid 3-2 after Jude Bellingham’s late winner in the first leg.Eight teams will miss out on the round of 16 after this round, and SunSport has everything you need to know about extra-time.Is there extra-time in the Champions League knockout phase ties?If the games are level on aggregate after 90 minutes, then yes, there will be extra time and potentially penalties.Where there now is extra-time, there used to be the “away goals” rule, whereas whichever team had scored the most goals away would win if the game was level.Read more FootballHowever, the rule was scrapped ahead of the 2021/22 season, with clubs now having to play extra time if the scores are level.Extra time will be used in every round of the knockout stages in the Champions League if two sides are level after 90 minutes.Should the sides still not be separated in the additional 30 minutes, a penalty shootout will decide which team progresses.Who is playing in the Champions League knockout stage?There are eight games of action over two nights, with half of the pack being eliminated from the Champions League, as part of their new format.Most read in Champions LeagueTuesday, February 17:Milan (0) vs Feyenoord (1) – 5:45pm GMTAtalanta (1) vs Club Brugge (2) – 8pm GMTBayern Munich (2) vs Celtic (1) – 8pm GMTBenfica (1) vs Monaco (0) – 8pm GMTWednesday, February 18:Dortmund (3) vs Sporting (0) – 5:45pm GMTParis (3) vs Brest (0) – 8pm GMTReal Madrid (3) vs Manchester City (2) – 8pm GMTPSV (1) vs Juventus (2) – 8pm GMT More

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      Wayne Rooney offered high-profile TV role as Man Utd legend considers whether to return to management

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      WAYNE ROONEY is wanted as a star pundit for Amazon Prime – while deciding whether to return to football.The former England captain, sacked by Plymouth last month, made his Amazon debut in Manchester City’s Champions League play-off first leg with Real Madrid.Wayne Rooney could have a big future as a punditCredit: GettyThe Prem icon has been coaching in Dubai this weekCredit: Instagram / footballescapesRooney, 39, has proved to be a popular pundit with his honest views, and has already worked for Sky Sports and BBC Sport.Amazon, although set to lose Premier League rights at the end of this season, will continue to show Champions League football until 2027.The ex-Manchester United striker will be able to do as much work as he wants for the station.Meanwhile, Rooney is deciding his next steps in the game having also managed Derby, DC United and Birmingham before his stint at Plymouth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told former Red Devils’ team-mate Gary Neville on his YouTube show The Overlap: “I would like to go back in [to management]. But it would have to be the right club.”I’m not in a massive rush to go back in. There’s different things that I’m looking at to try and get involved with… unless something was absolutely the right thing to do.”Every club I’ve been at, I’ve put myself in a really challenging situation.”I’ve had some great experiences, good ones, bad ones (and) you’ve always got that to fall back on.”Most read in FootballRooney poked fun at himself on his Amazon debutCredit: X @primevideosportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis week, however, Rooney is in Dubai – after accepting a coaching role during the February half-term break. He’s working with Football Escapes, tutoring young children at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.Inside Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s incredible £1k a night Disneyland trip with the kids – and a special birthday surpriseFellow ex-Prem stars Michael Owen and Mark Noble are among other coaches employed by the company. Rooney was a big hit when making his Amazon bow last week at the Etihad – helped by his relaxed joking.Predicting a hostile reception at United’s neighbours City, his first words were: “Obviously a stadium I’ve scored a lot of goals in.”He also trolled HIMSELF during a heavy downpour where he was the only Amazon pundit on the pitch without an umbrella.Rooney, who has had two hair transplants, said: “I hope the rain doesn’t come down any more, my hair will be all over the place!” More

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      I talk to my dead mother before every match – I truly believe it helps us, admits Champions  League manager

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      NICKY HAYEN has revealed he speaks to his deceased mother before every game – and it’s a pre-match ritual which appears to be paying off.The Club Brugge boss, 44, is preparing to face Atalanta in Tuesday’s vital Champions League playoff. Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen has enjoyed immense success since taking overCredit: RexThe former Haverfordwest coach has said he talks to his deceased mother before each gameCredit: RexHayen was thrust into the Brugge job last March, initially on an interim basis.The 44-year-old guided the team to a Belgian championship and penned a permanent deal in the summer.Club Brugge beat Atalanta 2-1 in the first leg of the playoff tie last week.Hayen is confident his fearless side can come away from Bergamo with a famous win.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut prior to kick-off, he revealed an emotional ritual which he holds before every game. He explained: “Before the match I always talk to my mother, who passed away four years ago.”It was much too early.”Last year before the [Belgian league] playoffs I told her we wanted to do something crazy, and in the end winning the title was the result.Most read in Football”Am I deeply religious? No, but I do feel that it is something for me. I must believe there is something.”Hayen spent the majority of his playing career in Belgium’s top divisions, first at Sint-Truiden and then RBC Roosendaal.AC Milan manager walks out of Champions League press conference after just one question He hung up his boots in 2014, embarking on several coaching roles to learn the ropes.Just three years ago, Hayen coached at Haverfordwest County in the Welsh semi-pro Cymru Premier.He is now a Champions League manager – and catching the eye of scouts around Europe. Brugge are playing in their fifth consecutive Champions League season.And Hayen admits it could be a “difficult evening” ahead in Italy, despite his side arriving with an aggregate lead. He continued: “Atalanta will definitely play more attacking. At home they also want to be more dominant. “They also have the team for that, so we expect a difficult evening.”We have to play our own game and especially show the tactical discipline of last week.”My plan for the match hasn’t changed because it was 2-1 last week. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We did very well, because Atalanta is a very strong team. I believe in my squad. “We play with a lot of guts in this Champions League, but that mustn’t turn into naivety.” More