Champions League

ARSENAL fans branded Wesley Sneijder a “bitter, sore loser” after his “terrible” take on Declan Rice’s free-kicks.The England midfielder lived up to his £105million price-tag with a pair of set-piece stunners against Real Madrid last night.Fans blasted Wesley Sneijder for his ‘terrible’ take on Declan Rice’s free-kicksCredit: XThe ace netted two set-pieces as Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0Credit: GettyMikel Merino was also on the score-sheet to wrap up a 3-0 win for Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.But it was Rice who stole the limelight with two free-kick goals in the space of 12 minutes.The ace’s first strike was a scorcher from distance that brought back memories of Real great Roberto Carlos.Rice then took a leaf out of David Beckham’s book for the second, bending an impossible strike around Real’s wall and into the far-top corner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt prompted a brilliant reaction in the Sky Sports studio from Paul Merson, who suffered an awkward wardrobe malfunction in the process.But one man who failed to be impressed was Dutch icon Sneijder.The former playmaker knows what it takes to win a Champions League title, having led Inter Milan to a Treble in 2010.Sneijder also won trophies with Ajax, Galatasaray and Arsenal’s opponents Real.Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd speaking live on Dutch TV channel Ziggo Sport, he boldly claimed that Rice’s free-kicks were nothing special.Sneijder, who was a set-piece specialist himself, instead reckoned that several mistakes by Real’s defensive wall led to both strikes hitting the target.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsArsenal 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…Sneijder was backed up by former Arsenal star Giovanni van BronckhorstCredit: GettyHe boldly claimed: “I don’t think the free kicks were that impressive. “This may sound strange but it’s extremely easy to curve a ball like that as long as you know how to take a shot, and I know all about this. The wall was at fault here.“The same for the second free kick. You saw Courtois moving to his right just before Rice took it. A mistake by the goalkeeper.”Sneijder’s view was also backed up by former Arsenal star and Double winner Giovanni van Bronckhorst.He boomed: “I think Wesley is right. You can see that the wall is too far to the left, which makes it easy for Rice to shoot past.”However, fans strongly disagreed with Sneijder’s take on Rice’s stunning free-kicks.One said: “What a sore loser.”Another declared: “Bitter old guy.”Read More on The SunOne noted: “What a terrible take.”Another added: “Everyone would be scoring a free kick by that logic.” More

EAGLE-EYED fans spotted Kylian Mbappe’s “nice” reaction to one of Declan Rice’s free-kick goals last night.The Arsenal star struck from two set-pieces as his side beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.Kylian Mbappe was spotted reacting to one of Declan Rice’s free-kick goalsRice inspired Arsenal to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid last nightCredit: EPAMikel Merino went and added a third to make sure the Gunners put one foot in the semis against either Aston Villa or Paris Saint-Germain.And current Champions League holders Real, who have won the competition a record 15 times, were left shellshocked ahead of next week’s return leg at the Bernabeu.Superstars like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr were unable to get a grasp on the game.While boss Carlo Ancelotti cut a frustrated figure as he watched counterpart Mikel Arteta dominate the touchline.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Real ace Mbappe caught fans off-guard as he reacted to the second of Rice’s free-kick goals.The £105million midfielder curled a beauty round the Real wall, with the shot then finding its way into the far-top corner.It sparked wild celebrations among Arsenal players and supporters.While Los Blancos players appeared to become even more desolate at the prospect of a European exit.Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesHowever, Mbappe seemed to show his appreciation for Rice’s strike as he made his way back to the halfway line.The striker, who joined Real on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, watched Rice’s free-kick sail past Thibaut Courtois.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsMbappe then turned on his heels before retreating down the pitch.And as he did so, the French World Cup winner was seen raising his eyebrows and flicking his head in acknowledgement of the hit.Fans were quick to clock it, with one saying: “It’s a nice reaction, just utterly stunned and in awe.”Another declared: “Bro was taking notes in his mind.”One noted: “He noticed it was a sweet free-kick.”Another added: “He knew it was well hit.”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

THIS is the shocking moment a huge brawl breaks out on the streets of Paris ahead of the crunch Champions League tie between PSG and Aston Villa.Footage shows opposing sets of fans fighting outside of a busy bar in the French capital, with punches, chairs and glasses thrown in the melee.Opposing sets of fans throw punches in a huge brawlCredit: FacebookFans hurl chairs and other missiles in ParisCredit: FacebookPint glasses can be seen flying in shocking footageCredit: FacebookEnglish underdogs Aston Villa are set to take on soon-to-be French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final showdown at the Parc des Princes tonight. Video taken from inside a bar where dozens of fans were drinking overnight shows the brawl in full swing.Fists can be seen flying as supporters clash in the street just outside the window.One set of fans appear to launch their drinks at the oncoming group.read more in Champions League Many of the younger, onrushing supporters have their hoods up as they approach the older looking men.As the fighting continues, a number of bar stools can be seen being used as weapons.One man can be seen carrying a stool across the pavement with the pointed legs directed at the other supporters.Chairs are also seen being hurled back and forth as stunned onlookers watch.Most read in FootballIt is unclear exactly how the brawl started.But unverified claims on social media allege that PSG hooligans had attacked Villa supporters who were drinking in the bar.’He’s lost it there’ – Huge brawl breaks out during Baller League after shocking challenge from former Man Utd starThe Parisians are seasoned campaigners in European knockout football, having reached at least the quarter-finals in each of the past 13 seasons.They’ve already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with an astounding six games to spare and knocked out tournament favourites Liverpool in the last round.But Villa are in outstanding form and are riding a seven-match winning streak.They breezed into the quarter finals with an emphatic 6-1 aggregate victory over Club Brugge in the last 16. The side have also scored 20 goals and kept five clean sheets in their last seven matches and with four-time Europa League winner Unai Emery at the helm their fans are hopeful for an upset.Aston Villa have finally given us an English side we can all get behindBY Dave Kidd, Sun’s Chief Sports WriterIT was a night of nights in early October when Villa Park welcomed back elite European football after a hiatus of four decades.To be there at one of English football’s grandest, most historic and atmospheric stadiums as Bayern Munich were vanquished in a Champions League group match was a rare privilege.Villa won the game and I left the ground feeling delighted for Villa’s supporters. Which is strange because, usually, when English clubs play in Champions League football, I couldn’t honestly care less whether they win or lose.I don’t think I’m alone in this. The Premier League’s traditional Big Six were difficult to love even before they tried to sell English football down the gurgler by signing up to a breakaway Super League.And Newcastle, with their bottomless Saudi wealth, leave many of us equally cold. But Villa’s European adventure — next stop Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes in tomorrow’s quarter-final first leg — feels different.It feels like a throwback to decades gone by, when English football fans would genuinely want other English clubs to thrive in Europe.When Villa face Qatari-backed PSG in the French capital, most of England — except for the blue half of Birmingham and the Black Country supporters of Wolves and West Brom — will be firmly behind them.And that’s because Villa’s successes under Unai Emery give the supporters of many other clubs something realistic to aspire to.Villa are not a member of the modern elite, with all the spoilt-rotten sense of entitlement that status brings.They are an authentic club, competing at Europe’s top table with underdog status, with a modest net spend, with a likeable, talented manager and with supporters who have followed their club through thick and thin, providing consistently the best atmosphere in the Premier League.Four-time Europa League winner Unai Emery speaking at a press conference ahead of the gameCredit: GettyPSG come into the quarter finals after a huge win over LiverpoolCredit: PAEnglish star Marcus Rashford training with Aston Villa ahead of their UEFA Champions League clashCredit: Getty More