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    Barcelona reveal first game at renovated Nou Camp as 100,000-seater stadium finally nears completion

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    BARCELONA president Joan Laporta has revealed when the Nou Camp will officially be reopened.The iconic stadium has been undergoing a period of redevelopment over the last two years.Joan Laporta has revealed when he expects Barcelona to return to the Nou CampCredit: AlamyThe reopening of the stadium could be in AugustCredit: AFPAs a result, the capacity is expected to increase from 99,000 to around 105,000 when the building work is finished.The ground was initially expected to open at the end of last year, but delays pushed the date back.Now, Barcelona expect to return in August.Club president Laporta has earmarked August 16 – the day of the Gamper Trophy match – as the potential reopening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking on TV3 while reviewing the club’s season, the Spaniard said: “We want it to serve as the pilot test for the stadium’s reopening. We’re working on this idea.”The Gamper is expected to be held at the Spotify Camp Nou.”We want it to be a pilot test in terms of access, operational capacity, etc.”We believe it’s the best way to run a full-scale trial.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe new stadium is expected to cost Barcelona £1.25billion overall.But, it is also anticipated to earn the club an extra £25million per year in revenue.Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou Since leaving the Nou Camp, Barcelona have been playing their home matches at the nearby Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.When they return, the ground would have officially been renamed to the Spotify Camp Nou following a £235m deal with the music streaming service.The Spanish giants go into the 2025-26 season as La Liga champions having beat Real Madrid to the title by four points. More

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      Crystal Palace in talks to complete Atletico Madrid star transfer with Ben Chilwell set for Chelsea return

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are in talks to sign defender Reinildo Mandava.The Atletico Madrid left-back will be a free agent this summer and is being eyed by Premier League clubs.Reinildo Mandava is in talks over a move to Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyBen Chilwell is unlikely to stay at Selhurst ParkCredit: PAPalace want the Mozambique star as competition for Tyrick Mitchell.Ben Chilwell joined on loan from Chelsea in January but is not expected to stay. Yet Everton and Fulham are also fans of Reinildo.The 31-year-old, previously linked to Barcelona and Manchester United, joined Atletico from Lille in 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has since played 102 times for the club, scoring once and assisting two goals.Reinildo started ten LaLiga and three Champions League matches this season.Palace boss Oliver Glasner wants to wrap up transfer business quickly  having moaned about the time it took to do deals last year.And it is set to be a busy summer at Selhurst Park with them keen to bolster their squad ahead of their first ever Europa League campaign.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Palace risk losing key players like Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.Guehi’s contract expires in a year’s time and Newcastle could reignite their interest after seeing a £70million bid rejected last summer.How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup finalAs for Eze, he is believed to have a release clause of around £65m and reports have linked him with the likes of Aston Villa and Man Utd. More

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      Lamine Yamal’s staggering new Barcelona deal broken down with wonderkid, 18, set to increase salary TENFOLD

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      BARCELONA wonderkid Lamine Yamal has penned a bumper new contract that will make him one of the club’s highest earners.The 17-year-old has established himself as one of the most-talented players in world football.Lamine Yamal has become one of Barcelona’s highest-paid playersCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe 17-year-old has signed a new contract keeping him at Barcelona until 2031Credit: ReutersSince breaking into the first team aged just 15 in 2023 – making him the youngest player to ever represent Barcelona – Yamal has made 106 senior appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing 34 assists.During that time, the winger has won two LaLiga titles, along with the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.He also became a European Champion with Spain last July after shining on the international stage.And having put himself in Ballon d’Or contention, the teenager has earned a new, lucrative contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Athletic has reported that Yamal this week signed a deal which could see him earn just shy of £33.5million (€40m) a year before tax – a whopping £644,230 per week – making him Barcelona’s highest-paid player.His base salary is now understood to be £25.2m (€30m) with performance-related bonuses potentially increasing the total by almost £10m.That means he now earns around 10 times more than he did previously.The new deal comes into play immediately, rather than on the winger’s 18th birthday in July.Most read in FootballYamal’s new deal runs until 2031, meaning it will expire just before his 24th birthday. He also reportedly has a release clause worth a staggering €1billion.I sold Lamine Yamal trading card for life changing amount – my wife doesn’t think it’s a silly hobby nowAnd the winger is now set to follow in the footsteps of Barcelona hero Lionel Messi by taking the No10 shirt.The number will become vacant with Ansu Fati expected to join Monaco in a permanent transfer. More

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      Moment Chelsea & Real Betis fans CLASH in Poland launching bottles & smoke grenades hours before Europa Conference final

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      VIOLENCE has broken out again on the streets of Poland between Chelsea and Real Betis fans in ugly scenes ahead of their Conference League final tonight.Supporters were seen hurling punches and kicks, launching bottles and smoke grenades near the fanzone in Wroclaw with riot police forced to defuse the violence.Fans clash in ugly scenes in Poland ahead of the Europa Conference FinalCredit: AFPSupporters were seen hurling punches, kicking, launching bottles and smoke grenadesCredit: AFPFans hurled flares at each other on the streetSome officers were deployed with guns to quell the violenceCredit: ReutersTables and chairs were thrown to the floorCredit: EPAThe ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fans. One Spaniard was arrested and police are attempting to identify more fans involved in a scuffle last night.Betis fans are looking forward to their first ever major European final, with tensions boiling over into a full on brawl this afternoon.Supermarket shelves are running dry of beer and pubs are out of pint glasses as fans soak up the atmosphere ahead of the final.And six hours before kickoff tonight, the violence spilled over when fans started kicking and throwing flares into each other’s camps.Soon, chairs were hurtling through the air as the fans squared up to each other before police, some armed with guns, came to separate them.The fans were already brawling on the streets a full 24 hours before the match as riot police with tear gas were deployed yesterday to force the warring supporters apart.Footage posted to social media showed a series of fierce clashes in cobbled streets outside the city’s bars and restaurants.Most read in FootballShocking moment Chelsea fans brawl & throw glasses as violence erupts in Poland ahead of Conference League finalIn one clip, a group of around five young men were seen smashing chairs and hurling glasses at another group sheltering in the canopy of a building.In the window is a large blue flag which reads: “London only”, indicating it could be a spot designated for Chelsea fans.Another clip from elsewhere shows two sides lobbing missiles at one another from the cover of two different pubs.More than 70,000 fans are expected to descend on the picturesque town of Wroclaw to watch The Blues try to take the title tonight.Last week’s Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur was also marred by clashes between supporters ahead of the match in Bilbao.Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said: “Zero tolerance for violence on our streets!”I thank the police for their decisive actions against the hooligans in Chelsea and Betis shirts in Wroclaw. We warn you: if necessary, the police will be even more ruthless today!”Fans of the London side will be hoping their team isn’t distracted by the drama – with the honour of being the first-ever club to win all three European titles on the line.Chelsea booked their place by defeating Swedish side Djurgardens IF 5-1 on aggregate earlier this month.Earlier, head coach Enzo Maresca got a shock when his banned winger Mykhailo Mudryk arrived in the city unannounced – and wearing a Chelsea kit.Mudryk is currently suspended from playing after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium while on international duty in November.Chelsea fans have descended in the Polish city for the European finalCredit: ReutersChairs were hurling through the skyOne man was seen getting attacked with blood pouring down his faceCredit: AFPThe fans were already brawling on the streets a full 24 hours before the matchCredit: ReutersPolice positioned themselves between the hostile fansCredit: AFPAfter missiles were launched into the neighbouring camps, Polish police managed to separate the fansCredit: ReutersThe ugly scenes continues after similar violence yesterday when tear gas was needed to separate the hostile fansCredit: ReutersTables were launched in the violent scenes hours before the matchCredit: ReutersMen were seen fleeing as police came armed with truncheonsCredit: AFPThe streets were strewn with litter and chairsA fan poses in front of police amid the high tensionsCredit: ReutersThe Blues will be playing Champions League football next season after they secured a top-five finish in the Premier League.While the Spaniards have already qualified for the Europa League with a 6th placed finish in LaLiga.This means the two sides are just playing for the right to win a European trophy – and the cash prize that comes with it.Read More on The SunUefa have revealed that the winners of this year’s Conference League will take home a staggering £5.9million.While the runners-up are set to pocket approximately £3.37m.A chair can be seen flying through the airCredit: XGroups lobbed missiles at each other across the squareCredit: x
      Police spray jets of tear gas at Chelsea fansCredit: APChelsea fans were out in force on Tuesday nightCredit: APHEDGE YOUR BET-S Chelsea vs Real Betis tale of the tape: How Conference League finalists compareCHELSEA are on the brink of history as they prepare to take on Real Betis in the Conference League final.Enzo Maresca will clash with “football dad” and former boss Manuel Pellegrini when the two sides collide in Warsaw on Wednesday.And a win for Chelsea will see them become the first-ever team to win all three major European competitions.They face a tough test in Betis though, with the Spanish side boasting strong names including Isco, Antony and Gio Lo Celso.Here, SunSport compares the two sides for what is sure to be a lively clash in Poland.But just who will come out on top?SEASON SUCCESSWith both sides reaching the Conference League final, neither side can say they have fallen short in Europe.Yet they have also enjoyed good club campaigns – to an extent.Chelsea at one stage looked on course to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title before a dramatic Christmas collapse.The Blues then faced a tough challenge to qualify for the Champions League.They eventually sealed a return to Europe’s top table on Sunday with victory over fellow challengers Nottingham Forest.And although they ultimately achieved their season goal, Chelsea undoubtedly made a meal out of it.As for Betis, they too enjoyed mixed fortunes in LaLiga.They ended up finishing sixth, sealing their place in next season’s Europa League regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s final.However, fifth place in Spain would have been enough for Champions League football.Betis ended up finishing 10 points behind Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, who took the last two spots.And although Europa League qualification will be welcomed by them, they surely would have loved to have been in the Champions League instead.BEST PLAYERSChelsea’s squad is worth a whole £627MILLION MORE than Betis’ – but there is always one man who stands head and shoulders above his teammates.Despite not enjoying the same success as he did in the 2023/24 campaign, Cole Palmer undoubtedly remains Chelsea’s star player and danger man.The midfielder has taken up a deeper role in a more central position under Maresca, allowing him to dictate more of the play.Palmer’s brilliant technique and vision means he is often the one keeping Chelsea ticking over in possession as teammates look to make darting runs through the lines.And if the Blues are to take control on Wednesday, he will need to be at his mercurial best once again – regardless of whether he scores or assists in the process.As for Betis, they have been inspired in the second half of the season by a Premier League misfit.Brazilian winger Antony, on loan from Manchester United, has been nothing short of a revelation since moving to Spain.He has a smile on his face again after hitting the goal regularly, with fans also showing their appreciation and adoration.A permanent transfer now looks on the cards this summer.And Antony will be desperate to reward the faith shown by Betis by guiding them to glory in Warsaw.TACTICSChelsea have adopted a possession-based style since Maresca’s arrival last summer, with players instructed to keep the ball moving as they inch their way forward to goal.Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 system, the Blues quickly become a fluid unit as players drift out of their regular positions to line up in a 3-2-4-1 shape.Whether it has been a raging success is up for debate, with Chelsea sometimes left exposed at the back while also failing to get enough players into the box to finish off a move.But Maresca’s system has built some team unity, with his unquestionable plan on the pitch making the Blues a strong cohesive force when it finally clicks.MANAGERSChelsea’s Italian gaffer Enzo Maresca has one of the safest seats in football – and that was before he sealed a top four finish on Sunday.The ex-Leicester man was brought in to Stamford Bridge to provide stability while also moulding Chelsea’s youngsters into English football’s next great team.Despite reservations over his playing style, fans appear to have finally taken to Maresca thanks to his calm approach and desire to win.The former Man City coach isn’t the most experienced either.But with time on his side, a trophy win in his debut season will only strengthen his position in the Chelsea hot seat.As for Manuel Pellegrini, he has now been at Betis for nearly five years.Having enjoyed most of his success at Man City, the Chilean has helped build Betis into plucky underdogs.Pellegrini broke their trophy curse by guiding them to the 2022 Copa del Rey.And he remains a wildly popular figure with fans and players alike, having resurrected the careers of fallen men like Isco and Antony.Pellegrini also knows Chelsea boss Maresca well, having coached him at Malaga before appointing him as assistant boss at West Ham.And it should be a fascinating battle between the pair, with Maresca warmly branding Pellegrini his “football father.” More

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      Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal medical ahead of £51m transfer as Gunners beat Real Madrid to Real Sociedad midfielder

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      MARTIN ZUBIMENDI will complete a medical in the coming days ahead of his £51m switch to Arsenal.The Real Sociedad midfielder has been in advanced talks with the Gunners since January and is on the verge of becoming Mikel Arteta’s first capture of the summer.Martin Zubimendi is on course to join Arsenal in a £51million dealCredit: GETTYThe 26-year-old is set to undergo a medical with the north Londoners in the coming daysCredit: GETTYPersonal terms and relevant documents have already been signed and agreed, as well as the payment structure around the Spaniard’s £51m release clause.Senior Arsenal figures expect the deal to be completed swiftly as they also target landing a striker – with Sporting Lisbon’s £60m-valued Viktor Gyokeres a top priority.Once Zubmendi, 26, passes his medical, he will be announced as an Arsenal player.He will provide depth to a midfield that has already lost veteran Jorginho, who is heading to Brazilian outfit Flamengo on a free transfer with his Emirates deal expiring next month.READ MORE ON ARSENALThomas Partey is also out of contract, but the club are in talks to extend his stay after an impressive campaign, while Albert Sambi Lokonga – who spent last season on loan at Sevilla – will see a one-year extension triggered on his contract.Zubimendi is highly rated by Arteta, who convinced the Euro 2024 winner of the North London project after he turned down a switch to Arne Slot’s Liverpool last summer.It is the start of a huge summer of incomings for Arsenal as they prepare to splash around £200m on new talent to fire them to Premier League glory next term.Swedish striker Gyokeres, 26, is viewed as an ideal attacking signing following a two-year stint in Portugal that has seen him bag 97 goals in 102 appearances in all competitions, and is favoured by sporting director Andrea Berta.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha revealed this week: “He has three more years on his contract. At the moment there are no offers.“We want to keep the best players and retain talent. We want to continue to be champions, have competitive teams and fight on all fronts.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’“But the market is not under our control, we are always dependent.”Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, 21 – valued between £60m and £70m – is also on Arsenal’s radar, having attempted to sign the Slovenian last summer and in the winter window.There is still a chance Arteta could make a move for Sesko, but SunSport understands there is a concern over his age and experience at the top level, needing the player to hit the ground running in the Prem.Chelsea are also interested in Sesko as they prepare to sign a No.9 this summer too.Arsenal are also considering moves for £50m-rated Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, 22, as well as £25m-valued Espanyol back-up keeper Joan Garcia, 24. More

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      Meet the Conference League final WAGs as Chelsea take on Real Betis…from Spain’s Posh & Becks to beauty with unusual job

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      THOUSANDS of football fans have descended on Wraclow, Poland for tonight’s hotly anticipated Europa Conference League final.Chelsea will take on Spanish side Real Betis – and the players will, of course, be cheered on from the stands by their devoted WAGs.Connie Grace will be there to cheer on Cole Palmer in the finalCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_She and the football ace have been Instagram official since last yearCredit: Instagram/conniegrace_Cole met Connie Grace at school but the pair didn’t start dating until recentlyCredit: SplashIt may be the third tier of continental football in Europe, behind the second tier Europa League and the first tier Champions League, but that doesn’t mean the glamour is any less dazzling – with the teams’ wives and girlfriends including a movie star.And the women certainly boast brains as well as beauty, with a law graduate, tax expert and entrepreneur amid their ranks.Here we take a look at the WAGs who are building up a fan base of their own.CHELSEACole Palmer and Connie GraceLike Cole, 22-year-old Connie hails from Manchester, where she runs a nail salon.READ MORE SPORT FEATURESShe has built up an impressive social media following thanks to posts showcasing her stunning figure on sun-kissed trips to Jamaica, Ibiza and Dubai.The cute couple have known each other since they were 17, but romance appears to have blossomed last summer when they were spotted together on a luxury boat in Ibiza after flying to the island on a private jet.They finally went Insta-official in November at the GQ Men of the Year awards where she dazzled with the Blues midfielder in a daring cut-out dress.In the documentary England’s Lions: A New Generation, blonde Connie opened up about their relationship, saying: “We met when we were 17. I think he knew me through mutual friends so I think he probably had his eye on me.Most read in Europa LeagueShe added: “Oh, he’s warm and cuddly. Well, with me, hopefully with no one else.”She later explained that fame hasn’t changed her partner, adding: “Cole now is still the same Cole that I met when I was 17. Obviously, he’s changed, he’s grown up, and his life now is completely different, but he’s still the same boy, he’s still laid-back Cole.”Marc Cucurella and Claudia RodriguezHarry Maguire’s wife Fern leads Man Utd Wags flocking to Bilbao for Europa League final with TottenhamClaudia often take the kids to see their dad play in matches around the worldCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella met Claudia in 2018 and the couple have married and welcomed three childrenCredit: Instagram/_claurodriCucurella and Claudia’s love story began in 2018 in Barcelona when the left-back played for the Catalans.The defender and model Claudia now share three children – Mateo, Rio and Bella – and she has recently opened up to fans about Mateo’s autism diagnosis.Stunning Claudia, 25, allowed cameras into their family home as part of the TV show Married to the Game, and said: “We saw something different about Mateo when he was small, about 13 months old, but it was a long process to get the diagnosis. When he was smaller it was easier but now he’s growing up, it’s more difficult.“When we moved to Chelsea, we started him at school and he was very upset, and we didn’t know the solution. You have to find it yourself, and you feel very bad because you are not prepared for it.”Despite the family’s struggles, Claudia maintains a positive outlook and regularly posts glam pictures and snapshots of their daily lives on Instagram where she has amassed more than 130,000 followers.Filip Jorgensen and Noemie RomeeNoemie worked for the Ministry of Finance in HollandCredit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1She moved to London with her goalkeeper Beau in 2024Credit: Instagram / @filipjorgensen1Stunning Noemie joined goalkeeper Filip in London when he signed for the Blues last year.Before that the stunning brunette worked in the tax department of the Ministry of Finance in Holland, and it is not known if she has kept on that role.But the hard-working young couple certainly know how to play hard too, regularly sharing posts on social media of their travels, trips to theme parks and their pet Pomeranian dog.Noemie is also Filip’s biggest fan, posting videos of herself wearing a Chelsea shirt with his name emblazoned across the back. In one of her posts she gushed: “You have my heart Filip Jorgensen”.Reece James and Mia McClenaghanStunning Mia has a law degree from Royal HollowayCredit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanThe couple went public with their relationship in 2020Credit: Instagram/miamcclenaghanStunning blonde Mia is not just a pretty face – she studied law at Royal Holloway, University of London, and graduated in 2021.She then went on to advise prisoners at HMP Coldingley about family matters.Away from her legal career Mia has been dating Chelsea captain Reece for years, and they made their relationship public in November 2020 when James, 25, posted a picture with Mia on her birthday, calling her his “best friend”. Since then they’ve shared glimpses of their life together, including celebrating milestones and luxury holidays.But Essex-born Mia recently decided to step away from the spotlight, making her social media profiles private.REAL BETISIsco Alcaron and Sara SalamoSara has over a million Instagram followers and appeared on hit TV showsCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe couple opted to have a secret wedding ceremony after years togetherCredit: Instagram/sarasalamoThe Real Betis star and his wife have been dubbed the Spanish ‘Posh and Becks’. Sara, 33, is a leading Spanish actress with more than 35 film and TV credits to her name.Her popularity from hit shows El Favor, Stories to Stay Awake, The Year of Fury and Drug Squad: Costa del Sol has won her almost a million Instagram followers.The couple have been together since 2017, but finally tied the knot last year in a secret ceremony.Posting incredible snaps from their fairytale wedding, Tenerife-born Sara wrote: “Seven years, three children, four dogs… And a few days ago we said that we love each other again in front of the altar.”Stunning Sara regularly posts pictures detailing her incredible career on social media, but also gushing comments supporting her husband in his football.Antony and Rosilene SilvaRosilene is regularly seen at football games supporting her boyfriendCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_The couple are childhood sweethearts who met as children in BrazilCredit: Instagram/rosiilenny_Manchester United star Antony has had a career renaissance since going on loan to Real Betis last season, after being frozen out by the Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim.In the run-up to this week’s final, he broke down as he detailed his struggles at Old Trafford where he was so unhappy he went for days without eating.But no doubt his loyal WAG Rosilene Silva was there to provide support. The couple were childhood sweethearts who met during their school days in Sao Paolo, Brazil. In 2019 Rosilene and Antony welcomed a baby boy named Lorenzo. And last year the couple added a baby girl, Lavinne, to their brood.The mum-of-two regularly shares photos enjoying days out with their young family on social media, with both parents besotted with their babies.And her posts documenting their glamorous lives have earned her an impressive 112k followers on Instagram.Pablo Fornals and Tania Lara VelascoTania and Marin have a two sons together, one born before their marriageCredit: Instagram/tannialvThe couple regularly enjoy luxury holidays abroadCredit: Instagram/tannialvMidfielder Fornals married Tania in their native Spain in 2023, just 48 hours after helping his former club West Ham lift the Europa Conference League trophy. Before the big day, Fornals took to Instagram to post a short message joking: “Best week of my life for sure. No worries my love, I’ll be there.”The couple, who already had one son, Martin, recently welcomed their second son Mateo into the world, with Tania posting a loving picture on social media captioned: “Welcome to the world little prince. You have arrived to complete us. Seeing you and your brother together is the most beautiful thing our eyes have ever seen.”The family returned to Spain when Fornals moved to Real Betis in 2024.With her model looks, Tania regularly posts about their family life along with breathtaking snaps of luxury holidays to Thailand, the Maldives and Paris.Johnny Cardoso and Lela ObinoStunning Lela is often seen on trips abroad to places like ParisCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoHer boyfriend Johnny hails from New Jersey in the United StatesCredit: Instagram/lelaobinoAmerican midfielder Johnny joined Real Betis in December 2023 and prefers to let his football do the talking, keeping his private life under wraps.But his Instagram posts reveal his long-term love is Lela Obino.Blonde Lela has almost 35k Instagram followers herself and regularly posts snapshots of the couple’s glamorous lifestyle including a city break to Paris, a ski trip to the French alps, and beach holidays in Portugal, Marbella and Greece.Read More on The SunAnd she likes to keep super-active, sharing pictures of her practising yoga, skate-boarding and water-skiing.It isn’t known what Lela does for a career, but with her stunning good looks and burgeoning social media followers, she could soon be counted amongst the ranks of WAG influencers. More

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      Why Real Betis are the NEWCASTLE of Spanish football as they gear up for Chelsea clash in Conference League final

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      CHELSEA face Real Betis in the Conference League final. Spanish football expert Andy West gives the lowdown on the Seville-based club and reveals their similarities to a Premier League side.Real Betis have never made it beyond a European quarter-final beforeCredit: ReutersFormer Premier League winner Manuel Pellegrini is their bossCredit: ReutersReal Betis are seen as a regional powerhouse, attracting an average attendance of more than 50,000 loyal fans.They also have a passionate wider fanbase scattered across the country, who display their famous striped shirts as a proud symbol of identity.But their big-club status has rarely been matched by on-field success, with several stints in the second tier testing the patience of long-suffering supporters.Yes, there is a strong case for arguing that Betis are Spain’s equivalent of Newcastle United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd after Toon’s trophy drought ended with March’s Carabao Cup glory, Betis fans are praying the comparison continues as they seek European silverware in the Conference League final against Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.The Spanish side are enjoying the most consistently successful spell in their history, qualifying for Europe every season since the 2020 arrival of coach Manuel Pellegrini.They have also claimed domestic silverware, winning the Copa del Rey in 2022.But the Blues clash is a first chance at continental glory for a club that had never progressed beyond European quarter-finals until this season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCHELSEA VS REAL BETIS – CONFERENCE LEAGUE FINAL STREAM AND TV INFOOn the subject of success, one big difference between Betis and Newcastle is that the former have a major rival in their own city.And it is cross-town Sevilla who have hogged the headlines in recent years by winning the Europa League SEVEN times since 2006.However, Betis are the better supported of the two clubs, as Seville native Javier Gancedo explained: “Within the city, there’s an even split between Betis and Sevilla fans.“But across the rest of Andalusia, nobody else supports Sevilla because they are the traditional team of the city’s ruling class who controlled everything.“On the other hand, Betis have always been for the working class. And their green and white colours are the same as the Andalusia flag, showing how they represent people from all over the region.”Andalusia saw around 1.5 million people emigrate there during the 1950s and 1960s to find work in cities like Madrid and Barcelona.They took their love for Betis with them.Andalusia is culturally unique — tapas and flamenco, hot sun and hotter emotions, fed by strong traces of Muslim and Gypsy cultures.That mix comes together — expressive and creative football is a given, best embodied in the club’s greatest ever player, Joaquin.When he retired two years ago after making 528 appearances, the  winger said: “We Beticos are different. It’s a way of life united by passion and love… a completely different way of seeing football.”Their fans have a heart-warming Christmas tradition of throwing soft toys on to the pitch at half-time, so they can be collected and donated to local underprivileged children.Read More on The SunSwap the fog on the Tyne for scorching sunshine, and exchange Geordie grit for Spanish flair. But the intensity of support — and the long wait for silverware — is the same.And if the comparison between Newcastle and Betis continues with a trophy, the celebrations will be just as memorable.Ex-Real Madrid man Isco is their key playerCredit: GettyBetis will hope to end their long wait for silverware like NewcastleCredit: Getty More

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      Inside Antony’s loan masterclass as Man Utd misfit goes from zero to hero at Real Betis after battling inner demons

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      FEW players get the chance to redeem themselves after being labelled an outright flop.But following his disastrous £86m move to Manchester United, Antony has gone from zero to hero thanks to a spectacular loan switch to LaLiga side Real Betis.Antony has had an incredible revival since joining Real Betis on loanCredit: GettyThe Brazilian was unable to live up to his mammoth price tag when he swapped Ajax for Old Trafford in 2022, scoring just five league goals in 62 appearances for Man Utd.And when he was sent on loan to Real Betis in January it felt like a move to help remove distractions and take hefty wages off the books at United amid Ruben Amorim’s upheaval of a failing squad.Instead, it turned out to be the revival of Antony’s career.The switch has seen Antony’s reputation do a full 180 flip, earning him a return to the national team fold with Brazil and an army of adoring Betis fans begging for him to stay.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDANCING WITH THE DEVILSAntony, 25, had battled with poor form, the heavy weight of his mega transfer fee and the pressure of playing for a club under the brightest of spotlights during his time at Manchester United.Fans had been calling for him to be dropped and pundits and ex-pros were scathing in their assessments of his time in the Premier League. It was something that was clearly getting to the former Sao Paolo winger, who revealed this week that he would go DAYS without eating while at United as he “couldn’t take it anymore”.In an emotional interview with TNT Sports Brazil, Antony revealed: “I wanted to do things [at Man Utd], but they didn’t see to work out because I wasn’t happy.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”I didn’t feel that desire to play football, and I needed to find myself and be happy again because playing football was always something I loved.“I went through difficult times when I no longer felt that pleasure. I even always told my brother, I told him that I couldn’t take it anymore.“[My brother] told me to hold on a little longer, that things were going to change. It even made me emotional, because they were very hard days for me.“Only I know what it was like to be there at home, not having the strength to even play with my son, going days without eating, staying locked in my room.“So, for me it was very complicated, but thank God, with the help of my family and mainly with the help of God, I managed to get ahead and today I am very happy here.”Antony broke down in tears as he recalled what it was like at Man UtdCredit: TNTBET-IS ON MEIt looked like Antony was down and out at United, a player that wasn’t going to return to the form that earned him his Premier League move in the first place.That was until Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis came knocking, offering to pay in excess of 84 percent of Antony’s £130,000-per-week salary to give him a shot at redemption.Antony jumped at the opportunity, telling the club’s official outlet when he first signed: “When the opportunity arose to come to Betis, my head was already here”.Betis needed a spark, finding themselves on a run of nine games with just one win in LaLiga – Antony would be the man to provide it.After just six appearances for his new club, Antony had made five goal contributions – helping the Spanish side return to form and book a spot in the Last 16 of the Conference League.Things looked like they could have got off to a shocking start when he was shown red in just his fourth La Liga game for a lunge on Getafe defender Juan Iglesias during a 2-1 win.Fortunately, that decision was overturned retrospectively and Antony returned to the side the following week to help Betis pull off a shock 2-1 victory over Real Madrid.Real Betis agreed to cover the majority of Antony’s wages when he joinedCredit: AFPFEEL GOOD, PLAY GOODAntony was enjoying football again, playing the best he had since his time in Ajax some three years ago.The Brazilian, who recently claimed he doesn’t feel pressure thanks to his upbringing playing football against ‘drug traffickers’, was seeing the results of his clear mind play out on the pitch.Conversation is Spain has put Antony as one of La Liga’s best players in the second half of the season.His efforts helped Betis secure a Europa League place for next season, finishing sixth as they lost just three league games since his arrival from United.That run included a win over Real Madrid, a draw against champions Barcelona and a victory over bitter local rivals Sevilla.It was that 2-1 win over Sevilla that prompted Betis teammate Isco to tell Dazn: “We’ll have to do a crowdfunding to bring him here another year at least”.While Antony had fallen in love with the club, saying: “I love the club, the city, everything. The sunshine, the people, the food: it reminds me of Brazil. “And most importantly, I’ve found myself. I wasn’t playing much [at United]. I needed to be happy in myself.”EUR THE MANIt isn’t just in La Liga where Antony has shone, but also in the Conference League.Betis have earned a place in Wednesday’s Conference League final against Chelsea, the club’s FIRST EVER European final.And they wouldn’t have done it without Antony.The silky dribbler has made seven goal contributions during the knockout phases of the competition – including crucial influences in the semi-final against Fiorentina. A stunning winner in the first leg and a breathtaking freekick and assist in the second leg made Antony the stand out star across the tie.Now he has the opportunity to cap off what has been a fairytale loan spell with European silverware and a place in the history books at Betis.Antony was crucial as Betis earned a spot in their first ever European finalCredit: GettyREAPING THE REWARDSAntony has scored nine goals and provided five assists in his 25 appearances for Betis this term.That form hasn’t gone unnoticed.This week Antony earned his first callup to the Brazilian national team since 2023. The 16-time Brazil cap will wear the famous yellow shirt once again after new boss Carlo Ancelotti was impressed by what he has seen from the winger in La Liga.Antony will join the likes of Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli and Vinicius Junior in Ancelotti’s squad for Brazil’s upcoming World Cup qualifying clashes with Ecuador and Paraguay. Antony hasn’t played for Brazil since 2023Credit: GettyANT GOING ANYWHERENaturally, with those spectacular performance comes a clamor for the 25-year-old to stay at Betis.Los Verdiblancos fans are keen to see the Antony remain at the Benito Villamarin stadium, so much so they have begun chanting for him to stay put. The former flop is regularly mauled by supporters in Spain and they can often be heard chanting: “Antony Stay!” from the stands.It’s not just fans that have voiced their opinions on Antony’s future either, Betis legend Joaquin joked that he was prepared to “kidnap” the star man in order to prevent him returning to Man Utd.He told Movistar TV: “I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what. However it happens, he has to stay.”The Athletic report that representatives from Man Utd and Betis are set to discuss Antony’s future at the end of the season, having already spoken during the Conference League semi-finals.It’s thought that United would require a £32.5m fee to avoid a loss on Antony under the Premier League PSR regulations.That fee is understood to be a stretch for Betis, who could instead offer to pay Antony’s full wage packet to convince the Red Devils to let him leave on loan again next term.Read More on The SunBetis president Angel Haro recently told COPE radio: “To buy Antony outright would be very, very difficult.”We’ll have a meeting with Manchester to extend the loan for another year, to be able to share a percentage of the player… it’s about seeing the predisposition of the player, and of Manchester.”Man Utd could sell Antony permanently in the summerCredit: Getty More

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      Marc Cucurella was so unpopular at Barcelona his team-mates couldn’t even look at him – now he’s undroppable at Chelsea

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      MARC CUCURELLA has faced rejection many times in his career but he just doesn’t give up.When he signed from Espanyol nobody at Barcelona would talk to him for weeks because he celebrated wildly after beating them in a youth cup game. Cucurella has had to overcome adversity but he’s living his best life at ChelseaCredit: GettyHis start to life at Chelsea was tough but he’s overcome his problemsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportCucurella was such a massive hit at Brighton when he first arrived in EnglandCredit: AFPHe’d come to training but would never talk to anyone and mostly sat in the changing room by himself.In an exclusive interview, his old team-mate at Barcelona, Carles Alena, told SunSport: “He took his shirt off, went wild and the crazy thing is, a month later, he had signed for Barcelona so you can imagine how we felt.“When he came to Barca for preseason, I remember I couldn’t even look at him. Neither could many of my team-mates and he didn’t want to look at us either.“He was kind of embarrassed and I remember those first few days, he’d sit in the locker room without even making eye contact, like ‘Damn, what have I done?’”READ MORE IN CHELSEABut football has a unique way of joining people and it wasn’t long before his new team-mates started to understand it was all done in the spirit of competitiveness. His second immediate challenge was to break into the first team, every player who comes through their La Masia academy dreaming of playing for Barcelona. If they don’t, it can crush them – but Cucurella’s story is proof that sometimes to win, you have to lose first.The first-team league debut never came. So in the summer of 2018 with the transfer window about to close, he got a phone call from Eibar sporting director Fran Garagarza.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeHe said: “Hey, I know you want to play at Barcelona but maybe you can play at Eibar first, then you can show them what you’re made of.”Most young players at La Masia would hesitate but Cucurella was hungry to play so he didn’t dwell on it for long. Marc Cucurella wipes away tears as Chelsea star and Wag Claudia Rodriguez reveal emotional strain of son Mateo’s autismHe had come from Espanyol and after a difficult start won over everyone but he had a feeling it was time to go big time.Alena, who had become his best friend in the squad, revealed: “He didn’t want to play in Segunda B again.”Then the opportunity with Eibar came up, and I think he made the right choice because he had a coach there, Mendilibar, who really trusted him. “He became even more of a footballer there than he already was.”The meeting to leave Barcelona lasted just two hours, that was it. From that moment, his life and mindset changed.He went from waiting for opportunities to creating them himself. Sometimes that’s all you need.He was one of the popular faces at La Masia, but there were others seen as more talented or higher in the pecking order – but still he was more aggressive, more driven.Cucurella and his family are settled in London nowCredit: instagram/@_claurodriBarcelona agreed to a loan with Eibar, with a £2million option to buy, and a £4m buy-back clause. Everyone was satisfied.Eibar coach Jose Luis Mendilibar, who gave him his debut, told Marca: “He’s a kid who’s neither fast nor strong.“In all the measurements we do with the many machines we have, he doesn’t fit into any of them.“You’d never sign him based on that but he’s a footballer, very smart. He chooses well. That’s Marc Cucurella.”In the entire Spanish football pyramid, Eibar is one of the hardest places to play. They’re a small team from a tiny village in the Basque region, known for playing physical, direct football, more like English teams than the typical Spanish style.Cucurella had to leave Barcelona to become his own manCredit: Getty ImagesFor someone from La Masia, that should’ve been a challenge but Cucurella excelled there.They say you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option – so the new challenge tested him and he passed with flying colours.Eibar exercised the buy option and Barcelona bought him back for £4m, making Eibar a £2m profit in just one season.Getafe daysCucurella returned to Barcelona twice as tall, more confident and having proved himself by helping a small club punch above their weight.One team stood out among the clubs interested, Getafe.Ramon Planes, now sporting director at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, knew the Spanish system well and had kept a close eye on Cucurella.He convinced Barcelona to do a similar deal as they had with Eibar but this time for £10m potentially rising to £18.5m.Cucurella spent two seasons at Getafe, playing their memorable Europa League campaign and helping the team cement their LaLiga status.Left-back Marc Cucurella has come through the ranks in Barcelona’s academyCredit: Getty ImagesAmankwaa Akurugu, the backup left-back to Cucurella at Getafe, exclusively tells SunSport: “I was young and he came in with so much experience and energy.“He was exemplary in the dressing room but it was on the pitch where his energy really showed, his pressing was relentless and his defensive work was solid.“He never acted like he was from Barcelona and deserved respect. He was humble, cracked jokes with us and made everything easy.“He easily could’ve acted like the boss after all he’d done well the previous season and was still on Barcelona’s books but none of that shows how grounded he is.”BrightonCucurella’s stock kept rising, West Ham showed strong interest but David Moyes didn’t think he would be a good fit for their style.That turned out to be the Irons’ loss and Brighton’s gain.From day one in East Sussex he was a hit. You can spend years sharpening your skills and then when success comes it often happens fast and feels inevitable.Cucurella was excited to be in the Premier League. Brighton was different from Espanyol, Barcelona, Eibar, or Getafe, but it was a good fit. He loved how Graham Potter saw the game.By the end of his first season, he’d been named both Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season.Brighton are renowned for elite recruitment but few players have delivered value on and off the pitch as quickly and effectively as the curly-haired Spaniard.Chelsea beat Manchester City to his signatureCucurella’s breakout Premier League season caught the attention of Pep Guardiola, who reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the player.But once Brighton learned Chelsea were also in the race they raised the price and Manchester City couldn’t match it.Cucurella’s hardwork on the pitch has won over fansCredit: GettyChelsea paid a whopping £60m for him, but like at Barcelona, his start to life in West London was tough.Yet the lessons and experience of a tough beginning meant he stuck with it instead of jumping at the first opportunity to move.Manchester United lost two of their left backs and were looking for stop gap options.And Cucurella, struggling at Chelsea, could have jumped at the opportunity but he stuck and fought his way back from being surplus to requirement to being unstoppable this season. Everything about him has been exemplary at Chelsea, he’s added to his game, scores goals and defends aggressively. Read More on The SunNow when he doesn’t play there is a feeling that something is missing.And he might just be adding a Conference League title to his resume this week. More