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      Jude Bellingham slapped with ANOTHER ban just hours after Real Madrid star’s two-match suspension

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has been slapped with another ban on top of his two-game suspension.The Real Madrid star was sent off during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Osasuna after an X-rated rant at the referee.Jude Bellingham has received another ban after picking up a yellow versus CityCredit: GettyThe Real Madrid star will miss the first leg of their last-16 clashCredit: GettyIt is Bellingham’s second ban after he was controversially sent off in LaLigaCredit: ReutersOfficial Jose Munuera red carded Bellingham for yelling “f*** you” at him.But the English midfielder argues there was a “miscommunication” and boss Carlo Ancelotti claims his player said “f*** off” in frustration.Bellingham was handed a two-match ban from LaLiga games earlier today, meaning he will miss fixtures against Girona and Real Betis.Just hours later, he was in action for Real Madrid as they smashed Manchester City 3-1 in the Champions League via a stunning Kylian Mbappe hat-trick.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBellingham was booked in the first-half for a foul on Phil Foden and he will now be banned from their next European game.The suspension comes as he has hit the maximum of three yellows after being carded against Brest and Lille earlier in the tournament.It means the 21-year-old will not feature in the first leg of their last-16 clash against either Bayer Leverkuen or bitter rivals Atletico Madrid.Despite the bans, Bellingham will be back on the pitch next Wednesday as Real Madrid face Real Soceidad in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHis LaLiga suspension does not carry over to the Spanish cup competition.There remains hope he will be back sooner as Real Madrid will reportedly appeal the two-match ban.Inside Jude Bellingham’s new romance with stunning Instagram modelOn the controversial red card, Bellingham said: “It’s clear that it was a mistake and there is a miscommunication. “I remember the incident very well but I’ve also seen the video and the video doesn’t match the report.”I don’t want to go too much in detail about what was said but it’s like a expression like ‘f***’.”I hope that the footage review can show that is not the same as the report and going forward that the federation can keep it under consideration because it’s huge evidence.”Obviously we can’t change the result but I think that going forward there will be a change.”Ancelotti added: “I think the referee did not understand Jude Bellingham’s English. He said f*** off, not f*** you… that’s way different.” More

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      Robin van Persie lands new job at Champions League club and could be set for instant Arsenal reunion

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      ROBIN VAN PERSIE is on the verge of landing a new job with his boyhood club.The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker turned to a career in coaching after hanging up his boots in 2019.Robin van Persie is on the verge of a return to FeyenoordCredit: RexHe first took up an unofficial role at Feyenoord as an assistant to then-manager Dick Advocaat.After his position was eventually made permanent two years later, the Dutchman became the co-head coach of the club’s U16s.Van Persie was then promoted to co-head coach of the U18s and U19s.But he left in May 2024 to become head coach of Heerenveen – his first proper job in senior football.READ MORE ON ARSENALNow, however, he is in talks to make a triumphant return to Feyenoord.Dutch outlet 1908.nl claims the Rotterdam-based side want Van Persie to replace Brian Priske, who was sacked last week.The 41-year-old is understood to be keen on the move, but Feyenoord have to reach an agreement with Heerenveen first.While he would like a return to his former club, the ex-striker will not force a move.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVan Persie would like to take his coaching staff – including assistant Brian Pinas – with him should he complete the switch.Rene Hake, who worked with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd, is also in talks to join Feyenoord.How did you get this’ – Aaron Ramsey left stunned as details of Arsenal bust-up with Robin van Persie leakedShould he return to his old club, he could be in line to face Arsenal in the Champions League last-16.After leaving the Dutch side as a player in 2004, Van Persie joined Arsenal and spent eight years in London, where he scored 132 goals in 278 appearances.He then moved on to join United in 2012 and stayed at Old Trafford for three years before signing for Fenerbahce.The ex-striker then ended his playing career back at Feyenoord. More

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      Champions League last-16 confirmed as Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa learn which two teams they could face

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      LIVERPOOL, Arsenal and Aston Villa finally know which two teams they might face in the Champions League last 16.The big draw for the first true knockout phase is at 11am on Friday – after the midweek play-off results at last made the format of the new-look competition appear more straightforward!Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick helped Real Madrid KO Man CityCredit: GettyMartin Odegaard & Co face a tough last-16 tie if Arsenal are to taste gloryCredit: RexMo Salah and Liverpool will take on PSG or BenficaCredit: PAOllie Watkins hopes Villa’s impressive European adventure continuesCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe’s hat-trick sent Manchester City crashing out 6-3 on aggregate after a 3-1 loss at Real Madrid.But the Prem’s other three representatives had already qualified automatically after finishing in the top eight in the group stage, with Liverpool going through as top seeds.The other teams into the last 16 without needing the play-offs were Barcelona, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille. And following the midweek action, the Champions League takes the shape of a standard cup competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBayern Munich broke Celtic’s hearts on Tuesday, with Benfica, Club Brugge and Feyenoord also reaching the last 16 the same night.And on Wednesday they were joined by Real, Borussia Dortmund, PSG and PSV, who edged out Juventus 4-3 on aggregate after extra time.It all means Liverpool will face a mammoth task against PSG, who thrashed Brest 10-0 on aggregate, or Benfica.Arsenal take on Dutch opposition – either Feyenoord or Juventus’ extra-time conquerors PSV.Most read in Champions LeagueHOW THE LAST 16 LOOKSHere’s what is coming up next – with Liverpool boss Arne Slot perhaps hoping to avoid PSG. PSG vs Liverpool/BarcelonaClub Brugge vs Lille/Aston VillaReal Madrid vs Atletico/LeverkusenBenfica vs Barcelona/LiverpoolBorussia Dortmund vs Aston Villa/LilleBayern Munich/Leverkusen vs AtleticoFeyenoord vs Inter/ArsenalPSV vs Arsenal/Inter MilanBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd eighth-ranked Villa meet Borussia Dortmund (10th), who KO’d Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, or Club Brugge (24th).Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real face Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.Barca’s Lamine Yamal is dreaming of his first Champions League crownCredit: RexPep Guardiola’s City had begun a dramatic Wednesday night by leaving record-breaking goal-getter Erling Haaland on the bench.And they ended it dumped out in humiliating fashion at the Bernabeu.Arsenal post new footage of Mikel Merino goal… but supporters are more interested in what Leicester fans are doingBut for the remaining trio of Prem giants, it’s all eyes on Friday.Meanwhile, Guardiola admitted: “After we conceded a goal we didn’t defend well.”But we accept it – the best team won. Now we focus on the Premier League.”Borussia Dortmund celebrated going through after a 0-0 home draw sunk Sporting Lisbon 3-0 on aggregate in the play-offsCredit: AFPKhvicha Kvaratskhelia was one of seven scorers on the night as PSG destroyed Brest 7-0 to triumph 10-0 over the two legsCredit: AFPPSV scorer Ivan Perisic tangles with Juve’s Lloyd Kelly as the Dutch side beat the Italian giant 3-1 on the night, 4-3 on aggregateCredit: Rex More

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      When is the Champions League last 16 draw, and when do the fixtures take place?

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      THE expanded Champions League has delighted and confused fans in equal abundance so far this season.More teams and more matches – plus a league table to contend with – have left many fans wondering what exactly is going on.Liverpool are already into the hat for the Champions League Round of 16 draw – but will have to wait to find out who their opponents areCredit: APThe second legs of the knockout phase play-offs are currently taking place right now.But then what?Here’s everything you need to know about the Champions League Last 16 draw and stages.When is the Champions League Last-16 stage draw?The main draw for the Champions League Last 16 phase takes place on Friday, February 21.Under the new league table format, which has 36 teams, the top eight teams in the table are automatically in the Round of 16 and are seeded.The bottom eight teams have been eliminated from European competition, with no move into the Europa League like in previous years.The next 16 teams – those that finished between 9th and 24th – have headed into the knockout play-offs.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink.When does the Champions League knockout phase play-offs take place and when is the Round of 16?Teams that finished in the top eight and automatically reached the Round of 16 have a little bit of a wait on their hands.Most read in Champions LeagueAfter the final league phase game on January 29, the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona will not play their Champions League last 16 games until March.Those fixtures are scheduled to take place on March 4-5 and 11-12.What was the final Champions League league phase standings?Liverpool (straight into last 16)Barcelona (straight into last 16)Arsenal (straight into last 16)Inter (straight into last 16)Atletico Madrid (straight into last 16)Bayer Leverkusen (straight into last 16)Lille (straight into last 16)Aston Villa (straight into last 16)Atalanta (into last-16 play-off)Borussia Dortmund (into last-16 play-off)Real Madrid (into last-16 play-off)Bayern (into last-16 play-off)AC Milan (into last-16 play-off)PSV (into last-16 play-off)PSG (into last-16 play-off)Benfica (into last-16 play-off)Monaco (into last-16 play-off)Brest (into last-16 play-off)Feyenoord (into last-16 play-off)Juventus (into last-16 play-off)Celtic (into last-16 play-off)Man City (into last-16 play-off)Sporting (into last-16 play-off)Club Brugge (into last-16 play-off)Dinamo Zagreb (eliminated from Europe)Stuttgart (eliminated from Europe)Shakhtar Donetsk (eliminated from Europe)Bologna (eliminated from Europe)Crvenza Zvezda (eliminated from Europe)Sturm Graz (eliminated from Europe)Sparta Praha (eliminated from Europe)RB Leipzig (eliminated from Europe)Girona (eliminated from Europe)RB Salzburg (eliminated from Europe)Slovan (eliminated from Europe)Young Boys (eliminated from Europe)Premier League clubs opponentsHere’s how the English clubs are shaping up for the Last 16.These are the current opponents who Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa will face following the conclusion of the knockout phase play-offs.Last 16Liverpool vs PSG/BenficaArsenal vs PSV Eindhoven/FeyenoordAston Villa vs Borussia Dortmund/Club Brugge More

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      Kobbie Mainoo return date pencilled in as Man Utd star gives new England manager Thomas Tuchel a headache

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      KOBBIE MAINOO’S potential return date from injury has been revealed – and it’s not good news for Manchester United fans.Mainoo suffered a muscular injury while training last week and subsequently missed United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham on Sunday.Kobbie Mainoo will likely return after the international breakCredit: AlamyMainoo was expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squadCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are yet to put an exact time frame on his return, but reports have claimed that he will remain absent until after the international break next month.The Telegraph has revealed that Mainoo is aiming for a return on April 1 – when Man Utd face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.That means he will miss Thomas Tuchel’s first England camp.The Three Lions kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign next month with games against Albania and Latvia.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe was expected to be named in the squad having burst onto the international scene a year ago.But his absence could give Tuchel a selection headache.Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly is understood to be in line for a maiden senior call-up following his breakthrough at the Emirates.While the teenager has been playing as a left-back for the Gunners, he can also play as a central midfielder.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMainoo has been hit with another injury setbackMainoo is not the only Man Utd star set for a period on the sidelines.Lisandro Martinez was ruled out for a significant spell earlier this month.Rio Ferdinand fears that Man Utd might not win again in the Premier League this season The centre-back ruptured his ACL during a match against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.He could now remain unavailable until next year. More

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      Real Madrid 3 Man City 1 (6-3 on agg): City OUT of Champions League and lose incredible streak after Mbappe hat-trick

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      HOW far and how fast the mighty have fallen. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, the dominant force in English football and a major European powerhouse for so long, are now not even close.Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring after just four minutes with a clever lofted finishCredit: GettyHe then sat down Josko Gvardiol for the secondCredit: PATNT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher said Gvardiol would ‘need a ticket to get back in the stadium’Credit: ReutersMbappe then completed his hat-trick as the holders progressedCredit: GettyWhenever they travel away to face an elite team, City are being hammered – at Liverpool, where the 2-0 scoreline flattered them immensely, at Arsenal where they were trounced 5-1. They were soundly beaten at Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain too. And here in the Bernabeu tonight, they were taunted, tormented, toyed with and ultimately humiliated – the mocking ‘oles!’ of Real Madrid’s supporters ringing in their ears as Carlo Ancelotti’s men ran rings around them. On the eve of this match, Guardiola claimed he had been joking when he said City had only a ‘one per cent chance’ of overturning their 3-2 first-leg deficit. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWell, within four minutes, those odds looked spot-on, after Kylian Mbappe had lobbed Ederson on his way to a high-class hat-trick.  This was billed as the latest installment in an epic rivalry, played out annually in the Champions League knock-out stages. It was talked up as a bitter grudge match, especially after Real had boycotted Rodri’s coronation as winner of the Ballon d’Or – and City had responded with a vast banner of their injured midfielder kissing his golden ball before last week’s first leg. But it was no epic. There was no need for any needle. It was a mismatch, a total eclipse of the Blue Moon.  Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAnd so City have failed to reach the last-16 of the Champions League for the first time in 12 years. Their only hope of silverware this season is in the FA Cup, where a fifth-round home tie against Plymouth no longer looks like a gimme.  Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starThey may have improved since a horrific run of one win and nine defeats in 13 games before Christmas but, despite a £175million January transfer-window trolley-dash, there have been no quick fixes.   The winner of this annual tie has gone on to be crowned champions of Europe in each of the past three seasons. And you wouldn’t bet against Real continuing that trend after witnessing this evisceration.   Erling Haaland was only deemed fit enough to start on the bench after jarring his knee in the 4-0 hammering of Newcastle – the first time he hadn’t started a Champions League or Premier League game this season. But Omar Marmoush was bang in form, having bagged a hat-trick on Saturday.Kevin De Bruyne was benched, testimony to the Belgian’s waning powers, rather than the old chestnut about Guardiola ‘over-thinking’ his team selections in the Champions League knock-out stages. The scratches on the City manager’s head have made the workings of his hyperactive mind all too apparent.   After City had taunted Real with that Rodri banner before last week’s first leg, there was no tit-for-tat tifo spat. A rumoured banner which warned City ‘You Won’t Get Out Alive’ failed to materialise. But, in footballing terms, it would have been spot-on.The Madridistas kept it simple, belting out their anthem and creating a wall of sound beneath the roof of the full-refurbished Bernabeu. Then it was over to their team – who took only four minutes to double their aggregate lead. Raul Asencio played a diagonal ball over the top and Mbappe sprinted clear of Ruben Dias, with John Stones failing to make a challenge before the Real striker lobbed a stranded Ederson – a goal which was as simple as it was clinical. For the second time in five minutes of football during this tie, City’s Brazilian keeper had been stuck in no man’s land for a Real goal – after Jude Bellingham’s injury-time winner at the Etihad. Mbappe started whipping up the crowd and almost instantly it was worse for City when Stones was forced to limp off, replaced by Nathan Ake. It was shaping up like an old-school 4-4-2 for City with Savinho up top alongside Marmoush. Guardiola’s back-to-basics approach never looked remotely like working. The idea of playing the rookie Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back against Vinicius Junior was certainly a bold call – Vini and Bellingham seemed to be taking it turns to tease the young Uzbek.   Ilkay Gundogan, one of several City players to have lost a yard of pace, was booked for just that reason, as he tripped Rodrygo. City only hope of silverware now comes in the FA CupCredit: GettyIt was quiet in the cauldron. Real were in cruise control. This didn’t possess the jeopardy of many recent meetings.  But then the fab four decided to turn it on – Real’s famous attacking quartet combining for the killer second. Bellingham kicked it off with a wicked turn and pass for Vinicius. His pass was under-hit, yet Rodrygo was still able to tee up Mbappe.The Frenchman looked crowded by City defenders, yet one swivel sent Gvardiol for an early half-time Bovril and he drilled past Ederson. This was the sort of high-quality team goal City would so often inflict on opponents in their pomp, yet here they were on the receiving end. Real continued to strut their stuff and Mbappe’s hat-trick goal arrived on the hour. Ancelotti’s men were stroking it around imperiously before their centre-forward cut inside Phil Foden and whipped a shot low into the far corner. After 76 minutes, Foden produced City’s first shot on target, which Courtois comfortably saved. In injury-time, feeble City finally mustered a response – Nico Gonzalez tapping home after a Marmoush free-kick had come back off the bar. READ MORE SUN STORIESBy then, Mbappe was then long since been withdrawn, to a thunderous reception, afforded a nice little breather. City couldn’t touch him. They weren’t even close.Pep Guardiola watched his side not even lay a glove on RealCredit: Rex More

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      Real Madrid vs Man City LIVE: Champions League result and updates as Kylian Mbappe hits magical HAT-TRICK – latest

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      MANCHESTER CITY were dominated by Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League knockout phase play off.Kylian Mbappe scored a stunning hat-trick as Real won 3-1 on the night, and a whopping 6-3 on aggregate.The result means it is the first time in 12 years that City failed to reached the Last 16 of Europe’s elite competition.Result: Real Madrid 3 Man City 0 (Real win 6-3 on aggregate)Real Madrid team: Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Asencio, Mendy; Tchouameni, Ceballos, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius JrMan City team: Ederson, Khusanov, Stones, Dias, Gvardiol, Nico, Gundogan, Bernardo, Foden, Savinho, MarmoushCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Match reportHow far and how fast the mighty have fallen. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, the dominant force in English football and a major European powerhouse for so long, are now not even close.Whenever they travel away to face an elite team, City are being hammered – at Liverpool, where the 2-0 scoreline flattered them immensely, at Arsenal where they were trounced 5-1. They were soundly beaten at Juventus and Paris St Germain too. And here in the Bernabeu tonight, they were taunted, tormented, toyed with and ultimately humiliated – the mocking ‘oles!’ of Real Madrid’s supporters ringing in their ears as Carlo Ancelotti’s men ran rings around them. On the eve of this match, Guardiola claimed he had been joking when he said City had only a ‘one per cent chance’ of overturning their 3-2 first-leg deficit. Well, within four minutes, those odds looked spot-on, after Kylian Mbappe had lobbed Ederson on his way to a high-class hat-trick.  Copy linkCopiedCreating the wrong historyOptaJoe say tonight’s defeat:meant Pep Guardiola hasn’t reached the knockout round of the Champions League for the first time in his career.was City’s 13th of the season in all competitions – the most Guardiola has suffered in any single season. With three months to go…saw the earliest goal Man City have conceded in the competition since October 2018 against HoffenheimCopy linkCopiedLast 16 completePSV have beaten Juventus in extra time to round off the last-16 contenders in Friday’s draw.Some top teams in it, City will be devastated to miss out.Seeded teamsLiverpoolBarcelonaArsenalInter MilanAtletico MadridBayer LeverkusenLilleAston VillaUnseededBayern MunichFeyenoordClub BruggeBenficaBorussia DortmundReal MadridPSGPSVCopy linkCopiedNext up for Madrid?They’ll find out in Friday’s draw.But it’ll be either ATLETICO MADRID or BAYER LEVERKUSEN in the next round.A local derby or game against last season’s Bundesliga Invincibles, coached by their former midfielder.Tasty.Copy linkCopiedJude reactsJude Bellingham says winning their defensive battle was key to allowing the forward players to do the damage.He told TNT Sports: “It was a good evening and a good performance from us. It was a really enjoyable game to play in. The most important thing for us was the defensive side of the game. “We knew that once we boxed that off we could attack with more freedom and that was the key tonight and in the other game.”They [Man City] have had some injuries and we are also on the back end of that and welcoming some of the lads back. He is important for us in terms of the leadership in the dressing room, having that loud presence before the game, particularly for us younger players. When we are at full strength we are a much better team.”You always want to play teams at their best and when you see Haaland is not in the team you obviously hope it is nothing serious. He is a good mate of mine and I hope it is not too bad. “You play against what you are up against and I thought we managed it well today. They still have other players that can step in and cause damage.”Copy linkCopiedDoesn’t get easierGuardiola said his focus now is on beating Liverpool this weekend, then the next game and compete for top four.Things don’t get much easier, with Liverpool (H), Tottenham (A) and Nottingham Forest (A) the next three league games.Plymouth at home in the FA Cup looks a tricky game the way things are going too.Copy linkCopiedPep reactsPep Guardiola told TNT Sports: “After we conceded the goal it was more and more difficult.“The best team won, so congratulations to Real Madrid. Our focus is now all on the Premier League.“In the 180 minutes we had a good 30-35 minutes in the first half of the first leg.“Not just Kylian, they have a fantastic team. They deserve to go through.“It’s the first time we didn’t have a good Champions League run so we need to fight to be back in this competition again next year.“They’ll be a contender but there are other good teams. It’ll be interesting.”Copy linkCopiedFinal 16So 16 teams remain in the top competition.Well 17 at the minute as PSV and Juventus are into extra time in their play-off round.Seeded teamsLiverpoolBarcelonaArsenal Inter Milan Atletico Madrid Bayer Leverkusen Lille Aston Villa UnseededBayern MunichFeyenoordClub BruggeBenficaBorussia DortmundReal MadridPSGPSV / JuventusCopy linkCopiedKyl-er instinctKylian Mbappe says it was only logical that Madrid would reach the next round and he’s thriving now his adaptation period is over.He told Uefa’s website: “A perfect night for the team. We wanted to win. “We wanted to qualify for the next round. For us it was only logical that Real Madrid reached the next round of the Champions League.”When you play against Manchester City it is always a difficult game but we knew that at home we would be very strong. We played better as a group and we were able to give a lot of joy to the fans. We have to continue in this way if we are to win what we want to win this season.”I want to play well here, I want to make a mark on the season. I want to write history with Real Madrid. The adaptation period for me has ended and now I have to show my quality.”Copy linkCopiedFinal statsPlenty times covering Man City I’ve said they’re keeping possession for possession’s sake.No real threat, nobody to play that pass that Kevin de Bruyne does.They’ve ended up with more possession than Real Madrid tonight. Only when Madrid let them have it though.But to barely threaten the Madrid goal highlights that point earlier in this post.Copy linkCopied’Miles off it’Ex-England keeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Manchester City are miles off it. They really are. “We have seen them lose games in the Premier League that we wouldn’t have expected them to lose. “But look in the Champions League, losing away wat Sporting, the loss at Juventus, the way that they capitulated at Paris St-Germain. “There have been signs of their form coming back in the league but tonight highlighted all the flaws that they have got.”Copy linkCopiedMan of the matchProbably no surprise that his hat trick also earned a man of the match award for Kylian Mbappe.A terrific night for him though he didn’t have to work overly hard for it.Copy linkCopiedUnwanted historySo exit from the Champions League before it even gets juicy.The damage was done in an appalling league phase and they’ll be looking back at chances missed.It’s the first time in the Pep Guardiola era and first time since the 2012/13 season that they’ve been dumped from Europe before the knockout stage really begins.Nobody could’ve seen this coming four months ago.Copy linkCopiedFull time from Martin Blackburn at the BernabeuThese two teams have produced some incredible drama in recent years – but there was none of it here. As easy as it gets for Real who completely outclassed a bitterly disappointing City side – and won thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s wonderful hat-trick. A late goal from Nico Gonzalez was no consolation at all.A rare early exit for Guardiola’s men but they only have themselves to blame for a turbulent group stage. Copy linkCopiedFULL TIMEManchester City exit the Champions League before the round of 16 with a whimper.REAL MADRID 3-1 MAN CITY – AGG: 6-3Copy linkCopied90+1 – Real Madrid 3-1 Man City (agg: 6-3)Marmoush’s free kick hits the crossbar and bounces back into the six-yard box.The Madrid defence are all sleepy and Nico drifts in all alone to tap it uncontested into an empty net.Ironic cheers from the Manchester City supporters, which in turn are cheered by the Madrid fans.Copy linkCopied90+1 – GOAL! Real Madrid 3-1 MAN CITYNico Gonzalez grabs a consolation in stoppage time.Copy linkCopied90+1 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Another City free kick as Camavinga penalised.This one 25 yards from goal and central, so it opens up the chances someone else can take it.Copy linkCopied90 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Two minutes added.Copy linkCopied90 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Marmoush’s free kick sums up City’s night. Pathetic.Straight into the wall.Madrid make two more changes for the final seconds:OFF: Vinicius Jr and ValverdeON: Endrick and AlabaCopy linkCopied89 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)McAtee seems to be elbowed in the head inside the penalty area.The referee gives the foul but gives a free kick.VAR are checking it and should give a penalty. Somehow, he backs the referee’s decision and gives the free kick.That Madrid referee pressure carries some weight, eh….Copy linkCopied88 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Khusanov does well to collect the second ball and nutmegs Asencio before striking at goal.It hurts Courtois in a sore area – that’ll wake him up – and goes behind for another corner.Copy linkCopied86 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Savinho’s attempted cross from the left hits the first man.Gvardiol then slides a clever pass into the box for McAtee but he’s followed by Modric who gets back well to concede the corner.MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 19: Omar Marmoush of Manchester City looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu on February 19, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)Copy linkCopied85 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Good build-up from Madrid as Modric finds Vinicius Jr charging down the right.He pings it to the edge of the box to find Bellingham, who slides in Rodrygo on the left but his attempt at running round the ball and getting a good strike on goal isn’t great.It rolls harmlessly for Ederson to pick up.Copy linkCopied81 – Real Madrid 3-0 Man City (agg: 6-2)Another Madrid change as we countdown to the final whistle.The stark contrast of what Madrid are bringing off the bench compared to City is telling.OFF: TchouameniON: ModricCopy linkCopied More

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      Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 2: Reds drop vital points in title race as Darwin Nunez blows golden chance to win game

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      SURELY they are not going to blow it. Or could Liverpool really mess this up?To be eight points clear – despite having played a game more than Arsenal – will have been beyond Arne Slot’s wildest dreams when he took over at the start of the season.Liverpool dropped two crucial points at Villa ParkCredit: GettyDarwin Nunez missed a golden chance to give Liverpool the winCredit: GettyAston Villa fought hard to earn themselves a result against Europe’s premier teamCredit: APBut after this draw at Villa Park, and it was actually a real cracker, there will be a few worried Liverpool fans out there, fearing their team are about to deliver one almighty title choke.Mo Salah struck his 29th goal of the season only for Villa to hit back with goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.Trent Alexander-Arnold equalised with a deflected shot off Tyrone Mings and although both teams had their chances, and Villa came close to grabbing a winner in the 95th minute – defeat for either team would have been harsh.So, after such a stunning season, Liverpool were always going to have a bit of a wobble and here it is. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey lost to Plymouth in the FA Cup, drew with Everton and after an unconvincing win over Wolves, failed to beat Unai Emery’s team who had not won any of their previous four Premier League games.Whether Liverpool experience a bit of a blip or a full-scale disaster remains to be seen.But what should be of comfort for Liverpool is that even if they do suffer a mind-blowing confidence crisis, you have to wonder whether Arsenal have what it takes to accept an open invitation to join the title race.On recent evidence, probably not.Most read in FootballMohamed Salah opened the scoringCredit: GettyYouri Tielemans equalised just nine minutes laterCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut after his team were pushed all of the way in Birmingham, Slot’s side must now prepare for Sunday’s trip to Manchester City and a home game against unpredictable Newcastle next Wednesday. Failure to win both matches and it really will be squeaky bum time.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card Equally, although they were not at their best, you have to give Villa some credit who did well after conceding early. Marcus Rashford delivered an encouraging performance in his first start and the same applies to new arrival Marco AsensioYet the start was ominous for Villa as they were battered by Liverpool.Virgil van Dijk delivered a wild finish into the Holte End, Diogo Jota had a goal-bound shot blocked by Tyrone Mings and then steered a a header wide when he was completely unmarked.Van Dijk also avoided being credited with an own goal after sticking Rashford’s cross into his own net as the Villa no 9 – following a one-two with Asensio – was clearly offside.While this was a clear-cut decision, Villa were maybe lucky with some of Craig Pawson’s decisions.Axel Disasi was fortunate to only receive a yellow card after lashing out at Alexis Mac Allister who seemed to get a punch in the head.Yet Liverpool’s moaning soon stopped thanks to a real gift from Andres Garcia who passed the ball straight to Jota who had been looking lively all night.Jota squared to Salah who, having missed an easy header a few moments earlier, lifted the ball into the net.So, Salah’s 29th goal of the season came in the 29th minute and he will not have had an easier one this season.Ref Pawson, though, also upset the locals by not sticking to the letter of the law. Alexander-Arnold somehow avoided a booking for delaying the restart by kicking the ball away.Ollie Watkins put Villa ahead before the break with a guided headerCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold put Liverpool back level in the second halfCredit: AFPHad he been watching this, Arsenal’s Declan Rice, handed a second yellow card for a more subtle nudge of the ball earlier in the season, will have been raging.Villa responded soon after going behind. Rashford took a free-kick which he also won, and Liverpool failed in their two attempts to clear the properly. First Ibrahima Konate did not get enough distance on a header, and then Domink Szoboszlai who, rather than stick the ball behind for a corner, nodded it towards a grateful Tielemans who volleyed a shot past Alisson.You could see the belief that this gave Emery’s side and the second goal, in first half injury-time, was outstanding despite Liverpool’s grievances over a handball from John McGinn in the build-up.Watkins delivered a brilliant finish with a header but he also combined superbly with Morgan Rogers in the build-up. As Lucas Digne crossed, Watkins had timed his run from the edge of the area to a position just behind Van Dijk to meet the cross.That goal knocked the stuffing out of Liverpool and it took them 15 minutes of the second half to sort themselves out. Alexander-Arnold got his team level although his shot did take a deflection off the boot of Tyrone Mings just as keeper Emi Martinez had committed himself.Although he had been playing well, Jota was substituted, and his replacement Darwin Nunez immediately missed a golden chance. You can see why he infuriates Liverpool fans.The Uruguayan blazed over from no more than seven yards out with the goal at his mercy. A goal that would have put one hand on the Premier League trophy for Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIESWith nine minutes left, Jacob Ramsey delivered a calm finish beyond Alisson but he was offside. Then deep into stoppage time, sub Donyell Malen was a whisker away from scoring a dramatic winner.Only a point for Slot – but it could have been much worse. And the money is still surely on Liverpool to wrap this title up.Darwin Nunez missed a golden opportunity to give the Red the lead More