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      Man City target Erling Haaland falls flat at the stadium he could call home next season

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      AFTER a week when he was being hawked around Europe this was the night for Erling Haaland to show what he was made of.Now, of course 49 goals from 50 games for Borussia Dortmund in the run-up to this match was evidence enough of the 20-year-old Leeds born star’s worth.
      Whatever Pep Guardiola might say, Man City are likely to bid for Erling Haaland – despite the striker having few opportunities to impress at the EtihadCredit: EPA
      Goal-supplier Erling Haaland celebrates with Dortmund scorer Marco ReusCredit: Getty
      Still, when you are hitting the headlines in the way he has you have something to live up to.
      After all he had only failed to score in two of the 14 Champions league games he has played in.
      But last night at the venue where he could very likely end up, things fell flat.
      Not least when he went through one-on-one just after half time in a bid to level things up and stuttered over his lines.
      He did, though, tee up Marco Reus’ late but temporary leveller, only for Phil Foden to clinch Manchester City’s 2-1 quarter-final first-leg win.
      It is nights like these that put the noughts on the end of transfer deals.
      Gareth Bale became one of the best players in the world on the back of a Tottenham defeat at Inter Milan.
      Why? Spurs lost 4-3 but his was a stunning hat-trick on a big night, in a big stadium on a big occasion.
      Dortmund goal machine Erling Haaland evades Ruben Dias but mostly had a quiet night, with little chance to shine anywhere near goalCredit: PA
      So we turned up, if you were lucky enough, turned on, if you were the rest of us, and waited, and waited.
      The point is he was playing against, not for, City and that was the problem.
      The chances presented to the home side would no doubt have been gobbled up by the son of their former player.
      That’s what City need too.
      Forget all the hipster joy about the false nine.
      Every team still needs that scorer, that poacher.
      It is also what neighbours Manchester United are missing.
      It’s not a bad team that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has but they don’t have that player to snap up scraps that put you at the head of the table.

      City still require that as well, despite their excellence everywhere else on the pitch.
      The one who delivers the moment, like that which presented itself to Raheem Sterling against Lyon at the quarter-final stage of this competition last season but went high over the bar.
      He was another strange exclusion from the first team last night, along with Aguero and Gabriel Jesus.
      You wonder sometimes if Pep Guardiola over thinks it.
      You can’t question it or he gets a bit of a strop on.
      But you are at home, you have Aguero – best player ever for City, Jesus and Sterling and they are all on the bench.
      You’d bet the Dortmund players were delighted.
      Guardiola said that City could not afford Haaland. Yes they can. To stay ahead of the rest he is just what they need.
      Because have no doubt there are goals still left in Aguero, if not Barcelona would not be 5/2 favourites to land the greatest free transfer in history.
      It seems a shame that he is being allowed to dribble out the door rather than being held shoulder high, much like David Silva and Yaya Toure.
      Makes you wonder if the boss wants to be the biggest name at the club. Not saying he does but while legends at City get statues, send offs are slightly understated even with Covid-19.
      Last week Guardiola said that City could not afford Haaland.
      Yes they can.
      They will be in the bidding for him.
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      To stay ahead of the rest he is just what they need.
      Just what they had with Aguero.
      A striker who last night watched on and wondered quite why 257 goals in 385 games didn’t afford him a chance to put this tie beyond Dortmund.
      Pep Guardiola says Man City may not sign new striker despite Sergio Aguero exit More

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      Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool LIVE RESULT: Vinicius Jr double secures impressive Champions League win for Zidane’s men

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      LIVERPOOL have it all to do at an empty Anfield after being beaten 3-1 in Madrid in the Champions League.Vinicius Jr fired the hosts ahead after a brilliant 50-yard pass over the Reds defence from Toni Kroos.
      And Marco Asensio then tapped home a simple second as Jurgen Klopp’s defence fell apart.
      Mo Salah netted to get the Reds back in the tie after a disastrous first half, but Vinicius Jr then bagged his second of the night as he fired through Alisson’s arms.
      THAT’S ALL FROM MADRID
      Liverpool have it all to do at Anfield if they are to lift the European Cup for a seventh time next month.
      A 3-1 first leg defeat in Spain was the least they deserved on a night where they rarely troubled the Spanish champions.
      Mo Salah’s away goal – their only shot on target – does offer hope of another memorable comeback, but without a crowd on the Kop next Wednesday, the Liverpool players will need to look elsewhere for inspiration.
      Madrid, on the other hand, were impressive despite some key personnel missing, and in two-goal Vinicius Junior, they may just have the latest Brazilian hotshot in their ranks.
      We’ll be back with more Champions League quarter-final action tomorrow as Porto face Chelsea and Bayern host PSG.
      Until then, thanks for reading and goodnight.

      KLOPP REACTION
      Always honest, always emotional, Jurgen Klopp is another who is clearly exasperated and hurting by Liverpool’s performance in Madrid. The German coach believes his players did not do enough to earn a more positive result but there’s still the hope that they can turn it around next Wednesday.
      If you want to go to the semi-finals, you have to earn the right to do so. We didn’t do that tonight, especially in the first half. The only good thing is it’s only the first half of the tie. We just didn’t play good enough football tonight to cause Real Madrid more problems. I wasn’t happy with the way we played when we were in possession. We made it too easy for them.Jurgen KloppBT Sport
      DEFEAT TOUGH FOR WIJN
      Liverpool’s captain this evening, Georginio Wijnaldum, has expressed his disappointment in his post-match interview. The Dutch midfielder admits that his side were below-par in the first half, and, while they improved in the second, it will be a big task to turn the tie around.
      It was difficult as they are a good side. The first half was not good. We lost the ball too quickly, and in the two moments where we did not concentrate enough, they scored. We said in the second half that we had to play well and not lose the ball. We had to defend better at the back. The away goal gives us confidence, but we have to score in the second leg and not concede.Georginio WijnaldumBT Sport
      FULL TIME STATS
      Liverpool improved in the second half and registered seven shots on goal, although that tally was still less than half of the 15 that Madrid managed.
      The Reds’ only attempt on goal ended up in the back of the net.

      CAPTAIN’S PRIDE
      The injured Sergio Ramos watched on from the stands this evening, and has taken to social media to express his delight at his side’s performance.
      The Real Madrid defender must have been particularly impressed with the stand-in centre-back pairing of Eder Militao and Nacho.

      A REAL BOGEY TEAM
      Madrid are becoming a major annoyance for Liverpool, and it’s now four straight to defeats at the hands of the Spanish giants in European competition.
      Should it become five at Anfield next Wednesday then the Reds’ hope for a seventh Champions League title will be over for the season.
      4 – Across all European competitions, no side have beaten Liverpool more often than Real Madrid (4, level with Benfica), with the Reds suffering defeat in each of their last four encounters with los Blancos. Overawed. pic.twitter.com/Y2dfIYHGJh— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 6, 2021

      FT: REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      It’s advantage Real Madrid after the first leg in Spain. Liverpool were better in the second period, but were unable to build on Mohamed Salah’s goal shortly after the restart. Vinicius Junior added his second and Real’s third soon after, and head to Anfield with a two-goal lead. It will be a big ask for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES IN SPAIN!
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      90+4. Firmino tries to work some space to spark one final attack, but he’s caught out by – who else? – Casemiro.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      90+2. Real look as though they’ve done their attacking for the evening, and are now intent on ensuring Liverpool don’t find a second away goal.
      Salah tries to conjure something special on the turn outside the box, but the Egyptian can’t get a shot beyond Nacho.
      Madrid’s stand-in centre-backs have been excellent.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      90. The fourth official’s board goes up to show four minutes of stoppage time.
      These could be a huge four minutes in the tie.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      89. Liverpool win a late corner, and there could yet be some hope.
      Alexander-Arnold swings it in towards Phillips, but Eder Militao is more than a match for his English counterpart and thumps a brilliant header clear.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      87. Mane goes down just outside the penalty area, but there’s no whistle. That one did look a foul on first viewing.
      Liverpool have had little off the officials this evening.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      85. Vinicius Junior’s work is done for the evening. The Brazilian takes leave having netted his first brace for Madrid, and is replaced by Rodrygo.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      83. Alexander-Arnold is booked for unleashing a verbal volley at the linesman.
      The right-back took exception to being penalised for a nothing challenge on Vinicius Junior, that had Madrid’s two-goal hero acting up.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      82. Jurgen Klopp makes a double change for the final ten minutes or so. In come Roberto Firmino and Xherdan Shaqiri in place of Diogo Jota and Ozan Kabak.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      81. Liverpool eventually do win the ball back after a Real Madrid spell of “at least 50 passes,” according to Steve McManaman.
      Liverpool’s spell, on the other hand, lasts just one misplaced pass before the home side take charge again.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      80. They still haven’t touched it.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      79. Zinedine Zidane watches on from the touchline as his players enjoy a spell of keep ball. I can’t actually remember the last time Liverpool were in possession.

      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      77. Thiago takes aim from long range, but it’s high, wide and heading for the Bernabeu.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      76. Casemiro mops up in midfield again. The Brazilian has gone about his business quietly and incredibly effectively this evening.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      74. That third Real Madrid goal has restored the home side’s control of the game. Gone is the attacking intensity that Liverpool had shown after half-time.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      71. A first change for Madrid as Federico Valverde takes over from Marco Asensio.
      REAL MADRID 3-1 LIVERPOOL
      70. Jurgen Klopp charges down the touchline to intervene as Alexander-Arnold’s frustrations bubble over. The right-back squares up to Vinicius Junior after taking exception to a tackle.
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      Liverpool beaten by Real Madrid as Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms his spot for Euro 2020… in front of the TV

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD hoped to prove a point against Real Madrid – and he did just that.Because the Liverpool defender delivered a performance which confirmed his spot for Euro2020. At home in front of the TV.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to impress against Real Madrid and was at fault for their second goal with a poor errorCredit: Getty
      England manager Gareth Southgate will have gained absolutely no satisfaction watching the right-back suffer another torrid evening, particularly the first 45 minutes.
      Alexander-Arnold was not the only Liverpool player who suffered all sorts of problems in the 3-1 loss to Real Madrid.
      But the rest of Jurgen Klopp’s team had not been the subject of fierce debate over whether Southgate was right to drop the right-back for the three World Cup qualifiers.
      Yet barring a freak run of injuries, Alexander-Arnold will not be among Southgate’s 23-man squad.
      What a wretched season this has been for everyone at Liverpool but, apart from those who have suffered injuries, Alexander-Arnold has probably suffered the most misery.
      And now this. Exposed and caught out by Real with Ferland Mendy and Vinicius Junior causing so many problems down the left.
      With England, the only question is whether Southgate takes Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James or, two out of three right backs.
      Alexander-Arnold impressed against Arsenal on Saturday, but looking at the state of Mikel Arteta’s team, this is not a triumph for any defender.
      It’s gone from bad to worse for the Reds 😳Real Madrid lead Liverpool 2-0 before half-time…Major work to do in the second half! pic.twitter.com/YRHou8El2v— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 6, 2021

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      But this nervous performance at Real’s training ground made it easier for Southgate to argue his case.
      The Champions League will always hold a special heart in the place of Alexander-Arnold.
      Not just because he picked up a winner’s medal in 2019 but in the play-off first leg away to Hoffenheim the previous season.
      Alexander-Arnold scored his first goal for the club with a brilliant free-kick.
      In that campaign, which ended with defeat to Real in the final, Alexander-Arnold was not trusted in all of the big away games with Joe Gomez starting.
      Yet three seasons later, the concerns remain over his defending, even though there are a few better going forward.
      Real clearly identified this weakness. Alexander-Arnold was guilty of some weak defending when he was turned inside out by left-back Mendy who delivered a dangerous cross.
      For Real’s first goal, neither Alexander-Arnold or Nat Phillips spotted the run by Vinicius who delivered a clinical finish from Toni Kroos’ stunning ball over the top.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold receives a bookingCredit: PA
      Liverpool failed to deal with a similar pass from Kroos, Alexander-Arnold panicked and headed into the path of Asensio who finished comfortably.
      Despite being under pressure, this was unforgivable from Alexander-Arnold. Imagine if this had been in the knockout stages of the Euros.
      Like the rest of the visitors. Alexander-Arnold improved after the break.
      He played a part in the move which led to Mo Salah pulling one back and then played a stunning pass with a half volley to Diogo Jota.
      Alexander-Arnold also did well to get across and tackle Asensio when Real broke on the counter attack.
      Yet from the following throw-in, Liverpool defended in slo-motion and failed to get anywhere Vinicius who made it 3-1.
      As frustrations grew, Alexander-Arnold went nose-to-nose with Vinicuis but sadly over the 90 minutes, there was only one winner.
      And Southgate’s job for the summer had been made that little bit easier.
      Thomas Tuchel says Rudiger and Kepa won’t be punished for Chelsea training ground scrap More

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      Man City 2-1 Dortmund LIVE RESULT: Foden nets last gasp winner after Bellingham goal is bizarrely ruled out

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      MAN CITY have beaten Borussia Dortmund but the Germans have every right to feel aggrieved.Jude Bellingham was bizarrely adjudged to have fouled Ederson when he dispossessed the Brazilian and fired into an empty net.
      And VAR was unable to review the decision as referee Ovidiu Hategan blew his whistle before the goal was scored.
      Early on, Kevin de Bruyne struck early to give City the lead but Marco Reus thought he had earned Borussia a crucial draw.
      However, Phil Foden’s goal in stoppage time has given Pep Guardiola’s men the advantage.
      THAT’S A WRAP
      Thanks for joining us this evening.
      Here’s some bedtime reading, our match report, courtesy of Martin Blackburn.
      HEY JUDE
      Speaking on BT Sport, 17-year-old Jude Bellingham seemed wise beyond his years both on and off the field.
      The youngster said: “We frustrated them well when they had the ball, I think they found us hard to break down- it was a great finish from us.
      “”We’re disappointed to have conceded so late, but we played well.
      “I’m knackered now! They really are a brilliant team.”
      Speaking about his goal that wasn’t given, Bellingham added: “I feel I won the ball fairly and it’s unfair that with all the cameras
      “But it’s football, it’s life. We have to get on with it.
      “All I got told was I was booked and they got a freekick- I felt it should have been checked.”
      PEP TALK
      Speaking at full-time, Pep Guardiola said: “It’s better to have a won than to draw- but we had 90 minutes to do it. 
      “We need to go there to win the game after this.
      “We were not clever with the ball in the first half, the second half was much better and we had plenty of chances to get our second goal.
      “We need to make a good build up to score, but today that was not good.
      “It’s normal, as Dortmund were strong and good quality- their players have pace and real quality up front. “We are going to watch the game, now we know what they do, and we’ll go to Germany to win.
      “We’ve won the last 27 out of 28 and then we need to play Leeds before going to Germany to beat them.”
      STAT ATTACK
      City took the lead in the dying minutes, but managed five shots on target this evening, compared to Dortmund’s three.
      Guardiola’s side enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and crossed five times more balls into the box that Dortmund.

      DE BRUYNE SPEAKS
      Speaking on BT Sport, City’s captain said: “We knew the way they would play- they play well with the ball and they caused us some problems.
      “I think we created good chances in the second half, we probably should have scored more.
      “But when they drew 1-1 our reaction to that was good.
      “It’s a shame to get the goal, but it happens and our reaction was good- we have to prepare for Saturday.”On how his team will recover for their fixture with Leeds before their second leg against Dortmund, he added: “I think with the way this season’s been, we’ve had no mid-week off, it’s been an incredible run of games.
      “The team have responded incredibly well this year, we are privileged that we can compete for every trophy.”
      SHOW STOPPPER
      You really can’t think it’s a job done when playing City.
      17 – Since their first season in the Champions League in 2011-12, no team has scored more 90th minute goals than Manchester City (17, level with Real Madrid). Show.— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 6, 2021

      NOT OVER YET
      It was all level until City delivered this…
      KDB ➡️ Gundogan ➡️ FodenA ice-cold finish from Phil Foden in the 90th minute to put Man City ahead going into the second leg…Great vision from De Bruyne yet again! 🤤 pic.twitter.com/zlbXWB9cGF— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 6, 2021

      FT: MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 

      MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 
      92. Dortmund are kicking themselves after pulling themselves back into the game.
      De Bruyne’s peach of a pass seemed almost impossible to defend.
      MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 
      90. Three extra minutes at the Etihad.
      There’s been plenty of drama, are we going to see any more?
      MANCHESTER CITY 2-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND 
      89. De Bruyne sends another incredible pass from the right wing to the left post to Gundogan.
      A touch from Gundogan with his left foot brings it under control for Foden who’s then able to tap it home into the far corner.
      It’s his fifth Champions League goal.
      GOOOOOAL
      CITY BRING IT HOME
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      Calm finish from Reus in what was his first goal in 16 Champions League games.
      How will City respond?

        MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      82. Bellingham picks out Haaland at the top of the box but he bats it on with his first touch to pick out Reus on the left of the box.
      Dortmund’s captain slots it to the bottom right-hand corner, far enough away from Ederson’s finger tips to bring the score line level.
      They’ve deserved a goal this evening, but I thought this would come earlier, they’ve looked tired in the last few minutes.
      GOOOOOAL
      IT’S ONE APIECE!!
       MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      83. A ball over the top destined for Haaland bounces a little too far in front of him.
      The Norwegian is left scrambling to beat Ederson to it, but the keeper manages to bat it away.
      MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      81. Double substitution for Dortmund.
      A like for like switch as Meunier is on for Morey and Dahoud is replaced by Delaney.   
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      80. Foden with more electric pace breaks into the box on the left, he dances around several yellow shirts but he drags his shot wide.
      Pep puts his head in his hands – it really looked as though he’d wrap the game up there.

        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      78. Emre Can’s had a tough evening in midfield, he’s given away so many balls.
      Dortmund can’t afford to let their concentration levels drop.
      He may well be the next change for Dortmund.
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      77. De Bruyne real is showing off his ability to pick a pass.
      He, effortlessly, picks apart an entire defence with them.
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      Foden has been demonstrating his impressive speed down the left wing.
      Although, it appears his team-mates can’t keep up, as three of his balls into the box have had no blue shirt to meet.

        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      73. Cancelo flicks the ball on to Jesus on the left wing, but Jesus can’t bring the ball under control with his first touch.
      Throwin to Dortmund, deep within their half.
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      72. Foden appears in a confident mood as he cuts Dortmund’s defence apart.
      His final pass across the box, however, is blocked.
        MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 BORUSSIA DORTMUND  
      71. Hummels launches the ball up towards Haaland from deep within his own half.
      But even the young Norweigan can’t reach it, Ederson comes out to gather.
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      N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic in Chelsea squad for Porto showdown in huge injury boost for Thomas Tuchel

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      CHELSEA have been given a huge boost with N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic named in the squad for Wednesday night’s clash at Porto.Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed both players are fit to travel for the Champions League quarter-final first-leg.
      N’Golo Kante is fit enough for the Chelsea bench after a minor knock on France dutyCredit: AFP
      Christian Pulisic is fit following a scare during last weekend’s defeat against West BromCredit: EPA
      Kante missed the 5-2 thumping at home to West Brom with a muscular injury, while Pulisic was taken off at half-time with a hamstring issue.
      But both are ready for action, with Tammy Abraham also returning after an eight-game absence with a foot injury.
      Tuchel confirmed: “They are fit enough to be in the squad and will be in the squad so this is good news.
      “Christian went out right before the injury could happen.
      “He said at half-time he felt if he continued it would be an injury coming so we had to take him off.
      “Tammy is in the squad and [Kante] just did the last test and will be on the bench.
      “He feels very comfortable and comfortable enough to be on the bench.
      A thrilled Tuchel added: “I’m super happy because today is the first time everybody is back in training so this is what you want.
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      “We will have some major decisions to take and I have the feeling that we’re absolutely ready for [Wednesday’s] game.”
      Chelsea will take on Porto at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, with the game moved from Portugal due to coronavirus restrictions.
      And Tuchel has admitted Olivier Giroud could play a part in the game against Porto having scored FOUR at the same stadium against Sevilla in the group stages.
      Tuchel added: “He’s in the running and in the squad.
      “He’s absolutely excited to return to Sevilla and play there so it gives him a good feeling.
      “He’s been very strong for us in the Champions League and he has history in Sevilla scoring many goals in this campaign.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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      Man City announce £126m losses amid coronavirus pandemic – backing up Pep Guardiola’s transfer fears over Haaland

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      MANCHESTER CITY have announced losses of £126million for the 2019-20 due to the Covid pandemic – as boss Pep Guardiola explains why they have never spent a nine-figure sum on one player.With Guardiola refusing to be drawn on his interest in £100m-rated Borussia Dortmund goal sensation Erling Haaland, the Premier League leaders also revealed revenue for the period until June 30 was down 11 per cent to £478.4m.
      Etihad chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak insists Man City’s finances are still ‘fundamentally strong’Credit: PA:Press Association
      Man City would surely have to obliterate their transfer record to sign Dortmund strike sensation Erling Haaland this summerCredit: Getty
      City’s finances were hit as revenues from last season’s Champions League, Prem and FA Cup matches held after that date were not included.
      Leroy Sane’s move to Bayern Munich – which could be worth £54.8 million to City – also went through just after the cut off.
      But the club lost out on ticket and stadium revenues towards the end of last season, refunds were handed out to season ticket holders and broadcast revenues were cut.
      However the Etihad giants are confident they will return to profit in the current financial year.
      Guardiola has cautiously defended City’s absence from the really big-buyers, with £63.6m their record for Rodri from Atletico Madrid in June 2019.
      He said: “The fact we have not spent, for one player, a lot of money, gives you advantage.
      “Football is a team game, everyone makes his contribution. It’s not just one player, it’s for absolutely everyone.
      “So far the club has decided not to spend close to £100million for a player, or more than £100million on a player.

      “Maybe in the future it is going to happen if they decide it is necessary to improve the team for the next five, 10 years, for many reasons.
      “But so far the club, the organisation, the CEO, the sporting director decided not to do it and that’s why they didn’t do it.”
      Chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak insists City’s are still in a healthy financial health.
      He said of their losses: “Like most organisations, we did not have a business strategy for a global pandemic.
      “But what we had – and still have is a business that is fundamentally strong.
      “It has been built carefully over a decade and upon more than a century of history.
      “Our long-term approach means that we are now not wholly dependent on income streams that have been most vulnerable to the ongoing impact of Covid 19.
      A better financial picture of the Covid years will be provided when the two seasons are combined and normalised.Etihad chief executive Ferran Soriano
      “Our expectation is that we will return to profitablility in the 2020-1 financial year.”
      Chief executive Ferran Soriano said: “Clearly the accounts in isolation are not the best representation of the reality of the season.
      “There was delayed player trading and numerous games played after June 30 – the revenues of which will be accounted for in 2020-1.
      “A better financial picture of the Covid years will be provided then – when the two seasons are combined and normalised.”
      City made a £10million profit in the previous 12 months and the club’s latest results are a stark reminder of the effect the Coronavirus has had on football.
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      Premier League chief exec Richard Masters warned that clubs in their competition could lose £2 billion due to the pandemic.
      UEFA have said they will loosen their financial fair play rules and that Covid related losses will not be counted.
      City – who had a two year European overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in July – are confident they will be within the guidelines.
      Erling Haaland and Phil Foden chat after whistle as Man City eye transfer swoop for Dortmund sensation More

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      Why isn’t Real Madrid vs Liverpool at the Bernabeu and where is Champions League match being played?

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      REAL MADRID are taking on Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, but it won’t be at the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos haven’t played a single game at the Bernabeu this season, but have instead found a temporary home elsewhere in Madrid.
      Real Madrid haven’t played a single game at the Bernabeu this seasonCredit: AP
      Why isn’t Real Madrid vs Liverpool at the Bernabeu?
      Real Madrid haven’t been playing at the Bernabeu this season because of an extensive renovation project which is underway at the historic stadium.
      Real president Florentino Perez had always planned for the stadium to be renovated, but the coronavirus pandemic brought forward those plans.
      The Bernabeu will have a different, more modern appearance, when it reopens in the summer of 2022.
      It could however, be finished sooner, as work began three months earlier than scheduled.

      Perez said: “Our future naturally involves a new Santiago Bernabeu stadium, a reference of the 21st century.
      “A modern, avant-garde stadium, with maximum comfort and safety, with state-of-the-art technology, where fans can experience unique sensations and also be a new and important source of income for the club.”
      The new stadium will have a completely new exterior, fitted with a retractable roof.
      An underground car park will also be an extra added feature.
      Where is Real Madrid vs Liverpool being played?
      Real Madrid have played all of their home matches at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium this season.
      And they will do the same against Liverpool, who they play on Tuesday, April 6.
      The Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium is where Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve side, play their home clashes.
      Real Madrid have played their home games at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium this seasonCredit: Getty
      The stadium allows for up to 6,000 fans, a far cry from the 80,000 which can fill the Bernabeu.
      But due to the coronavirus, Real have played all their games this season without the presence of fans.
      Once fans do return, however, there’s the possibility that Real will share rivals Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano until the Bernabeu is finished. More

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      in Soccer

      How Chelsea could line up at Porto with Thiago Silva set to remain in defence despite West Brom red card horror show

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL faces a nasty back ache for Chelsea’s Champions League quarter-final with Porto – after Thiago Silva saw red in the manager’s first defeat with the Blues.Central-defender Silva could retain his place despite the Brazilian’s early dismissal sparking West Brom’s dominant 5-2 Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

      Thiago Silva has been backed to keep his place in a three-man Chelsea defence, behind what could be a four-strong midfield against PortoCredit: 3

      And Tuchel is tipped to recall England duo Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount for Wednesday’s first leg in Sevilla, where the return clash with the Portuguese champs will also be played.
      With Edouard Mendy now established as first-choice keeper, Tuchel’s main selection issues could be in defence – following his first loss in 15 matches since succeeding Frank Lampard as boss in January.
      Cesar Azpilicueta seems a certain starter on the right, with Silva and much-improved Kurt Zouma hoping to retain their spots in a three-man backline.
      But Tuchel will think carefully – after Chelsea suffered their worst ever home Prem defeat over the weekend.
      Saturday was also the first time the Blues have conceded five at Stamford Bridge since Arsenal triumphed 5-3 in October 2011.
      Reece James, normally a wing-back, is favourite to remain on the right of a four-man midfield, although fellow England starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi, more of a natural winger, hopes to get the nod.
      Midfield anchorman N’Golo Kante is back in a full-strength 23-man squad after a hamstring injury.
      But for now Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic are likely to keep their central places ahead of the French World Cup winner.

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      Meanwhile, Chilwell might just displace Marcus Alonso on the left of midfield, as Tuchel balances keeping his team fresh with retaining stability with a like-for-like swap.
      Reliable playmaker Mount should return, having been a scoring sub in Saturday’s debacle after Tuchel gave him a 45-minute rest following his busy week with England.
      Hakim Ziyech is regarded as Mount’s most likely partner in a Chelsea pair sitting behind the main striker, who is expected to be Euro specialist Olivier Giroud rather than Timo Werner.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ben Chilwell ‘punches’ Kurt Zouma to make light of Kepa vs Rudiger ‘fight More