Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal handed huge reprieve as Uefa release statement on why Real Madrid penalty was rescinded

      by

      DECLAN RICE escaped a controversial yellow card as Real Madrid saw a penalty chalked off following a five-minute VAR check.And that means he will still be available for the semi-final with PSG.Referee Francois Letexier showed Declan Rice a yellow card – but rescinded itCredit: APRice was initially penalised for pulling down Kylian Mbappe in the areaCredit: APRice, 26, was the Gunners’ hero in the first leg with his two wonderful free-kicks.But he was penalised midway through the first half of the second leg at the Bernabeu when he gave a penalty away.Rice briefly held on to Kylian Mbappe at the back post – with the French striker hurling himself to the ground.Referee Francois Letexier immediately pointed to the spot and brandished a yellow card to the English midfielder, who was utterly baffled by the decision.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, after a lengthy stoppage to check both whether it was offside and if it was a foul, the ref was sent over to the pitchside monitor.And eventually Letexier decided no foul had been committed – chalking off both the penalty and the yellow card.Uefa then confirmed the call with a brief statement. They said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat proved a major reprieve for Rice, who went into the clash in Madrid knowing a yellow card would see him suspended for the first leg against PSG should Arsenal progress. But that was not the only huge VAR penalty decision of the first half at the Bernabeu.Earlier on, Raul Asencio dragged Mikel Merino down off the ball from a corner.Mikel Arteta slide tackles his own player in training a day before Arsenal’s biggest game of the season vs Real Madrid It was initially missed by everyone as play continued – but Letexier was then ordered to stop and watch the replay.And much to the fury of the home crowd, he pointed to the spot. However, Bukayo Saka stepped up and dinked his penalty – but saw it saved by Thibaut Courtois.Saka broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful chipped finish following a beautiful move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later teed up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.Then Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up a historic 2-1 away win, with a cool-as-you-like injury-time strike.Mbappe went down under little contactCredit: TNT SportsRice protested his innocence as he pointed an accusatory fingerCredit: TNT SportsArsenal were awarded a penalty earlier in the halfCredit: TNT SportsBukayo Saka dinked his penalty but saw it savedCredit: PA More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal awarded controversial penalty minutes into crunch Real Madrid clash… but Saka fluffs spot kick

      by

      REAL MADRID players were left furious when Arsenal were awarded a controversial penalty during the Champions League quarter-final second leg.A VAR intervention was required in the 10th minute when Mikel Merino was dragged down by Raul Asencio in the box – even though both players were nowhere near the ball.Mikel Merino was dragged down by Raul Asencio in the box – but both players were far from the ballReal Madrid players were furiousCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka’s penalty was savedCredit: ReutersPlay initially resumed as normal before referee Francois Letexier was called to the monitor to review the incident.And it didn’t take him long to overturn his original decision.Real Madrid players immediately ran to the referee to appeal while Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the fourth official.But the penalty call stood.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal forward Bukayo Saka stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois and parried behind for a corner.Fans on social media fumed about the incident, with one person writing: “Football is finished.”Another commented: “Give me a f***ing break.”While a third said: “Bro a mile from the ball though…”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second penalty incident was overturned at the other end of the pitch just a few minutes later.Kylian Mbappe went to ground in the Arsenal box following a tussle with Declan Rice.Real Madrid fire ominous eight-word warning to Arsenal in 20 LANGUAGES as they plot historic Champions League winThe referee immediately gave the penalty, but a five-minute VAR intervention resulted in no foul.Rice’s yellow card was also rescinded which means he will be able to play in the semi-final against PSG.Saka bounced back to break the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful dinked finish following a stunning move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later would tee up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.But Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up safe progression, and a 2-1 away win, with a cool as you like injury-time strike. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Inter vs Bayern (agg 4-3) LIVE RESULT: Inter book place in final four after NARROW aggregate victory over Bayern

      by

      INTER Milan booked their place in the final four of the Champions League in Italy.Bayern’s Harry Kane is chasing a first career trophy, but it will need to come in the Bundesliga if he is to win it this season. Inter Milan were pegged back to 2-2 on the aggregate after Kane’s strike in the second half, but they had a huge counter punch for Bayern.Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard scored to put PSG 4-2 up on aggregate, and Eric Dier’s late strike could not inspire a late Bayern comeback.Match result: Inter Milan 2-2 Bayern MunichCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below… More

    • 150 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Which Arsenal players are one yellow card away from Champions League suspension?

      by

      IN tonight’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, Arsenal have numerous players who are balancing disciplinary issues.According to Uefa regulations, players will be suspended for one match if they collect three bookings before tallies are reset after the quarter-finals.Mikel Arteta will be sweating the availability of some of his key players should Arsenal progressCredit: GettyOn-pitch general Declan Rice is one of those players tetering on the edgeCredit: GettyIf Mikel Arteta’s players are issued a yellow card at the Santiago Bernabeu, they risk missing a potential semi-final first leg dust-up with Paris Saint-Germain.Discipline has already been a concern for the Gunners this season, as loanee forward Raheem Sterling was suspended for the first leg victory against the Spanish giants.Which Arsenal players are one yellow card away from Champions League suspension?Declan Rice, who scored two stunners in the first leg, is among those who might face a suspension after being booked in a league phase match against Girona and an overwhelming round of 16 victory against PSV Eindhoven.Similarly, Jurrien Timber, a key defensive cog, must exercise caution after receiving cards against Dinamo Zagreb and PSV. READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUEWorryingly, the Dutch international has received more yellow cards this season than any other Arsenal player, with nine in 44 appearances.Gabriel Martinelli is the third Gunner on a tightrope. This season, the winger has flattered, scoring only seven goals in 42 appearances and providing one assist in nine Champions League games.He had two bookings during the league round, in a 1-0 win over Shakhtar and a 3-0 win over Monaco.Most read in Champions LeagueThomas Partey, an injury doubt for tonight’s game, is the fourth and final Arsenal player who might miss a Champions League semi-final first leg after receiving a yellow card early in the second half last week. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Thibaut Courtois’ model wife Mishel Gerzig and how long has she been married to the Real Madrid goalkeeper?

      by

      MISHEL Gerzig is the wife of star footballer and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Courtois will be appearing in Real Madrid’s Champions League 2025 quarter-final clash against Arsenal as Los Blancos attempt to comeback from a 3-0 defeat in the first-leg.Mishel Gerzig is a famous runway modelCredit: Getty ImagesShe is married to Real Madrid star Thibaut CourtoisCredit: Instagram/@MishelGerzigThe star regularly takes fans behind the scenes on InstagramCredit: Instagram/@MishelGerzigMishel’s incredible careerMishel was born on June 5, 1997, in Tel Aviv, Israel. She gained fame as a print model before being signed by Model MGMT, Next Miami and View Spain. The star was recognised on the Forbes 30 under 30 list and even appeared on the magazine’s cover, wearing a white suit. Thrilled about the news, she posted on social media: “Excited to share I was chosen for Forbes 30 under 30! Read More on Football“Thankful for this recognition.”Meeting a football legendMishel opened up to Israeli lifestyle magazine La’Isha about how she met Thibaut.She said that the footballer messaged her on social media about a picture of her and her pet dog. Mishel said: “He started asking me questions about Israel, about the army.Most read in Football”In April I had several jobs in Madrid, and then we met for the first time face-to-face. “We met again in early July, that’s when the relationship between us became romantic.”Watch Thibaut Courtois bizarrely throw cake at fan at Tomorrowland in ‘most random crossover of 2024’Thibaut proposed to Mishel on Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Mishel shared pictures from the romantic event. She captioned the post with: “Yessss to a lifetime with you.”The pair tied the knot at the Château de la Croix des Gardes in France in 2023. Real Madrid vs ArsenalFans are clamouring to see whether Mishel will be supporting Thibaut at the Champions League 2025. The competition kicked off on April 8, 2025 and concludes in Munich, Germany, on Saturday 31 May 2025. Thibaut will be representing Real Madrid in their faceoff with Arsenal at 8pm on April 16, 2025, in what could be one of the competition’s great comebacks.SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens. More

    • 75 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Rodrygo’s girlfriend Bruna Rotta?

      by

      BRUNA Rotta is the girlfriend of Real Madrid fan-favourite Rodrygo. The footballer will be competing in the Champions League as part of Los Blancos’ elite squad, as they go head-to-head with some of the biggest clubs in football.Bruna Rotta is a famous influencer and modelCredit: Instagram/@brunarottaBruna has been dating Rodrygo since 2023Credit: Instagram/@brunarottaRodrygo plays for Brazilian football team Real MadridCredit: Getty ImagesMeeting a world famous footballerBruna was born on September 23, 1998, in Brazil. She is a hugely famous TikToker who boasts over 2 million followers on the social media platform (as of April 2025).The star regularly posts videos which take fans behind the scenes of her hectic life, as well as fitness content. Bruna started dating Rodrygo in September 2023, kicking off their whirlwind romance.Read More about FootballShe made headlines, though, when she suggested that her famous boyfriend doesn’t shower. Taking part in a TikTok trend which talks about how “destiny” can “play with people”, she said that she would “never date a guy who doesn’t shower”.Bruna then posted a picture of Rodrygo, which was captioned: “I paid with my tongue.”What Luka Modric told Rodrygo in classy message after Croatia knocked Brazil out of World CupRodrygo’s fantastic careerRodrygo is one of the biggest footballers in the world and began his career at Brazilian side Santos. Most read in FootballHe moved to Real Madrid for €45million in 2019, and became an integral part of the side which won the Champions League in 2022 and 2024.His contract was extended on November 2, 2023, which means he will stay with the team until June 2028. The footballer has two sons, from a previous relationship with Pamella Cristina Costa, whom he welcomed in February 2022.  More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Finally know why he’s always sacked’, say fans as Wayne Rooney picks controversial Arsenal-Real Madrid combined XI

      by

      WAYNE ROONEY has enraged fans after naming just THREE Arsenal players in his combined XI with Real Madrid.The Gunners are in the Spanish capital to face the LaLiga giants in their Champions League quarter-final second leg tonight.Wayne Rooney has infuriated Gunners fans with his combined Arsenal and Madrid XICredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportLIVE BLOG: Latest news from Real Madrid vs ArsenalThe Premier League side shell-shocked the reigning European champions with a stunning 3-0 first leg win a week ago.Two outrageous Declan Rice free-kicks were finished off by a slick curling finish from Mikel Merino, to leave Madrid needing to create club history in order to come back.Arsenal fans believe they have one foot in the semi-final, with a couple even wearing ‘Champions League WINNERS’ shirts against Brentford on Saturday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSupporters have every belief after watching Mikel Arteta’s defence nullify superstars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr last Tuesday. So the Emirates faithful have laid into Rooney for leaving so many Arsenal players out of his current combined XI.Speaking to TNT, Rooney began with choosing world class goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois over David Raya. Seems plausible.But fans were left baffled when Wazza picked Lucas Vasquez – a makeshift right-back for Madrid – over Jurrien Timber.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe Manchester United legend can be forgiven for backing Antonio Rudiger over Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba over Raul Asencio.Rooney also picked Myles Lewis-Skelly over David Alaba at left-back.How Declan Rice can be ‘world class’ AGAIN vs Real Madrid | Tactics Exposed Deano’s DecisionBut there were plenty of question marks when Eduardo Camavinga – who was sent off at the Emirates – earned a spot over Thomas Partey.The final Arsenal player chosen was Rice over Federico Valverde.That means Jude Bellingham made the cut over Martin Odegaard.And after a few seconds of stewing, Bukayo Saka was completely LEFT OUT for Rodrygo on the right wing.There should be few complaints over Vinicius and Mbappe completing the line-up over Gabriel Martinelli and Merino.But, naturally, Arsenal fans were outraged with Rooney’s picks – with a few teasing the ex-England striker about his poor managerial career.One said: “Not putting in Saka over Rodrygo has got to be one of the worst takes I’ve seen.”A second quipped: “Finally, I have found out the reason why he is always sacked… poor first team selection.”Another said: “Camavinga over Partey… This man is not Ok. He needs to be checked. Rodrigo and Vasquez over Saka and Timber.”A third added: “Lucas Vasquez in front of Timber is just football malpractice!”Rooney was forced to defend himself on live TV after being caught jokingly whispering behind Gabby Logan’s back on Tuesday night.Meanwhile, supporters been rocked by the ever-so-close comebacks of Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund last night. After going 5-1 down on aggregate, Villa mounted an incredible revival to bring the score to 5-4 across to two legs. Read More on The SunAnd they could’ve won the game enough to go through, before missing untold chances at Villa Park.Meanwhile, Dortmund also gave Barcelona a scare after climbing close to a 5-3 aggregate scoreline on Tuesday night.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… More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid team news for Arsenal clash ‘LEAKED’ with major changes and Gunners flop in XI

      by

      REAL MADRID’S team to face Arsenal has been leaked by Spanish media.Carlo Ancelotti’s side face the gargantuan task of overhauling a 3-0 deficit against Arsenal at the Bernabeu.Real Madrid’s team news has been leakedCredit: GettyDani Ceballos will come into the sideCredit: GettyAurelien Tchouameni is set to feature in defenceCredit: GettyFollow the latest from Real Madrid vs Arsenal with our LIVE BLOGAnd to achieve the unthinkable Ancelotti will reportedly make some significant changes to his side.That includes Arsenal flop Dani Ceballos starting in midfield, according to AS.The ex-Gunner, who spent two seasons on loan at the Emirates during which he scored just twice, will play alongside Federico Valverde, who returns to his natural role after featuring at right-back at the Emirates last week.Raul Asencio will fulfil that role instead, moving across from centre-back.That allows Aurelien Tchouameni to return to the team following his suspension.The Frenchman is more accomplished in midfield but has featured regularly in defence for Real this season given their injury problems.His inclusion means Luka Modric drops to the bench while Eduardo Camavinga misses out.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThis time round Camavinga is suspended following his red card last week.Real’s front three remains the same with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo aiming to inspire their side into the next round.Real Madrid fire ominous eight-word warning to Arsenal in 20 LANGUAGES as they plot historic Champions League winJude Bellingham will operate just behind them as David Alaba and Antonio Rugider feature in defence again, with Thibaut Courtois in goal.The team news comes after Real Madrid fired an ominous warning to Arsenal on social media.Madrid have NEVER came back from 3-0 down across two legs in the Champions League.But they know a thing or two about legendary turnarounds and have fought back from first leg defeats on three out of four occasions.After trailing, the Los Blancos came back against Wolfsburg in 2015-2016 and against both Paris St-Germain and Manchester City in 2021-2022.Ancelotti warned Arsenal that “anything can happen” after two outrageous Declan Rice free kicks and a sleek Mikel Merino finish shell-shocked Madrid last Tuesday.While Bellingham said that “everyone believes it’s nailed on” that he and his team-mates will still go through at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night. More