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      Shock moment Aston Villa & Celtic fans clash before Champions League showdown as FLARE launched towards home supporters

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      THIS is the shocking moment Aston Villa and Celtic fans clashed on the streets of Birmingham before tonight’s Champions League clash. It’s always a fiery encounter when one of England’s top clubs face a Scottish heavyweight in Europe. Celtic and Aston Villa fans clash near Villa ParkCredit: X / hooliganscz1999Flares were launched towards the home fansCredit: X / hooliganscz1999And punters tried their best to crank the heat up even further after going head-to-head in an encounter just a short walk away from Villa Park.Footage shows Aston Villa fans gathering on Witton Road – less than half a mile away from the stadium. Moments later the supporters were seen walking towards Witton Station before stopping on the street and standing their ground with a section of Celtic fans appearing to be at other side of the road. The two sets of supporters shouted and chanted at each other and flares were seen being launched in the direction of the home fans.Cops swarmed the scene in an attempt to get the situation under control and the street was later closed to the public.The fiery encounter appeared to take place around 5.30pm – two-and-a-half hours before kick-off. The road was then reopened at 6.30pm.West Midlands Police confirmed to SunSport that there were no fans injured during the incident.Most read in FootballA police spokesperson said: “A small number of flares were lit by Celtic fans as they arrived on Witton Road, Aston, for today’s Aston Villa vs Celtic game. There were no injuries and the fans were quickly dispersed.”Celtic and Aston Villa face off tonight in a huge blockbuster showdown to finish their league phase campaign. Both teams already have their spots in the play-off secured but a win for either side could see them take their place in the top eight. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      What do Arsenal need to do to guarantee qualification to the Champions League Last 16?

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      ARSENAL are among the favourites to advance straight to the last 16 of the Champions League.The Gunners are fifth in the League Phase table with eight points separating them from high flying Liverpool, but Mikel Arteta’s men have a game in hand.Arsenal might need only one more win to advance to the Champions League’s Last 16Credit: GettyThe North Londoners have two more games to go in the revamped first round consisting of 36 teams.Mikel Arteta’s men face Dinamo Zagreb tonight at the Emirates and then visit Girona on January 29.Arsenal have amassed 13 points from six matches of which they won four and lost only once.Just one more win from the final two games could send the Premier League giants straight into the Round of 16.Read More on ArsenalThe teams who finish in the top eight spots automatically qualify for the Last 16.And those who find themselves between ninth and 24th place will face off in the play-offs to determine the other eight teams that make it to the next round.Arsenal are currently five points ahead of Dinamo, who are 25th in the Champions League table.Opta found that in 99 per cent of their simulations, teams who collected 10 points made it into the play-off round, which means Arteta and co might already be guaranteed at least a spot in those.Most read in Champions LeagueEven nine points proved to be enough in 69 per cent of the simulations, which were run 50,000 times.But Arsenal will want direct qualification for the Last 16.16 points proved to be enough in 98 per cent of the available scenarios.Arsenal ratings: Trossard turns creator to put Gunners in driving seat but Merino and Partey lapses cost Arteta’s sideAnd 15 points were sufficient for eighth place in 73 per cent of the simulations. On the other hand, 14 points were enough in just 28 per cent of the supercomputer’s simulations.That means 15 points could be the magic number for Arsenal to avoid two crunch clashes amid their gruelling bid for a first Premier League title since 2004.That would mean one win from their final two games will likely be enough. More

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      What do Aston Villa need to do to guarantee qualification to the Champions League last 16?

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      DESPITE the loss to Monaco last week, Aston Villa are still contenders for automatic Champions League qualification.The Villans’ high flying Champions League campaign took another hitch as an uninspiring 1-0 defeat in Monaco left them outside the top eight – which guarantees progression to the last 16.A win in Villa’s final league game will give them a chance of qualifying for the Champions League last 16Credit: ReutersUnai Emery’s men are ninth in the League Phase table, joint on 13 points with five other teams, including Bayer Leverkusen, who occupy the final automatic spot. So far, Villa have won four, drew once and lost twice.What do Aston Villa need to do to guarantee Champions League round of 16 qualification?Their final game, Celtic at home, provides an enticing affair where only a win will give them a chance to go straight into the Round of 16. The opportunity arose after Bayern Munich’s shock defeat to Feyenoord and Brest’s defeat.read more on aston villa Those not in the top eight positions either fall into the play-off spots – ninth to 24th – or are immediately eliminated.Villa are offered the security blanket of at least a play-off spot.Opta have calculated that the Midlands side are favourites to scrape the all-decisive eight spot.A supercomputer simulation – that estimates the likelihood of teams finishing in the competition – has Villa down for a 52.6 per cent probability of clinching it.Most read in Champions LeagueFor that to happen, Villa will have to beat Celtic and also need one of Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan or Atalanta to not follow suit. The teams behind Villa – Monaco, Feyenoord, Lille and Brest – can also match the former’s final tally but their goal difference is inferior.Champions League club send Micah Richards shirt with very cheeky nickname on the back thanks to his Brest obsession Villa’s potential for a seeded spot will likely hinge on Atalanta and whether they can beat Barcelona – which would be needed to stay in the top eight. All outcomes are permutation-driven and ultimately out of Villa’s hand, who can only win to give themselves the best possible chance. More

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      David Luiz picks out key player who could bring Premier League title to Arsenal despite Liverpool dominance

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      ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta should not give up hope of winning the Premier League, according to David Luiz.Liverpool chief Arne Slot is ahead in this year’s race, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City bagged the previous four titles.Former Arsenal defender David Luiz, pictured with the FA Cup in 2020, reckons his old club can still win the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyCaptain Martin Odegaard is key to Arsenal’s title chase, says LuizCredit: RexLuiz is also impressed by his fellow Brazilian centre-back GabrielCredit: Sunday TimesLuiz, who won the Prem while at Chelsea, played for the Gunners under Arteta before leaving in 2021. And he said: “Arsenal haven’t won the league already because there are other amazing clubs such as City.“Guardiola has turned City into a machine but also Liverpool now with the new coach are amazing. “Arsenal have to keep fighting . . . maybe one day Chelsea and Arsenal are gonna win the Premier League again. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The mentality has to continue this way, with ambition. That’s how you achieve something special.”Brazilian Luiz believes keeping ‘world-class’ captain Martin Odegaard fit is vital to Arsenal’s hopes.He said: “Martin has grown a lot and is now a world-class player. He’s an amazing person and he’s turned into a great leader.”And Luiz loves how a fellow Brazilian central defender has blossomed under Arteta.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe added: “Gabriel has the power of a monster —  he can score in every single match!“He’s a powerful guy. I hope he continues this way with the help of Arteta who gets the best out of him every day.”What makes William Saliba and Gabriel the Premier League’s best More

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      Champions League clash DELAYED with conditions unplayable after smoke from flares covers entire stadium

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      REAL MADRID’S showdown with Brest was delayed by around five minutes due to flares let off by supporters.Smoke from the flares severely affected visibility, with kick-off in the Champions League clash pushed back to allow the air to clear.Smoke caused by flares led to kick off being delayedSupporters let off flares ahead of kick-offCredit: ReutersAfter a delay of around five minutes, the match was finally able to get underway.With all 18 Champions League games on Wednesday supposed to kick-off simultaneously, the delay caused a headache for Uefa bosses.Ligue 1 side Brest are enjoying their first-ever European campaign.But they have not been able to play matches at their Stade Francis-Le Ble home, as it does not meet Uefa regulations.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead they have had to host Europe’s elite at Stade de Roudourou in Guingamp, around 70 miles away.Despite the distance, their supporters have done their best to make the 19,033-capacity stadium home for their European games.Surprise packages of this season’s Champions League, the French debutants have already beaten PSV Eindhoven and Sturm Graz in Guingamp, while they have drawn with German champions Bayer Leverkusen at their temporary home.Real Madrid appeared unbothered by the slight delay to proceedings.Most read in Champions LeagueSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYKylian Mbappe returned to France to face BrestCredit: EPAWinger Rodrygo gave the European heavyweights the lead shortly before the half hour, before they powered to a 3-0 victory. The two sides met on a chaotic final matchday in this season’s Champions League league phase.Ally McCoist explains the new Champions League format Brest had gone into the match a point ahead of their esteemed visitors and will now contest the playoffs for a spot in the last-16.Elsewhere on the night, Manchester City hosted Belgian side Club Brugge.Ahead of the game emergency services had to be called after a huge fire broke out just outside the Etihad Stadium.The incident occurred under two hours before kick-off, with footage showing a City club merchandise van up in flames.The match was able to kick-off at 8pm as planned.City booked their place in the Champions League play-offs with a 3-1 win – but not without a scare first. Emergency services were forced to be called to the EtihadCredit: AP More

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      ‘Where the hell is it’ – Fans baffled and can’t find TNT Sports goals show during night of Champions League chaos

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      FOOTBALL fans were left baffled and scrambling to find TNT Sports goals show on the night of Champions League chaos. There were a total of 18 games on offer during the final group stage matches on Wednesday. Morgan Rogers celebrates a goal for Aston VillaCredit: GettyFans were rushing to the goals show to keep track of all the action – but could not find it.That was because it was on TNT Sports 5 – leaving viewers confused.One said: “Absolutely crazy decision by TNT Sports to hide The Goals Show on Discovery+ tonight.”Clearly so many people trying to access, the whole thing is glitching. Great job everybody.” READ MORE IN football Another added: “How can it be so hard to watch the Goals Show, on today of all days.”One raged: On the night of all nights, the Goals Show is not available for @NOWTV customers because it’s on a channel above TNT4. “What’s the point in paying for it? It should have been advertised as a limited service.”Another fumed: “Sorry, this whole night is about watching it via a “Goals Show” and then the Goals Show is not on any actual channel? Is that right?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa were all in action on a bumper evening. All four Premier League teams remain in the competition after a night of drama. Shock moment Aston Villa & Celtic fans clash before Champions League showdown as FLARE launched towards home supportersArne Slot saw his Liverpool side lose for just the third time this season as they went down 3-2 at PSV Eindhoven. Despite the defeat, Barcelona’s draw with Atalanta means the Reds qualify top of the table.They will be joined in the last-16 by both Arsenal and Villa, with Unai Emery’s side beating Celtic 4-2.Manchester City will now face a playoff after coming from behind to beat Club Brugge.Pep Guardiola’s men will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in a play-off round in February. More

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      Jhon Duran set for medical ahead of £65m Al-Nassr transfer in move that KO’s Arsenal’s Ollie Watkins bid

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      ASTON VILLA striker Jhon Duran is set for a medical with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.The Colombian has reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of a £65million blockbuster move to the Saudi Pro League. Jhon Duran looks set to leave Villa Park for the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: GettyThe 21-year-old was named among the subs for Villa’s Champions League game with CelticCredit: AlamyOllie Watkins’ proposed move to Arsenal looks unlikely to materialiseCredit: AlamyDuran’s Saudi switch appears to end Arsenal’s hopes of bringing England striker Ollie Watkins to the Emirates. The Gunners tabled an audacious £60m bid for the Villa forward on Wednesday afternoon. According to The Athletic, Duran has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal in Saudi.The 21-year-old – who joined Unai Emery’s side from Chicago Fire in 2023 – only signed a new contract in October.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt kept the fan-favourite at Villa Park until 2030. Duran has netted 12 goals in 29 appearances for Villa this season, with the majority of his action from the subs bench. He was named among the substitutes for Wednesday’s Champions League showdown with Celtic.But reports suggest Duran will head to London after the game for a medical with Al Nassr on Thursday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAl Nassr currently sit fourth in the Saudi Pro League. Alongside Ronaldo, former Premier League stars Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte make up the backbone of the team. Tottenham snubbed Ollie Watkins transfer as Jose Mourinho refused to pay price tag and signed flop striker instead Watkins joined Villa from Brentford in 2020 for a then-club record £28million.Following on from his Euro 2024 heroics for England, he’s netted 10 goals in 23 Premier League appearances this season.A boyhood Arsenal fan, Watkins has previously indicated it would be a “dream” to play for the Gunners.Arsenal player ratings: David Raya saves all three-points for Arsenal but Trossard’s woeful deliveries an issue againARSENAL finally won a match with ten-men after Myles Lewis-Skelly was controversially sent off.It was the Gunners’ fourth sending off this season and they had not won any of their matches without 11 players this term.But Arsenal showed their character and battled past Wolves 1-0.Here is how SunSport rated the players’ performances.DAVID RAYA – 8/10Very little to do until the 63rd minute when he brilliantly tipped a deflected Matheus Cunha effort wide. He then stopped Rayan Ait-Nouri in a one-on-one in the 84th minute.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 6Was having another fine game before being the victim of one of most ludicrous red cards in Prem history. His cynical trip was worthy of a yellow and nothing more.WILLIAM SALIBA – 7Arsenal just look so solid with him in this backline. A welcome return from a minor hamstring injury. Kept Cunha at bay.GABRIEL – 7Led from the front and put his body on the line. Constantly headed away from danger.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6Hit with some nasty challenges that required treatment – including one that had Joao Gomes sent off – but carried on playing and was resolute.DECLAN RICE – 7More of a goal threat than in recent weeks and stood up when Arsenal needed him.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Steady Eddie for most parts back in his favoured midfield position after spells at right-back this season. Displayed his importance to this side once more.ETHAN NWANERI – 6Unfortunately made way at half-time as a sacrificial lamb following Lewis-Skelly’s sending off. Was a lively, creative spark in the first-half.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the Belgian is on corner-taking duty, but his deliveries were woeful. A quiet afternoon that sums up why he is in and out of the team currently.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6Was lacking that clinical edge in the first half, but came up with the cross after the break that led to Arsenal’s vital opener.KAI HAVERTZ – 7Missed two glorious first half chances with his head and another in the second half, but worked tirelessly on his own – especially with Arsenal down to ten.SUBS:RICCARDO CALAFIORI (NWANERI, 45) – 8The sort of goal that keeps title dreams alive. Added real height and danger aerially, as well as a sweet volley from a tough angle.KIERAN TIERNEY (MARTINELLI, 87) – N/ADuring his time with the Bees, Watkins said: “Yeah, that’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. “But, you know, it’s a long shot.” More

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      Real Madrid legend Casillas pictured on ‘date’ with ex-porn star Claudia Bavel – who earns more than top footballers

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      REAL MADRID legend Iker Casillas has been romantically linked with a former porn star and OnlyFans model after being pictured on a “date” while they stayed at the same Barcelona hotel.The former Spain international has enjoyed the company of a string of attractive women since his split with radio and TV presenter Sara Carbonero in March 2021 after five years of marriage.Iker Casillas has been linked with Claudia BevalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/onlybavel/Claudia is an OnlyFans modelCredit: https://www.instagram.com/onlybavel/She has previously starred in X-rated filmsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/onlybavel/Casillas, 43, retired from football in 2020Credit: RexReports in Spain suggest his latest love interest is Claudia Bavel, who is said to make around £17,000 a month from OnlyFans.The 28-year-old brunette defines herself online as a “content creator and ex-adult film actress.”She has nearly 250,000 followers on her ‘official’ Instagram account where she shows off her curves in a range of figure-hugging outfits.And she has another 16,000 followers on a second account where she has published more daring selfies and a link to her Only Fans page where she describes herself as a model and influencer and adds: “My bad hot side wants you at my links.”READ MORE ON WAGSCasillas announced his retirement from professional football in August 2020 after a heart attack just over a year earlier while he was training with last side Porto.Snaps of him and Claudia together in the Catalan capital, taken last Tuesday, were published by weekly glossy Spanish magazine Diez Minutos.The pictures coincided with a visit the pair made the same evening to an event in a winery in the town of Vilanova i la Geltru around 30 miles south of Barcelona with former Real Madrid players Luis Figo and Michel Salgado.The magazine said the pair abandoned the unnamed hotel together early the following morning, deliberately leaving separately in case they were spotted by waiting paparazzi.Most read in FootballCasillas split from wife Sara Carbonero in 2021Credit: GettyClaudia has nearly 250,000 Instagram followersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/imclaudiabavel/It is not the first time they have been romantically linked although these are the first pictures of them side by side.Spanish journalist Javier Hoyos claimed recently he had spotted the model and Iker, 43, enjoying a passionate kiss during a dinner date at an upmarket restaurant near the Costa Brava resort of Blanes in May last year.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelNeither the former shot-stopper or Claudia have confirmed they are seeing each other but asked about him a few weeks ago in an interview, she replied: “We are two single people.”It would be the first time Iker, popularly dubbed Saint Iker for his ability to produce miraculous saves, has decided to date an OnlyFans model.But it would not be the first footballer partner for Claudia, who enjoyed a brief romance with Spanish-born Senegalese international Keita Balde, who is currently playing in Turkey.Shortly after Casillas split from his former wife, who he famously kissed on air during a post-match interview after Spain won the 2010 World Cup before they officially became partners and the parents of two children, he was linked to a Malaga-based Spanish singer.She denied she was the retired keeper’s new squeeze by posting a photo of her with her boyfriend and raging: “I hope whoever is trying to cause damage through false information pays.”He was linked late last year to former Miss Spain Maria Jose Suarez and before that to another model Ana Martin as well as a journalist called Ana Quiles, although Casillas denied any romance with her.Claudia promoted her OnlyFans page on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/onlybavel/She has now been linked with Real icon CasillasCredit: https://www.instagram.com/onlybavel/Claudia also has a second Instagram accountCredit: https://www.instagram.com/imclaudiabavel/ More