Champions League

THIERRY HENRY had a blunt message for Kylian Mbappe before Arsenal stunned Real Madrid.The Gunners enjoyed their greatest night at the Emirates on Tuesday.Thierry Henry had a cheeky blunt message for Kylian MbappeCredit: RexThe French pair shared a warm hug pitchside during the warm-upCredit: RexHenry was a happy man come full-time as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winnersCredit: GettyDeclan Rice’s two wondergoals from direct free-kicks and Mikel Merino’s superb finish gave Mikel Arteta’s men a 3-0 lead at the mid-way point of the Champions League quarter-final.But as well as scoring three goals, it was crucial that Arsenal kept a clean sheet.And that meant stopping Mbappe – just as Henry wanted.Arsenal legend Henry bumped into his French compatriot on the side of the Emirates pitch during the warm-ups last night.READ MORE ON ARSENALThey shared a warm embrace and had a brief chat before Henry let Mbappe go to continue loosening up.But he revealed his short and sharp cheeky final comment to the Real Madrid striker.Working as a CBS Sports pundit, Henry said: “It’s always massive respect when I see Kylian Mbappe.”We both went to Clairefontaine [French football centre of excellence].Most read in Champions LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates”Tonight he’s playing against the team that I love the most in the world.”Look I don’t wish anything bad on him.Paul Merson suffers awkward wardrobe malfunction live on Sky Sports as he jumps up to celebrate Arsenal goal”But tonight, I said to him, ‘Please I don’t want to see you.'”And Henry largely got his wish.Most importantly, Mbappe was kept off the scoresheet – and was kept relatively quiet by his lofty standards.He played the full 90 minutes in North London but the vast majority of his touches came outside the Arsenal penalty area. The 2018 World Cup winner – still looking to win his first Champions League – managed three shots with two on target, but was denied by David Raya. Arguably his most significant moment of the match came after Rice’s second strike. Read More on The SunThe cameras showed Mbappe’s reaction – and he was blown away by the quality.The striker – who only scored his first career free-kick on March 29 – raised his eyebrows and flicked his head in appreciation of Rice’s spectacular strike. Mbappe and his Real Madrid team-mates endured a frustrating night at the EmiratesCredit: GettyDavid Raya thwarted his one golden chanceCredit: GettyHenry has plenty of admiration for MbappeCredit: instagram @cbsHenry got his wish of a quiet nightCredit: instagram @cbsArsenal 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

PETER SCHMEICHEL has revealed Manchester United’s big Treble-winning secret weapon that nobody really knows about.Schmeichel unleashed the untold truth behind that historic 1999 side on That Peter Crouch Podcast.Manchester United were the first English side to win a historic Treble in 1999Treble-winning stopper Peter Schmeichel opened up in a hilarious interview on Peter Crouch’s podcastJust when you thought you couldn’t find out anything more about United’s best-ever season, in comes Schmeichel’s behind-the-scenes confessions.The legendary goalkeeper, now 61, said Man Utd – like all special teams – needed a bit of luck when they won the three biggest trophies in football in 1999.While the tales are often dominated by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s last-gasp winner in the Champions League final, or Ryan Giggs’ extraordinary shirtless run through seven Arsenal players in the FA Cup, Schmeichel wanted to unearth a surprise unsung hero.The Dane – whose son Kasper later made history of his own by winning the Prem with Leicester in 2016 – identified club debutant Dwight Yorke as one of those ‘forgotten’ men.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSchmeichel told Crouchy’s podcast: “When I mention somebody like Dwight. I think Dwight played a much bigger role in the Treble than people will give him credit for. “His influence in the dressing room and the way that he would come in every morning with that big smile.”And sometimes entertain us with what he’d done the night before. He’d always bring that happiness into the dressing room.”But then go on the pitch and score 30 plus goals!”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSchmeichel also revealed a more serious side to Yorke, who scored 29 goals in all competitions, including 18 in the Prem during his first United season. The Red Devils had been riding their luck, after sneaking through the European group stage on goal difference and losing here and there.Rio Ferdinand calls out Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s takes on Man Utd vs Man City And after committing a club sin by losing 3-2 to Middlesbrough at Old Trafford in December, when Sir Alex Ferguson was at a funeral, new boy Yorke stepped in.Schmeichel said: “That Boro game was the only time when the manager wasn’t there. And we were so bad.”And in the dressing room after, we said that we weren’t going to lose another game. “And Dwight worked out that if we were to win the next 38 games, we’d had an unbelievable season.”And all of a sudden you get to three games and you started to see it. It was so weird because it became a saying in the dressing room.”Dwight would entertain us with what he’d done the night before.SchmeichelThat Peter Crouch PodcastHe added: “We were really bad. But the thing is, because Ferguson wasn’t there, that’s why we were embarrassed.”Because we were thinking ‘do we really need the manager here to win?’ So everyone agreed ‘this is not good enough’.”And we never lost a game after that.”Schmeichel gave special credence to Dwight Yorke for his role in United’s TrebleCredit: GettyYorke scored 29 goals for the Red Devils in that debut seasonCredit: ReutersSchmeichel – who joined Man Utd in 1991 and left a few months after winning the Treble – was singing praises about Ferguson’s impeccable man-management and the incredible “trust” he installed into the entire squad.But the Dane also revealed the defining moment where he doubted Ferguson’s decision-making and truly believed the Scot was “losing it”.He said: “The first time, where I really thought the guy was losing it and not understanding what he was doing, was in the summer of 1995.”When three players, who would start every game if they were fit, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis left the club and no-one came in.”And he puts five kids in the first team squad – he puts Nicky, Gary, Phil, Scholesy and Becks. “Ryan was already in the first team dressing room, so he would’ve been the sixth.”But you’re thinking what’s going on here? And of course, we open up with a defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park.”But the boys were great and I mainly thought it was strange that he didn’t bring at least one player in during the summer.”It seems Schmeichel inadvertently and initially agreed with Liverpool great Alan Hansen who famously uttered: “you can’t win anything with kids” after that season opening defeat.But, of course, Ferguson’s young team – went onto win the Premier League and FA Cup in 1995/1996.And the iconic goalkeeper quickly overcame that hurdle because Ferguson made every player “trust themselves”. Read More on The SunSchmeichel won 15 major trophies with United, before spending two seasons with Sporting Lisbon and returning to the Prem with Aston Villa in 2001, where he played with Crouch.He was later ignored by Gary Neville in the tunnel when he made 29 appearances for United’s closest rivals Manchester City in 2001/2002. More

MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY laid down another marker in a breakthrough season as Arsenal hammered Real Madrid.The left-back, whose Arsenal career started with a yellow card before he’d kicked a ball, has enjoyed a meteoric rise at the Emirates this term.Myles Lewis-Skelly produced a sensational performance against Real MadridCredit: GettyThe Arsenal star bagged an assist for Mikel Merino’s goalCredit: GettyMerino fired home Arsenal’s third goal of the eveningCredit: GettyStats showed a near-flawless performance from Lewis-SkellyAnd on Tuesday night the England star put on arguably the most impressive display of his career so far as he dominated the European champions.In Spain, the press are very much looking forward to the arrival of another top English full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, at Real Madrid this summer.But this week the papers there were falling over themselves to praise Lewis-Skelly.Commenting on a “mature” display, Mundo Deportivo wrote: “At just 18 years old, he put in a performance to remember, both in defence and attack.”READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSAnd Marca, praising his assist for Mikel Merino, commented: “Lewis-Skelly controlled the front, amazing in his mobility throughout the field, he put the pass into the area and with his left foot, Mikel Merino placed it next to the post.”Meanwhile the stats showed that Lewis-Skelly had produced an attacking display very much reminiscent of Alexander-Arnold.The stat that stood out the most showed that, despite being a left-back, Lewis-Skelly had played the vast majority of his football in the Real Madrid half.During the match, Lewis-Skelly would manage 74 touches of the ball and complete a whopping 54 passes out of 57 attempted.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd, as can be seen in the pass map, the left-back was not content merely to retain possession as he regularly attempted through balls and usually saw them come off.In Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid will be signing a player known for being one of the best attacking full-backs in the world, but who has been plagued by claims that his defensive contribution has never been up to scratch.’Give me your right foot please’ – Crocked Arsenal star issues plea to Declan Rice in dressing room after stunning goalsHowever, as Lewis-Skelly marauded forward time and time again, there were few, if any, concerns about his defensive play.The England starlet was tasked with keeping a watchful eye on in-form Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, which he did in exemplary fashion.The Brazilian, who was one of the best players on the pitch when Real Madrid knocked out rivals Atletico, was kept quiet throughout the evening.He managed just one touch in the Arsenal penalty area on a night where the front three of him, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe – all of whom have been touted as potential Ballon d’Or winners – was made to look distinctly average.Lewis-Skelly played most of his football in the Real Madrid halfAnd he was never afraid to attempt the ambitious passThe average position stats showed the extent to which Mikel Arteta’s men pushed the European champions backRodrygo endured a quiet game as he was well-martialled by the Arsenal left-backA pair of stunning Declan Rice free kicks set the Gunners on their way to a shock win over the European champions.But it was Lewis-Skelly who rounded things off with a brilliant assist for Mikel Merino to give Mikel Arteta’s side a commanding 3-0 lead.And if the Gunners are to defend that lead at the Bernabeu and round off a famous Champions League triumph, you suspect Lewis-Skelly will play a big part in it. More

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