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      Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid: European powerhouses face off in mouthwatering Champions League semi-final – team news

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      BAYERN MUNICH host Real Madrid in the first leg of their mouthwatering Champions League semi-final tie on Tuesday night.The German giants booked their spot in the last four courtesy of Joshua Kimmich’s bullet header, securing a narrow 3-2 aggregate win over Arsenal in the quarter-finals.Joshua Kimmich was the difference maker for Bayern Munich in the second leg against ArsenalCredit: APReal Madrid booked their spot in the semi-finals with a win on penalties against Manchester CityCredit: APThe Champions League remains Bayern’s last chance to win silverware this campaign.The Bundesliga outfit was dumped out of the DFB-Pokal by Saarbrucken and lost the league for the first time in 11 years to Bayer Leverkusen.Thomas Tuchel will be aiming to bow out as Bayern manager on a high, having confirmed that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.Real Madrid progressed after beating holders Manchester City on penalties at the Etihad, leaving no English teams in the Champions League final four.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUEHowever, two of England’s biggest stars, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, are still in the competition as they prepare to face off in the semi-finals.The pair will hope to emulate Gareth Bale, the last Brit to win a Champions League title with a foreign club when he triumphed with Real Madrid. The last of his five wins came in 2022.The last Englishman to manage the feat was Owen Hargreaves, who won the competition with Bayern in 2001.Bayern and Real Madrid have 20 titles between them, with that number possibly to grow at the end of the campaign.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMadrid are aiming to win a double, having almost wrapped up the LaLiga title.Los Blancos are 14 points clear of Girona with only five games left to play.Watch Harry Kane speak German for first time in Audi advert with Muller as fans say ‘does a Bafta count as a trophy?’Their hopes of a treble ended back in January when they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Atletico Madrid in round 16.Team newsLeft-back Alphonso Davies has served his one-match ban for the quarter-final second leg against Arsenal but is an injury doubt after straining his left knee.Matthijs de Ligt and Konrad Laimer were both forced off in the 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend and are both doubts for Tuesday night.Jamal Musiala missed Saturday’s game but could return from a tendon issue, while Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry have returned to training and are in contention to face Real Madrid.For the Spanish giants, starman Jude Bellingham did not play against Real Sociedad due to a stomach issue but is set to be available for Tuesday night.Experienced right-back Dani Carvajal is suspended for the first leg at the Allianz, with Lucas Vazquez expected to start.Who will be the key stars?Jude Bellingham will be looking to get one over his international captain when Real take on Bayern.The midfielder has been in fine form for the Spanish side and has been just as impressive in the Champions League.Bellingham has scored four goals and assisted four more in the competition.He will be just as keen to get a positive result, having played for Bayern’s rivals, Borussia Dortmund, before his move to Real.Harry Kane will be vital for Bayern’s hopes as he has been in scintillating goalscoring form since his switch from Tottenham.Just like Bellingham, Kane has flourished this season and has proved he can perform on the biggest stages.In the Champions League, he has scored seven goals and assisted three more in his 10 appearances.What have the managers said?Thomas Tuchel wants Bayern’s fans to be on top form against Real MadridCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti previously managed BayernCredit: EPATuchel has asked Bayern’s fans to create a “top atmosphere” for Real Madrid’s visit.He said: “We need an absolutely top atmosphere.”It was already great against Arsenal – it has to be even better now.”We also need the spectators to support us, even in moments when it’s more difficult.”We need maximum support to get through phases in which we have to suffer.”Together with the spectators, we need to create an atmosphere that gives us an advantage.”Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that defender Militao could be back in the starting eleven for Bayern.He said: “I still have to think about the line-up for Tuesday. Militao is back, he played very well and it was his first game as a starter after returning.”They are options and I will evaluate them all in the next few days.”Militao is slowly getting back to his best and now he has time to improve.”SunSport predictionBayern Munich 1 Real Madrid 2.When is Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid?
      Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid will take place on Tuesday, April 30.
      Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
      The Allianz will host.
      What TV channel is Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid on and can it be live streamed?
      Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
      You can live stream the match on the discovery+ app/website.
      Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
      What are the odds?Match resultREAD MORE SUN STORIES
      Bayern Munich – 13/10
      Draw – 5/2
      Real Madrid – 15/8
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication More

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      Arsenal wonderkid once dubbed club’s ‘future’ wanted by Champions League giants after ‘deciding to quit’ Emirates

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      JUVENTUS and Roma are both monitoring the situation of Arsenal youngster Charlie Patino, according to reports.Patino, 20, is expected to leave north London this summer.Charlie Patino is expected to leave Arsenal this summerCredit: GettyThe midfielder has spent over two years trying to establish his spot in Mikel Arteta’s first team squad.However, due to the high level of competition he is yet to break into the fold.Patino is now seeking a move away from the Emirates Stadium.And according to Calciomercato, Juventus and Roma are interested.Read More on FootballBoth clubs are trying to recruit Michele Fratini, who previously described Patino as a “diamond”.The midfielder’s contract expires next summer, so Arsenal are allegedly prepared to cash-in on him at the end of the season.The England Under-21s star made his Arsenal debut in a 5-1 League Cup win over Sunderland in December 2021.He came off the bench to score for the Gunners in added time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPatino’s only other first team appearance came in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest the following month.He was loaned to Blackpool for the 2022-23 campaign and made 37 appearances across all competitions.’Bravest fan in the world’ spotted in the Tottenham end with an ARSENAL shirt after turning up with wrong ticketThe midfielder has spent this season at Swansea, but his last start came back in January.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL 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. More

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      Champions League stadium to be transformed for semi-final clash as fans are told to splash cash on new outfits

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      BAYERN MUNICH are planning to transform the Allianz Arena for the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.The Bundesliga giants host the Spanish outfit on Tuesday evening in the first leg of the European tie.Bayern Munich want a ‘red wall’ for their match against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThomas Muller has called on fans to bring red clothingCredit: ReutersThe two titans progressed to the final four of the Champions League by both dumping out English teams.Arsenal were beaten by Bayern while Madrid knocked out Manchester City.Bayern head into the match against Madrid as underdogs after an inconsistent domestic season which saw them lose the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen.The club have called on their fans to help transform the stadium by wearing red-coloured clothing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe aim is to create an intimidating “red wall” of supporters.Stars Thomas Muller and Konrad Laimer have both added to the call from the club.They said: “Look in your wardrobes or buy something red – ‘Mia san mia’ red.”We players will run out to a red wall at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Champions League is Bayern’s last chance at silverware this season.The club were dumped out of the DFB-Pokal in the second round by third-division side Saarbrucken.Dean Scoggins travels to FC Koln in Germany to find Europe’s best Away DayIt would be the first time the club have gone without a major trophy in a season since the 2001/02 campaign.That season, their only trophy was the Intercontinental Cup.David Alaba will miss the return to his old stomping ground with an ACL injury. More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘leaning towards KEEPING Ten Hag’ as Man Utd have ‘too many other issues to sort out’

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is leaning towards keeping Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, according to reports.The Dutchman has come under fire this season with United set to miss out on the Champions League.Manchester United could keep Erik ten Hag beyond the summerCredit: AlamyHe has reached the FA Cup final for a second successive year but bad results and a lack of progression on the pitch have led questions to be raised.United have reportedly been considering options to replace Ten Hag but sources close to Ratcliffe and his team believe the new owner may choose to keep him in post, report ESPN.Keeping Ten Hag could prove to be a cheaper option with the manager’s wages set to be cut if he fails to qualify for the Champions League.But United are considering their options by preparing alternative managerial targets if they decide to sack Ten Hag.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever there are few stand-out names at present with Liverpool and Bayern Munich also fighting for top targets.And one of United’s preferred choices, Gareth Southgate, could still be in charge of England by July, when pre-season begins.The Red Devils have also been linked with former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel, who has led Bayern to the Champions League semi-final.While Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is also of interest but could join in a coaching capacity.Most read in FootballPundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future

      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBrighton manager Robert De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are the other names linked.Ten Hag could return to former club Ajax if he is sacked with the Dutch giants keen to re-united with the 54-year-old.Three key things Ten Hag is getting wrong at Man United More

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      Chelsea ‘draw up three-man list of De Zerbi, Liverpool target and Champions League winner if Pochettino is sacked’

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      CHELSEA have a list of three managers in mind to replace Mauricio Pochettino if he is sacked, reports claim.The former Tottenham boss’ future at Stamford Bridge remains in doubt after they were hammered 5-0 at Arsenal. Chelsea reportedly have a list of three managers in mind to replace Mauricio Pochettino if he is sackedCredit: RexThey sit ninth and face missing out on European football next season, which could ultimately seal Pochettino’s fate. According to The Times, the Stamford Bridge hierarchy want to review Pochettino’s position in the summer. It is believed his position is safe until then but already replacements are being drawn up. The list is said to include Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Champions League winner Hansi Flick. READ MORE ON CHELSEA Amorim is on track to lead Lisbon to the league title and at one point was frontrunner to succeed at Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp leaves in the summer. He has also held talks with West Ham about succeeding David Moyes at the London Stadium.Feyenoord boss Arne Slot has since become leading candidate to take over from Klopp, who will end his eight years at Anfield this summer.But prising De Zerbi out of Brighton would also come at a hefty cost while Flick is understood to see his future elsewhere.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe former Bayern player won two Bundesliga titles and one Champions League trophy during his time in the Munich hotseat. But he is yet to return to management since leaving his role as German national team manager in 2023. Mauricio Pochettino accuses Chelsea players of ‘giving up’ in gutless 5-0 loss to Arsenal saying ‘there is no excuse’Chelsea’s potential search for a new manager could be effected by competition in the market. Bayern, Liverpool, Barcelona and AC Milan are all looking for new managers for next season.Manchester United and Juventus could also join that hunt too.Chelsea’s defeat in the London derby at the Emirates was their 11th of the season but Pochettino refused to point the finger at his players.He said: “I cannot blame the players. We are showing this inconsistency, that is why we are where we are.“When we have bad days, we are so bad. When we are good, we are capable of everything. “That is another thing we need to be aware of, that we need to increase for the future.”Ruben Amorim is linked with the Chelsea and Liverpool jobCredit: GettyRoberto De Zerbi would cost a big fee to recruit from BrightonCredit: PAHansi Flick is yet to return to management since leaving his role as Germany managerCredit: EPA More

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      Roy Keane admits he was ‘absolutely disgraceful’ with his drinking habits during Man Utd career

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      ROY KEANE has confessed to an “absolutely disgraceful” drinking habit during his golden years at Manchester United.The legendary hardman says he’d regularly neck pints four days in a row if there was no midweek match.Roy Keane believes people will be surprised to hear of his habitCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdGary Neville explained how habits improved in the mid-1990sCredit: YouTube / The OverlapKeane won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in United’s famous 1998-99 Treble season.But he believes the football world might be shocked to hear of some of his behaviour while at Old Trafford from 1993-2005.The ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder, 52, told Sky Bet’s Stick to Football podcast: “People used to say I was a good pro..  Some of my stuff was absolutely disgraceful.”Keane went on to detail his drinking routine if Alex Ferguson’s men knew they were out of action during the week.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe said: “Definitely on Saturday. Definitely on Sunday.”Many times I’d go Saturday after the game, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Pints or whatever it was I was drinking at the time.”But he stressed: “I’d draw the line on Wednesday, to be fair.”Then-United team-mate Gary Neville reckons many top-flight players were habitual drinkers in that era.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told Keane during the podcast chat with Ian Wright and Jill Scott: “The reason you got away with it was because a lot of the players in the other teams were doing the same.”As long as they could all drink 10 pints they were all at the same fitness level.”Roy Keane’s Biggest TV Rants Keane suggested his relative youth, plus playing in such a good team, helped him thrive despite drinking.But when Neville outlined his own all-the-same theory, Keano nodded and said: “Probably.”Ex-England defender Nev also explained how football’s off-the-pitch standards were promptly transformed. He said: “I always look at that period pre 1995-96 as all players were doing the same thing.”1996-2000 professionalised a lot in that period – nutritionists came in etc.”Keane agreed but joked: “I carried on for a while – they’re not changing me!”Meanwhile, Neville revealed he once had a fit and fainted while covering an England game at Euro 2020.Keane’s career faded dramatically after he left Old Trafford following a fall-out with Fergie.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after seven months at Celtic – the club he supported as a kid – the former Nottingham Forest hero quit playing on medical advice in June 2006.Two-year spells as manager at Sunderland and Ipswich followed before he became a Sky Sports pundit known for his frank opinions. More

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      ‘Will he want another season like this?’ – Virgil van Dijk tipped to follow Klopp and QUIT Liverpool by Holland legend

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      DUTCH legend Ronald De Boer reckons this summer might be the right time for Virgil van Dijk to leave Liverpool.It will be the end of an era at Anfield when this season concludes as legendary boss Jurgen Klopp will step down.Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk may leave with Jurgen Klopp this summerCredit: RexRonald de Boer believes Van Dijk may be considering his optionsCredit: GettyKlopp will leave Liverpool in June after nine successful yearsCredit: PAIconic forward Mohamed Salah could well be on his way to Saudi Arabia too, while Netherlands star Van Dijk has previously hinted he may leave also after six trophy-laden years with the club.Former Champions League winner De Boer, 53, told talkSPORT: “He’s looking of course [whether] it’s now time to go.“Maybe not winning a prize and you think, hmm, do I want another year like that? I don’t know.“Maybe he can make a great transfer for the end of his career enjoying his football life, maybe in the States, maybe somewhere else, I don’t know, that’s up to him.Read More on Football“If he’s really, really happy at Liverpool and thinks he’s still got it in him and thinks he can bring that energy every day in training and also on the pitch, maybe he will stay.“I can’t look in his mind of course and know what he is thinking.“But there is a possibility, of course. There is a time for coming and going so maybe it’s time to go.”Van Dijk, who turns 33 in July, was scathing of his team-mates after Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at city rivals Everton left their Premier League title hopes hanging by a thread.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFeyenoord chief Arne Slot is the favourite to take over from Klopp and talks with Liverpool have already begun.De Boer loves the football approach of compatriot Slot – but picked out the toils of another Dutch boss when asked if the Feyenoord chief would be successful at Anfield.Jurgen Klopp apologises to Liverpool fans after Merseyside derby defeatThe ex-Rangers forward replied: “You never know, we thought [Erik] Ten Hag did remarkably well at Ajax, we thought he was the perfect replacement to take over the Man Utd job and he’s struggling.“But what I know from Arne Slot, he did incredible things. What stands out the most is his philosophy about football.“You see what he has done with Feyenoord in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, against Lazio, all good teams. Every time he surprised me as a manager.“Also when he talks about football it’s logical sense. When he talks to the press he’s honest but very clear with what he wants to explain. Everyone is really fond of him.”Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
      LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

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      Premier League clubs set for fixture chaos next season and could be forced to play two games on the SAME DAY

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are set for fixture chaos next season – and could be forced to play two games on the SAME DAY.Top-flight sides face the potential of THREE midweek clashes between European competitions and the Carabao Cup.Prem clubs are set for fixture chaos after the 2024/25 season schedule was revealedCredit: GettyThe revamped Champions League will see sides play EIGHT games in one bumper group stage, rather than the current six.According to The Mirror, the two additional match rounds will fall in the final two midweeks of January.And the extra games have caused havoc with the domestic calendar – already seeing FA Cup replays axed.The first big clash next season comes on September 17 and 18.READ MORE IN football The third round of the Carabao Cup – when clubs competing in Europe enter the competition – now clashes with the Champions League match day one.To compensate, Carabao Cup games will now be split across two consecutive midweeks.However, that September 24/25 date also causes a clash, with the first round of the Europa League scheduled. It means the effected sides might have to alternate their Carabao Cup games between the two midweeks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat would allow Champions League teams to play on September 24 and 25 and those in Europa League to go the week before. The EFL, which runs the Carabao Cup, has refused to make further allowances for the expanded European schedule.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonThe competition’s quarter-final is scheduled for the midweek of December 18 – which clashes with the Europa Conference League.There appears to be no obvious solution and, should a Premier League side be obliged to compete at both stages, they could have to field two teams at once.However, European dates appear to have been worked around the traditional two-legged League Cup semi-finals, with the EFL refusing to alter the format.Both the EFL and Uefa say they will not be held responsible for the fixture clashes. The FA have agreed a new six-year deal with the Premier League to scrap FA Cup replays. That decision included £33million extra cash for grassroots football and a longer summer break.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the EFL insisted they were not properly consulted and their clubs were left in uproar over the decision. Chief executive Trevor Birch slammed the “disappointing and frustrating” change while also demanding they receive compensation for the loss in revenue.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KidBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More