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      England manager Thomas Tuchel parties with ex-Chelsea stars including Mason Mount, Jorginho and Reece James in reunion

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      THOMAS TUCHEL reunited with his Chelsea Champions League winning squad including Mason Mount and Jorginho. The German famously led the Blues to their second European cup in 2021 before leaving the club just a year later. England manager Thomas Tuchel reuniting with JorginhoCredit: InstagramMason Mount and ex-Chelsea team-mate JorginhoCredit: InstagramMount, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorginho, Reece James and Ben Chilwell reuniteCredit: InstagramJorginho with fiancee Catherine HardingCredit: InstagramJorginho lets out a big grinCredit: InstagramThe couple pose with some friendsCredit: InstagramCatherine shared the snaps onlineCredit: InstagramBut now he is back in England as Three Lions boss where he prepares to work under some of the same stars again. And Tuchel was pictured linking up with his former players in a social media post shared by Jorginho’s fiancee Catherine Harding. In one snap, Jorginho has his arms around former manager Tuchel, who is posing in a navy outfit and a cap on. Other photos show Jorginho with James, Ben Chilwell, Mount and Trevoh Chalobah in a reunion picture that sent Chelsea fans wild. READ MORE ON CHELSEA One said: “Tears in my eyes man.”Another added: “I miss this squad!”One beamed: “This is a beautiful sight.”Another said: “We miss them.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTuchel has visited several stadiums in England ahead of his first set of official games in charge – against Albania and Latvia in March.And as revealed by SunSport, he held talks with exiled Arsenal defender Ben White over a return to international football. ‘I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsChelsea skipper James is currently fit after lengthy spells on the sidelines this season amid a hamstring injury. And Chilwell could now fight for a place in Tuchel’s squad after securing a loan from Stamford Bridge to Crystal Palace.Chalobah is also back at Chelsea after his loan to Palace was cut short – but the centre-back is only now returning from a slight back problem. Mount meanwhile has been out since December after suffering a thigh injury with his England hopes taking a huge blow. Tuchel is preparing for life as England managerCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Excited’ Pep Guardiola reveals potential Rodri injury return date with Man City star progressing quicker than expected

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is ‘excited’ by Rodri’s progress — and now believes the Ballon d’Or winner could return THIS season.And that means Manchester City may have their man for the big  occasion back if they secure a return to Wembley in May’s FA Cup final.Man City midfielder Rodri is now tipped to play this seasonCredit: ReutersBoss Pep Guardiola knows how much City have missed RodriCredit: GettyThe Spaniard has been sidelined since he ruptured a cruciate ligament in September  against Arsenal in his first Prem game of the season.Guardiola initially ruled the midfielder out for the rest of the campaign — and suggested he would struggle to make the expanded Club World Cup in June and July. But City posted footage of Rodri going through individual training on Friday. And he was in the dressing room for Saturday’s win over Plymouth.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThat had supporters anticipating the ex-Atletico Madrid man’s return, and Guardiola admitted his progress has been quicker than expected.He said: “The fans must know they are not the only ones excited.It’s been 5½ months, six months, so after the international break it could be. But one step at a time — we don’t have to make stupid decisions for him to come back weeks earlier.“It’s good — although he’s not close to coming back, I’d say. But he’s been touching the ball, he’s been in the locker room. He feels confident, he’s more happy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I could not expect before for him to return before even the Club World Cup.“But now in the Premier League season, maybe it’s going to happen.”Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldRodri has made a habit of scoring key goals for City, none more than the winner in the 2023 Champions League final.He has a month before the international break and after that there will be nine games left of City’s Prem campaign.Their only hope of domestic silverware this term is the FA Cup — with the  semi-finals on the weekend of April 28 and the final three weeks after that.That gives midfield linchpin Rodri, 28,  something to aim for  in his recovery.The Prem ends on May 25 but City’s stars will  be back  around June 12 to head to the US for the Club World Cup. More

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      All this week’s transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know as Aston Villa battle Everton for Mings replacement

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      ALAN NIXON is SunSport’s Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Joel Ordonez is wanted by both Aston Villa and EvertonCredit: GettyTHRILLY JOELASTON VILLA are fighting Everton for Joel Ordonez — who stands between them and Champions League glory.The Club Brugge star, 20, can play centre-half and right-back and looks ideal for the Premier League with his ability and strength.Ecuadorian international Ordonez helped shut Villa out in the group stage and they have been on his trail ever since.The sides meet again on Tuesday in their last-16 first leg — and Everton will be watching closely as they are desperate to land him, too.Ordonez, 20, is rated at £40million by the Belgian side and Villa see him as an ideal replacement for Tyrone Mings.The Toffees also plan a summer revamp and fancy him as the right-sided centre-back in a five at the back.Everton also rate Maxime Esteve, 22, at Burnley but he plays on the left.ROB’S JOB WAITRob Edwards could be forced to wait for his next jobCredit: GettyFORMER Luton boss Rob Edwards faces a frustrating wait for a new job because of a huge compensation fee on his head.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSInterested clubs were told the 42-year-old would cost them £1million as part of his Hatters exit package.Blackburn overlooked Edwards and has been linked with Middlesbrough — but may be sitting it out until the ‘transfer’ fee drops in the next 12 months.MOYES IN DARKDavid Moyes made his return to Everton earlier this seasonCredit: ReutersNEW Everton owners The Friedkin Group are looking for a football supremo to be overlord for their whole organisation.The Americans also own Roma and want someone to run both clubs in the future.Director of football Kevin Thelwell is set to leave his role at Goodison — as we revealed — and now boss David Moyes is waiting to learn what structure the new owners plan to put in place . . . and where it leaves him.MAXED OUT IN MILAN SPREEMaxime Estève is a target for AC MilanCredit: GettyAC MILAN scouts made a shock visit to check out Burnley centre-half Maxime Esteve.The classy Frenchman, 22, may move in the summer — and will definitely do so if the Clarets fail to win promotion.Crystal Palace star Mateta stretchered off with horror injury after shock kung-fu kick from Milwall keeper who sees redEverton are keen on Esteve while Crystal Palace have shortlisted him.But the Italians are on the trail of a player too good for the second tier.CATS CHASE QUICK CASHKyril Louis-Dreyfus owns 64 per cent of SunderlandCredit: ReutersSUNDERLAND are in talks with US financiers MSD Holdings about a quick £35million loan.Wealthy Kyril Louis-Dreyfus owns Black Cats yet they are still seeking funding — even with interest at £5m a year.The timing is odd as Sunderland chase a Prem jackpot and have players to sell for big money this summer.But the cash is wanted quicker than that.A REAL DEAL BUT NOT FOR HORNETSMillonarios striker Neyser is wanted by WatfordCredit: ConmebolWATFORD’S chances of signing young Colombian star Neyser Villarreal look slim — as Porto set up a deal.The Portuguese giants have been ‘promised’ striker Villarreal, 19, by his agent and could get him for nothing at the end of the year.Brazil’s Vasco da Gama made a £3million bid plus extras that his club Millonarios accepted but the player and agent refuse to speak to them.WHICH Premier League sporting director is making a fool of himself in the VIP box at games?The foreign wheeler-dealer is given to celebrating goals wildly and arguing about refereeing decisions with rival fans and even directors.This loud chap was recently seen gesturing so much that a ‘minder’ in the entourage was forced to calm a brewing row with home supporters.ROBINS KEEN ON NEW RECRUITSMark Robins is concerned by the squad at Stoke CityCredit: PASTOKE boss Mark Robins will look for a major change in recruitment plans in the summer.Robins, 55, has been alarmed by a thin squad bulked out with young players and loan captures.The Potters have tried to sign their own players but ended up with a mixed bag.That is partly because of so much upheaval with Robins their third boss this season.PRODIGAL SONDavid Moyes Jr is wanted by Hull CityCredit: AlamyHULL are after David Moyes Jr for a top scouting role.The Everton manager’s son has previous experience with West Ham, where he worked for his dad.Now the Tigers hope to tempt the ex-agent to their transfer team, which has changed regularly over the past couple of years.ROVERS RETURNValerien Ismael is looking to add to his staff at BlackburnCredit: GettyBLACKBURN boss Valerien Ismael will bring in coach Adam Murray in the summer.Eastbourne gaffer Murray worked with the Frenchman at Barnsley and Besiktas and will join Rovers No .2 Dean Whitehead at Ewood Park.Ismael took over last month and is happy with the rest of his staff. More

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      ‘Antony’s aura is enough’ – Fans stunned as Real Madrid’s title challenge derailed at Man Utd loanee’s Real Betis side

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      FANS have hailed Antony’s “aura” after Real Betis dented Real Madrid’s title hopes.The LaLiga hopefuls were beaten 2-1 at the Benito Villamarin and missed out on the chance to go top of the table.Antony played all 90 minutes against Real MadridCredit: APReal Madrid missed out on the chance to go top of LaLigaCredit: GettyIsco netted the winning goal from the spot for the hostsCredit: EPAAntony, 25, played the full 90 minutes for Betis as he continued his impressive run of form.The Manchester United winger did not score or assist but proved to be a constant thorn in the visitors’ side.Brahim Diaz did fire Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the lead in the tenth minute.However, Antony’s team-mates Johnny Cardoso and former Real star Isco turned the match on its head.READ MORE ON ANTONYCardoso scored the equaliser before Isco converted from the spot after Antonio Rudiger brought down Jesus Rodriguez in the box.But fans on social media are convinced that the result was down to the “aura” of Antony.One posted: “Antony’s aura is enough for a victory.”A second commented: “Antony’s impact is strong.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “Antony aura it is.”A fourth said: “Hail Lord Antony.”Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis Antony is enjoying playing for Manuel PellegriniCredit: EPAHe has already scored twice in LaLigaCredit: ReutersAnother added: “Let’s all laugh at United for loaning out Antony.”The result leaves Real tied on 54 points with leaders Barcelona but the Catalonians have a crucial game in hand.Antony joined Betis on loan until the end of the season from the Red Devils.He has already made a good impression in Spain with two goals and two assists in his first five outings in LaLiga.His appearance against Getafe was cut short after he was sent off.But the suspension was then overturned – allowing him to play against Real.Old Trafford bosses will be hoping his good form continues so he can be sold for a hefty fee in the summer.Antony has admitted that he has regained his “confidence” since moving to Spain.He has also insisted playing under Betis boss and former Man City and West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has helped him.He told Estadio Deportivo: “The most important thing to regain my confidence was to reconnect with myself.”I found myself here and that’s why I’m very happy at Betis. Every day I feel more secure.”Pellegrini is very important to me. Before signing with Betis, I spoke with him, and he gave me a lot of confidence.”His experience and history give me energy every day to do well.”When I made the decision to come here, it was to find myself again, as I mentioned before.”There is always pressure, but the greatest pressure I felt was when I was living in the poor neighbourhoods of Brazil, thinking about my family and everything.”The club forked out an eye-watering £85.5million on the Brazilian back in the summer of 2023.Manager Ruben Amorim has been asked about the winger’s upturn in form since leaving Manchester.The Portuguese coach has insisted the different physicality level in Spain has helped Antony to shine.He told TNT Sports: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there.”If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot.”Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”The former Ajax man has also revealed that he is “happy” in Betis but has remained coy on his future.Antony has been tipped to make a permanent exit from Old Trafford in the summer, but he is remaining tight-lipped on his future.He said: “I’m very happy here, but I don’t know what will happen in the future.”I always say that I enjoy every day with the club, the city and everything that surrounds me, and I give my best for the team.”It’s still too early to talk about my future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know how much money they paid for me.”I worked and continue to work hard to perform at the highest level, but I don’t focus on transfer prices, neither mine nor any other player’s.”Ruben Amorim has addressed Antony’s success since leaving on loanCredit: GettyHe is not concerned with his price tagCredit: Getty More

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      Forget the sob stories, five years without an Arsenal trophy means Mikel Arteta risks facing same fate as Poch at Spurs

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      WHEN was the last time the manager of a Big Six club was allowed to go five years without winning a trophy and stay in his job?The answer is Mauricio Pochettino, sacked by Tottenham early in his sixth season.Arsenal have once again failed to keep pace in a title raceCredit: GettyMikel Arteta is facing a fifth season without a trophy at the EmiratesCredit: RexBefore him, it was Arsene Wenger, who already had three Premier League titles – including two Doubles – to boast about before his long eight-season trophy drought.So unless Arsenal are going to be crowned champions of Europe this year for the first time in their history – and without a striker – Mikel Arteta is going to be entering into some pretty exclusive company.Arteta is under no immediate threat at the Emirates.Arsenal remain likely to finish as Premier League runners-up for a third straight season and if they defeat PSV Eindhoven, they will reach a second successive Champions League quarter-final.READ MORE ON ARSENALBut there comes a time when questions must be asked.And five seasons without a trophy is that sort of time.Sure, Arteta has improved Arsenal substantially but is he the man to take them over the line and win a Premier League or Champions League?Arteta did win the FA Cup just months after succeeding Unai Emery – with the team he inherited and then comprehensively dismantled.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored both goals in that behind-closed-doors 2-1 victory over Chelsea but was stripped of the captaincy the following year and bundled out of the door along with Mesut Ozil.When Kieran Tierney leaves this summer, Bukayo Saka and out-on-loan Reiss Nelson will be the only remaining Arsenal players to have won a trophy at the club – although they were both unused subs in that 2020 triumph over their London neighbours.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the EmiratesThe team Arteta subsequently built appeared young, vibrant and hungry during the previous two seasons, when they ran Manchester City close for the Premier League crown on both occasions.This year, there has been no title race, despite City’s extraordinary implosion. Liverpool have been allowed to run away with it.Arsenal failed to score for the third time in four matches in a God-awful goalless draw at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.That was a clash between the second and third teams in the table, which showcased exactly how far Arne Slot’s Reds are ahead of everybody else.Unless Arsenal are going to be crowned champions of Europe this year for the first time in their history – and without a striker – Mikel Arteta is going to be entering into some pretty exclusive company.Now 13 points ahead, the Merseysiders might well surpass Manchester City’s record 19-point winning margin of 2018.Any current conversation about the Gunners has to revolve around the absence of a fit striker.Season-ending injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, as well as a long-term lay-off for Saka, represent extremely bad luck. But then neither the German nor the Brazilian are authentic centre-forwards.Arsenal’s need for a striker predates those injuries.The debate was raging during the previous two seasons.Arsenal ratings vs Forest as NOBODY looks like scoring for Gunners but Saliba’s a Rolls Royce againMIKEL ARTETA may not have anyone to put the ball in the back of the net but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.The Arsenal boss watched his side’s faint title hopes go well and truly up in smoke in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.But his brilliant backline emerged, once again, with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.But the fact the Gunners’ biggest threat at the other end of the pitch came from left-back Riccardo Calafiori – who was subbed off at half-time – says it all about the dire situation Arsenal somehow find themselves in.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners stars’ displays…And if Arteta had prioritised a striker, the club would have signed one last summer, rather than having to leave it until late in January to make a failed bid for Aston Villa’s England international Ollie Watkins.Havertz, who was most effective as a No 10 in his Chelsea days, has the height and ability to link up play but he is not a top-class finisher.When Jesus was at City, Pep Guardiola preferred him as a winger and often played with false nines rather than employing the Brazilian through the middle.Talk of former Brentford hitman Ivan Toney, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres came and went and RB Leipzig’s raw 21-year-old Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko looks the most likely summer recruit. But Arsenal’s failure to bolster their forward line has been negligent.Still, even when Havertz and Jesus were fit, Arsenal’s playing style had clearly regressed this season.They have become Set Piece FC, an upper-class version of Tony Pulis’ Stoke City and a difficult watch.Mikel Arteta bizarrely hints Arsenal should be mid-table but still won’t give up on title An image of Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has been painted on to a mural near the Emirates.The days of Wenger’s Arsenal playing eye-candy football and being obsessed with scoring the perfect goal are long gone.Five red cards in the Premier League have cost the Gunners up to ten points.Dark conspiracy theories among Arsenal fans cannot mask a basic lack of discipline and game-management.Forget the sob stories, half a decade without silverware simply isn’t good enough.Arteta has done much to foster a bond between players and supporters after years of the ‘Wenger Out, Wenger In’ civil war and the short reign of Emery.The atmosphere at the Emirates has improved greatly — sometimes vast swathes of the crowd do not leave early to catch their trains.But this term there have been rumblings of discontent.Arsenal have gone backwards and most supporters recognise it.Opposition to the ownership of ‘Silent’ Stan Kroenke has been silenced but if it kicks off again, the manager will be in danger.Pochettino improved Spurs immeasurably, reaching a Champions League final after two successive near-misses in title races.But even at Arsenal’s bitter rivals, five years without a trophy was enough to see the Argentinian gone.READ MORE SUN STORIESUnless Arteta oversees a miracle in Europe – and Arsenal would probably have to beat Real Madrid in a quarter-final and Liverpool in a semi to do so – then the Spaniard will be on trial at the beginning of next term.Forget the sob stories, half a decade without silverware simply isn’t good enough. More

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      Karren Brady: Slot subtly tweaked Klopp’s famous ‘heavy metal’ tactical approach to turn Liverpool into worthy champions

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      AT THE start of the season, title conversation centred around Manchester City’s seemingly inevitable dominance, Arsenal’s growth and a resurgent Chelsea.Yet here we are, with Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League, proving once again football is not played on paper — but on the pitch.Arne Slot has turned Liverpool into soon-to-be-champions in his first seasonCredit: EPASlot’s tactics have helped Mo Salah have his best campaign everCredit: AFPLiverpool have defied expectations, outgunned their rivals and shown themselves to be the rightful champions-in-waiting.It is often said that winning is about mentality as much as ability, and this Liverpool side is built on the kind of resilience that turns good teams into great ones.Their famous “mentality monsters” have re-emerged this season, grinding out results when it mattered most.Late winners, comeback victories and an insatiable will to win have become the hallmarks of this side.Read more football newsWhile City stumbled with uncharacteristic sloppiness, and Arsenal lacked the ruthlessness of true champions, Liverpool have been relentless.With Jurgen Klopp no longer at the helm, many expected Liverpool to struggle. Instead, they have adapted brilliantly.Under new manager Arne Slot, the team have maintained the high standards set under Klopp while implementing fresh tactical ideas.Slot, who arrived last summer from Feyenoord, has brought a dynamic, possession-based style of play that emphasises high pressing and fluid attacking movement.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHis philosophy aligns well with Liverpool’s aggressive ethos, making the transition smooth and effective.This speaks volumes about the club’s long-term planning and the resilience of the squad.Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes promise after he’s charged for his role in heated Merseyside Derby chaosEven so, Slot and his assistants have created a fully tutored team, one that seems to skilfully cover every blade of grass.Many paths lead to leading scorer Mo Salah, who at 32 is playing sharper football than at any time in an exceptional career.He has abandoned his wild hairstyle, smiles like a happy lad and tidied up his appearance in readiness, I hope, to receive the Ballon d’Or he so cherishes. Watch him, this jinking little fellow cutting in from the right and ­swinging his left-foot shot into the far corner of the net.  It has become one of the great sights in football. Much has been made of Liverpool’s evolution this season. Unlike Arsenal’s over-reliance on key players or City’s struggles without Rodri at times, Liverpool have navigated their absences with minimal disruption.The team subtly tweaked its tactical approach, shifting from the famed ‘heavy-metal football’ favoured by Klopp to a more controlled and balanced system.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hybrid role has added a new dimension, while the emergence of young talents like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones has injected fresh energy into the squad.Slot has also reinforced defensive stability while ensuring the attack remains as potent as ever. Liverpool have found ways to win matches in different styles.They can blitz teams with intensity or manage games with composure.Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have struggled do deal with injury problemsCredit: GettyLiverpool have defied fears they might struggle after Klopp’s exitCredit: GettyAnd that adaptability has turned Liverpool into the most well-rounded side in the Premier League.While injuries have tested Liverpool’s squad depth, their recruitment and squad management have ensured they have the right players at the right time.Unlike Arsenal’s over-reliance on key players or City’s struggles without Rodri at times, Liverpool have navigated their absences with minimal disruption.The return of key players for the final stretch of the season will only strengthen Liverpool’s charge towards the title.While City’s dominance has been built on an empire of limitless spending, Liverpool have had to be smarter. They have built a team, a culture, and an identity that stands apart in modern football.This title, should they complete the job, will be a testament to the squad’s character and the club’s refusal to back down against financially superior rivals.While City’s dominance has been built on an empire of limitless spending, Liverpool have had to be smarter. They have built a team, a culture, and an identity that stands apart in modern football.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs the business end of the season arrives, one thing is clear: Liverpool have the hunger, mentality and quality to reclaim their crown.The writing is on the wall… and it is written in red. More

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      Real Madrid could be forced to close part of Bernabeu as Uefa release statement after ‘homophobic Pep Guardiola chants’

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      REAL MADRID have been fined after homophobic chants were directed towards Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. The Catalan chief watched his side crash out of the Champions League following a 3-1 defeat at the Bernabeu earlier this month.Real Madrid have been fined after homophobic chants were sung at Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyThe club will have to close 500 seats of the Bernabeu for an upcoming European gameCredit: GettyGuardiola was targeted with vile chants after the hosts took a 2-0 lead through Kylian Mbappe. The chants referenced an area of Madrid known as the heart of the gay district.Uefa have now taken action against the Champions League holders.They have ordered the LaLiga side to pay a fine of £24,800.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the club has been hit with a partial stadium closure for its next European match. A Uefa statement read: “The AB has decided to fine Real Madrid CF €30,000 (£24,800).”It has also ordered the partial closure of Real Madrid CF’s stadium (i.e. at least 500 adjacent seats) during the next match Real Madrid C.F. will play as host club, for the discriminatory behaviour of its supporters.”Madrid’s partial closure has been suspended for two years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt comes after Real’s 6-3 aggregate win over Man City secured a quarter-final showdown with cross-town rivals Atleti. Boss Carlo Ancelotti admitted the Madrid derby would be “difficult as always”.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe But he backed Los Blancos to show their class over two legs.Ancelotti said: “It’s going to be a beautiful, entertaining, and balanced tie. “The quality of the two teams is similar.”Both sides are battling for the title in LaLiga, alongside Catalan giants Barcelona.And the ex-Everton boss is convinced the domestic season will go down to the final match. Ancelotti continued: “A competitive league like here in Spain is difficult. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Here are three teams with one point between them, and they are teams of a very high level. “It is a league that will be decided in the last game.” More

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      ‘Even his AC Milan team-mates avoid him’ – Chelsea loanee Joao Felix branded ‘disaster’ by Italian press

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      CHELSEA loanee Joao Felix is reportedly being iced out on the pitch by his AC Milan team-mates.Felix has endured a torrid first month on loan in Italy and was even branded a “disaster” after Milan’s 2-1 defeat to Bologna.Joao Felix has reportedly been iced out on the pitch by his AC Milan team-matesCredit: GettyThe Italian press has laid into the Chelsea loanee after AC Milan’s recent lossCredit: GettyFelix played 61 minutes in his side’s 2-1 away defeat to Torino on Saturday before being replaced by Riccardo Sottil.And Italian outlet Corriere della Sera described the Portuguese forward as “the worst on the pitch” after Milan’s second consecutive loss.Felix joined Milan on loan from Chelsea on deadline day during the January transfer window.But his form has been largely abject since scoring a delicate chip inside 12 minutes on his debut for the club.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThe once £113million player (from Benfica to Atletico Madrid) has failed to score or assist in his five subsequent appearances, despite starting every game.And criticism reached an all-time high following his below par performance against Bologna.Corriere della Sera wrote: “He is neither seen nor heard. He doesn’t make a single move, even his team-mates avoid him.” The result leaves Milan seventh in the table, eight points adrift of the top four.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFelix loan move came about despite only joining the Blues permanently in the summer, penning a deal until 2031.Just five months ago Chelsea paid £45m to sign him from Atletico Madrid.Enzo Maresca urges Chelsea fans to show trust after BlueCo protest With the club currently missing out on European qualification, Italian journalist Fabio Ravezzani has slammed Felix on social media.In a post on X, Ravezzani wrote: “Everything is going wrong at Milan.”Joao Felix is ​​as handsome as he is useless, Malick Thiaw is no better than Fikayo Tomori and taking off Rafael Leao, unless he is injured, is foolish.” Manager Sergio Conceicao has won eight of his 15 matches in charge across all competitions.He was unable to keep Milan in the Champions League last week, though.The seven-time winners were knocked out by Feyenoord, losing 2-1 on aggregate to the Arne Slot’s former Dutch side.If nothing else changes, Felix is set to return to Chelsea in the summer. More