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      Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly subbed just 34 minutes into PSV clash after escaping red card

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      MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY was dragged off just 34 minutes into Arsenal’s stunning 7-1 Champions League win over PSV.The young defender was fortunate to escape being sent-off in the match for two yellow card challenges during the round of 16 first leg.Myles Lewis-Skelly escaped a red card against PSVCredit: ReutersHe was already on a yellow cardCredit: RexHe was subbed off by Mikel Arteta before half timeCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly, 18, was booked in the 24th minute for a foul deep inside his own half.He was then penalised for a very late challenge on Richard Ledezma just two minutes later.There were calls from the PSV players that Lewis-Skelly should be sent off by the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano kept his cards in his pocket.Arsenal then stormed into a three-goal lead thanks to efforts from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAfter the goal from Merino went in, Mikel Arteta made the decision to sub Lewis-Skelly out of the action.Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori was sent on in place of the youngster.Lewis-Skelly looked disappointed with himself as he slumped down on the bench to watch the remainder of the match.BBC pundit Alan Shearer backed the substitution and admitted leaving him on would have been a “risk”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “Myles Lewis-Skelly is in a risky situation there having just been shown a yellow card.”If he hadn’t received one just moments ago, then that would definitely be one. Arsenal have got away with one there.Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey gives his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s red card vs West HamAlan Shearer believes leaving Lewis-Skelly on would be a riskCredit: PA”It was always going to be a matter of time before that change, Riccardo Calafiori for Lewis-Skelly took place.”They have put themselves in a good position, three goals up, so why run the risk of going down to ten men. Sensible decision.”He only picked up a red card in Arsenal’s recent 1-0 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League.The defender was the last man as he dragged down Mohammed Kudus who looked through on goal.This followed the controversial dismissal for fouling Matt Doherty in the game against Wolves.Arsenal ratings vs PSV as Nwaneri comes of age in Champions League drubbing but rash Lewis-Skelly is hooked earlyARSENAL steamrolled a hapless PSV side to all-but book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.The Gunners started without a recognised striker once again but unlike at Nottingham Forest last week, goals were not a problem in Eindhoven.A quick-fire double from Jurrien Timber and Ethan Nwaneri around the 20th minute put the Gunners in control in what was an assured display.Every Arsenal player impressed and they were clinical with their finishing.Only Myles Lewis-Skelly will feel a little disappointed as he was hooked after half an hour to avoid him picking up a second yellow.It was a shame as the youngster was performing well on the ball – he played a key role in the build-up to the opening goal.But he could not be trusted by Mikel Arteta after he dived and caught his man with a challenge that could easily have resulted in a second booking.It was another careless moment that allowed PSV back into the match as Thomas Partey conceded a penalty that was converted on the stroke of half-time.But the Gunners did not rest on their laurels and came out racing after the break, scoring twice in two minutes to put the match, and the tie, to bed.Here is how SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rated the Gunners’ display…He later saw his three-match ban overturned and Ref chief Howard Webb insisted that the decision, while wrong, was not a “horrendous” one.Meanwhile, PSV were offered a route back into the match as Noa Lang converted from the spot before the break.However, all hopes of a comeback looked over just three minutes into the second half as Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard both scored to make it 5-1.READ MORE SUN STORIESOdegaard made it two for himself and six on the night in the 73rd minute.Lewis-Skelly’s replacement Calafiori wrapped up the scoring with Arsenal’s SEVENTH in the dying stages.He was recently sent off against West HamCredit: ReutersHe was controversially sent off against Wolves earlier in the seasonCredit: PA More

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      Club Brugge 1 Aston Villa 3: Aston Villa take charge of Champions League tie as they weather storm to beat Belgians

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      ASTON VILLA have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals – thanks to Brugge’s masked avenger Brandon Mechele!The Brugge defender with the protective face mask blundered horribly to divert Morgan Rogers’ low cross beyond Simon Mignolet eight minutes from full-time to gift Villa a 2-1 lead.Leon Bailey netted the opener inside three minutesCredit: RexMaxim De Cuyper fired the hosts levelCredit: ReutersTyrone Mings made a vital goal-line clearance at 1-1Credit: ReutersMorgan Rogers helped restore the lead as he forced in an own-goalCredit: EPAMarco Asensio made sure from the spotCredit: AFPAnd Unai Emery’s men were celebrating again six minutes later following another self-inflicted wound by Brugge when attacker Christos Tzolis panicked in his own box to send Matty Cash tumbling.Super-sub Marco Asensio kept his cool to beat Mignolet from the penalty spot to nab his FIFTH Villa goal and leave Brugge with one almighty hangover in the beer capital of the world!Meanwhile Villa can start popping the champagne corks after holding their nerve with a dogged display on the road. Only an absolute meltdown at Villa Park can now stop Villa from setting up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown with Liverpool or Emery’s former club Paris Saint Germain.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey survived the bearpit atmosphere of Brugge’s Jan Breydelstadion and will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing the Belgians on home turf, where they are unbeaten in 14 matches.Especially with Asensio in the scoring form of his life!Villa couldn’t have wished for a better start as they seized the lead after only three minutes.It was a goal of stunning simplicity which left Brugge’s players hanging their heads in shame.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFormer Anderlecht star Youri Tielemans was booed from the first whistle by Brugge’s rowdy fans, who clearly have long memories.But the Belgian silenced his noisy critics by delivering the long free kick into the box which Tyrone Mings nodded down.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAnd there was Leon Bailey waiting to pounce with a sweetly struck left foot shot on the half-volley which sped beyond Simon Mignolet into the far corner.It was a peach of a goal and the ideal start for Villa who appeared to have taken the tie by the scruff of the neck.Marcus Rashford, starting a Champions League tie for the first time since he was sent off for Manchester United against Copenhagen in November 2023 was next to show.The on-loan Villa winger worked a neat one-two with Bailey then fired in a low shot which was kept out by Mignolet’s legs.But all of Villa’s promising early work was spectacularly undone three minutes later as Brugge exposed Villa’s fragile defence to snatch a speedy equaliser.Ardon Jashari picked the ball up in space in midfield and had time to get his head up and pick out Christos Tzolis with a raking crossfield pass which sailed over Axel Disasi’s head.Tzolis sucked Disasi in before cutting the ball back to Maxim De Cuyper who caused Maximum damage to Villa by sweeping the ball beyond Emi Martinez’s outstretched glove and into the far corner.That sparked bedlam in the ramshackle concrete bowl that is the Former Norwich City winger Christos Tzolis gave away the penaltyCredit: RexAsensio netted Villa’s third of the gameCredit: ReutersThe West Midlands side are in a strong position ahead of the second legCredit: GettyUnai Emery picked up a yellow card during the matchCredit: GettyJan Breydelstadion as the home fans went bonkers.Once again Villa’s defending was called into question as Leon Bailey failed to go with De Cuyper’s run and Disasi should have been better positioned to cut out the initial booming ball out of defence.Both sides had managed to wound their opponents in the early skirmishes and appeared to be wary of each other’s attacking threat.So the game descended into something of a dour midfield struggle.Villa have made it to half-time on level terms – thanks to the brilliance of Emi Martinez.The Villa and World’s No.1 showed fantastic reflexes just beyond the half hour mark to get down to his right to keep out Chemsdine Talbi’s low shot which was hurtling towards his net.It was a tight, nervy affair which had Unai Emery at his animated best on the touchline, waving his arms around in a frenzy.Rashford was having a decent tussle with Bruges kid right back Kyriani Sabbe, who he managed to power by just before half-time.But the winger was tight to the touchline and his cross flew into Mignolet’s chest. At half-time most Villa fans were asking how long Emery would wait before sending for Marco Asensio who had the class and experience to win this tie for the visitors.The game had now descended into a scrappy affair with both sides desperate to keep things tight after those early goals.Emi Martinez showed his class again to pluck a fiercely hit Onyedika drive from 25 yards out from under his crossbar, making it look easy.But with just over an hour played Emery had seen enough and made a QUADRUPLE substitution which paid off spectacularly.Matty Cash, Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara and Marco Asensio replaced Disasi, Rashford, Bailey and McGinn.That gave Asensio a place in the Champions League record books as the first player to make 50 substitute appearances in the competition.And the Spaniard almost marked the occasion with a goal when he smashed Jacob Ramsey’s cutback towards goal, forcing Mignolet to beat the ball high into the air.It dropped to Cash but the full-back slashed wildly over and held his head in his hands in despair.At the other end Villa were living dangerously and Vanaken came within a fraction of heading Brugge in front with an attempt which grazed the far post with Martinez beaten.Then Tzolis screwed his shot hopelessly wide after Vanaken set him up with a clever flick.READ MORE SUN STORIESEmery was booked for losing the plot on the touchline.But the Spaniard was soon celebrating a famous late double as Villa seized this tie by the throat. 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      PSV vs Arsenal live stream FREE: How to watch Champions League clash without paying a penny

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      ARSENAL travel to the Netherlands to face PSV in the first leg of their MASSIVE Champions League round of 16 tie.The North London club are back in the knockout stages of the Champions League and want to get back to winning ways after picking up just one win in their last four.Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Ben White during a training session ahead of Arsenal’s clash with PSV on Tuesday nightMikel Arteta’s team have shown great form in Europe so far this season, having finished third place in the new look group phase of the competition.This notched fantastic wins against Paris Saint-Germain, Sporting, and Monaco, while their only loss was a 1-0 defeat away from home against Inter Milan.PSV come into this game with lots of confidence after beating Juventus 4-3 on aggregate in their Champions League play-off tie.Before that match, they also saw off Premier League leaders Liverpool – beating them 3-2 just to clinch their play-off spot.read more arsenal newsThe Dutch giants – who are currently second in the Eredivisie – will be hoping for another huge upset that will set them up for the second-leg match at the Emirates Stadium on March 12.When is PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal?PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal will take place on Tuesday, March 4.Kick off will be at 8pm GMT.The Philips Stadion in Eindhoven will host the first leg.How to watch PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal for FREEThis season’s Champions League has seen a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.Amazon Prime Video is showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at NO additional cost to Prime members.Most read in FootballShould you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial, which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member.Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens.What other games are on this round?Aston Villa travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge in the early Tuesday kickoff at 5.45pm GMT.Borussia Dortmund host Lille at 8pm GMT, while Real Madrid and Atletico face off in a massive Madrid derby that has fans incredibly excited – also at 8pm GMT.The remaining first-leg fixtures will be played the next day on Wednesday, March 5.League leaders Liverpool travel to France to play Ligue 1 leaders PSG in what is expected to be a highly competitive match at 8pm GMT.Feyenoord host Inter Milan in the early kickoff at 5.45pm GMT, while Bayern face Leverkusen in an all German clash.Barcelona, who are first place in La Liga and and finished top of the table in the Champions League, will go to Portugal where they will face Benfica. More

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      PSV vs Arsenal LIVE RESULT: Gunners hit SEVEN in Dutch ROUT plus Madrid derby in Champions League last-16 first leg

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      ARSENAL have all but sealed their spot in the quarter-finals as they became the first team in history to score seven away from home in a Champions League knockout game. On his return to his homeland, Jurrien Timber headed Arsenal into an early after the Dutch defender turned in Declan Rice’s cross to the back-post on the 18th minute. Three minutes later, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly combined to double the Gunners lead as the former met the latter’s low cross to fire in from close range. Mikel Arteta’s side would further extend their lead, following a lengthy VAR check, after Mikel Merino stroked the ball past the goalkeeper in the midst of a six-yard melee. PSV would pull themselves back into the game as Thomas Partey forceful challenge on Luuk de Jong handed Noa Lang the chance to convert from the spot, which he did with aplomb into the top corner. The North London club came out with the same impetus they started with, as quick-fire double from Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard restored their comfort in score straight after the interval. Ødegaard would grab his second and Arsenal’ sixth before substitute Riccardo Calafiori – who came on the 35th minute for the booked-and-nearly sent off Myles Lewis-Skelly – compounded the Dutch side’s with a galloping run and finish to round off a unrelenting night. Full-time result: PSV 1 Arsenal 7PSV XI: Benitez; Ledezma, Flamingo, Malacia; Saibari, Schouten, Til; Perisic, De Jong, Lang.Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard.Follow this live blog for updates… Thanks for tuning inJust had a missed call on my phone, it could be Mikel saying I can play up front next week.Even a man down, they’ll still progress with ease.The big question next Wednesday night is who will they be playing? It’ll be a belter either way!Goodnight.Copy linkCopiedMatch reportMikel Arteta’s goal-crazy Arsenal can smell the quarter finals with a stunning result that eclipsed one of the greatest European nights in their history.Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles battered Inter Milan 5-1 at the San Siro back in November 2003 – Thierry Henry running rings around Javier Zanetti and co.Twenty two years on and a woeful PSV outfit could have done with Zanetti – even at his current age of 51 – at the back as the Gunners went two better with a seven-goal Euro humbling.In fact, they were the first team EVER to score seven in an away knockout tie.Copy linkCopiedMore from MikelHe was also asked about the teenagers tonight, adding: “It’s a massive result away from home in a competition that we love, that we miss for so many years. Today is a really special night for us.””To be doing what they are doing at 17 and 18 years old, shows incredible maturity. They are doing that because of how the other players support them and make them better. “They have a lot of courage. Myles makes an assist, that’s the team that I want to see, they take initiative and they want to make things happen.”Copy linkCopiedMikel reactsMikel Arteta told Prime Sport: “I’m just so happy for the boys because in the last two games, we haven’t scored a goal and we know the noise around that.”Momentum can shift and this is a team [PSV] that is very used to winning. They have the capacity to generate chances in a lot of moments. “You don’t want to put yourself in the position where they score a second one and it is game on.”This is the beauty of football. Focus on what you are doing and do your best. Anything can happen.”Copy linkCopiedPoor PeterPeter Bosz was already under pressure heading into this game, before leading them to their joint-record defeat in HISTORY.I’ll admit, he’s got to be very lucky to lead the team at the Emirates next week as they were absolutely mince.Looking embarrassed and burst, he told Prime Sport: “Terrible night for us. No chances, maybe two moments in the game?“We hit the bar and then maybe the second yellow card.“Football-wise we had no chance. They played well and we had no chance.“Absolutely poor from our side and not how we play normally and Arsenal did very well.“We had a plan, analysed them and thought we could hurt them somewhere. But if you look at how we defended, you can’t be successful if you play this way.”Copy linkCopiedMore from MartinThe Arsenal skipper was also pressed on the chance he could be heading back to Real Madrid with Arsenal in the next round.He told Prime: “Of course, it would be special to go back there. “Whoever we get we will be ready. “We have to finish our job at home first and then see who we get.”Copy linkCopiedLead from the frontMartin Odegaard told Amazon Prime Sport: “After last few games we needed this performance. It was brilliant from start to end. “Really good going forward, creating chances, scoring goals. Unfortunately conceded one goal but top performance.”Every player in my position want to influence the game with goals and assists and it’s something I haven’t been good enough at this season but two goals and one assist tonight is a good step.”Copy linkCopiedBig games to comeA result that will give the Gunners huge confidence moving forward.Some big games on the horizon in the Premier League especially – then a trip to Madrid to come too! Copy linkCopiedDec reactsDeclan Rice spoke to Prime Sport after the game and said: “We were fluid, enthusiastic, the drive and hunger in the knock out phase of the Champions League. “But we’ve been playing like this all season. We feel we’ve been playing well as a team sometimes we score five sometimes two sometimes we don’t score but tonight we did well. “We had the opportunity to score more second half especially.”Nothing is done yet, so we’ll see”Copy linkCopiedMatch statsPSV had more possession in the game, they have that to celebrate at least….Arsenal had 15 shots on goal to PSV’s 12 – but eight on target to the home side’s two.Seven goals from eight shots on target doesn’t reflect too great on the keeper, admittedly.Copy linkCopiedRecord-breakingNo surprise, tonight was Arsenal’s biggest result away from home in the Champions League.And they’re the first team in history to score 7+ goals away from home in a Champions League knockout stage game.Copy linkCopiedChampions League resultsFour results tonight with goals for all eight sides.Club Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaDortmund 1-1 LillePSV 1-7 ArsenalReal Madrid 2-1 Atletico MadridCopy linkCopiedQuarters awaitsArsenal can already begin preparations for Madrid as the job is done and dusted in the first leg.No striker? No problems this time as they put SEVEN beyond a dire PSV side.The only blemish was the one they conceded from the spot.Otherwise, it’s a near-perfect night with six different scorers – including two full backs – and it probably could’ve been more.Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEAn extraordinary night in the Netherlands.PSV 1-7 ArsenalCopy linkCopied90 – PSV 1-7 ArsenalAll those goals and substitutions and we’re only getting two minutes added on.Even the referee feels for the home side.Copy linkCopied89 – PSV 1-7 ArsenalMalacia must’ve thought his embarrassing results were behind him when leaving Man Utd for PSV on loan.Alas not. He’s now been booked for a late challenge on Ben White.Pure frustration.Copy linkCopied88 – PSV 1-7 ArsenalPrime Sport saying this matches the worst ever defeat in PSV’s history in all competitions.Shocker.Copy linkCopied85 – GOAL DETAIL – PSV 1-7 ArsenalSeven goals and counting for Arsenal who have time for more.Speaking of time, Odegaard is given plenty of it 22 yards from goal when he stands in possession.He prods a pass with the outside of his foot into the box on the right where CALAFIORI of all people makes the darting run down the right wing and he finishes like a centre forward, with his weaker right foot across the keeper and into the bottom corner.Excellent finish. Seven goals away from home.Copy linkCopied85 – GOAL!! PSV 1-7 ARSENALIt IS seven and a left-back has scored.But it’s RICCARDO CALAFIORI!Copy linkCopied83 – PSV 1-6 ArsenalZinchenko determined to get on the scoresheet!Rice wins a corner and takes it himself from the left which is deep and Zinchenko is all alone at an angle.His controlled shot is blocked behind and PSV deal with that resulting corner.Copy linkCopied81 – PSV 1-6 ArsenalIt’s nearly seven.Tierney plays in Zinchenko down the left and his shot across goal is watched all the way by Benitez who saves this one.Copy linkCopied78 – PSV 1-6 ArsenalAnother double change for the Arsenal.OFF: Merino & TimberON: White and TierneyCopy linkCopied74 – GOAL DETAIL – PSV 1-6 ArsenalHow on earth have this Dutch side made the round-of-16 of this competition?The room given to Martin Odegaard 30 yards from goal is outrageous.He’s allowed to drive and drive and get to the edge of the box before striking well but straight down the keeper’s throat.He dives out the way of it, sticks a hand out and diverts it into the bottom corner.The home fans are piling out the exits and rightly so.Terrific from Arsenal.Copy linkCopied74 – GOAL! PSV 1-6 ARSENALRuthless from the Gunners against an absolute shambles of a side.MARTIN ODEGAARD makes it SIX!Copy linkCopied71 – PSV 1-5 ArsenalDouble change for Mikel Arteta:OFF: Partey and NwaneriON: Sterling & ZinchenkoCopy linkCopied More

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      Real Madrid to expand Bernabeu just a year after £1.5BILLION redevelopment as it’s too SMALL to host huge sporting event

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      REAL MADRID are looking to further expand the Bernabeu in order to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup final.Madrid only returned to their iconic stadium last month – after spending £1.5billion renovating it.Real Madrid are eyeing further changes to the BernabeuCredit: GettyMadrid only returned to the Bernabeu pitch last month after a long redevelopment projectCredit: GettyThe European giants spent a fortune on giving the Bernabeu a face-lift, with work beginning in 2019 and finally ending in late 2024.The changes have included a retractable roof, a 360-degree LED scoreboard and a new metal facade with 7,500 stainless steel slats.However, all the renovations actually slightly REDUCED the capacity of the stadium.But, Fifa’s December announcement of Spain co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco, has thrown a spanner in the works.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Madrid are now planning to do MORE work on the ground, to this time raise the number of seats.Plans would see the Bernabeu’s capacity is set to increase from around 79,000 to 85,000 seats, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.Fifa rules state that the World Cup final stadium must have a capacity of at least 80,000.The club is said to prefer a permanent solution over temporary seating so it can reap the long-term benefits after the World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere is some uncertainty over the exact capacity of the Bernabeu following the redevelopment project.So far this season, Madrid’s attendance has only surpassed 78,000 on two occasions, against rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game Barcelona’s revamped Spotify Camp Nou is another top contender to host the World Cup final.The Nou Camp is in the midst of a major revamp, with its capacity to stand at 105,000 once the project is completed. Barca are hoping to return home before the end of the season, but it would be operating at a reduced capacity while work continues.Meanwhile, the Grand Stade Hassan II, a huge new stadium set to open in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, is also a candidate.The African arena is set to have a capacity of 115,000, which would make it the largest football stadium in the world once completed.It’s the first time that three countries across two continents will officially stage the tournament. More

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      Marcus Rashford’s delighted brother Dane joins noisy Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub before huge Champions League tie

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      MARCUS RASHFORD’S brother Dane was welcomed into the Aston Villa family in a Bruges pub.Footage shared by ITV showed fans serenading about the on-loan Manchester United forward with brother Dane in joining them in Belgium.Dane Rashford, smiling in the middle, was greeted by Aston Villa fans at a pub in BrugesDane, the older brother of Marcus Rashford, was greeted by former Villa star Ian TaylorFans were singing Rashford’s name in the pubRashford was named in Aston Villa’s starting XI for the Champions League clashCredit: AFPDane, the older brother of Rashford, was all smiles as he joined Rashford’s new fans ahead of Villa’s Champions League tie against Club Brugges in the Champions League last 16.Former Aston Villa star Ian Taylor, 56, was there to greet Dane.The ex-midfielder, who played for Villa for nine years between 1994 and 2003, was also seen standing on a table leading the chants.Rashford was named in the starting XI for the clash by Unai Emery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old is yet to open his goalscoring account for Villa, but has already racked up three assists in wearing the club’s claret and blue.He climbed off the bench against Chelsea in the Premier League to set up Marco Asensio twice to seal a 2-1 comeback win.Last weekend he then provided another assist for Asensio’s opener against Cardiff as Villa secured a 2-0 win to move into the FA Cup quarter-finals – where they drew Championship side Preston.Rashford’s more creative side really came to the fore in his last game, creating six chances for team-mates, equalling his highest tally in 426 matches for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter falling out of favour at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim, Rashford was sent on loan to Villa.The deal features a £40million option for the Villa Park outfit to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, while Villa are currently paying 75 per cent of his wages.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferAs well as Dane, Rashford also has a brother named Dwaine Maynard, two sisters, and one half-sister.Dane is a director of DN May Sports Management – a sports management agency ”with the goal of elevating athletes to achieve their full potential and thrive in their sports and in their wider life” – alongside Dwaine. More

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      Club Brugge vs Villa LIVE RESULT: Villans come out on top in Champions League first leg last-16 with two late goals

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      ASTON VILLA start their historic knockout campaign with a comfortable advantage going into the second leg at Villa Park. The Villans started off well as winger Leon Bailey fired them ahead from close range inside the the first three minutes. Though, the tricky Club Brugge would level the contest no more than ten minutes later through Maxim De Cuyper who galloped onto a rolled back pass inside the box and planted his finish into the bottom corner. The back-and-forth contest would peak as Morgan Rogers’ cross from the right wing was turned in by Brandon Mechele on the 82nd minute. Substitute Marco Asensio would extend the lead as the Spaniard converted his penalty kick following Christos Tzolis late foul on Matty Cash. Full-time result: Club Brugge 1 Villa 3Club Brugge: Mignolet, Seys, Ordonez, Mechele, De Cuyper, Onyedika, Jashari,Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis, Jutgla.Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Garcia, Disasi, Konsa, Digne, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, Asensio, Rashford, WatkinsFollow our live blog below… Full-time: Club Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaThat’s all from today’s game. Thanks for tuning in. Stay on SunSport for coverage of every Champions League match tonight.There will be live updates on PSV vs Arsenal.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaThe return leg takes place next Wednesday and Club Brugge have it all to do.Villa have one foot in the quarter-final thanks to goals from Leon Bailey and Marco Asensio, with Mechele scoring a crucial own goal.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston VillaFT. Two late goals have put Aston Villa in a commanding position ahead of the return leg at Villa Park.It is job done for Emery whose substitutions made the difference.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa90. Late chance for Club Brugge but Vetlesen skies over from De Cuyper’s cutback.Another chance goes begging for the hosts which sums up the match.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa90. Watkins is replaced by Bogarde as the fourth official signals four additional minutes.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa87. Tielemans initially looked to put the ball down but he hands it to Asensio who fires low into the bottom left corner.Copy linkCopiedGoal! Club Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa87. Asensio makes no mistake from the spot!Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa86. Cash wins the ball in the box and is brought down by Tzolis.There was minimal contact and VAR checked to see if the ball went out of play before it reached Cash.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa86. Penalty Villa!Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa82. Rogers is played in down the right and he fizzes across a low ball that looks destined to reach Watkins.But before the striker can tap in Mechele stretches for the ball and can only divert it past his own goalkeeper. Disaster.Copy linkCopiedGoal! Club Brugge 1-2 Aston Villa82. Own goal from Mechele!Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa78. It is a back and forth match now with the intensity ramped up since Villa’s changes.But it is the hosts who look most like scoring.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa74. Big big miss.Tzolis is slipped through and only had the keeper to beat but he somehow smashes over the bar from eight yards.Huge let off for Villa.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa73. Villa look more up for this now and are seeing a lot more of the ball.Emery may take a draw but a win could be huge.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa69. How has that not gone in!A superb delivery is met by Brugge captain Vanaken who heads back across goal, but can only watch as the ball agonisingly bounces past the post.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa68. So close from Villa!Watkins goes close but Mignolet produces a brilliant save to keep the ball out.It falls to Cash who can only blaze over the bar from close range.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa67. Brugge still on top here without creating much.Emery will be hoping the subs re-energise his team, who have looked off it today.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa63. First change and it’s a big one. Rashford, Bailey, McGinn and Disasi all go off.Cash, Asensio, Kamara and Ramsey come on to replace them.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa59. Another Brugge move comes to nothing thanks to Mings.He gets a foot in to deny Jashari just as he was about to shoot.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa57. Emery does not look too pleased on the touchline as his side struggle to get a foothold in the game.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa54. Onyedika unleashes a shot from distance but it is easy for Martinez to deal with.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa52. Club Brugge go up the other end and Mings has to stretch to put the ball out for a corner from a low cross.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa51. Villa break as Rogers turns on the halfway line and runs at the defence.He feeds Watkins but the ball is pinched off his toe.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa49. A steady start to the second period with Club Brugge dominating the ball so far.Copy linkCopiedClub Brugge 1-1 Aston Villa46. The second half is underway with no changes for either side at the break.Copy linkCopied More

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      Which players have earned the most Dream Team points in Europe this season?

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      THE European competitions are once again in the Dream Team spotlight.Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are all set to play the first legs of their respective round of 16 ties this week with the second legs to follow in Gameweek 27.Morgan Rogers and Christopher Nkunku have had success in Europe this seasonCredit: Dream TeamWith that in mind, let’s recap which players have earned the most points in Europe so far this season.51 pts – Emi Martinez (£3.6m)Aston Villa flew out of the blocks upon their return to the Champions League with wins over Young Boys, Bayern Munich and Bologna, all without conceding a goal.Naturally, their World Cup winning goalkeeper benefited hugely from these early clean sheets, which he fought tooth and nail for, especially against Harry Kane and company.In fact, 22 of Martinez’s 32 saves in Europe this season came in his first four outings in the competition.The Argentine stopper’s midweek returns have been a huge factor in him maintaining a lofty ranking among players in his position.51 pts – Marc Guiu (£2.3m)The 19 year-old forward has played just 70 minutes in the league for Chelsea this season but he’s thoroughly enjoyed himself on Thursday nights.Guiu has six goals in the Conference League at a rate of one every 47.3 minutes.His crowning moment came in Gameweek 15 when he bagged a hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers.Most read in FootballIt will be interesting to see whether the young Spaniard continues to get minutes now the competition has reached the knockout stage.Maresca has rotated his squad in the Conference LeagueCredit: Reuters53 pts – Kai Havertz (£4.7m)Arsenal’s No29 cops plenty of criticism at times but he played a vital role in ensuring the Gunners’ relatively smooth progression to the last 16 of the Champions League.Havertz scored four goals and provided one assist in eight European outings before his injury.The Germany international’s hamstring problem may rule him out for the remainder of the campaign and so he’s not an option for Dream Team bosses going forward.54 pts – Morgan Rogers (£3.9m)Aston Villa’s silky midfielder made a huge statement in his most recent Champions League appearance when scored a hat-trick against Celtic for a 24-point return.That dominant display helped Unai Emery’s side progress to the round of 16 directly, avoiding the stress of play-offs.Rogers is one of the first names on the team sheet when available and he is expected to start against Club Brugge in Belgium this evening.With an ownership of 29.1%, the 22-year-old is currently Dream Team’s third-most popular midfielder and so big things are expected of him this month.Rogers produced a masterclass against Celtic back in Gameweek 21Credit: Getty56 pts – Bukayo Saka (£6.6m)Mikel Arteta would feel far more confident of progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals if he was able to field his talismanic No7.Amazingly, Saka amassed 56 points from just five European games via four goals and two assists before his injury.More broadly, the England star averages 9.3 points-per-game in 2024/25, a rate only bettered by runaway points leader Mohamed Salah (£8.3m).How gaffers would love to be able to select Saka again before the end of the season.58 pts – Rasmus Hojlund (£3.2m)A surprise inclusion here as Manchester United’s Danish striker has looked relatively ineffective for much of the campaign.However, while Hojlund’s record of two goals in 22 league games is rather miserable, five goals in eight in the Europa League paints a far brighter picture.Given that Europe is the Red Devils’ last route to a trophy this season, Ruben Amorim will do everything he can to motivate Hojlund ahead of two legs against Real Sociedad.It would be a stretch to say that the former Atalanta speedster is a wise selection in Dream Team right now but gaffers should consider which players tend to perform better in Europe when the continental competitions take centre stage.Hojlund’s best performances have come in the Europa League this seasonCredit: Rex59 pts – Mohamed Salah (£8.3m)No list of top performers would be complete without Liverpool’s prolific No11.The only surprise is that the Egyptian superstar ranks just fourth given the Reds topped the Champions League league phase.Salah was rested against PSV in Gameweek 21 but he registered three goals and four assists in the seven outings previous at an average of one goal involvement every 86 minutes – incredibly, that’s a tad under par for him this season.He was slightly hindered by an inconsequential penalty miss against Real Madrid in late November but his numbers are staggeringly good nonetheless.With Ballon d’Or talk increasing, it’s all eyes on Salah ahead of Liverpool’s meetings with PSG in the very near future.64 pts – Phil Foden (£6.1m)Last season’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year has struggled this time around but he made hay in Europe before Manchester City’s untimely exit.Pep Guardiola’s side paid the price for their error-strewn performances when they were forced to meet Champions League specialists Real Madrid in the play-offs.Foden notched two goals, three assists and eight bonus points in nine games but that’s all in the past now – Man City were the only English team dumped out of Europe before the last 16.Foden’s viability has dropped significantly since Man City’s defeat to Real MadridCredit: Getty64 pts – Christopher Nkunku (£3.4m)The lesson here is that Conference League mismatches are bursting with potential.Chelsea’s French forward was largely restricted to midweek action for the first two thirds of the campaign and he proved himself too strong for the likes of Noah, Gent and Heidenheim.Nkunku averages a goal or assist every 48.3 minutes in Europe this season and there may well be more returns to come as the Blues are the bookies’ big favourites to lift the trophy come May.It would be a mistake for Dream Team bosses to disregard the Conference League as the season draws to a conclusion, providing Enzo Maresca’s troops make it past Copenhagen of course.85 pts – Erling Haaland (£8.1m)Man City’s No9 has been in a league of his own in Europe this term with eight goals from nine outings.But he will now have to watch his rivals catch up to his points tally from the comfort of his sofa following his elimination from the Champions League.It’s notable that Haaland’s ownership has dropped since City succumbed to Jude Bellingham and friends.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn fact, he was the second-most transferred-out player prior to Gameweek 26.Dream Team managers have become accustomed to Man City points aplenty in the season’s closing months but 2024/25 looks set to forge a different path.Haaland won’t be adding to his tally of eight Champions League goals this seasonCredit: GettyScore PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOW More