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      Inter 2 Bayern Munich 2 (4-3 on agg): Harry Kane’s Champions League dreams fall apart as German giants crash out

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      HARRY KANE’S Champions League misery continued despite a stunning strike in the San Siro.The England skipper looked to have handed Bayern Munich a way back into the tie with a brilliant finish seven minutes into the second half.Harry Kane celebrates levelling the tie on 52 minutesCredit: AFPThe England captain finished brilliantly in the boxCredit: APKane received from Konrad Laimer on the right of the Inter box and drilled between the legs of Federico Dimarco into the far corner.It was Kane’s 35th of the season as he became the first Englishman to score 11 in a single Champions League campaign and only the second goal Inter had conceded in six home European games this season. But Vincent Kompany’s men, aiming to become just the eighth team in Champions League history to go through after losing the first leg on their own turf, then committed set-piece suicide TWICE in the space of four minutes.First Dimarco’s left-wing corner was met by Lautaro Martinez, whose soft header rebounded off Joshua Kimmich to allow the Argentine to thrash the rebound home from eight yards.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd then, immediately after Eric Dier had made an incredible goalline clearance to deny ex-Manchester United man Matteo Darmian, Bayern were again punished.Nobody in white got close to Hakan Calhanoglou’s delivery from the right, with former Bayern defender Benjamin Pavard outjumping hapless Kim Min-jae to power home from six yards.Dier levelled on the night with a looping back post header, his first for the club since moving from Spurs.But there was no way back for Bayern or Kane, whose last minute hooked effort flew over the bar.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLautaro Martinez celebrates with Benjamin PavardCredit: AFPPavard scores in a crowded penalty areaCredit: ReutersBayern are still favourites to lift the Bundesliga crown and hand Kane his first winners’ medal, leading by six points with just five games to play.But Inter remain on course to repeat their 2010 Treble under Jose Mourinho, when they also met semi-final opponents Barcelona in the last four.And Kane and Co have missed out on the possibility of a home final, with the showpiece to take place at the Allianz Arena on May 31.Champions League final to be headlined by legendary rock group as details of Munich showdown are revealedMartinez receives the adulation of Inter’s fansCredit: ReutersThe Inter icon converts beyond Bayern’s stand-in keeperCredit: ReutersEric Dier’s looping header got Bayern back into the contestCredit: APDier is congratulated by his Bayern team-matesCredit: AFP More

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      Newcastle 5 Crystal Palace 0: Magpies move into third with scintillating show to do ill boss Howe proud

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      EDDIE HOWE will not be rushing back to work and even if he wanted to, there would be little point.Because his Newcastle team are in absolutely blistering form, rising to third place on auto-pilot towards a Champions League spot.Fabian Schar headed Newcastle’s fourth just before the breakCredit: ReutersHarvey Barnes angled the Toon 3-0 up in first-half stoppage timeCredit: GettyMidfielder Barnes hails his strike in another brilliant winCredit: GettyAlexander Isak rounded off Newcastle’s five-star showCredit: AlamyLiverpool will be thankful that Howe’s team did not play like this in the first half of the season otherwise we would have had a title race on our hands.With Howe still recovering from pneumonia, his assistant Jason Tindall was able to watch with admiration from the technical area as this team expertly dismantled Palace in a brutal opening 45 minutes.Jacob Murphy continued his magnificent season with the first and after Palace’s Eberechi Eze missed a penalty, team-mate Marc Guehi scored an own goal.Harvey Barnes and Fabian Schar both struck in first half injury time before Alexander Isak grabbed the fifth to ensure a sixth successive Newcastle win in the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fact Toon have maintained their focus after winning a first domestic trophy for 70 years – rather than let the victory go to their heads – is testament to Howe and the culture he has created here.And crushing Palace is no mean feat considering they were unbeaten in 10 games away from Selhurst Park until Saturday’s 5-2 loss at Manchester City.In a season which Newcastle fans will remember for the rest of their lives, the team’s four star players have been top scorer Isak, Wembley hero Dan Burn, Sandro Tonali and Jacob Murphy.While the club have spent £400m since the Saudi Arabian takeover in 2021, Murphy arrived for just £12m from Norwich eight years ago.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKJacob Murphy fired Newcastle in front with a 14th-minute cross-shotCredit: GettyMurphy, 30, has blossomed under Howe and he has been Newcastle’s assists king this season and even created three chances in the opening 10 minutes.And when Palace were expecting another cross, Murphy probably surprised even himself by firing a shot into the near-post top corner.Ruben Amorim show his disappointment at Man Utd’s 4-1 loss to Newcastle Dean Henderson was beaten by a Marc Guehi own goalCredit: GettyDespite being so comfortable in defence, keeper Nick Pope handed Palace a way back when he rushed towards the edge of the area and collided with Chris Richards.None of the Palace players appealed for a penalty but as soon as ref Darren England was called over to the VAR monitor, he was always going to award a penalty.Yet Eze’s penalty was terrible. With his run-up, he stuttered and then virtually stopped, before sending a weak shot which Pope saved easily.And Eze was still cursing his shocking miss when Newcastle made it 2-0 just 98 seconds later. Barnes, once again preferred to Anthony Gordon due to his excellent form, saw his attempted cross to Isak take a heavy deflection off Guehi and the ball looped past Dean Henderson.Palace boss Oliver Glasner would have been happy to get back to the dressing room at half-time with just two conceded but it got a whole lot worse.His team were exposed brutally on a counter attack again and Barnes raced onto an exquisite pass from Tonali before charging into the area and nudging his way past Max Lacroix before hammering a shot into the cornerSeven minutes of stoppage time was being played due to the VAR check for the penalty and Murphy delivered his 11th assist of the season with Schar scoring a glancing headerTop scorer Isak failed to score in Sunday’s 4-1 thumping of Manchester United and it looked as though he might miss out again until Joelinton nicked the ball off Lacroix and he thumped a first-time shot past Henderson.For Palace, they will be keen to forget this mauling.Read More on The SunNewcastle even added something of a taunt at the end – by playing their opponents’ “Glad All Over” anthem.But Glasner’s side still have an FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Saturday week and this team still has the quality to end the season on a magnificent high. Murphy hailed his breakthrough strike against the EaglesCredit: Rex More

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      Jude Bellingham squares up to England pal Declan Rice as tempers risk boiling over in Real Madrid vs Arsenal clash

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM squared up to Declan Rice during Real Madrid’s crunch match with Arsenal.The Los Blancos star cut a frustrated figure on the pitch as his side struggled to close the gap on the Gunners.Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham challenged for the ballCredit: AFPBellingham squared up to Rice in the aftermatchCredit: ReutersThe North London side won the first leg 3-0 and were maintaining their lead in the second leg in Spain.And Bellingham could not hold his temper in during the match as he clashed with Rice.The midfielders were caught in a tangle as they jostled for the ball by the halfway line.After the ball went out of play, Bellingham squared up to Rice before officials ran over to intervene.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Borussia Dortmund man did back off after the arrival of Rice’s team-mates Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.Tensions were already high in the Spanish capital with the home fans praying for a famous comeback victory.This was also seen during half-time as Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was seen clashing with Saka.The Spaniard grabbed the back of the Arsenal star’s neck as he walked down the tunnel.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis caused Saka to react angrily to the attempted goading.They were eventually separated after Carvajal put his finger in Saka’s face.Crocked Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal pulled away from Bukayo Saka after confronting Arsenal star at half-timeThat moment came after Saka had missed a penalty in the first half to put Arsenal out of sight.The Gunners were handed a boost after the miss as VAR overturned a Real Madrid penalty after it was judged that Declan Rice had not fouled Kylian Mbappe.Uefa then confirmed the call with a brief statement.They said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”Saka made amends for his missed penalty as he scored a great goal in the 64th minute.However, Vinicius Jr levelled the game on the night just minutes later.But hopes of a comeback were put to bed as Gabriel Martinelli scored a winning goal in the 93rd minute.Bellingham appeared frustrated during the match as Real struggledCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd enter brand new tournament with huge prize pot just weeks after Lionesses boss voiced burnout fears

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are set to enter a brand-new seven-a-side women’s football tournament which could see them pocket a huge prize.As announced last month, the inaugural World Sevens Football (W7F) event will take place in Portugal at the end of May – just weeks before the start of Euro 2025.Man Utd Women are set to take part in a new seven-a-side tournament next monthCredit: GettyEngland stars including Ella Toone and Maya Le Tissier could be involved – just weeks before the start of Euro 2025Credit: GettyOrganisers have made a commitment to invest £77million ($100m) across a five-year period, with the winners receiving £1.9m.And the Telegraph report that Man Utd will be one of the eight teams battling it out for the huge prize.Bayern Munich are also expected to be involved.It will be up to each club to decide which players they take to Portugal for the tournament.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is believed that United will select a strong squad.The winners of W7F will take home more than the Women’s FA Cup top prize (£814,000) and the Women’s Champions League top prize (£950,000) combined.But concerns regarding player welfare have been raised by some managers and WSL stars due to the increasing number of injuries.The likes of Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead have all previously spoken about the need to restructure the schedule in the women’s game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSarina Wiegman is not convinced the tournament will work in the long termCredit: GettyMeanwhile, England manager Sarina Wiegman believes W7F will not be good for women’s football in the long term.The two-time European champion previously said: “If you look at the short term before these Euros now, we have a very good contact with clubs and [if] they would get some, I would say meaningful minutes to get prepared for the Euros and do what’s right to get [in] the best possible shape for the Euros, then in this short term, for some it would not be too bad.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim issues open invite to Rory McIlroy as Masters champion’s private jet lands in England”But in the longer term I don’t see how we can fit that in the schedule in the calendar.”With Man Utd set to take part, England Lionesses Ella Toone, Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner and Gabby George could all feature.Georgia Stanway will likely miss out for Bayern Munich due to an LCL injury.A second W7F tournament is set to take place between November and December on a different continent – midway through the WSL season.England captain Leah Williamson has previously claimed there needs to be a restructure in the women’s football calendarCredit: Getty More

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      Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal confronts Bukayo Saka and grabs Arsenal star’s neck in angry half-time tunnel row

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      BUKAYO SAKA had to be separated from Dani Carvajal during a heated half-time bust-up.Carvajal grabbed the back of Saka’s neck as Real Madrid and Arsenal made their way towards the tunnel during the half-time interval of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.Dani Carvajal had some choice words for Bukayo Saka during the half-time intervalCredit: TNT SPORTSCarvajal tried to wind up Saka by grabbing the back of his neckCredit: TNT SPORTSSaka reacted angrily to the Spaniard’s attempt to goad himCredit: TNT SPORTSThe pair had to be separated after Carvajal stuck his finger in Saka’s faceCredit: TNT SPORTSAn irate Saka snapped at the Spain international, who proceeded to point his finger in his face.They were promptly separated, with Saka going down the tunnel and Carvajal being gestured towards the pitch.Footage of Carvajal’s attempt to wind up Saka went viral.One footie fan said of the incident on X: “Carvajal aggravating Saka at halftime.”READ MORE ON REAL VS ARSENALAnother said: “Playing mind gamesssss.”And another said: “Does he know his team are losing 3-0?”One remarked: “You are getting [are] destroyed, hence you make a fuss off the pitch.”It’s so embarrassing LMAO.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBukayo Saka had his head in his hands in the 13th minute after missing a penaltyCredit: RexAnother chimed in: “Dirty in a moment, dirty forever.”Saka missed a golden opportunity from the penalty spot to put the visitors 4-0 up on aggregate in the 13th minute.Ian Wright fears three Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka But the England international fluffed his lines with a poor attempt at a spot kick, which Real stopper Thibaut Courtois easily saved.Real thought they’d have the chance to reduce the arrears when they were awarded a penalty of their own ten minutes later.But VAR overturned the spot kick due to an offside in the build-up, much to the relief of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and the travelling Emirates faithful.Saka would eventually break the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful dinked finish following a beautiful move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later would tee up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.But Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up safe progression, and a 2-1 away win, with a cool as you like injury-time strike.Saka had the last laugh though as he scored with a fab chipCredit: GettyDani Carvajal missed the game through injuryCredit: AFPArsenal ratings v Real MadridARSENAL’S heroes dumped the Kings of Europe out of the Champions League in dramatic fashion. More

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      Arsenal handed huge reprieve as Uefa release statement on why Real Madrid penalty was rescinded

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      DECLAN RICE escaped a controversial yellow card as Real Madrid saw a penalty chalked off following a five-minute VAR check.And that means he will still be available for the semi-final with PSG.Referee Francois Letexier showed Declan Rice a yellow card – but rescinded itCredit: APRice was initially penalised for pulling down Kylian Mbappe in the areaCredit: APRice, 26, was the Gunners’ hero in the first leg with his two wonderful free-kicks.But he was penalised midway through the first half of the second leg at the Bernabeu when he gave a penalty away.Rice briefly held on to Kylian Mbappe at the back post – with the French striker hurling himself to the ground.Referee Francois Letexier immediately pointed to the spot and brandished a yellow card to the English midfielder, who was utterly baffled by the decision.READ MORE ON ARSENALHowever, after a lengthy stoppage to check both whether it was offside and if it was a foul, the ref was sent over to the pitchside monitor.And eventually Letexier decided no foul had been committed – chalking off both the penalty and the yellow card.Uefa then confirmed the call with a brief statement. They said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat proved a major reprieve for Rice, who went into the clash in Madrid knowing a yellow card would see him suspended for the first leg against PSG should Arsenal progress. But that was not the only huge VAR penalty decision of the first half at the Bernabeu.Earlier on, Raul Asencio dragged Mikel Merino down off the ball from a corner.Mikel Arteta slide tackles his own player in training a day before Arsenal’s biggest game of the season vs Real Madrid It was initially missed by everyone as play continued – but Letexier was then ordered to stop and watch the replay.And much to the fury of the home crowd, he pointed to the spot. However, Bukayo Saka stepped up and dinked his penalty – but saw it saved by Thibaut Courtois.Saka broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful chipped finish following a beautiful move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later teed up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.Then Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up a historic 2-1 away win, with a cool-as-you-like injury-time strike.Mbappe went down under little contactCredit: TNT SportsRice protested his innocence as he pointed an accusatory fingerCredit: TNT SportsArsenal were awarded a penalty earlier in the halfCredit: TNT SportsBukayo Saka dinked his penalty but saw it savedCredit: PA More

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      ‘Should be hauled straight off’ – Fans furious at Crystal Palace star Ebere Eze’s penalty in Newcastle clash

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      EBERECHI EZE was blasted by footie fans after taking one of the “worst” penalties ever against Newcastle.The England international had the chance to draw Crystal Palace level from the spot in the first half of their St James’ Park showdown.Eberechi Eze spurned a golden chance to draw Crystal Palace level from the penalty spotCredit: GETTYHe tamely fired his spot kick at Nick Pope after an exaggerated run-upCredit: AFPThe Toon Army created a cauldron of atmosphere to try to put off the winger as he weighed up which direction to shoot.And he tried to silence them with a multiple-step stutter spot kick.But he was embarrassed himself with the tamest of finishes straight at Nick Pope.Fans couldn’t quite believe their eyes, with one saying: “ONE OF THE WORST PENALTIES EVER.”Another said: “I’ll defend Eze to the end of the earth, but that is awful. What on earth are you thinking there?”And another said: “Utterly, utterly, utterly [and] embarrassingly poor penalty from Eze.”One remarked: “Should be hauled straight off.”Another chimed in: “That Eze pen was one of the worst I’ve ever seen. Most read in FootballEberechi Eze was left embarrassed by his poor attempt of a spot kickCredit: GETTY”Also embarrassing to do that after taking it from Mateta.”Eze paid the price two minutes later as an own goal from Marc Guehi doubled the Magpies’ advantage in the 38th minute.Harvey Barnes killed off the game with a neat finish in first-half stoppage time to put Eddie Howe’s troops 3-0 up.And Fabian Schar fired the Toon into a stunning 4-0 lead with a beautiful near-post header a few moments later.Isak added some serious gloss to the scoreline with a fifth, to leave the Magpies in third in the Premier League. More

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      Arsenal awarded controversial penalty minutes into crunch Real Madrid clash… but Saka fluffs spot kick

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      REAL MADRID players were left furious when Arsenal were awarded a controversial penalty during the Champions League quarter-final second leg.A VAR intervention was required in the 10th minute when Mikel Merino was dragged down by Raul Asencio in the box – even though both players were nowhere near the ball.Mikel Merino was dragged down by Raul Asencio in the box – but both players were far from the ballReal Madrid players were furiousCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka’s penalty was savedCredit: ReutersPlay initially resumed as normal before referee Francois Letexier was called to the monitor to review the incident.And it didn’t take him long to overturn his original decision.Real Madrid players immediately ran to the referee to appeal while Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the fourth official.But the penalty call stood.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal forward Bukayo Saka stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois and parried behind for a corner.Fans on social media fumed about the incident, with one person writing: “Football is finished.”Another commented: “Give me a f***ing break.”While a third said: “Bro a mile from the ball though…”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA second penalty incident was overturned at the other end of the pitch just a few minutes later.Kylian Mbappe went to ground in the Arsenal box following a tussle with Declan Rice.Real Madrid fire ominous eight-word warning to Arsenal in 20 LANGUAGES as they plot historic Champions League winThe referee immediately gave the penalty, but a five-minute VAR intervention resulted in no foul.Rice’s yellow card was also rescinded which means he will be able to play in the semi-final against PSG.Saka bounced back to break the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful dinked finish following a stunning move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later would tee up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.But Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up safe progression, and a 2-1 away win, with a cool as you like injury-time strike. More