Champions League

FANS were left perplexed by Zinedine Zidane’s Champions League final outfit.The Real Madrid legend, 51, won the Champions League four times with Los Blancos across spells as a player and manager.Zinedine Zidane walked out of the Wembley tunnel ahead of the gameCredit: GettyThe Frenchman, 51, clutched the Champions League trophyCredit: GettyFans noticed that Zizou’s blazer appeared to be crookedCredit: GettyBut on Saturday, he arrived at Wembley as a fan, with viewers at home reckoning he was still feeling the nerves.Ahead of the game he walked out of the tunnel with the Champions League trophy.As he hoisted it towards the fans, his blazer appeared to be crooked.The World Cup winner had managed to mess up his buttons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNoticing Zidane’s sartorial faux pas, one social media user wrote: “I don’t understand Zidane’s blazer…. Not only is it crooked in the front, but the cut on the back and shoulders is horrible…”While a second commented: “Zidane with the blazer poorly buttoned.”A third claimed: “Zidane can’t button up his blazer properly.”And a fourth joked: “Real Madrid just lost the final. After Zidane came in with the blazer buttoned wrong hahaha.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Zidane is nervous… I have no proof but I have no doubts either… the jacket!”As it turned out, Zidane needn’t have been worried as Madrid ran out 2-0 winners, picking up an incredible 15th Champions League title.Robert Lewandowski picks all-time five-a-side teamZidane has enjoyed a decorated career as a player and managerCredit: AFP or licensorsAnd the former Juventus playmaker had thankfully fixed his buttons by the time he came out to deliver the trophy after full-time.Zidane has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.In April he was linked with the Bayern Munich job, but nothing came of the German side’s interest.Zidane has also long been connected with the potential vacancy at Manchester United.Erik ten Hag remains Red Devils manager, although his position is still in doubt.Bellingham outshines Sancho on the night of his dreams at Wembley
THE very moment Vinicius Junior struck the second goal, Jude Bellingham sank to his knees, stretched out his arms and looked up at the sky, writes Charlie Wyett.
It was the moment that Bellingham had always dreamed of, to win the Champions League. The fact it came at Wembley, on home soil, made it that little sweeter.
Bellingham delivered the pass to Vinicius who scored to ensure that Real Madrid, remarkably, have now been the kings of Europe on 15 occasions.
It was the final kick of the biggest game in Bellingham’s life as he was immediately replaced by Joselu in a tactical switch by Carlo Ancelotti.
With no Premier League teams involved, this was an English duel between Bellingham and Jadon Sancho. The west midlands v south London. Stourbridge versus Kennington.
It is obvious which of the two former team-mates won this scrap, although Sancho’s team should have put Real out of sight by half-time.
Ultimately, neither Englishmen had particularly dazzling games.
Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, started brightly and gave Real left-back Ferland Mendy a few uneasy moments.
Yet this was nothing like the performances he delivered against PSG to help his team to the final.
Instead, with three minutes remaining of normal time, Sancho was replaced by another Englishman, teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
There was to be no drama. Bellingham added this Euro title to his La Liga winner’s medal. Not forgetting he has also been voted as the La Liga player of the year.
Bellingham, featuring in his 42nd game of the season for Real, was unable to make much of an impact in his role wide left.
On the hour mark, he had touched the ball 35 times but had done little with it.
With the scores at 0-0, he somehow failed to score with a header when he was unable to make contact with a cross from Vinicius. Any touch and it would have been a goal.
By then, the keyboard warriors were out in force on social media, dishing out some laughable criticism of England’s greatest talent. Potentially, our greatest ever player.
Yet the inevitable happened and Dortmund were left to curse those missed chances.
A mistake by Sancho led to a Madrid corner and Dani Carvajal leapt highest to head them into the lead.
Bellingham had another chance but it was deflected wide by Nico Schlotterbeck.
But, with seven minutes left, he helped stick the knife in to help Vinicius score and ensure this is an evening he will never forget.
In the crowd were his dad Mark, mum Denise and brother Jobe, who got into the stadium five hours early
Bellingham’s mum was in tears as her son stepped up to get his medal. And let’s all hope Bellingham will be lifting another trophy in Berlin on July 14. More

THE Champions League final at Wembley was halted after just 30 seconds when THREE pitch invaders ran onto the field.And it was up to Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer to tackle one of them to the ground.The game was halted after just 25 secondsCredit: TNT SportsOne pitch invader tried to take a selfie with ViniciusCredit: APSabitzer helped apprehend one pitch invaderCredit: GettyPlay was stopped within the first minute of the hotly-anticipated European football showpiece between the Germans and Real Madrid.The three troublemakers evaded Wembley’s beefed up £5MILLION security operation and made their way onto the pitch – each sporting the name ‘Mellstroy’ on their T-shirts.Mellstroy is a controversial Russian blogger, who social media reports suggest had offered £300,000 to anyone who stormed the pitch wearing his name.The 25-year-old streamer, real name Andrey Burim, has been accused of going to extreme lengths to attract views.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe was arrested in late 2020 for beating a model, Alena Efremova, on a live broadcast.It is currently not known if the offer is legitimate, if all three will be paid separately, or at all.A Wembley spokesperson revealed the three pitch invaders have all been arrested.A statement said: “It is illegal to enter the field of play at Wembley Stadium, and we strongly condemn the actions of those who interrupted the UEFA Champions League Final shortly after kick-off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother invoked Ronaldo’s celebration as Jadon Sancho watched onCredit: AFP”All of the individuals have now been arrested. We will support the relevant authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.”The ball had been rolled back to Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois before the first invader was spotted.Inside the Real Madrid and Jude Bellingham love affairTV cameras immediately panned away from the incident.Both Carlo Ancelotti and Edin Terzic could only look on in annoyance as they waited for the game to resume.One of the men that stormed the pitch attempted to take a selfie with Madrid and Brazil superstar Vinicius Jr.Another pitch invader ran past Courtois before security could get to him.Ferland Mendy looked on unimpressedCredit: GettyHe was brought down by stewardsCredit: ReutersWhen he reached near the centre-circle, he was apprehended by marshals.Former Manchester United midfielder Sabitzer aided in tackling the pitch-invader to the ground.Bellingham outshines Sancho on the night of his dreams at Wembley
THE very moment Vinicius Junior struck the second goal, Jude Bellingham sank to his knees, stretched out his arms and looked up at the sky, writes Charlie Wyett.
It was the moment that Bellingham had always dreamed of, to win the Champions League. The fact it came at Wembley, on home soil, made it that little sweeter.
Bellingham delivered the pass to Vinicius who scored to ensure that Real Madrid, remarkably, have now been the kings of Europe on 15 occasions.
It was the final kick of the biggest game in Bellingham’s life as he was immediately replaced by Joselu in a tactical switch by Carlo Ancelotti.
With no Premier League teams involved, this was an English duel between Bellingham and Jadon Sancho. The west midlands v south London. Stourbridge versus Kennington.
It is obvious which of the two former team-mates won this scrap, although Sancho’s team should have put Real out of sight by half-time.
Ultimately, neither Englishmen had particularly dazzling games.
Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, started brightly and gave Real left-back Ferland Mendy a few uneasy moments.
Yet this was nothing like the performances he delivered against PSG to help his team to the final.
Instead, with three minutes remaining of normal time, Sancho was replaced by another Englishman, teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
There was to be no drama. Bellingham added this Euro title to his La Liga winner’s medal. Not forgetting he has also been voted as the La Liga player of the year.
Bellingham, featuring in his 42nd game of the season for Real, was unable to make much of an impact in his role wide left.
On the hour mark, he had touched the ball 35 times but had done little with it.
With the scores at 0-0, he somehow failed to score with a header when he was unable to make contact with a cross from Vinicius. Any touch and it would have been a goal.
By then, the keyboard warriors were out in force on social media, dishing out some laughable criticism of England’s greatest talent. Potentially, our greatest ever player.
Yet the inevitable happened and Dortmund were left to curse those missed chances.
A mistake by Sancho led to a Madrid corner and Dani Carvajal leapt highest to head them into the lead.
Bellingham had another chance but it was deflected wide by Nico Schlotterbeck.
But, with seven minutes left, he helped stick the knife in to help Vinicius score and ensure this is an evening he will never forget.
In the crowd were his dad Mark, mum Denise and brother Jobe, who got into the stadium five hours early
Bellingham’s mum was in tears as her son stepped up to get his medal. And let’s all hope Bellingham will be lifting another trophy in Berlin on July 14.

The incident will be an embarrassment for the FA, who had pumped £5million into the security operation at Wembley after past problems including at the Euro 2020 final.Their ‘ring of steel’ involved over 2,500 security stewards, the most the stadium has ever seen.  Real Madrid would go on to win the final 2-0 thanks to goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.READ MORE SUN STORIESAn emotional Jude Bellingham had to fight back tears as he spoke to TNT Sports after the game as he paid tribute to his family.It makes it a Champions League, La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup in his first season with the club. More

GEOFF SHREEVES made sure to avoid a potentially awkward situation while working for CBS Sports this afternoon.Shreeves, 59, has been deployed alongside Anita Jones as a roving reporter for tonight’s Champions League final.Geoff Shreeves was reporting alongside Anita JonesCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoThe duo were working for CBS SportsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoJones interviewed a group of fans ahead of the gameCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoShreeves subtly stopped a fan from placing his arm around JonesCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoAhead of the action, Shreeves and Jones went to sample the mood among the Real Madrid fans.While reporting back to the studio, the duo were greeted by four supporters.Bizarrely they weren’t decked out in gear of Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund.Jones pointed out that they were wearing clothing from Mexican club Chivas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe joyful group gushed that they were representing the “best team in Mexico”.Noticing the televised conversation, another fan came to join in.As he attempted to put his hand on Jones’ shoulder, Shreeves subtly put his own arm in the way in order to stop him from doing so.The five fans continued to sing, with any potential awkwardness avoided.Most read in Champions LeagueShreeves is working for CBS at Wembley 12 months on from his Sky Sports departure.The experienced broadcaster had been an ever-present on the channel since the Premier League’s launch in 1992. I got Gary Neville a job at Sky Sports, now he texts me at 4am – I don’t know anybody like himHe was reportedly offered the opportunity to stay, albeit on a reduced salary.In a statement at the time, Shreeves said: “There’s an old saying that you always have to know the best time to leave even the greatest party.”And that’s what my thirty-two years at Sky have been – the most fantastic party I could ever imagined attending.”From the first kick of a ball in the live coverage of the Premier League to Manchester City’s title celebrations last season – with plenty in between.   “I have been fortunate to work for a ground-breaking company who have helped revolutionise football. But the time is right to move on.”Sky have been incredibly generous in recognition of my service and I can’t speak more highly of so many people I’ve worked with there over three decades.”I now have the opportunity for new experiences which I’m looking forward to announcing in the very near future.” He has now become part of CBS Sports’ popular team.Regular host Kate Abdo will be on duty tonight, alongside pundits Thierry Henry, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher.Shreeves, Jones and Nico Cantor have been deployed as reporters, with Christina Unkel, Peter Schmeichel and Guillem Balague working as rules analysts.READ MORE SUN STORIESClive Tyldesley and Robert Green will commentate on the match.While Alessandro Del Piero, NBA superstar Joel Embiid… and Dora the Explorer will feature as “special guests”.Kate Abdo is presenting action from Wembley for CBS SportsShreeves, 59, left Sky Sports last yearCredit: Getty More

BORUSSIA DORTMUND’S coach was stopped by police on their way to Wembley for the Champions League final.The German side were halted on their way to the stadium as Real Madrid had to arrive first.Two Borussia Dortmund coaches were stopped by policeThe German side had to wait for the Real Madrid team to overtake themSo two Dortmund coaches were stopped and they waited for their opponents to overtake them before getting underway again.They were made to wait as both teams agreed before hand that Real Madrid would arrive first.The incident happened a few hours before kick-off and delayed Edin Terzic’s side in their preparations for the final.However the squad and coaching staff were already familiar with their surroundings at Wembley after holding a training session at the stadium on Friday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPlayers also appeared relaxed yesterday as they greeted fans and posed for photos and gave out autographs.Opponents Real Madrid also seemed well prepared for the clash as manager Carlo Ancelotti announced his starting line-up three hours ahead of kick-off.Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set to appear in the Champions League for the first time this season while veteran midfielder Luka Modric was named on the bench.England sensation Jude Bellingham lines up in the No10 position, behind Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAncelotti has a history of naming his team early.He previously did so ahead of the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool amid fears of a “mole” inside the dressing room.Dortmund and Real Madrid fans take over London as they get on the beers ahead of Champions League final at WembleyHe also named his side two hours ahead of kick-off in February 2023 before Real claimed a 5-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield.Real are seeking an astonishing SIXTH Champions League since 2014.Standing in their way are Dortmund – whose only Champions League triumph came 27 years ago.The Germans reached the final 11 years ago when it was also held at Wembley, only to lose 2-1 to domestic rivals Bayern Munich.And it was heartbreak for Dortmund again as goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr gave Real a 2-0 win. More