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      ‘Unacceptable at this level’ – Matty Cash and Lucas Digne singled out for ‘so wrong’ approach as Aston Villa crash out

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      CLARENCE SEEDORF singled out Aston Villa defenders Matty Cash and Lucas Digne for an “unacceptable” first half against PSG. Villa put up a brilliant fight to push the French side all the way in a thrilling Champions League quarter-final second leg. Clarence Seedorf singled out two Aston Villa stars during their 3-2 win over PSGVilla trailed 2-1 at half time, with Matty Cash and Lucas Digne caught out for the goalsUnai Emery’s men trailed 2-1 at the break but stormed into the lead early in the second half thanks to goals from John McGinn and Ezri Konsa. But they couldn’t find the elusive equaliser to force extra time, going down 5-4 on aggregate. Seedorf joined former England striker Wayne Rooney on Prime Video at half-time to discuss the opening 45 minutes. PSG led 2-0 early in the contest thanks to goals on the break from Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the ex-Netherlands star called out both Cash and Digne for neglecting their defensive duties and failing to track back in such a huge game.Seedorf blasted: “The full-backs were completely out of attitude. The attitude was so wrong.”They’re not giving any importance to running back with the whole defensive line. “To cover each other, to help the goalkeeper with the second ball, all these things.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”They were like three against two at certain times. Unacceptable at this level.”The two first-half goals ultimately proved enough for PSG, who had led 3-1 after a pulsating first leg in Paris. Aston Villa awkwardly play WRONG anthem before Champions League quarter-final with PSGRooney agreed with Seedorf that the Villa defence was too wide open in the opening exchanges. The ex-England striker said: “Marcus Rashford has a bad first touch and loses the ball, but as a forward you don’t expect to concede a goal from there.”I think Kamara should stay in the middle of the pitch but he doesn’t, he gambles. “From there, Matty Cash doesn’t run back quick enough.”It’s a very dangerous position now for PSG to be in.”Hakimi makes the inside run and Digne doesn’t follow him. It’s a good goal from PSG but sloppy from Villa.” More

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      Aston Villa vs PSG (agg: 4-5) LIVE RESULT: Heartbreak for heroic hosts as they fight back but can’t complete comeback

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      HEROIC Aston Villa came close but could not quite complete a dramatic Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain.Villa’s players walked out to raucous noise at Villa Park, with a huge tifo and Price William and George making themselves heard for a massive game.But Unai Emery’s side conceded two early goals to find themselves 5-1 down on aggregate against the Ligue 1 champions and staring at an exit.Youri Tielemans then scored to give the hosts hope before John McGinn and Ezri Konsa scored to leave Villa needing just a goal and PSG seriously wobbling.Villa piled on the pressure – Ian Maatsen having a goal-bound effort cleared off the line – but PSG managed to hold on to earn their place in the semi-final, where they play the winner of Real Madrid and Arsenal.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow our live blog below… Reborn Rashford revelling at VillaAston Villa’s spark in the second half coincided with Marcus Rashford taking it up a notch. The Manchester United loanee brilliantly set-up Ezri Konsa’s goal by leaving two PSG players for dead on the right wing.Since making his Villa debut in February, no Premier League player has provided more assists across all competitions than Rashford (5).And when asked about the forward after the game, Unai Emery hinted that he would love to make the temporary move permanent.”It is difficult to plan it now,” the Villa boss revealed.”He is feeling better and he played a fantastic match. We are very happy. If he is happy, we are happy. It depends on the circumstances for now and the next weeks.”Copy linkCopiedWills’ Villa TormentPrince William and George have been left heartbroken after they watched Aston Villa narrowly drop out of the Champions League.The royal pair watched through 90 minutes of ecstasy and turmoil as they saw PSG score twice early on before Unai Emery’s side pulled back three goals.Copy linkCopiedRoared on at fortress Villa ParkAston Villa may have come up agonisingly short in their quarter-final quest with PSG, but by fighting back to win on the night they did at least extend their unbeaten home record in front of a raucous crowd.Unai Emery’s team are now undefeated at Villa Park in 18 games across all competitions (W12 D6). It is their longest run without losing on home soil since a run of 20 games between April 1990 and February 1991.D2-2 v Crystal Palace (PL, Nov 23)D0-0 v Juventus (CL, Nov 27)W3-1 v Brentford (PL, Dec 4)W1-0 v Southampton (PL, Dec 7)W2-1 v Man City (PL, Dec 21)D2-2 v Brighton (PL, Dec 30)W2-1 v Leicester (PL, Jan 4)W2-1 v West Ham (FAC3, Jan 10)D1-1 v West Ham (PL, Jan 26)W4-2 v Celtic (CL, Jan 29)W2-1 v Tottenham (FAC4, Feb 9)D1-1 v Ipswich (PL, Feb 15)D2-2 v Liverpool (PL, Feb 19)W2-1 v Chelsea (PL, Feb 22)W2-0 v Cardiff (FAC5, Feb 28)W3-0 v Club Brugge (CL, Mar 12)W2-1 v Nott’m Forest (PL, Apr 5)W3-2 v PSG (CL, Apr 15)Copy linkCopiedTerrific Tielemans shines for VillaAston Villa’s Youri Tielemans is having a season to remember.The midfielder has been a mainstay of the midfield this campaign, and leads the way for all kinds of club statistics.His deflected strike tonight dragged Villa back into the tie, and made it 13 goal involvements in all competitions this term (four goals and nine assists).It is the Belgian’s best tally in a single season since 15 for Leicester in 2020-21 (nine goals and six assists).Copy linkCopiedProud Emery thanks the fansUnai Emery says he has more to achieve at Aston Villa.In his two-and-a-half years in charge, the Spaniard has taken the club from the Premier League relegation zone to the Champions League quarter-finals.And reflecting on a dramatic night at Villa Park, Emery suggested he still wanted to reward the Villa fans, who have been so crucial to this season’s European success.I am very proud of everything. Getting to this level is the next step forward, I want to try to win with Aston Villa. We played two legs, we competed well and it wasn’t even. Today we competed better and we were close to the result. I want to try to work for my next process at Aston Villa. The crowd was fantastic, they gave us energy – even at 2-0. Still, a little bit more to do better to try to get it.Unai EmeryAmazon PrimeCopy linkCopiedHow a crazy night unravelledIgnoring the fact that the second PSG goal graphic has been placed incorrectly, here’s the Opta momentum graph that shows how this topsy-turvy Champions League classic played out.The hosts enjoyed great spells of dominance either side of half-time, but appeared to lose their way late on after John McGinn and Marcus Rashford were substituted, with PSG content to play the clock out.Copy linkCopiedBarca join PSG in semisIn the night’s other quarter-final, Barcelona staved off a brave Borussia Dortmund fightback to book their place in the last four.Four-nil down from the first leg, the Bundesliga side struck either side of half-time through Serhou Guirassy.Guirassy completed his hat-trick late on, but only after a Ramy Bensebaini’s own goal gave Barca breathing space.Champions League semi-finalsBarcelona v Inter or Bayern MunichReal Madrid or Arsenal v PSGCopy linkCopiedPSG skipper feels this is their yearCaptain Marquinhos believes there is a different mindset about this group of Paris Saint-Germain players.The Brazilian revealed that even when the French team were forced back against the wall in the second half, their belief carried them through.After years of close calls, the positivity among the squad is also the reason why Marquinhos thinks this year will be when PSG finally crack the Champions League.We knew it was going to be a difficult game. We had belief, we kept our intensity and we believed until the end we were going to go through. It is such a difficult competition but we are getting better and better and we are proving we are good team. There is belief that we can go all the way and win it this year.MarquinhosAmazon PrimeCopy linkCopiedVilla’s Champions League dream endsFormer European Cup winners, Aston Villa’s inaugural season in the Champions League comes to an end.The Villians have been an excellent addition to the competition, winning eight of their 12 matches across the campaign.W3-0 v Young Boys (A, Sept 17)W1-0 v Bayern Munich (H, Oct 2)W2-0 v Bologna (H, Oct 22)L1-0 v Club Brugge (A, Nov 6)D0-0 v Juventus (H, Nov 27)W3-2 v RB Leipzig (A, Dec 10)L1-0 v Monaco (A, Jan 21)W4-2 v Celtic (H, Jan 29)W3-1 v Club Brugge (A, Mar 4)W3-0 v Club Brugge (H, Mar 12)L3-1 v PSG (A, Apr 9)W3-2 v PSG (H, Apr 15)Copy linkCopiedEzri: Early goals killed usEzri Konsa felt his team left themselves too much of an uphill task after conceding two early goals in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Paris Saint-Germain.Strikes from Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes in the opening 27 minutes at Villa Park left Unai Emery’s team 5-1 down on aggregate.Yet a stirring comeback almost saw Villa achieve the impossible, and Konsa was quick to point out the pride that the Premier League side are feeling despite elimination.I’m very proud of the boys and what we did tonight. The two goals at the start killed us but we showed great belief and character to get back into it. We won the second leg but it wasn’t enough. At half-time we felt we had nothing to lose. We wanted to go out there and prove a point. I don’t think we could have done any more. We showed tonight we can compete at the highest level and we want to do it again next season.Ezri KonsaAmazon PrimeCopy linkCopiedMatch stats from Villa ParkIn what was their first ever Champions League campaign, Aston Villa have been eliminated at the quarter-final stage, winning eight of their 12 games (D1 L3).No side has ever won more matches in their debut campaign in the competition (also 8 wins for Lazio and Valencia in 1999-00).Copy linkCopiedFrom Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkAston Villa’s Champions League dream is over – but boy did they go down fighting!Only a hat-trick of heartbreaking second half saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma prevented Unai Emery’s battlers from pulling off a sensational comeback.And Ezri Konsa, already a goalscorer, will curse his luck that he didn’t flick his forehead at the right time to connect with a header with the goal at his mercy.It was brave, it was thrilling and it was oh, so close.But Willian Pacho somehow blocked Ian Maatsen’s netbound volley in stoppage time – as Unai Emery hit the deck in frustration.PSG may well go on to win the trophy they want more than any other.But they are unlikely to work harder than they were forced to against valiant Villa.Sadly, Prince William won’t be knighting any of his Villa heroes ….. this season.Copy linkCopiedFull time – Aston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)The final whistle is blown (far too early).Aston Villa are down, Aston Villa are out, but Aston Villa can be proud of their efforts this evening.An astonishing night’s football at Villa Park has seen Unai Emery’s team rise from the ashes to win the game but not the tie.Four goals behind at one point, Villa rallied and at the start of the second half came within a whisker of levelling the contest.Yet it was not to be, and these home fans will go home heartbroken but with the best memories of a brilliant Champions League campaign.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)90+3. Maatsen on the volley! Blocked brilliantly by Pacho!Cash does brilliantly to wrestle free on the right wing and then clips over a terrific cross that falls kindly for the left back.Maatsen’s strike is superb, caught so, so sweetly, and is destined for the bottom corner until Pacho gets over to intervene.The Ecuadorian defender has just seen his team into the Champions League semi-final with that defending.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)90. The board goes up to show a paltry three minutes.Frankly, that is a joke.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)88. Substitute Desire Doue has the chance to seal it on the counter, but Martinez comes up with a big block.Unfortunately, he can’t stop the ball from going for a corner and it’s another opportunity for PSG to run the clock down.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)86. The referee has become very whistle happy, and, as you can imagine, it is fuelling the frustrations of the home crowd.PSG are playing a blinder with the officials too, winning free-kicks for little and then taking an age with them.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)84. Unai Emery is kicking every ball inside his technical area.Admittedly, that’s not many balls at the moment because PSG are doing all they can to run down the clock.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)82. Youri Tielemans is harshly penalised for a challenge just outside of his own box where he clearly won the ball before connecting with his opponent.The result is a PSG free-kick in a dangerous position, but after a nervy wait, Mendes curled it into the wall.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)80. Inside the last ten minutes.Marco Asensio is making some clever runs on the right, he looks eager to make his employers pay for loaning him out. Can he make himself a Villa legend?Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)78. Hold on to your hats! Unai Emery’s team are starting to commit extra men forward.Of course, that comes with leaving space in behind, and there have been a couple of scares in recent minutes when PSG have threatened on the break.Copy linkCopiedFrom Graeme Bryce at Villa ParkHere come the Villa subs as Unai Emery sends on fresh legs with Marco Asensio and Jacob Ramsey replacing goal hero Super John McGinn and Amadou Onana.Youri Tielemans drops back deeper to take Onana’s holding role.And there’s almost an instant pay-off when Pau Torres picks out Asensio to send him through on goal.Unfortunately the on loan Spaniard can’t squeeze the ball past his PSG teammate Donnarumma who has defied Villa again. PSG are there for the taking but Ezri Konsa misses a snip when he fails to connect with a simple header in front of goal.Emery is finally playing his joker as he sends on Ollie Watkins and Ian Maatsen for Rashford and Tielemans.Let’s hope this last throw of the dice is a lucky one!Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)76. Martinez is called upon to keep Villa in this, and doesn’t disappoint.The Argentine blocks well at this near post after Dembele skipped inside Cash and let fly.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)75. Here come two more Villa changes!Ollie Watkins – no stranger to a dramatic late goal – is on for Marcus Rashford, while Ian Maatsen takes over from Lucas Digne on the left.Copy linkCopiedAston Villa 3-2 PSG (Agg: 4-5)72. Ollie Watkins is being readied as Villa prepare to go for broke.Meanwhile, there’s a break in play after the referee inadvertently clatters a PSG player who appeared on his blind side.Copy linkCopied More

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      Borussia Dortmund 3 Barcelona 1 (agg 3-5): German giants pay price for dismal first leg despite Guirassy’s hat-trick

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      SERHOU GUIRASSY scored a hat-trick but it was not enough as Barcelona moved into the Champions League semi-finals.Trailing 4-0 from the first leg, the Borussia Dortmund striker enhanced his reputation as the German giants gave their Spanish opponents a major scare.Barcelona survived a minor scare to book their place in the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: GettyBorussia Dortmund threatened an almighty comeback thanks to Serhou Guirassy’s hat-trickCredit: GettyGuirassy’s treble means he is the competition’s top goal scorer with 13 goals – one more than Barca’s Raphinha.And he now holds the record for the most goals scored by an African player in a single Champions League campaign.The Guinea forward, 29, netted his first in style.He dinked a Panenka from the penalty spot down the middle after Wojciech Szczesny wiped out Pascal Gross.Guirassy grabbed his second to keep the tie alive four minutes into the second period.The forward rose highest at the back post to nod home from a yard out.Dortmund’s fans were starting to believe an unthinkable comeback might just be possible. But their hopes were dashed five minutes later.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBarcelona sucked the life out of Dortmund and their partisan crowd by scoring a vital goal.Fermin Lopez attacked down the right flank before Ramy Bensebaini sliced the ball into his own goal.Aston Villa awkwardly play WRONG anthem before Champions League quarter-final with PSGAlthough the tie belonged to Barca, Guirassy did ensure the night belonged to him with quarter of an hour to go.He netted his third after he made no mistake when Ronald Araujo fired his clearance straight at him – completing his perfect hat-trick by sweeping in with his left foot.Barcelona now face the winners of Bayern Munich or Inter Milan in the semi-finals.Inter take a 2-1 advantage into tomorrow’s second leg at the San Siro.Guirassy dinked his early penalty down the middleCredit: GettyHis second saw him head in from close rangeCredit: APRamy Bensebaini turned into his own netCredit: GettyGuirassy swept home to complete his perfect hat-trickCredit: APThe fans created an incredible atmosphere inside Signal Iduna ParkCredit: AP More

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      Aston Villa 3 PSG 2 (agg 4-5): Unai Emery’s side fall agonisingly short after epic second-half turnaround

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      DEFEAT has rarely been so glorious, elimination rarely soundtracked with such fervour and miracles rarely so tantalisingly close. Aston Villa’s great European adventure is over, but it ended in appropriate fashion with a ferocious fightback and a cacophony of Brummie noise. Aston Villa welcomed PSG to Villa Park with faint hopes of making the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: GETTYAchraf Hakimi appeared to dash Villa’s hopes of a grand comeback in the 11th minute to fire PSG into a 4-1 aggregate leadCredit: GETTYNuno Mendes struck in the 28th minute to seemingly put the final nail into the coffin of Villa’s semi-final hopesCredit: ALAMYWith 34 minutes of this second leg played, Unai Emery’s men were 5-1 down on aggregate and staring down the barrel at a thorough gubbing.Yet after 57 minutes, following goals from Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa, they were ahead on the night, just one goal adrift overall and reaching for the heavens. That Luis Enrique’s men should have clung on to book a semi-final date against Arsenal or Real Madrid said much for their prospects of winning a first Champions League title in Munich next month.   Because they will rarely encounter an atmosphere as hostile or an opponent as ravenously hungry as Villa. READ MORE ON VILLA VS PSGWhen Emery was in charge of PSG in 2017, he saw his side surrender a 4-0 first-leg lead to be knocked out by Enrique’s Barcelona and for a while during the white heat of a hectic second half, it looked for all the world as though the Villa boss would exact an extraordinary revenge. Villa had started the night by playing the wrong music – the Europa League theme instead of the Champions League anthem.And when PSG’s full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes fired them into a four-goal aggregate victory, that looked a taste of things to come. But Villa are only a point outside the top-five qualification places for next season’s Champions League and after this thrilling run to the last eight, they would be very welcome back at the top table. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSYouri Tielemans put Villa back on the comeback trail in the 34th minuteCredit: GETTYWhile Emery denied its significance, there was no doubt that Nuno Mendes’ late third goal at the Parc des Princes had seriously altered the scale of the task facing his side. The Spaniard, with four Europa League triumphs on his CV, stuck with Marcus Rashford up front, with Ollie Watkins starting on the bench alongside Paris loanee Marco Asensio. It wasn’t a hell-for-leather attacking starting line-up. Emery was prepared to play it patient against the perennial French champions, who have been arguably the best team in Europe over recent months. It was a filthy old Birmingham night, but the piddling rain didn’t dampen the atmosphere; the home supporters were full-throated while many of the Parisian ultras were as topless as Geordies in the rain.  Weirdly, they played the Europa League before a belated blast of the Champions League anthem.But straight from kick-off, it was an assault on the senses. A couple of early Villa corners were greeted with insane decibel levels, the Holte End waiting to erupt like some great Brummie Vesuvius. From one, Amadou Onana flicked a near-post header but Joao Neves deflected it wide. Even Prince William and Prince George were getting involved, but the French, with very different ideas about hereditary monarchy, set about putting Villa to the guillotine.And on 11 minutes, the early Paris they had all been dreading duly arrived. Mendes released Bradley Barcola, who outpaced Matty Cash down the left and centred low.Emi Martinez, public enemy No.1 with the PSG fans, delighted the travelling Frenchmen by allowing the ball to squirm out of his grasp, with Hakimi on hand to spank it past him.   Villa continued to attack, but Rashford was struggling to make an impact, squandering several moments of promise. John McGinn levelled the scores with a deflected strike from rangeCredit: REXEzri Konsa struck just moments later to fire Villa into a 3-2 leadCredit: GETTYPau Torres lashed a shot goalwards but Gianluigi Donnarumma repelled him. Morgan Rogers cut inside William Pacho but placed his shot wide of the far post. And when Paris attacked, there was greater control and purpose, with Cash being targeted mercilessly. Soon, Enrique’s side broke and Villa were caught with their pants down – two defenders against four marauding attackers – and Ousmane Dembele squared for Mendes to ping a low shot in off the post. Paris had scored five unanswered goals in less than 80 minutes of football across the two legs – a start which scarcely overplayed their dominance.  At most stadiums, that would have been the moment the pin pricked the balloon.Here, they just kept on howling – especially when Tielemans tumbled in the box and the ref was unmoved. Ezri missed a golden opportunity to level the scores when he fluffed a free headerCredit: PAUnai Emery dropped to his knees after Konsa fluffed his linesCredit: GettyStill, no matter, within a minute the Belgian had pulled one back – reducing the overall deficit to three – receiving a McGinn pass and rattling off a shot which took a massive deflection off Pacho, giving Donnarumma no chance. Surprisingly, there were no half-time changes from Emery, but perhaps he knows what he’s doing because within 12 minutes of the restart, Villa were ahead on the night and back to within a goal of parity. First, McGinn rumbled forward from the halfway line and let rip with a 25-yard shot which deflected off Pacho’s knee and made it level on the night.  Then, Rashford cut in from the left and Donnarumma tipped over at full stretch.The corner was initially cleared, but Rashford skinned two defenders on a weaving run and cut back for Konsa to ram home. Forty thousand throats created a sonic boom. PSG were deafened and punch-drunk. Donnarumma needed all of his 6ft 7in frame to claw away a Tielemans header.Emery sent on Asensio and Jacob Ramsey for Onana and McGinn. And soon, Asensio was clean through on goal from a gorgeous Torres through-ball, with Donnarumma advancing to save with a foot.Watkins was sent on for Rashford 15 minutes from time, but Martinez was soon needed to thwart Dembele, Paris retaining their attacking threat amid the bedlam. Read More on The SunFinally, Emery’s men ran out of puff – an Ian Maatsen shot blocked in injury time. But Villa’s supporters never lost their voices and PSG’s players will need some time to regain their composure and their hearing after this. More

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      ‘Can’t say anything’ – Thierry Henry leaves Kate Abdo in stitches as Micah Richards butchers pronunciation of legend

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      THIERRY HENRY has been left baffled by Micah Richards’ pronunciation of his former teammate. The CBS pundit was in stitches after hearing Richard’s bizarre way of saying ‘Franck Ribery’ during Tuesday’s broadcast.Micah Richards has been mocked for his French pronunciation live on airCredit: CBSThierry Henry and Kate Abdo burst out laughing at Richards’ effortsCredit: CBSRichards referenced Franck Ribery, a former teammate of Henry’s for FranceCredit: ReutersRichards was joined by host Kate Abdo, as well as fellow pundits Henry and Jamie Carragher to preview Tuesday’s European games. Ribery played alongside French legend Henry at the 2006 World Cup. The former Bayern Munich winger came up in conversation as the CBS gang looked ahead to Paris Saint Germain’s trip to Aston Villa. Richards was profiling PSG’s star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, comparing him to wizard wingmen of the past 20 years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “Back in the day when you used to play against Robben, and Ribery, and Gareth Bale.”The touch, go, the cross. Honest to God, the game has changed. “But I love seeing this guy doing what he is now, because it reminds me of the old school.”During Micah’s segment, both Henry and Abdo had begun to giggle. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRather than putting a French flair to Ribery’s name, he’d pronounced it “Rubery”.The camera panned to Henry, who was pointing to a laughing Abdo.’That should have been me’ – Micah Richards reveals Kate Abdo is up for prestigious award as Thierry Henry is impressedHenry hit back: “It’s Ribery. Rib-ery.”Abdo added: “I made the mistake of looking at Thierry.”You know that the Thierry is the pronunciation police.”Richards tried again, only for the effort to come out “Rubbery.”He spluttered: “I can’t say anything on this show!”Kate move us on please, before I get cancelled.”One fan laughed in response to the viral clip: “Rubbery is crazyyyy.”Another said: “I love this show man.”And a third giggled: “Micah is a mess.”Aston Villa came close but could not quite complete a dramatic Champions League comeback against PSG.Unai Emery’s side conceded two early goals to find themselves 5-1 down on aggregate against the Ligue 1 champions and staring at an exit.But then Youri Tielemans scored to give the hosts hope before John McGinn and Ezri Konsa scored to leave Villa needing just a goal and PSG seriously wobbling.Read More on The SunVilla piled on the pressure but PSG managed to hold on. Villa won 3-2 on the night but went out 5-4 on aggregate.PSG progress to the semi-final, where they play the winner of Real Madrid and Arsenal. More

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      Mikel Arteta admits it’s ‘impossible’ to block out overpowering Real Madrid message ahead of Champions League tie

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      MIKEL ARTETA has urged his Arsenal stars to ignore Real Madrid’s ‘comeback’ narrative and do their talking on the pitch.The Gunners will step out onto the Bernabeu turf with the Champions League odds firmly stacked in their favour – bringing with them a 3-0 quarter-final first-leg advantage.Mikel Arteta is wary of Real Madrid’s talk of a comebackCredit: GettyThe Gunners lead 3-0 going into the second leg of their CL quarter final at the BernabeuCredit: GettyIf statistics and pub quiz-style factoids won football matches, Arteta’s side would already be in the semi-finals. The numbers are overwhelmingly positive.On the previous 13 occasions Arsenal have headed into a second leg European tie with a three-goal cushion, they have progressed on every occasion.Of the 11 previous English teams to have won a Champions League first-leg knock-out tie by three goals or more, all of them have advanced.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt has been 79 games since Arsenal last conceded three goals in a single match in all competitions – a 4-3 Prem win away at Luton in December 2023 – and the last time they lost a game 3-0 was nearly two years ago, at home to Brighton in the Prem in May 2023.Of the 47 teams to go into the second leg of a Champions League knock-out match with a lead of three or more goals, only four of them have not advanced. That is just 8.5 per cent.This second leg should be a mere exhibition, a formality, Arsenal’s procession into the competition’s final four for the first time since 2009.And yet, there remains an air of doubt because they are playing Real Madrid – the 15-time European champions who have also earned the title of Champions League comeback kings.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTheir reputation of never knowing when they are beat is stuff of legend, making them one of the most feared beasts on the continent, no matter the context nor the scoreline. Rumour has it the footballing gods bow down to Real Madrid.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to match against Real Madrid The Spanish press know this, hence their intense propaganda machine over the past few days in an attempt to convince Arsenal that a comeback is not just possible but inevitable.On the back page of every major outlet has been the phrase “Remontada”, meaning “comeback” in Spanish.Arteta laughed: “It’s impossible [to block that out], but outside we can do it on the pitch. “Now I understand that it’s the narrative that is going to give the fuel to them.”We have tried to repeat the opposite message. So in the brain of the players, what they have here in the last 72 hours is something completely different.”We are very close to them and hopefully that’s more powerful than anything else.Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners…”But you have to be out there, you have to experience it, you have to feel it and you have to go through it. That’s what we have to do.”I understand [comebacks] are a part of their history and they have the right to be talking about these kinds of scenarios.”Ours is very different and our mindset, preparation, our thoughts and how we’re going to have the best chance to be better than them in the aspects that are crucial.”To prepare for a semi-final like this and be convinced that we can handle any situation and we’re going to enjoy actually playing any kind of game that we have to be thrown in.”But we’re going to try to take the game to places very different to their intentions and if we do that we’re going to have a good chance to win the game.”The first leg, that’s in the past. We have to prove it now in this context. And that’s the beauty of it. That’s the challenge and that’s the great thing about sports.”We’ve shown that we are capable of doing it. Now, let’s talk on the pitch and do it on the pitch. It’s the only thing that matters.”It would be natural for this Arsenal squad – one that is young and inexperienced – to perhaps fear the wave of noise and pressure coming their way in the Bernabeu.This group have only experienced one other Champions League journey – last year’s progression to the quarters only to be knocked out by Bayern Munich in a gut-wrenching second leg in Germany.Arteta argued: “I wouldn’t use that word [fear]. Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan DaviesARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.”Respect, admiration for what they’ve done in the competition as a club over the years, the history they have, the values that they defend.”Unbelievable. Amazing. And inspiration for any coach, any manager, any team. But after that is the competition.”It’s what we are going to face tomorrow, an opposition that we know very well and that we are determined to go out there and try to win the game.”When you have to create a story, when you have to build a story, first of all you have to be excited about it. Then you have to be really convinced about what you want to achieve.Read More on The Sun”A lot of clubs have built their history by doing it many times, trying many times, sometimes failing, sometimes being successful.”Last year we had an experience and we want to be better this season.” More

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      Aston Villa awkwardly play wrong anthem before Champions League quarter-final

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      ASTON VILLA’s DJ dropped an absolute clanger moments before their Champions League clash with PSG – by playing the EUROPA LEAGUE anthem.Both teams lined up to hear the traditional and world-famous anthem moments before the second leg of their quarter-final tie got underway.Aston Villa welcomed Paris Saint-Germain to Villa Park for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-finalCredit: PABut Villa’s DJ played the EUROPA ANTHEM seconds before kick-offCredit: AMZON PRIMEVilla players were left gobsmacked by the errorCredit: AMZON PRIMEBut they and the thousands of fans in attendance at Villa Park were instead treated to the Europa League anthem.Unai Emery’s troops were visibly stunned by the gaffe as the camera went past the starting XI.The Villa Park faithful were equally as flabbergasted and started to boo the error.The astonishing mistake, unsurprisingly, went viral.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOne footie fan said on X: “Why did they play the Europa League anthem?”Another said: “EUROPA LEAGUE ANTHEM ON UCL NIGHT.”And another said: “The players’ faces say it all.”One remarked: “Someone’s getting sacked in the morning.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAchraf Hakimi fired the visitors into a 4-1 aggregate lead in the 11th minuteCredit: GETTYAnother chimed in: “How do you f*** up this bad?”Amazon commentator Adrian Clarke said of the gaffe: “The first misstep of the night, someone’s miscued the Champions League anthem. Unai Emery bizarrely claims there’s ‘not a lot of difference’ between losing 2-1 or 3-1 as Aston Villa face uphill battle “Stirring music but not quite what we’ve come to expect to a prelude to games like this.”Villa’s DJ tried to atone for their error by belatedly playing the Champions League anthem. But the damage, however, had already well and truly been done.The anthem mixup was not the start Emery and his charges would’ve liked to the match.It was seemingly a bad omen as Achraf Hakimi struck in the 11th minute to fire the visitors into a 4-1 lead on aggregate.And Nuno Mendes killed off the Villans’ slim hopes of making the final in the 28th minute to send the French side into a 5-1 aggregate lead. More

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      Heartbreak for Prince William & George as Villa lose nail-biting Champions League clash by a goal after valiant battle

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      PRINCE William and George have been left heartbroken after they watched Aston Villa narrowly drop out of the Champions League.The royal pair watched through 90 minutes of ecstasy and turmoil as they saw PSG score twice early on before Unai Emery’s side pulled back three goals.William and George watched a roller coaster of a game between Aston Villa and PSGCredit: .Wills watched on from behind his fingers as PSG took an early leadCredit: RexAn excitable William was up on his feet after Ezri Konsa scored Villa’s third goal on the nightCredit: PAGeorge roared from the stands as Villa managed to take the lead the game in the second halfCredit: .The Prince of Wales cheering on the English side from the stands next to his nervous sonCredit: PAGeorge and Wills were also joined by the Duke and Duchess of Westminster up in the standsCredit: GettyYoung Prince George, 11, donned a half-and-half scarf as he played with his hands nervously pre-game.The Prince of Wales, 42, was also seen with a drink in his hand as he stood in the hospitality box at the packed out stadium. Fans soon took to their seats as the match kicked off but the stadium was quickly left frustrated when PSG scored twice in the first 27 minutes.William held his head in his hands as PSG defender Achraf Hakimi slotted home the first.read more in Aston VillaA second left the hopeful crowd stunned.PSG were leading the tie by four goals at this point and cruising into the semi finals – leaving Unai Emery’s side with a mountain to climb.Despite the daunting scoreline, a big comeback was still on the cards as Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans pulled one back in the 34th minute.A valiant Villa came out for the second half raring to make history.Most read in Champions LeagueThey were inspired by Scottish skipper John McGinn who scored within 10 minutes of the restart.Before towering English centre back Ezri Konsa gave Aston Villa the lead on the night.George donned a half-and-half scarf as Wills held a drink in hand pre-matchCredit: ReutersPrince William and Prince George in the stands at Villa ParkCredit: .PSG’s Achraf Hakimi scored an early goal to leave Aston Villa with a huge scoreline to overcomeCredit: APUnai Emery was left furious after the first two goals went in for PSGCredit: GettyWilliam was seen jumping for joy as the Villa players celebrated with a passionate George roaring on the team.The pair were also joined in the VIP box by the Duke and Duchess of Westminster.Billionaire aristocrat Hugh Grosvenor, 34, and his wife Olivia, 32, were seen cheering on the Villans after recently announcing they are expecting a baby. Aston Villa pushed for an equaliser in the tie for the final 30 minutes but couldn’t find a fourth goal on the night.Despite winning the game 3-2 at Villa Park, they narrowly missed out on the semi-final due to a 5-4 aggregate scoreline for PSG.The Premier League outfit were let down by their first leg performance where they were outclassed in Paris.A Morgan Rogers’ opener was ruled out by three good PSG goals which saw them take firm control of the tie.Proud Villa fans tried their best to play a part in what turned out to be a European classic but they couldn’t push McGinn’s men across the line.The future King of England joined over 40,000 fans in Villa Park this evening – including over 2,000 French supporters. Hopes were still high for a win with Villa on a 17-match unbeaten run at home in all competitions which stretches back to November 2024.William and George also went to the first leg in Paris as they went through a roller coaster of emotions in the game.The Prince of Wales was seen wildly celebrating and hugging his son after Villa’s first-half goal.But later on, the Prince was seen with his head in his hands as the full-time whistle blew at 3-1.William was in the crowd for Villa’s victory over Bayern Munich earlier in the competition and away to Monaco in January.He first fell in love with Aston Villa after being taken to a match by friends as a boy.Read More on The SunThe heir said he was gripped by the “sense of belonging” and the passion of his fellow football fans.Wills also revealed he visits fan forums anonymously online — and moves his kids around when watching at home to bring the team luck.Aston Villa captain John McGinn walking past fans earlier tonightCredit: RexWills was left with his head in his hands after the first leg ended 3-1Prince William also impressed fans with his pre-game punditry in the first leg More