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      Zinchenko reveals ‘s***’ Champions League final display left him in tears with Arsenal star not eating for two days

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      EVERY day at Arsenal training Oleksandr Zinchenko gets a reminder of the worst day of his career.It is the painful moment he feels a Champions League trophy slipped out of his hands — and the Ukrainian still blames himself for it.Manchester City’s final loss to Chelsealeft Oleksandr Zinchenko in tearsCredit: The SunZinchenko even lost his appetiteCredit: AFPHis Manchester City side lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the Covid-hit 2021 final in Porto and Zinchenko said: “No two ways about it. I was s**t.”The full-back claimed he was at fault for allowing “my man” Kai Havertz a critical run on goal as the forward scored the 42nd-minute winner at the Estadio do Dragao.He describes it as “probably the worst day in my football life” and says it left an “emotional scar” that has yet to heal.And his former City team-mate Fernandinho often joked he was denied the chance to get an arm tattoo of the big-eared pot because of Zinchenko.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe problem is, he cannot be allowed to move on and forget about it — because he and Havertz are now pals at the Gunners.Zinchenko, 27, said: “If I tell you now what I’m saying to him every day, you would laugh!“It’s better that I will be quiet. Because as soon as I see him . . . my scar. I feel him.“Jokes aside, I mean definitely, one of the most painful moments in my career so far. My wife Vlada, she remembers that day.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The way that she is watching my games is something only the closest circle knows, how she is living these kinds of moments.“That night, when we came back to the hotel, our families were already in our rooms.Jamie Carragher SAVAGES Arsenal on Monday Night Football and says they’re ‘like a Mourinho team without the trophies’“When I opened my door she was waiting for me, she hugged me, we were just crying for a while.“For the next two days probably, I didn’t really eat. It was a super-tough moment.“But thank God I had this experience which made me, for sure, much stronger.“Also thank God that the week later we had training with the national team before the Euros. Football again saved my life. That is how it was.”One way Zinchenko got over his ordeal was a heart-to-heart chat with Andriy Shevchenko, the Ukraine boss at the time.He, of course, was part of AC Milan’s side that lost the 2005 Istanbul final to Liverpool on penalties despite being 3-0 up at half-time.Pep Guardiola’s City went on to become European champions in 2023, beating Inter Milan — also in Turkey’s Ataturk Stadium — to seal an incredible Treble- winning campaign.For the next two days probably, I didn’t really eat. It was a super-tough moment.Oleksandr Zinchenko on Champions League final defeatBut Zinchenko, a four-time Premier League champion with City, had moved to North London at the start of that season for an initial transfer fee of £30million.It was an attempt by boss Mikel Arteta to add experience and a winning mentality to his dressing room.And one way for Zinchenko to erase his memory of missing out would be to win the tournament with Arsenal — who have won two of their opening three games this campaign.Zinchenko, who hopes to play at Inter Milan in the Champions League tonight, reckons City’s dominance of English football must end soon.He said: “It’s not just in football, you cannot carry on like this forever.“For sure, there will be changes. Of course, the players will get old, the manager might look for another job. Something will happen.“The dominance which they have had during the last years is incredible.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The stats and also trophies talk for themselves. Being there, you straight away think of this winning mentality.” l  Believe: The Autobiography by Oleksandr Zinchenko is published by Bloomsbury. RRP £22Zinchenko in Arsenal trainingCredit: AFP More

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      Celtic 3 RB Leipzig 1: Kuhn the star of the show as Hoops blow Bundesliga side away in stunning Champions League triumph

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      RED Bull Leipzig gave him wings.Last night at Celtic Park they watched him soar.GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 05, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Credit: GettySoccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v RB Leipzig – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 5, 2024 Celtic’s Nicolas Gerrit Kuhn with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers after being substituted Action Images via Reuters/Lee SmithCredit: ReutersSoccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v RB Leipzig – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 5, 2024 Celtic’s Reo Hatate reacts REUTERS/Russell CheyneCredit: Reutersepa11703744 Leipzig’s head coach Marco Rose reacts during the UEFA Champions League soccer match between Celtic FC and RasenBallsport Leipzig, in Glasgow, Britain, 05 November 2024. EPA/ROBERT PERRYCredit: EPANicolas Kuhn played for the Bundesliga’s Under-16’s side and showed signs of taking off.In this Champions League tie against them, he was flying.There will likely be some Academy coach at the German club telling how he once watched the Celtic star scored 18 goals in 22 youth team appearances.But they count for nothing compared to his double here and performance to go with them.Kuhn, at 24, is now the real deal as he produced on the big stage to be the catalyst for this sensational comeback victory.The German side took an early lead but after Kuhn’s double Reo Hatate sealed the three points.For Brendan Rodgers, it’s arguably his biggest European result in his two spells at the club given the standard of opposition.His side gave him everything he hoped for and more to respond to an early set-back. Most read in Champions LeagueCeltic had initial control of the game.Right up until they didn’t.Celtic fans left stunned by US TV star’s ‘incredible’ knowledge of club Rodgers’ side made such a promising start and were the dominant team for the first 20 minutes.The packed stadium brought the big match atmosphere and the early signs were the players would deliver the performance to go with it.But European outfits like Leipzig only need a sniff of a chance to pounce.And teams like Celtic cannot afford to make two mistakes in quick succession and expect to get away with it.That’s precisely what Rodgers warned in his pre-match press conference.He talked about how keeping possession of the ball was the best form of defence.So there was real frustration when Auston Trusty passed straight to a Leipzig player on 23 minutes.The centre-back had picked up an ankle knock earlier. But it was still slack play from the big defender when he was under no real pressure.The error led to a shot on target which was going wide.But Kasper Schmeichel threw out his right arm to turn the ball out for a corner.Rodgers turned away in annoyance, knowing it was needless.The first ball into the box was cleared by Arne Engels.But when it came back in a second time, Cameron Carter-Vickers could only flick the ball on and Leipzig scored through Christoph Baumgartner.The Bundesliga side started to look like a really, really good side and they could have doubled their lead.There was a panicky few minutes for Celtic, without doubt.Alistair Johnston was required to make a vital last ditch block in that worrying spell with Antonio Nusa blasting another chance high over the bar.Those were big moments.But just as Celtic had control of the game and lost it, so too did Leipzig.Rodgers’ side deserve huge credit for the way they composed themselves after that shaky five minutes.Skipper Callum McGregor led by example in the middle of the park with a proper captain’s performance.But the star of the show was wearing the number ten jersey.Kuhn is just playing with so much confidence right now that he doesn’t run around the pitch, he swaggers.It’s amazing to think he was so ordinary looking last season after he initially joined the club in January.But he’s settled now, alright. Kuhn made it 1-1 with a tremendous goal after 34 minutes.He struck the ball almost nonchalantly from outside the box to beat goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi with a sensational curling shot.Kuhn held his arms out, when the ball hit the net off the post, like it was nothing special. But that’s exactly what it was.Celtic could easily have settled for that before half-time.But with Leipzig rocking they grabbed the initiative, pushed forward and scored again seconds before the break.Hatate did brilliantly to feed the ball into the box from the left and this time Kuhn was in the right place at the right time to score again.The goal raised the roof but no-one inside the stadium believed there were no more goals to come.The match was still very much on a knife-edge going into the second half.Leipzig were always capable of getting the next goal and going on to get the much needed victory.While they turned up here with zero points from their first three European games this season, their defeats weren’t exactly against the minnows of the competition.In truth, while they lost to Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool, their performances deserved better.So Celtic had to beware.But when push came to shove, Rodgers’ side were in no mood to let this opportunity slip.They made it 3-1 in 72 minutes, Hatate reacting brilliantly to slam the ball into he roof of the net after the Leipzig keeper spilled a low cross from Johnston.Rodgers took off Kuhn at that point with the wide-man getting a standing ovation from the Celtic support.There was still some work to do in the closing stages.Play being held up as young Celtic supporter invaded the pitch was an unwelcome distraction for the players.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the final whistle wasn’t long in coming with Rodgers and his team able to take the applause of the whole crowd who were thrilled with their performance.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Champions League LIVE SCORES: Gyokeres nets HAT-TRICK as Amorim’s Sporting STUN Man City, Liverpool beat Leverkusen

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football returned in style on Tuesday night – and there is plenty more thrilling action in store for Wednesday!New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim led Sporting to a 4-1 win over his new rivals Manchester City – in the Portuguese coach’s final home game in charge of the Lisbon club.Xabi Alonso didn’t have the return to Anfield he would have hoped for after Luis Diaz’s stunning hat-trick helped fire Liverpool to a 4-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.Wednesday’s action sees Arsenal travel to Inter for a blockbuster Champions League clash.Elsewhere, Aston Villa will be looking to continue their perfect start to their European campaign with another win against Club Brugge.Kick-off times: 5:45pm/8pm GMTLive stream: discovery+TV channel: TNT SportsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from matchday four of the Champions League with our live blog below…Arteta unlikely to risk talismanThere is no doubting that Arsenal have looked a pale comparison of their best without Martin Odegaard.The good news for Gunners’ fans is that he has returned to training a lot earlier than expected.While he is travelling with the squad to Italy, it remains to be seen whether Mikel Arteta will risk him in this crucial match.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEmery looking to bounce back from defeatAston Villa took a heavy defeat on the chin on the weekend.Despite going ahead in North London, Tottenham ran out as 4-1 winners in the Premier League.Unai Emery’s side need to win if they want to leapfrog Liverpool at the top of the Champions League table.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCeltic keep qualification hopes aliveWhen Brendan Rodgers’ side got heavily beat against Borussia Dortmund, many expected yet another early exit from Europe’s elite competition.Having amassed seven points from their first four games, Celtic are now well-placed to build on this and secure a place in the latter stages.They showed grit and determination after going a goal down against RB Leipzig but turned the game around to run out 3-1 winners.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChampions League tableHere is how the league is looking in the new format Champions League before we head into tomorrow night’s games:Credit: @FootRankingsCopy linkCopiedThe curse of Kylian MbappeSigning arguably the best striker in the world seemed to make Real Madrid unbeatable given their current squad.Mbappe’s career in Madrid has not taken off as many expected.A player who has never won the Champions League, could his curse mean Ancelotti’s side miss out on the biggest trophy this season?A heavy defeat at home against rivals Barcelona has been followed up by a 3-1 loss to AC Milan this evening.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedPep left frustrated in PortugalFootball can be a cruel mistress at times.Man City dominated the first-half against Sporting Lisbon but did not take their chances and paid the ultimate price.It means that Pep Guardiola’s side have now lost back-to-back games and the injuries are mounting up.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGaffer continues dream startLiverpool sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League under new manager Arne Slot.Nobody expected him to make this start to his Reds’ career and he continues to rewrite the record books.Slot has won 14 of his first 16 games as Liverpool manager.This could be a season to remember for their fans if it continues how it has started.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Real Madrid 1-3 AC MilanThe big surprise result of the evening came in Spain.AC Milan scored three goals to stun Santiago Bernabau.Alvaro Morata got the third goal as the Spaniard rubbed salt in the wound capping off a brilliant display from the Italians.Copy linkCopiedChampions League resultsPSV 4-0 GironaSlovan Bratislava 1-4 Dinamo ZagrebBologna 0-1 MonacoBorussia Dortmund 1-0 Sturm GrazCeltic 3-1 RB LeipzigLille 1-1 JuventusLiverpool 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenReal Madrid 1-3 AC MilanSporting 4-1 Man CityCopy linkCopiedFT: Celtic 3-1 RB LeipzigA massive result for Brendan Rodgers’ side.They fell behind to a goal from Cristoph Baumgartner but that is as good as it got for the visitors.Celtic move to seven points in this season’s Champions League.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Charlie WyettIncredible second half performance from Liverpool. There will certainly not be any Reds fans wishing Xabi Alonso was their manager instead of Arne Slot. Next up at Anfield in the Champions League are Real Madrid and what a game that could be.Copy linkCopiedFT: Sporting 4-1 Man CityWhat a way to say goodbye to their fans.Pep Guardiola’s side have been trampled by Sporting Lisbon.All of that after having so many chances to score before the hosts had even registered their first.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn in LisbonWho writes Ruben Amorim’s scripts? A fairytale way to say goodbye to the home fans at the Jose Alvalade – and endear himself to the new ones at Old Trafford. A night they will be talking about for years to come in this part of Lisbon. And what about Viktor Gyokores – he even eclipsed Erling Haaland by scoring a hat-trick – while the Norwegian thumped a pen against the bar. Copy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenMany Liverpool fans wanted Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp.They got Arne Slot and they are top of every league in which they compete so far this season.A Luis Diaz hat-trick and a Cody Gakpo goal make for an emphatic win for The Reds.Touch of class from the home fans as they sing their Xabi Alonso chant once the victory is sealed.Copy linkCopied90+1. GOAL – LIVERPOOL 4-0 Bayer LeverkusenHis name is Lucho, he came from Porto……….he came to score, score, score.Diaz gets his first hat-trick in a Liverpool shirt.Levels.Copy linkCopiedReal Madrid 1-3 AC Milan85. A huge cheer from the away end at Santiago Bernabeu.VAR has ruled out Rudiger’s goal.Huge blow for Madrid.Copy linkCopied86. GOAL – Bologna 0-1 MONACOThilo Kehrer grabs a late goal for the visitors.Heartbreaking for the hosts at this stage of the game.The French side may have just won this one late on.Copy linkCopied85. GOAL – BORUSSIA DORTMUND 1-0 Sturm GrazDonyell Malen gives last season’s finalists the lead.The visitors had worked so hard to try and get a point.Now that seems a distant dream.Copy linkCopied82. GOAL – REAL MADRID 2-3 AC MilanAntonio Rudiger claws one back for Madrid.There is still time in this game to get something from it.Nervy times for the travelling fans.Copy linkCopied82. GOAL – LIVERPOOL 3-0 Bayer LeverkusenHe’s Luis Diaz, he’s from Barrancas, now he plays for Liverpool.The Columbian gets his second of the game.Alonso sinks into his seat.Copy linkCopied80. GOAL – SPORTING 4-1 Man CityViktor Gyokeres scores from the spot once again.TNT Sports have got the black cat of pundits on this one.Noel Gallagher, stick to the music, you are a commentary jinx.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Martin Blackburn in LisbonFasten your seatbelts Manchester United fans as its going to some ride under Ruben Amorim on this evidence. Two goals in the opening five minutes of the second half put mighty Manchester City on the ropes and Sporting on the brink of a famous scalp. Erling Haaland missed a penalty too – it felt like it was definitely Amorim’s night.Copy linkCopied73. GOAL – Real Madrid 1-3 AC MILANTijjani Reijnders doubles the lead for the visitors.Leao lays it on a plate for him to slot home a left-footed shot from the middle of the goal.This is not what the Madrid fans were expecting to see tonight.Copy linkCopied72. GOAL – CELTIC 3-1 RB LeipzigReo Hatate gives Celtic a bit of breathing space in this one.They have been superb since going a goal down.Brendan Rodgers will be overjoyed with his team tonight.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen72. Liverpool are all over Xabi Alonso’s side right now.He is on the receiving end of some of those famous Anfield atmospheres he was part of on so many occasions.Szoboszlai has come on for Jones for The Reds.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      FA Cup surprise package Harborough Town sign former Premier League star, 35, who played with Ronaldinho

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      FA CUP history-makers Harborough Town have surprised football fans once again after announcing the signing of former Tottenham star Sandro.The Leicestershire outfit produced a giant-killing in the first round of the FA Cup as they ran out 4-1 winners over Tonbridge Angels.Ex-Tottenham star Sandro has sealed a shock transfer to Harborough TownCredit: https://www.instagram.com/harborough_town_fc/Sandro, 35, made 106 appearances for SpursCredit: GettyHe starred with Ronaldinho and Neymar in the Brazil teamCredit: AFPHarborough were playing a first-round tie for the first time in the club’s history against the Vanarama National League South side.The Southern League Premier Central club – step seven of the English pyramid – struck first in the 41st minute before regrouping after conceding an equaliser to go on and register an emphatic win.Their place in the second round saw them drawn against ex-Premier League side Reading.However, the club have now stunned fans by announcing the signing of 17-time Brazil international, Sandro.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 35-year-old retired from football in September 2023 at the age of 34 after a career that also saw him star for West Brom, QPR, Udinese, Genoa, and Internacional.Manager Mitch Austin said of the move: “What an unbelievable signing for the club, I really cannot express how I am feeling. “I had a chance conversation with Sandro a couple of weeks ago and we got talking about football, told him about Harborough Town FC and the journey we are on and he has been messaging me ever since to sign on, totally unbelievable and gobsmacked is how I would describe this signing. “These sort of signings don’t happen every day but when you get a chance to sign an ex-professional footballer who has played at the highest level in the Premier League and Internationally with Brazil, you just cannot turn it down.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAustin added: “Being a Tottenham Hotspur fan myself I knew all about Sandro.”But when I looked back at a few photos online and there he was stood in a Brazil team photo with the likes of Neymar Jr., Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, Dani Alves, Marcelo, I was like what is going on, pinch me!Tottenham snubbed Ollie Watkins transfer as Jose Mourinho refused to pay price tag and signed flop striker instead “But credit to Sandro he has kept himself really fit and is an absolute great guy, down to earth who when the Chairman and I met with him came across very genuine, polite and humble, you could really sense there was a real desire to get the signing done on his part, I am absolutely delighted to have him at our club. “I think the players and staff around the club can learn great things from him and develop and watch his professionalism and understand what is needed if they want to progress and play at the highest possible level of the game. “However long he stays we will all become better for it.”Bees chairman Peter Dougan also said: “What can I say, Mitch has done it again! “I don’t know how but what a signing this is, a real show of intent from the club to be as good as they can. “When I met Sandro I have to say there was trepidation, but really I cannot speak highly enough of him and his professionalism and will to make this signing happen. “Everything about the signing was positive, what negative could there possibly be? READ MORE SUN STORIES”He will certainly help all the players around him and what a time to be one of those players, I am sure they will relish him being at the club as should we all.”Sandro starred for Spurs between 2010 and 2014, making 106 appearances and scoring three goals.Tottenham’s top 10 biggest signings: Hit or miss?1) Tanguy Ndombele – £52.7mNdombele joined from Lyon in 2019 with huge expectations after shattering Tottenham’s transfer record.But he would go on to play just 91 times for the club, scoring 10 goals and is now set to leave one year before the end of his contract.2) Richarlison – £49.3mRicharlison almost broke the £50m mark when he arrived from Everton in 2022 as Harry Kane’s back-up.And while his tally of 12 goals this season was a significant increase on the three from his opening Spurs campaign, he is being linked with a departure this summer.3) Brennan Johnson – £46.8mJohnson was signed by Ange Postecoglou last summer and has impressed in patches during his first season in North London.He scored five goals and 10 assists in 38 games and will look to build on that in the 2024/25 campaign.4) Cristian Romero – £44.2mRomero initially joined on loan from Atalanta in 2021, before his impressive displays saw him secure a permanent deal the following year.He is two games shy of 100 for Spurs and, while he can be reckless with his tackling at times, is beginning to form a promising partnership with Micky van de Ven.5) James Maddison – £39.4mMaddison was handed Kane’s No10 shirt after arriving at Spurs and hit the ground running with three goals and five assists in his opening 11 matches.But after getting injured against Chelsea in October, he failed to return with the same sharpness – managing just five goal contributions in 15 league matches as he missed out on England’s final 26-man squad for the Euros.6) Davinson Sanchez – £35.7mSanchez joined Spurs from Ajax in 2017 and played more than 200 games across a six-year spell.But he was always considered a somewhat erratic defender who did not play more than 20 games in a Premier League season from 2020 onwards.7) Pedro Porro – £34mPorro was another signing who originally arrived on loan in January 2023, before he signed permanently last summer.He has 54 appearances for Spurs under his belt, scoring seven goals and impressing under Postecoglou this season.8) Micky van de Ven – £34mRapid Dutch centre-back Van de Ven was named Spurs Player of the Season in his first campaign at the club.His pace, athleticism, and technical ability on the ball have made him arguably Postecoglou’s best signing to date.9) Moussa Sissoko – £29.8mSissoko came to North London for a substantial fee after being relegated with Newcastle and went on to enjoy five years at Tottenham, playing more than 200 games.Unfortunately for the French midfielder, he is best-known for giving away a controversial penalty for handball in the first minute of Spurs’ 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in 2019.10) Giovani Lo Celso – £27.2mLo Celso joined on loan from Real Betis in 2019 – a deal that was made permanent the following season.He has 10 goals and eight assists in 108 games, with some Spurs fans still unsure about the Argentine. 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      Sporting Lisbon 4 Man City 1: Ruben Amorim produces tactical masterclass to make huge statement ahead of Man Utd move

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      THEY’LL be rolling out the red carpet for Ruben Amorim in Manchester on Monday now.And they should be having a whip round at Old Trafford to get Viktor Gyokeres to follow him to Old Trafford as soon as possible.Ruben Amorim said farewell to Sporting fans ahead of joining Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPGoal machine Viktor Gyokeres was on the scoresheet again with a clever finish over EdersonCredit: ReutersMaximiliano Araujo put Sporting ahead after a brilliant team move just seconds into the second-halfCredit: AFPGyokeres made it 3-1 from the spotCredit: RexErling Haaland saw a penalty hit the barCredit: ReutersGyokeres completed his hat-trick with another coolly dispatched penCredit: ReutersTogether they produced the ultimate fairytale farewell to the Jose Alvalade Stadium for the United-bound boss.What an extraordinary way to endear himself to his new fans.His team inflicted a first Champions League defeat in 90 minutes on Pep Guardiola’s mighty Manchester City since May 2022 – 32 matches ago.Not to mention the heaviest loss in any competition in over four years for the ‘noisy neighbours’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIf this is the kind of entertainment that is heading for the Theatre of Dreams, then fasten your seatbelts.Gyokeres got a hat-trick – including two penalties – to enhance his reputation as one of the hottest properties in Europe.He could have had more too and looks exactly what goal-shy United need right now.  They say if you can’t be a good manager then be a lucky one – and Amorim certainly had his share of good fortune.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCity bossed the first-half and should have been out of sight – while Erling Haaland also uncharacteristically missed a second-half pen.But credit to Amorim and his team for hanging in there and then hitting the English champs with some stunning breakaways.New Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim in awkward interview with reporter The manager was given a huge ovation by the crowd before kick-off – while a huge banner showed the trophies he has won and simply said “thank you”.Yet he had expressed his worries before kick-off that the emotion of the last week might affect his players.And sure enough they began nervously despite their excellent start to the season and fell behind within four minutes.Keeper Franco Israel rolled a pass to Hidemasa Morita who didn’t look best pleased when he was dispossessed in the blink of an eye by Foden.The England ace took a couple more touches before thumping a shot past the Sporting keeper – who might be disappointed not to keep it out.Foden has now scored in eight of his last nine appearances in this competition and seems to be going through the gears after a slow start to the season.Yet the home side could have levelled within a couple of minutes as Gyokeres nipped in ahead of Rico Lewis and raced through on goal from his own half.The in-form former Coventry man never looked confident though as Ederson stood up to him and his chipped effort was weak.Back at the other end, Haaland saw one chance clawed away by Israel and blazed another wide after a delightful pass from Matheus Nunes.The Norwegian was getting plenty of opportunities and saw a looping header hoofed off the line before Israel flung himself to keep out a volley.Haaland was being made to wait for his 45th goal in this competition – but you know with him it wont be long.Stand-in skipper Bernardo Silva latched onto a cheeky back-heel from Foden but steered his shot just past the post.Sporting have won all ten of their domestic league games this season and were neck-and-neck with City in the table.City should have been out of sight given their chance – they weren’t though – and were made to pay shortly before the break.Geovany Quenda found Gyokeres and this time he held off teenage defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey before clipping home his shot.The Swedish forward – who now has 25 goals this season for club and country – is a huge cult figure in Lisbon and the fans went wild.Don’t be surprised if a bid comes in from Old Trafford before long.As the home fans celebrated, Amorim called a quartet of players over to dish out some tactical advice. No sign of him clocking off early.He can clearly give a half-time team talk too as his side came roaring out for the second-half.Just 19 seconds after the restart the home side were ahead as Pedro Goncalves threaded a pass to Max Araujo whose shot went straight through Ederson.Sporting fans unveiled a huge tifo to say goodbye to AmorimCredit: TNT SPORTSThe home fans were still celebrating as Josko Gvardiol lost the ball on the left and then upended Francisco Trincao.It was a clear penalty and Gyokeres did the rest – sending the City keeper the wrong way with an emphatic spot-kick.City were shell-shocked as they faced up to the prospect of losing three games in a row for the first time in six years.They got a lifeline midway through the second-half as Silva’s shot hit the arm of Ousmane Diomande.After a long VAR check a penalty was given and after an even longer wait, Haaland hammered his spot-kick against the bar.It was clearly Amorim’s night – and not City’s.And that much was clear as former Sporting star Nunes shoved over Geny Catamo in the box to earn the third pen of the night.READ MORE SUN STORIESGyokeres kept his cool and rattled in from the spot again to spark more bedlam and complete his hat-trick.Welcome to Manchester, Ruben Amorim.Phil Foden opened the scoring after just four minutesCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool 4 Bayer Leverkusen 0: Xabi Alonso leaves empty handed on Anfield return as Luis Diaz hits hat-trick

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      XABI ALONSO had seen it many times before – a visiting team getting absolutely torn apart on a European night in front of the Kop.Unfortunately for the Bayer Leverkusen manager, on his return to his former home of Anfield, there was nothing he could do to stop his team from suffering a ferocious second half mauling.Luis Diaz celebrates in front of the Liverpool fansCredit: GettyLiverpool denied Xabi Alonso a rosy return to Anfield in a 4-0 winCredit: GettyAlonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side were swept away in the second halfCredit: GettyAlonso’s side, who won the German League and Cup double last season, arrived on Merseyside with a swagger and were giving a pretty decent account of themselves.Yet in the space of three minutes, it all went horribly wrong. And then, it got even worse.Luis Diaz scored a terrific opening goal and with the home crowd baying for blood – even though it was Alonso’s – Cody Gakpo headed the second even though it was initially ruled out by VAR.Diaz then got his second, and then third, for his first Liverpool hat-trick. This capped a brilliant second half, the best of Arne Slot’s short reign.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLiverpool played with so much speed and intensity and they were clinical when it really mattered, against a really decent defence.This will have been really tough viewing for Alonso. He could have had the Liverpool job if he wanted it and maybe, one day, he will get the gig on Merseyside.But for now, Liverpool will be absolutely delighted over appointing Slot. It is now 14 wins, one draw and a defeat.Liverpool struggled against Brighton on Saturday but after conceding, hit back with two goals in as many minutes.Most read in FootballJeremie Frimpong was denied an opening goal for Leverkusen in the first halfCredit: PAHis goal was ruled out for a handball in the build-upCredit: ReutersLuis Diaz netted a delightful chip to score the opener for LiverpoolCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd they used a similar type of whirlwind performance to knock the stuffing out of Leverkusen who had been brilliantly organised at the back but were then exposed horribly.Slot already seems to be getting the big calls right. He made just two changes from the Brighton game and they were Luiz and Curtis Jones, who combined brilliantly for the opening goal.Roy Keane fumes Man Utd ‘wouldn’t have tolerated’ Xabi Alonso’s behaviourMaybe Alonso should have known it was going to be one of those nights.The Spanish manager does not get much wrong but he could not have timed his walk out of the tunnel any worse before kick-off because it was just as Liverpool’s fans started booing the Champions League anthem.It is strange that after leaving Liverpool in 2009 and despite having played for both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Alonso never returned to Anfield as a player.He also touched the ‘This is Anfield’ sign before heading out of the tunnel to see his team warm up.But as he walked out before kick-off to jeers, Alonso still acknowledged the home supporters in the main stand who applauded him when he reached his seat.Before the game, Alonso insisted that Liverpool were the best team in Europe. Despite an easy start in the Premier League, their recent results have been impressive.Leverkusen had more of the ball – 58 per possession in the first half – and they even created the odd chance.Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka hammered a thunderbolt which smacked Virgil van Dijk flush in the face and unsurprisingly, floored the Reds captain. Dutch ref Danny Makkelie stopped play for his fellow countryman.Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface was a handful although needed treatment after he ran into the advertising boards in front of the Kop after firing a shot into the side netting.Equally, Alonso’s team defended well with their back five when Liverpool had the ball and gave them very few opportunities.Cody Gakpo netted the second for LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe Dutchman nodded home a great header at the back postCredit: PAGakpo should also have done better rather than fire a shot straight at keeper Lukas Hradecky, although that came after a big scare for the home team.Jeremie Frimpong thought he had put Leverkusen ahead with a cracking finish but the linesman correctly spotted a handball – even though it was accidental – as the Dutchman got past Kostas Tsimikas before beating Caoimhin Kelleher with his shot.Liverpool still struggled in the second half and when a golden chance did fall to Mo Salah, it fell on his right foot and he made a complete mess of the opportunity.It needed something special and Curtis Jones delivered it with the quality pass and Diaz produced an absolutely sublime finish for the first goal in the 61 st minute.Slot will have been delighted with that combination, given his tactical decision before kick off.Gakpo thought his header from Salah’s brilliant cross had been ruled out for offside but after a VAR check, it was given.And it was from another Salah cross which saw Diaz have too much power for a defender before sticking in the third from close range. He then completed the hat-trick in injury time from close range to clinch the match ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlready, it looks certain that Liverpool will finish in the top eight of the Champions League meaning they would miss the play-off round in February.And considering how many games Slot’s side could end up playing this year, avoiding a couple of European games could be crucial.Luis Diaz netted a hattrick to continue his hot form and see off Leverkusen in styleCredit: ReutersArne Slot is making things look easy on MerseysideCredit: Getty More

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      Sky Sports pundit tipped to replace under-fire Julen Lopetegui as West Ham manager

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      A SKY SPORTS pundit has been tipped to take over from under-fire West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui.The Hammers boss is under mounting pressure in East London after a poor start to the season was compounded by a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Nottingham Forest on Saturday.Julen Lopetegui has had a poor start to the season as West Ham managerCredit: GettyThat defeat has left West Ham looming in 14th spot, losing half of their league games already this term.With former Wolves boss Lopetegui now under a microscope, managers up and down the country are being linked with the job.And Jeff Stelling reckons that a Sky Sports pundit could be the right man to replace the Spaniard.Speaking on talkSPORT breakfast, Stelling backed Frank Lampard to fill the hot-seat.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLampard has been working as a Sky Sports pundit since his last foray into management as Chelsea’s interim boss last year. It’s understood that Lopetegui is still being backed by chiefs at West Ham, but Stelling reckons Lampard would do a great job at filling his boots if that changes.He said: “I’m going to mention someone who might divide opinions.“Is it time, if Lopetegui goes, for West Ham to bring Frank Lampard home? Just a thought.Most read in FootballJeff Stelling has tipped Frank Lampard to take over from LopeteguiCredit: GettyLampard is currently without a job after last managing Chelsea in 2023Credit: PAFrank Lampard managerial careerA brief look at Lampard’s managerial career so far…July 2017 – June 2018: Chelsea Youth CoachJuly 2018 – July 2019: Derby County Manager July 2019 – Jan 2021: Chelsea ManagerJan 2022 – Jan 2023: Everton ManagerApril 2023 – June 2023: Chelsea Interim ManagerFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“He is available. He’s been mentioned in connection with the Roma job, but West Ham would be ideal for him.“I know there’s a man in situ at the moment, but it is just a speculative suggestion at the moment.”I played with Frank Lampard at Chelsea and we never lost.. but I’d still rather line up alongside Steven Gerrard’Lampard started his playing career with West Ham as a youngster, making 179 appearances for the club before switching to London rivals Chelsea in 2001.His managerial career has seen him take charge of Everton and Derby, as well as having two spells at Chelsea.He hasn’t ventured back into coaching since his second spell at Stamford Bridge ended in June 2023, but has been linked with a return to the technical area in Italy.According to reports, Lampard is being eyed as the potential new boss at Italian giants Roma.Lampard started his career at West HamCredit: GettyHe has managed Chelsea twice, once as permanent boss and once as interim managerCredit: GettyLampard has been working as a pundit since his last job with the BluesCredit: X / SkySportsPL More

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      England could be forced to field World Cup qualifying ‘bomb squad’ as new Fifa rule threatens to rule out ELEVEN players

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      THOMAS TUCHEL could be plunged into a club versus country row after Fifa ordered Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to play their strongest teams in the new Club World Cup.New England boss Tuchel will discover next month if he will have to start the Three Lions World Cup campaign in June.New England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyBut Fifa’s demand that the 32 competing teams field their strongest slides for the £600m new tournament which starts in the USA less than a week after the scheduled international dates may leave Tuchel in the middle of a major dilemma.Skipper Harry Kane will spearhead Munich’s glory push in the States, with Jude Bellingham central to Real Madrid’s chances and Conor Gallagher scheduled to appear for Atletico Madrid.Tuchel will also see Cole Palmer, Reece James and Levi Colwill required by Chelsea, with Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis in City’s ranks.Fifa’s desperate determination to make the inaugural episode of the tournament a major success has now seen world chiefs giving themselves the power to order clubs to release players to Club World Cup sides BEFORE their current contracts end.READ MORE IN football World chiefs have now released regulations that state clubs must field their “strongest teams throughout the tournament”.Fifa said that competing clubs must still release their players for the international window including World Cup qualifiers from June 2 to June 9.But the prospect of top clubs pulling rank and demanding their needs are put ahead of international commitments in the immediate lead-up to the tournament – due to start on June 15 – tees up a serious worry for German Tuchel.That Fifa window will leave little time for the players involved to get back into club groove before the new tournament.Most read in FootballSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe possible problems come after the international players’ union Fifpro launched a legal challenge against Fifa in the European Court, with the aim of forcing Zurich chiefs to back down on their plan.But Fifa put the screws on the clubs by announcing that any team which pulls out now will be fined “at least” £220,000, while withdrawals after mid-May would see that fine doubled to nearly £450,000.Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international The hardline expectations came as it emerged FIFA chiefs could order clubs to release players due to join Club World Cup sides early.Fifa announced last month that they were creating a special transfer loophole to apply at the tournament that will be played in the USA.Competing clubs will be able to complete some of next term’s transfers early to allow the players to take part in Fifa’s new flagship competition.Under the special regulations, clubs will be able to register new players between June 1 and June 10 – rather than being forced to stick to the usual June 30 cut-off for registration changes.Current contracts for City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will expire on June 30, while Jadon Sancho’s loan spell at Chelsea.Canada left-back Alphonso Davies is one of SEVEN senior players at Kane’s Bayern Munich who are out of contract at the end of the season.Initially it had been suggested that early registration would only be permitted if both clubs and the players involved approve, with nobody will be allowed to play for two teams during the month of action.READ MORE SUN STORIESFifa said the “objective” was to “encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation”.But it has now emerged that FIFA will decide on any disputes between Club World Cup teams who each want to take the same player to the tournament.Man City won the Club World Cup in 2023Credit: Getty More