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      Embarrassing moment Champions League star scuffs his lines with ‘one of the worst misses in football history’

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE star Ivan Martin had a moment to forget during Girona’s 1-0 defeat the Sturm Graz last night.Martin, 25, missed an absolute sitter to put Girona ahead in the Champions League league phase clash in Austria.Ivan Martin missed a golden chance for his first ever Champions League goal last nightCredit: RexMartin drifted into the back post to find space with the goalkeeper out of placeCredit: DAZNHe was found by a tidy pass from teammate Bryan GilCredit: DAZNMartin unbelievably missed the target, hitting the ball over the barCredit: DAZNThe midfielder was left face down with his head in his handsCredit: DAZNThe attacking midfielder found himself in a golden position to score his first ever Champions League goal during the first half of the match.But what looked to be a certain goal was soon a moment that will have kept Martin up all night as he fluffed his lines and hit his shot over the bar from around two yards out.The former Villarreal man was devastated with his miss and put his head in his hands following the shocking moment.While fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing with the keeper completely out of the equation when Martin missed the target.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn social media, one wrote: “That has to be one of the worst misses in football history”.While another asked: “Miss of the century?!”A third joked: “That’s impressive tbh it’s so much harder to miss this chance than to actually score”.And a fourth teased: “He should be arrested after the match”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThings got worse for Martin when his miss came back to haunt him as Sturm Graz scored a 58th minute winner through former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth.Girona have now lost four of their five Champions League games this season, falling to defeats at the hands of PSV, Feyenoord and PSG.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers More

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      Jude Bellingham waits outside Liverpool dressing room to get bestie Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shirt off Gravenberch

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM went to extreme lengths to make sure to make sure he got bestie Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shirt.The England team-mates put their friendship to the side on Wednesday night as Real Madrid travelled to Anfield to take on Liverpool for their Champions League clash.Jude Bellingham wanted outside Liverpool’s dressing room after their Champions League clash with Real MadridCredit: TNT SPORTSHe seemingly asked Kop star Ryan Gravenberch to get Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shirtCredit: TNT SPORTSMidfielder Gravenberch returned with the top a few moments later and passed it over to BellinghamCredit: TNT SPORTSAnd Bellingham wanted to commemorate the moment by getting his buddy’s matchday shirt, so much so that he waited outside Liverpool’s dressing room after the final whistle.Footage has emerged of the superstar twiddling his thumbs as he waited outside the Reds’ changing room with two Real youngsters.He ended up having a brief conversation with Kop star Ryan Gravenberch, who returned a few moments later to give him Trent’s shirt.Footie fans were quick to comment on the viral clip, with one saying: “Wow this love.”READ MORE ON LIVERPOOLAnother said: “Bro really waited for Trent’s shirt. I know who my GOAT is.”And another said: “Everyone wants Trent’s shirt.”One remarked: “Love this.”Another chimed in: “Jude and Trent have been mates in the England camp. It’s not that deep.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLiverpool ran out 2-0 winners over the defending Champions League holdersCredit: GETTYThe Reds ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.Kop chief Arne Slot said of the victory: “I think it’s always good to win a game.Liverpool boss Arne Slot gives update on Trent injury “And especially a big game like this because you know you face so many quality players.”For me, it would even mean more if we go into the later stages of the tournament because this is such a strange.”And [a] different set-up in the Champions League that it’s difficult to judge how important these wins are.”If we arrive in the last 16 or the quarter-finals or wherever we can arrive to and we face them again and then we are able to beat them.”That would be maybe a bigger statement than this.”But we are definitely happy with the win, let that be clear.” More

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      Awkward moment John McGinn gets ‘pied’ by young mascot as cheeky snub caught live on air

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      HE’s a hero to the Tartan Army and Aston Villa’s main man.But one young mascot had absolutely no time for John McGinn as she SNUBBED a pre-match high-five from the midfield star.John McGinn made his way down the tunnel high-fiving the mascotsEach of the youngsters enthusiastically high-fived him backUntil one fan decided she was having none of itThe Scotland ace played 90 minutes last night as Aston Villa drew 0-0- with Juventus at Villa Park in their Champions League encounter.But prior to kick-off he was given a slice of humble pie by a cheeky young supporter.In his role as Villa captain, McGinn is given the responsibly of leading the mascots out of the tunnel and onto the pitch before the game.Often, he (and many other captains) will take some time to meet and greet the young fans.This could be in the form of a high-five, a hug or a brief pep talk.Last night at Villa Park, McGinn was spotted by the TV cameras working his way through the line of mascots wand giving each of them a high-five.All was going well until he reached the girl who was second from the front of the line.As McGinn raised up his hand expecting her to return the favour, he was met with nothing but a stare.Most read in FootballThe Villa skipper kept his hand up for a short moment and could be seen saying “No?” with a smile, before he took the hint and moved on.He then took a few seconds to have a quick chat with the mascot at the front of the queue, who gave him a bit of street cred back by returning his high-five.His focus then turns to the referee, who approaches him to start speaking about the game itself.On presenting duty for TNT Sports, Reshmin Chowdury laughed over the footage: “That little girl has just pied John McGinn.”Most fans on social media saw the funny side of the incident.As this punter said: “McGinn’s poker face didn’t stand a chance… mascot 1, McGinn 0. Sometimes you just have to take the pie and the L with a smile.”McGinn was hilariously pied by the young fanBut he laughed it off and got another high-five seconds laterKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson, 82, finally loses long-standing Champions League record

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson has finally lost his long-standing Champions League record.Real Madrid gaffer Carlo Ancelotti took charge of a record 215th game in Europe’s top-flight – surpassing Ferguson’s tally of 214 managed.Sir Alex Ferguson has lost his long-running record for the most games managed in the Champions LeagueCarlo Ancelotti has now managed a record 215 games in Europe’s top-flightAncelotti – who holds the record for most Champions League titles won – has now eclipsed Fergie’s 11-year record.Of Ferguson’s 214 European nights, 194 came in the main competition – in other words from the group or beyond. The Scot, now 82, also oversaw eight qualifying ties and 12 European Cup games, winning 115, losing 50 and drawing 49 across the board.Ferguson first triumphed when United won England’s first Treble in 1999 – as the Red Devils produced a late stoppage-time comeback against Bayern.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe second came nine years later in Moscow, with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in 2008.But many would argue that winning the 1983 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup with Aberdeen was an even greater achievement.Meanwhile, it was another record-breaking night for Ancelotti before kick-off, but he won’t be too excited as his side were comfortably beaten 2-0 at Anfield.The great Italian is the most successful manager in Champions League history, having won the trophy a record five times as boss plus twice more as a player.Most read in Champions LeagueSir Alex Ferguson won the Treble with United in 1999FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAncelotti was also the one to surpass Ferguson’s previous record for the most games won as manager in Europe’s most-loved competition.The Madrid boss won his 116th European game against in the group stage against Braga last October.Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs talks about his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson He is also the only manager to take part in six Champions League finals, losing only once when his AC Milan team blew a 3-0 lead against Liverpool in 2005.Liverpool’s statement victory on Wednesday night sees new boss Arne Slot again achieve a feat that Jurgen Klopp never did.Klopp, who quit Anfield in May, NEVER beat Los Blancos during his nine year spell in charge of Liverpool – including two finals.But Slot managed to overcome the club’s hoodoo in his first attempt.But it ended up being a rather forgettable night for AncelottiGoals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo saw the Reds keep their 100 per cent record in Europe this season.Anfield erupted when Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty at 1-0, while Mo Salah’s head briefly went down when he put his own wide with the game still on a kinfe-edge.The win means Liverpool extend their perfect start and remain top of the competition’s new 36-team league, while holders Madrid suffered their third defeat in five games and now face a battle to qualify. More

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      Champions League clash goes ahead in wrecked stadium with entire stand closed due to risk of collapse

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND’S Champions League clash at Dinamo Zagreb went ahead despite the hosts’ stadium being in danger of collapse.The Bundesliga giants travelled to Croatia for their sixth European match of the campaign on Wednesday.Dinamo Zagreb’s stadium is barely up to UEFA standardCredit: GettyOne of the stands is on the verge of collapseCredit: GettyHowever, the stadium they played at was barely up to UEFA standard.Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb has been in danger of collapsing for the last four years.In 2020 the area was hit by a severe earthquake that damaged the east stand.The stand has since been closed to the general public, meaning the stadium capacity has reduced from 38,000 to 24,851 seats.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDirectly under the VIP area – where club officials sit – there is a huge hole in the concrete estimated to be 40cm wide.Temporary power cables have also been laid across the wooden stairs.In addition, building equipment is being stored next to the stands, with large amounts of gravel by the lower tiers and waste in some areas.One local has even described it as “big s***”, according to BILD.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAhead of the match, Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin said: “I don’t think that the boys will be shocked.”It’s perhaps a different atmosphere with more fire. It doesn’t really matter what happens in the stands or that you are negatively influenced. Rather positive – the boys like that.”Man Utd legend Paul Scholes names his top 5 toughest Champions League opponents of all time Borussia Dortmund appeared to lap up the conditions and went on to win 3-0 thanks to goals from Jamie Gittens, Ramy Bensebaini and Serhou Guirassy. More

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      Aston Villa 0 Juventus 0: Morgan Rogers’ last-gasp goal ruled OUT as Champions League clash ends in controversy

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      MORGAN ROGERS was robbed of the last-gasp goal which would have ended Aston Villa’s six-match winless run. But instead, the new England international was denied by ref Jesus Gil Manzano who ruled that Diego Carlos had fouled Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio. Morgan Rogers thought he had scored the winnerCredit: GettyBut the goal was disallowed for a foul on goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio in the build-upCredit: GettyRogers netted with virtually the last kick of the match after the Juve gloveman had spilled a Youri Tielemans free-kick. But Spanish referee Manzano, who had enraged Villa Park for much of the night, ended up in danger of sparking a riot.So seven matches have now passed since Villa last won a game of football but there is not remotely any sense of the Holte End losing faith in Unai Emery. It is Emery who propelled Villa on to European football’s grandest stage and Emery who will surely still lead them into the Champions League knock-out stage. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt took a miraculous save from Emi Martinez – newly-crowned as the world’s best goalkeeper for a second successive year – to secure a draw against Juventus. The feline gymnastics of the big Argentinian somehow kept out a second-half header from Francisco Conceicao by the slimmest of margins. And while Lucas Digne had hit the crossbar for Villa with a first-half free-kick, Emery’s side were left grateful for a point as they entertained Italian royalty on a bitter Birmingham night. There is little doubt that Villa will qualify for the knock-outs on their first adventure in Europe’s elite competition for 42 years – it is just a matter of whether they reach the last-16 directly, or whether will need to contest a play-off round. Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEmiliano Martinez incredibly managed to keep the clean sheet with an outstanding save on the lineCredit: GettyThe ball was millimetres from crossing the lineThat is the problem with Uefa’s new monstrous group stage – there is precious little jeopardy for most clubs. But for Villa’s supporters, it is still a case of being damned happy just to be here.’Serious problems at PGMOL’ Ex-Prem ref blasts VAR after baffling decisions at Liverpool and WolvesVilla only managed to halt a four-match losing run in Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with struggling Crystal Palace and the demands of fighting on two major fronts is almost invariably a problem. But despite a frustrating stalemate, Villa are still living the dream.Villa hadn’t won in six matches in all competitions since their last Champions League home clash, against Bologna. But these European nights at Villa Park have held a proper sense of occasion, assaults on the senses – fireworks, giant banners, songs of praise cranked up to full volume. – and Emery’s men have thrived on the theatre of it all. They have been handed home matches against three former champions of Europe – Bayern Munich, Juve and later Celtic. And while this is nothing like the star-spangled Juve side which won here in 1983, with Paolo Rossi, Michel Platini and Zbigniew Boniek – they are a club which always carry an aura. Supporters of many clubs might moan about the bloated nature of the new Champions League format, with its skyscraper-tall league table – but not Villa’s.This was the sort of night when Jack Frost nips at brass monkeys although Emi Martinez warmed a few cockles by parading his Yashin Trophy after being voted the world’s No 1 keeper for a second straight year. Most of the early heat was aimed at ref Jesus Gil Manzano – who booked Youri Tielemans and Leon Bailey inside the first 12 minutes while failing to punish the visitors for similar fouls.Juve looked exactly what they are – a side unbeaten in Serie A, but who had contested four goalless draws already this season. The Italians were tight in their marking, neat in their passing and streetwise in their rolling around. Aston Villa were denied a last-minute winnerVilla did have their moments though – Pau Torres glancing a header wide of the near post from a Boubacar Kamara corner then Watkins having a shot beaten away by Michele Di Gregorio after a cute Kamara through-ball.From the resulting corner, Matty Cash had a thumping shot blocked but Juve broke rapidly and Timothy Weah – son of Ballon d’Or winner George – blazed over Martinez’s crossbar.Torres was booked for a late one on Weah but the biggest roar of the first half arrived when Manzano finally cautioned a Juve player – Pierre Kalulu for fouling Watkins on the edge of the area. Lucas Digne curled the free-kick against the crossbar but after the break, Juve began to take a grip on proceedings.The away supporters were howling for a penalty after Torres handled in the box but Manzano and his VAR were unimpressed. Soon, a Teun Koppmeiners corner found its way to the back post where Conceicao’s downward looked certain to have broken the deadlock – until you remembered the identity of Villa’s goalkeeper. Martinez bent his body backwards at an improbable angle and, with a big right hand, scooped the ball to safety. Goal-line technology footage showed that the Argentinian had completed his task with millimetres to spare It sparked another chorus of ‘Emi Martinez, the world’s number one’.Heartened by their escape, Villa got on the front foot and Bailey cut-back for John McGinn, whose shot was scrambled off the line.  With 13 minutes remaining, Emery sent for Jhon Duran – the sub who can’t spell his own first name but cannot stop scoring from the bench. READ MORE SUN STORIESNot this time, though.After Rogers was denied late on, Villa head to Chelsea on Sunday with a tough task on their hands not to extend that winless run to eight. 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      Liverpool 2 Real Madrid 0: Mac Allister and Gakpo in huge win to stay top of Champions League table with perfect record

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      MO SALAH reckons he is “more out than in” at Liverpool. A bit like his penalty in front of the Kop on Wednesday night.But while the Egyptian delivered an utterly terrible spot-kick, he was rescued by his team-mates Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo who scored to continue Liverpool’s extraordinary 100 per cent record in this competition.Alexis Mac Allister scored Liverpool’s opening goal of the gameCredit: PACody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 76th minuteCredit: ReutersKylian Mbappe’s penalty was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher when Real Madrid were 1-0 downCredit: PAIt was a night to forget for the French superstarCredit: GettyMac Allister was sensational as Liverpool dominated Real MadridMbappe made little impact and saw his penalty savedBut for Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, it was a bad night. A really bad one.Both players were booed each time they touched the ball and both will want to forget this trip to Merseyside.Mbappe’s stinking start at Real Madrid continued with a missed penalty – well saved by Caoimhin Kelleher – shortly after Mac Allister had put Liverpool ahead.As for Bellingham, he was overshadowed by another 21-year-old, Conor Bradley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England international sat in the dugout before the game to admire the view of Anfield and for all the use he was on the pitch, he may as well have stayed there.In contrast, Liverpool right-back Bradley not only did a terrific job on Mbappe but also delivered an assist to set up Mac Allister.Aside from the goals, the best moment of the game came in the first half with Bradley involved.Mbappe was on a surging run towards the area but he was stopped in his tracks by an absolutely stunning, crunching, brilliantly-timed tackle by Bradley.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMac Allister’s composed finish rolled Liverpool in frontCredit: ReutersKelleher celebrated wildly after saving from MbappeCredit: PAMo Salah put his penalty wide despite sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong wayCredit: GettySalah was crestfallen after his miss but it did not matter in the endCredit: PAUnsurprisingly, the roar from the home crowd was absolutely massive for a player making his full Champions League debut.So this was certainly a memorable night at Anfield as Liverpool continued their stunning start to the season to finally beat the Spaniards after failing to do so in their previous eight games.Jamie Carragher slams Mo Salah over ‘selfish’ interview after Liverpool star reveals he’s ‘more out than in’Incredibly, the reigning champions now seem to be in danger of going out of the competition altogether and their next game is away at Atalanta.Liverpool boss Arne Slot who was taking charge of Liverpool for the 19th time against Ancelotti who, as a manager, had already faced the Merseyside giants on 19 occasions.This is even crazier when you consider Ancelotti, who never played against Liverpool as a player, didn’t coach a team against them until he was fully 15 years into his managerial career.Ancelotti was without some of his big-hitters. Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Millitao and Aurelllien Tchouameni were all missing.And Real had to give a Champions League debut to 21-year-old defender Raul Asencio who only played his first game for the club two weeks ago.Asencio came close to scoring an own goal at the start when he knocked the ball towards the goal after Thibaut Courtois saved a shot from Darwin Nunez but the centre-back recovered superbly to clear the danger.Asencio’s lively start to the game then saw him get into a grapple with Nunez and the Liverpool forward, embarrassingly, threw himself to the ground in an attempt to get his opponent sent off. French referee Francois Letexier booked both players.Nunez was involved in all of Liverpool’s attacks and he forced a decent save from Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois before delivering a header across the face of the goal but there was no-one at the far post to tap the ball over the line.Gakpo headed Liverpool’s second to make sure of the three pointsCredit: ReutersLiverpool had dominated possession in the first half and it was a case of them being patient, which is something Slot has drummed into this team.Surprisingly, Bradley appeared at the other end to force a good save from Courtois although the man who delivered the killer pass – Mac Allister – grabbed the opening goal in the next attack.Bradley was again involved, playing a one-two with Mac Allister who then got a shot beyond defender Asencio and into the corner.The Spaniards deserved to trail as they had shown absolutely nothing going forward so they were fortunate to then receive a penalty which was incredibly soft.Andy Robertson caught the boot of sub Lucas Vazquez and while it was not really enough to put the player down, it was never going to be overturned by VAR.While Mbappe’s penalty was not great it was still a decent save from Kelleher who flung himself to the right.But if that penalty was bad, Mo Salah’s was even worse.Salah earned the spot-kick after being fouled by Ferland Mendy but inexplicably, the Egyptian spot-kick steered a spot-kick wide of the post.But he will have breathed a sigh of relief when Robertson and Curtis Jones delivered a short-corner and the Scottish left-back crossed for Gakpo who, just eight minutes after replacing Nunez, produced a powerful header.READ MORE SUN STORIESNow, Real Madrid are in a major pickle although we have written them off before and they have ended up winning the thing.But even by their standards, Bellingham and Co will have to deliver something special to get Madrid out of the brown stuff.Liverpool maintain their perfect record in this season’s Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Worst goal I’ve seen us concede’ – moment Celtic ace Cameron Carter-Vickers gives Brugge the lead with huge blunder

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      THIS is the shock moment Cameron Carter-Vickers gave Club Brugge the advantage at Parkhead after a monumental mix up in the first half. Brendan Rodgers’ men were on the backfoot throughout the opening period against the Belgian champions. Carter-Vickers was unaware of Schmeichel’s position in the boxCredit: Kenny RamsayThe defender passed it into an empty netCredit: GettySchmeichel couldn’t prevent the ball from going inCredit: PAAnd Brugge eventually found their lead on the 26th minute – without even touching the ball in the build up.It was a howler from the American defender as he passed it into his own net after misjudging his goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel’s position.He was given the ball in no-man’s land in the Hoops box though after Nicolas Kuhn was forced to play it backwards. The American then tried to lay the ball off to Schmeichel with a first time pass but his goalie was behind him and couldn’t prevent it from trickling into the empty net. Celtic fans couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw it go in as one punter admitted on social media: “Hands down the worst goal I’ve ever seen us concede, pathetic.”Someone else wrote: “Absolutely embarrassing.”While a third said: “That is the worst goal in the history of football.”Carter-Vickers has been Celtic’s stalwart in defence since joining the club initially on loan in 2021. Most read in Champions LeagueBut it was Schmeichel and skipper Callum McGregor who took the initiative after the shock opener. The pair could be seen rallying up their team-mates just moments after the goal with a meeting on the park before play got back underway. The Hoops were second best in the first half and the players were well aware of it. Kyogo Furuhashi and Arne Engels both had chances in the first period but it was their opponents who looked on top throughout. And speaking in the TNT Sports studio at half-time, Celtic legends Neil Lennon and Johan Mjallby both admitted that Brugge deserved the lead. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More