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    Real Madrid line up ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti with Italian set for shock new job

    REAL MADRID are lining up Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti as boss, according to reports.The Italian’s future in the Spanish capital has come under the microscope since his side’s Champions League exit earlier this week.Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid future has come under the spotlightCredit: EPAXabi Alonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti in MadridCredit: ReutersSpeaking ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Athletic Bilbao, Ancelotti refused to confirm that he will remain in charge of Los Blancos for the Club World Cup this summer.According to The Athletic, Real Madrid chiefs have already “sounded out” Alonso over replacing Ancelotti.The Bayer Leverkusen boss, 43, played under Ancelotti with both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.Last season, the ex-Liverpool star guided Leverkusen to Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal successes, while also reaching the Europa League final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlonso is the favourite to replace Ancelotti, should the 65-year-old leave the Bernabeu as expected.Ancelotti could go on to manage Brazil at the 2026 World Cup.The experienced boss has long been linked with the Selecao.It’s claimed that a representative of Brazil’s football federation was in attendance at Real Madrid’s clash with Arsenal this week ahead of meetings with Ancelotti.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe Selecao are currently without a manager following Dorival Junior’s sacking last month.Real Madrid, meanwhile, could cut the gap to Barcelona at the top of LaLiga to four points with a win over Athletic Bilbao.New footage ‘shows Jude Bellingham in tense standoff with Ancelotti’ as Real Madrid boss ‘mortally wounded’ by Arsenal They will also face Barca in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, after which Ancelotti’s future is set to further come under the microscope.Speaking earlier today, the under-pressure boss said: “We’re still competing for trophies. We have one [the Copa del Rey final] in a week, and we have the first ever Club World Cup at the end of the season, it wouldn’t be right to do it now.”All I can do is thank these players, I’ve enjoyed this and I want to keep doing so. We’re still united, we have a great relationship.”Ancelotti then went on to add: “At the end of the season, I’ll talk about that with the club.”I don’t want to talk about my future today. It’s an obvious question, but I don’t want to talk about it.”So all I say is we’ll talk about it with the club at the end of the season.”Read More on The SunAncelotti won LaLiga and the Champions League last season.But a trophyless campaign this time around could spell the end of his second spell in Madrid.Ancelotti, 65, saw his side dumped out of the Champions League this weekCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Absolutely generational’ – Lamine Yamal, 17, inspires epic Barcelona comeback after shocking home collapse

    LAMINE YAMAL inspired an epic Barcelona comeback against Celta Vigo to leave his side seven points clear at the top of LaLiga.Yamal and Dani Olmo came off the bench to spark an incredible turnaround, as Barca came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 and edge closer to LaLiga glory.Lamine Yamal’s genius inspired an epic Barcelona comeback against Celta Vigo in LaLigaYamal was brought on when Barca were 2-1 downThe 17-year-old sent in a delicious cross to assist Raphinha’s equaliserBarca came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 and edge closer to LaLiga gloryBarca manager Hansi Flick rotated his squad after their 5-3 aggregate win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.Barcelona had the lead within 11 minutes thanks to Ferran Torres, who started ahead of Yamal.But Celta hit back within four minutes as Borja Iglesias got on the end of a cross and finished past Wojciech Szczesny just before half-time.Iglesias put Vigo 2-1 up before Flick brought on the calvary soldiers, introducing Yamal for Torres and Olmo for Fermin Lopez.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Iglesias completed his stunning hat-trick, before Spain Euro 2024 winners Yamal and Olmo switched it up a gear.Olmo found the net after Raphinha’s clever pass, hitting the bottom corner and sparking hope of a comeback.And Yamal sent in a delicious cross to assist Raphinha’s equaliser, before the former Leeds star scored a last-minute penalty to secure all three points and move seven points clear of Real Madrid.But fans were quick to praise Yamal’s lively cameo, with one writing: “Absolutely generational. Sometimes I can‘t believe Lamine Yamal is only 17.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another said: “Yamal completely changed the game!”A third added: “He is simply sensational.”Craig Burley praises Lamine Yamal’s clutch goal in Spain’s win One more wrote: “Yamal is the best footballer in the world at 17 do you know how crazy that is?”Meanwhile, former Premier League star Raphinha has now provided 25 goal contributions in LaLiga this season.And the Ballon d’Or favourite has 53 goals or assists across all competitions this term.Raphinha scored two in the comeback More

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    Non-league club left stunned after 100 Spanish fans join them in stands for match after following team online

    FANS of footie minnows Harborough Town were stunned when more than 100 Spanish supporters joined them in the stands.Two coachloads visited for the clash with St Ives Town in seventh tier Southern League Premier Division last Saturday.100 Spanish football fans turned up to support seventh tier club Harborough TownCredit: RB MediaThe fans have been following the team on YouTubeCredit: RB MEDIAMany wore the team’s yellow shirt and chanted in their own language in Market Harborough, Leics.They were on a trip organised by YouTube channel La Media Inglesa, which covers British football for Spanish speakers.Ilie Oleart, who founded the group in 2011, asked 440,000 subscribers which lower league team they’d like to see and they backed Harborough.Earlier this season, the club reached the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in their 50-year history.read more on footballIlie said: “I met people at the club in September to get to know their history, the town and the facilities. “We thought they were the perfect club with the right values to share with our audience. “It was the best trip we have had so far.”The Espanyol supporter, from Barcelona, hopes to bring 300 fans next year. Most read in FootballAfter Harborough’s 2-1 defeat, players shared a beer with their new fans, who can stream future matches on YouTube. The group has previously taken supporters to games at Brighton and Hove Albion, Sheffield United and Wycombe Wanderers.Barcelona ‘chasing shock Son Heung-min transfer as cash-strapped Spanish giants target FOUR massive name free agents’Alvaro Sanz, from Madrid, added: “Some of the local fans were quite surprised, probably wondering what 100 Spaniards were doing there.“We occupied a full stand and started cheering from the first second of the game. “Quite a few local fans joined us, and we even taught them some chants in Spanish.”Harborough chairman Pete Dougan also revealed the Bees will travel to Spain for a pre-season tour of Barcelona and Madrid in July.He said: “It was a great day and the atmosphere they generated was superb. “Our fans were singing in English then they sang back in Spanish. It was good fun.”Many wore the team’s yellow shirt and chanted in their own languageCredit: Facebook More

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    ‘Build him a statue’ – Man Utd fans stunned as they realise £70m ‘flop’ single-handedly saved the day in Lyon clash

    IN all the chaos of Manchester United’s thrilling 7-6 aggregate victory over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals, one star was initially overlooked for his huge role in the comeback.Bruno Fernandes spearheaded the fightback with a perfect penalty before Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire scored injury-time goals in extra time to seal a 5-4 win on the night and send Old Trafford into meltdown.Casemiro was the unsung hero of Man Utd’s win over LyonCredit: GettyThe Brazilian midfielder was labelled ‘the godfather’ for his displayCredit: GettyHowever, one star played an overlooked part in all three goals, Casemiro.After a strong start to his Man Utd career, the £70million Brazilian midfielder has rightly been criticised for many of his displays over the past two seasons, often looking leggy and making some high-profile errors to give away goals.But against Lyon, the 33-year-old showed off his class and guts by having a hand in all three of the Red Devils’ extra-time goals.Casemiro was firstly involved with the score at 4-2 to Lyon when he found his way into the box and was all set to score before he was fouled for the penalty, which Fernandes then duly converted.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Real Madrid midfielder was then involved again as the ball was played into him on the edge of the box before he laid off a pass to Mainoo.The academy graduate, who turns 20 this weekend, then produced a deft touch to move inside his marker before curling a shot into the bottom-right corner and past goalkeeper Lucas Perri.And mere seconds after the restart, Casemiro picked up the ball in the left half-space, turned and started dribbling towards goal.He then lifted a perfectly weighted cross to the far post where Maguire had peeled away from his marker, which saw the centre-half nod home the winner.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAs well as his assists for the three late goals, Casemiro also had an excellent game in his less glamorous duties.He won the most duels (nine) and created the most chances out of any Man Utd player against Lyon, as well as racking up three tackles, winning possession seven times and making eight clearances.Ruben Amorim will go all out to secure Europa League glory for Man Utd Following the thrilling clash, fans highlighted Casemiro’s efforts during the emotionally draining 120 minutes of action.Taking to social media, one fan said: “Build Casemiro a statue, I didn’t even realise he assisted all three late goals.”A second said: “Two assists and a penalty won all in extra time. Casemiro, ladies and gentlemen.”A third added: “Never doubt the goat.”Another said: “Man United really did what we wanted to see from Real Madrid yesterday. Casemiro two assists in the Remontada, he still got the Real Madrid clutch DNA.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordA fifth said: “Uncle saw Rice against Real Madrid & wanted to remind everyone that the Godfather is still around.”A sixth said: “Genuinely thought I was watching 2017 Casemiro in the UCL tonight. That was a monumental performance from him, 120 mins of just excellence and then ends it with two assists and a penalty won in seven minutes?! Genuinely, wow.”Casemiro’s heroics to get Man Utd to the semi-finals will see him return to Spain to face a familiar foe in Athletic Bilbao, who defeated Rangers 2-0 on aggregate in their own quarter-final.However, he and his team-mates will be fighting against history, with Man Utd having not beaten the Spanish outfit since the Busby Babes graced the Old Trafford turf in 1957.Man Utd have played the Basque outfit four times overall, losing their most recent two encounters in 2012 under Sir Alex Ferguson.Read More on The SunIn general, they have a poor record against Spanish opposition, with only 23 wins from a total of 76 games – a win rate of just 30.26 per cent.The semi-final clashes will take place on May 1 and May 8, with the latter fixture once again coming at Old Trafford.Man Utd ratings vs LyonMANCHESTER UNITED scored three goals in seven unbelievable minutes to beat Lyon in one of the all-time great nights at Old Trafford.The Red Devils looked to be putting in one of their best displays since Ruben Amorim took over as they raced into a 2-0 lead.But after conceding one goal, they let the ground slip from under them, quickly giving away another to allow Lyon to take the game to extra time.Not even a red card for Corentin Tolisso could get United out of their slump as the French side completely dominated most of the additional 30 minutes.Rayan Cherki and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty meant the visitors looked home and hosed before Casemiro was fouled and Bruno Fernandes hit home from the spot.Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire then both netted in stoppage time of extra time to secure a scarcely believable win.Here’s how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the United stars on a night that went from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again. 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    Myles Lewis-Skelly winds up Real Madrid fans and spits water after Arsenal win as fans say ‘going straight to the top’

    MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY was spotted winding up Real Madrid fans during Arsenal’s famous victory in the Bernabeu.The Gunners wrapped up their Champions League quarter-final victory over Los Blancos with a 2-1 win in the second leg.Myles Lewis-Skelly wound up the Real Madrid fans at the BernabeuCredit: XHe was filmed shouting ‘vamos’ towards the home crowdCredit: XIt followed on from the stunning 3-0 romp at the Emirates in the first leg to boost Arsenal’s credentials to go all the way.Mikel Arteta’s side included remarkable performances from the likes of Declan Rice and Jakub Kiwior across the two legs.However, Lewis-Skelly, 18, was also a standout performer despite his tender age.He had already proved himself in the Premier League this season and has confirmed himself as one of the top prospects in Europe.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe defender has clearly seen his confidence rise due to his success on the pitch, as he proved in the Spanish capital.During the match, Lewis-Skelly was filmed from the stands goading the home support.A video on social media shows him shouting “vamos” to the crowd while taking a drink. Arsenal supporters have loved seeing the confidence in the teenager as they reacted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne posted: “This is the man I love.”A second commented: “MLS is him. Going straight to the top.”Tunnel footage shows Arsenal stars’ team-talk before Real Madrid clash including Rice’s inspirational 5-word command A third wrote: “I love footballers with personality who more than back it up with ability – obscenely talented young man.”A fourth said: “Absolutely love him.”Another added: “Love this. What a player he will be.”Lewis-Skelly played the full match in Spain and put in a top job to keep Rodrygo under wraps.It was not just the fans that he trolled either, as after the game he took aim at Madrista Antonio Rudiger.The former Chelsea star stepped on the Arsenal man during the match, and the defender included a picture of the incident on Instagram.Read More on The SunLewis-Skelly and co will be hoping for the same success in the Champions League semi-finals.The North London outfit will be taking on Paris Saint-Germain, who have already dumped out Liverpool and Aston Villa.Arsenal ratings v Real MadridARSENAL’S heroes dumped the Kings of Europe out of the Champions League in dramatic fashion.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

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    How Real Madrid could line up under Jurgen Klopp with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool and RB Leipzig stars

    JURGEN KLOPP has been linked with a shock move to Real Madrid after it was reported that manager Carlo Ancelotti will soon depart.According to Sky Sports, Ancelotti, 65, is set to walk away from Real after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 following Wednesday’s Champions League elimination to Arsenal.Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a shock move to Real Madrid a year after leaving LiverpoolReal manager Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with a departure this monthKlopp could reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold and another Liverpool star at RealAnd UOL Esporte report Klopp, 57, is “ready” to take over at the Santiago Bernabeu a year after leaving Liverpool.The same source claims the German tactician is “unhappy” in his new job at Red Bull as Global Head of Football.Thus, the Liverpool legend is open to talking to Madrid, with the intention of returning to coaching as early as July.The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss reportedly has a special clause that could see him cut his contract short for a return to the dugout.Read More on FootballIf he succeeds Ancelotti then the German may go back to his Liverpool contacts book to lure some fresh talent to the Spanish capital.The famous gaffer could also bring in some of the players he is currently dealing with at Red Bull.For starters, Klopp could reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold who turned down a new contract with the Reds and is close to moving to Real as a free agent in June.It’s understood he’s already agreed terms on a £240,000-a-week deal at the Bernabeu. Most read in FootballLos Blancos have also been previously linked with Alexander-Arnold’s team-mate Ibrahima Konate.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKonate joined the Merseysiders from RB Leipzig in 2021 under Klopp and his contract runs out in 2026. That means the Premier League champions-elect may have to sell the centre-back this summer to avoid losing him for free, like they’re doing with TAA.Carlo Ancelotti shows his disappointment as Real Madrid crashes out of Champions League to Arsenal Therefore, if Klopp moves to Madrid then the Spanish champions could have Trent at right-back with David Alaba on the other side, while Konate could team up with Antonio Rudiger at centre-back in front of star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga – already at Real Madrid – may link up in midfield.Alexander-Arnold’s England team-mate Jude Bellingham could start at No10 with Vinicius Jr on his right and Kylian Mbappe on the other side.And when it comes to the man that would lead the line, that is where Klopp’s Red Bull contacts would come into play.The ex-Mainz boss could call on Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, who has also been linked with Arsenal.Real have so much quality that they wouldn’t need much tweaking, but Klopp would be able to attract some of Liverpool and Red Bull’s best players. More

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    Get Arsenal to win Champions League at 100/1 after Real Madrid heroics with talkSPORT BET

    JUST four remain in the Champions League with Arsenal and their supporters dreaming of continental glory.The 5-1 thumping of Real Madrid – including winning at the Bernabeu – was a statement result in the competition and they’ll be feared by semi final opponents PSG and potential finalists Barcelona and Inter.Despite being in the semis, talkSPORT BET have a sensational boost live until Sunday evening – offering brand new customers a whopping 100/1* on the Gunners winning the Champions League!Get Arsenal to win Champions League at 100/1Arsenal to win Champions League – 100/1 HERE*They’re set to finish second best in the Premier League behind runaway leaders Liverpool.So it’s now all eggs into the European basket, with Mikel Arteta and co on the brink of something special in the premier competition.Taking a 3-0 lead to the Bernabeu is one thing but winning 2-1 in the Spanish capital showed a ruthlessness in this Arsenal side that has been missing in recent seasons.Despite Gabriel’s absence, Arsenal defended strongly, keeping Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to a minimum on the big stage.They’ll need to keep that up when the PSG double-header comes around later this month and a formidable opponent will await them in the final in either Barcelona or Inter.But there’s no reason why the Gunners should fear any of them and make a mockery of the third-favourites tag they’ve got heading into the semis.Heading into the games, their usual price is 11/4 to win the Champions League.But talkSPORT BET have boosted it massively, offering new customers a whopping 100/1* to lift the trophy at the end of the season!Get Arsenal at 100/1 to win Champions LeaguetalkSPORT BET specialCreate your talkSPORT BET account HERE*Opt in to this promotion via the Offers tab or Sign-Up page. Make your first deposit of £5 minimumPlace a max £1 bet at the normal price on Arsenal – Champions League Winner 2024/25, before 23:59 on 20/04/2025You must do this between 08:00 on 16/04/2025 and 23:59 on 20/04/2025.If the bet wins, you’ll be paid at the normal price.You will have the extra amount credited in Free Bets, shortly after settlement, bringing your total returns up to the enhanced price of 100/1.Arsenal to win Champions League – 100/1 HERE*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*18+ New customers only. Opt in and bet max £1 on Arsenal – Champions League Winner 2024/25 by 23:59 on 20/04/2024. Enhanced odds paid in Free Bets, which expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly More

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    Jude Bellingham posts public heartfelt apology after Arsenal’s Champions League win over Real Madrid

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has posted a heartfelt apology following Real Madrid’s Champions League exit.The England star, 21, was in action as the Spanish giants lost 2-1 to Arsenal last night.Jude Bellingham was involved in the thick of the action last nightCredit: GettyReal Madrid had gone into the match bullish over their chances of overturning their three-goal deficit from the first leg in North London.Bellingham had even called it a “night made for Madrid”.But Carlo Ancelotti’s side never came close to giving the Gunners a scare.Following his side’s exit, Bellingham wrote on Instagram: “Simply didn’t live up to the expectations of this club in either of the games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Sorry Madridistas, we understand how much these nights and this competition means to you.”There’s still opportunities to save this season but it’s only possible by staying together. Real Madrid will be back!”Los Blancos are second in LaLiga, four points behind leaders Barcelona with seven games remaining.The two sides will meet each other in Catalonia on May 11.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKReal Madrid will also face Barcelona in the Copa de Rey final on April 26.Reports claim that Ancelotti could leave Real following the showpiece final.Jude Bellingham confidently claims ‘everyone thinks it’s nailed on’ that Real Madrid will win Arsenal tie from 3-0 downThe Spanish giants have been linked with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who is claimed by reports in Spain to be interested in the role.Speaking about his Real future following defeat to Arsenal, Ancelotti said: “Maybe the club decides to replace me and maybe it could be this year, or next year when my contract is over.”But when I am done here, I will be grateful to this club.”That could be tomorrow, 10 days, one month or in one year, but if my contract ends or doesn’t end, I really don’t care.”We have managed the bright side many times and we have won titles, but we need to manage the dark side too.”We need to accept it because over the two games, Arsenal have been better than us.” More