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      How Girona pulling off the ultimate footballing fairytale could be a Champions League nightmare for Man City

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      IT would be a football fairytale that might even eclipse Leicester if Girona can hang on to top spot and win the Spanish league.And if they do it would be celebrated as enthusiastically in one corner of Manchester as it would in Catalonia.
      Girona are in the LaLiga title raceCredit: Rex
      Girona winning the league could see Man City lose their European spotCredit: PA
      The transformation of the club since the City Football Group acquired a stake in the summer of 2017 has been incredible.
      Opta’s latest European football Power Rankings – published just before Christmas – produced a few wry smiles at their Etihad HQ.
      Not surprisingly, City were top of their pile while Girona were ranked in 24th place – one spot above Manchester United.
      It’s looking increasingly likely they could have two clubs qualify for the Champions League next season – while the Red Devils’ hopes are fading.
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      Who could have seen that coming back in 1999 when Sir Alex Ferguson was leading his club to an historic treble on a famous night in Barcelona?
      Some 50 miles across the region that year, Girona were playing in the fifth tier of Spanish football – typically in front of around 200 fans.
      They only reached the top flight in their country in 2017, a couple of years after Pere Guardiola – younger brother of you know who –  had arrived to shake things up.
      Even now they have only spent four seasons in LaLiga – yet here they are looking down on the traditional heavyweights Real Madrid, Atletico and Barcelona from the summit.
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      Sunday’s 5-1 thumping of Europa League holders Sevilla was another indication they are not going to go without a fight.
      At the very least a place in the top four looks theirs for the taking – as they have an 11 point cushion to fifth place.
      Despite the rules around clubs with shared ownership, Guardiola Jr is optimistic they will be able to compete in the same competition as City.

      Asked if there is a possibility they wouldn’t be allowed into the Champions League, the club chairman said: “I don’t think so – the Uefa rules are clear.
      “Some adjustments will need to be made – but there won’t be any problems.”
      The governing body may need some convincing but Leipzig and Salzburg – both owned by Red Bull – have found ways round them before and the CFG will look to do likewise.
      Guardiola Jr went on to explain that the 13 clubs in the group are largely run independently – but there are things they can share.
      The model may have to be tweaked if Girona are playing in the same Uefa competition as their sister club City next season. 
      What clubs do the City Football Group own?CFG have a stake in 12 football clubs in six continents
      Manchester City: England
      New York City: United States
      Melbourne City: Australia
      Yokohama F. Marinos: Japan
      Montevideo City Torque: Uruguay
      Girona: Spain
      Sichuan Jiuniu: China
      Mumbai City: India
      Lommel: Belgium
      Troyes: France
      Palermo: Italy
      Bahia: Brazil

      Speaking to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Guardiola said: “Each club is organised and works individually. The model of a franchise cannot be applied to a football team.
      “But there is a synergy that leads to the sharing of data and information on players.
      “Daily life comes only from work on site – but there is still a sense of a team.
      “The sporting directors are in Manchester three or four times a year, the general managers have a weekly call to share the strategy of each club. It works very well.”
      Some would say it’s worked like a dream.
      Their highly-rated coach Michel Sanchez has assembled a squad of veterans, kids, free transfers and loans – spending only around £30million in the process.
      Among them are Brazilian pair Savio and Yan Couto – both borrowed from other clubs within the group.
      Eric Garcia and Aleix Garcia both had time on City’s books – while Prem fans will remember Daley Blind and keeper Pablo Gazzaniga.
      Yet they are top of the table on merit – top scorers in the league and with just one defeat – against Real Madrid back in September.
      No wonder Michel – who has been coach since summer 2021 – is being linked with other jobs such as Newcastle, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. 
      There is even talk the 48-year-old could be the man to step in once Pep finally decides to call time on his glittering spell at the Etihad.
      Out of the shadows
      Defender Eric Garcia – on loan from Barca – was well thought of by the current City boss and he might still be there now had he not turned down a new deal in summer 2020.
      But having played for both clubs he can see a common theme, saying: “The playing philosophy is very similar.
      “We try to play out from the back, press as quickly as possible when we lose the ball and play attacking football.
      “Obviously, from there our opponents are going to have chances because it’s what we expose ourselves to, although we try to minimise them.”
      After all these years in Barcelona’s shadow, kids in the city are now wearing Girona shirts  – and loving the journey their team are on.
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      Long-serving sporting director Quique Carcel admits these are emotional times and knows it will probably be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
      He said: “We could never have expected this. It’s historic. it won’t happen again because it is so, so difficult.”
      Pere Guardiola, seen here with brother Pep, is Girona’s chairmanCredit: AFP
      Artem Dovbyk is battling Jude Bellingham for the golden bootCredit: EPA More

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      New footage shows Jude Bellingham losing it with referee in Real Madrid clash and swearing at him in heated scenes

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      NEW FOOTAGE shows Jude Bellingham swearing at referee at half-time during Madrid’s clash with Almeria.The Madrid man can be heard swearing at the ref as he complains about not being given enough fouls during the game.
      Jude Bellingham fumed at the referee
      And was confused when the ref agreed with him
      He walked away in disgust
      New footage shows Bellingham saying: “That’s a foul on me there!”
      The referee replies saying: “I agree with you in that one.”
      Rather than the reply calming Bellingham down, he responded by saying: “Oh my God… brilliant. I don’t get a f*****g foul for you agreeing with me though. It’s just f*****g s**t man every week. F*****g hell.”
      Despite Bellingham’s complaints, Madrid were generally seen as the ones that got the rub of the green with decisions.
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      Madrid struggled massively against the bottom of the league side, who haven’t won a single game this season.
      They entered half-time at 2-0 down as Almeria raced into a surprise lead.
      Referee Francisco José Hernández Maeso was at the centre of the controversy for ruling out an Almeria goal, awarding Real Madrid a penalty and allowing a goal scored with Vinicius Junior’s upper arm to stand despite VAR intervention.
      All three decisions were made after Hernández Maeso rewatched the incidents on the pitch-side monitor.
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      Bellingham was on hand to score the penalty awarded by the referee after he judged Kaiky Fernandes to have handled the ball, despite him being pushed in the back by Madrid striker and former Stoke man Joselu.
      After the game, Almeria’s Edgar González said: “This is a competition that should be fair for everyone, and sometimes it’s hard to see that.
      “The [Madrid penalty] is a clear foul and I think the second is handball. All the decisions went in their favour.”
      Defender Marc Pubill also added: “somebody decided we couldn’t win and that’s what happened.”
      Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti saw things differently, however, saying: “I understand Almería’s anger with the decisions, but I think they were all correct.
      “I have seen them back. I think the referee gets them right. It’s not VAR making the decisions. VAR advises and the referee decides. I think he was right. More

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      LaLiga set for major broadcasting change after TV channel is AXED

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      FANS of LaLiga are set for big changes in how they watch matches this year.The Spanish top flight has been shown on ViaPlay since the Swedish streamers’ introduction into the UK market.
      LaLiga action has been shown on ViaPlay since 2022Credit: Rex
      ViaPlay bought Premier Sports’ UK rights in July 2022 in a deal believed at the time to be worth around £30million, a bundle that included LaLiga action.
      Following a period of assessment, ViaPlay deemed the UK market to be too crowded and competitive and opted to withdraw.
      This has led to Premier Sports’ shock return, with the broadcaster buying back their rights.
      Premier Sports agreed a three-year deal with LaLiga in June 2022.
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      The rights initially transferred over to ViaPlay, but are now set to return to Premier Sports, with 18 months remaining on the deal.
      Over the last 18 months, matches would sometimes be shown on ViaPlay Xtra, previously known as Freesports.
      Unlike ViaPlay 1 and ViaPlay 2, ViaPlay Xtra did not cost Sky or Virgin Media subscribers any more money and was included in their basic packages.
      The channel would show over 1000 sporting events per year, including some LaLiga matches, with no extra charge.
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      ViaPlay Xtra will soon be no more, however, with the channel set to be removed from TVs on January 25.
      Its removal, at least in the short-term, will leave a void in the UK’s semi-free sports broadcasting sphere.
      But Premier Sports could seek to address that in future, having previously carried Freesports on its Premier Player streaming service.
      ViaPlay Xtra’s removal is the first domino to fall in ViaPlay’s UK exit.
      ViaPlay 1 and 2 are set to follow “in early 2024” and will immediately be replaced by Premier Sports. More

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      Chelsea transfer target hits stunning SIX-MINUTE hat-trick to draw level with Jude Bellingham as LaLiga top scorer

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      CHELSEA transfer target Artem Dovbyk scored a six-minute hat-trick as he led Girona to a 5-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday.Sevilla broke the deadlock through Isaac Romero in the 10th minute, but Dovbyk equalised just three minutes later.
      Artem Dovbyk scored a hat-trick in six minutes against SevillaCredit: EPA
      The striker then fired his team into the lead within a matter of seconds before completing his hat-trick in the 19th minute.
      Dovbyk’s heroics saw him go level with Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham in the LaLiga Golden Boot race.
      Both players have now scored 14 goals, with the Ukrainian having played two more games than his English opponent.
      Girona went on to win 5-1 thanks to additional goals from Viktor Tsyhankov and Cristhian Stuani.
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      They now sit at the top of the LaLiga table, one point ahead of Real Madrid.
      Dovbyk has been one of the club’s most influential players so far this season.
      And his impressive performances have seen him attract interest from elsewhere.
      SunSport exclusively revealed last month that Chelsea were keen on signing him.
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      Dovbyk is the joint-top goalscorer in La Liga
      Mauricio Pochettino has sent scouts to watch Dovbyk this season.
      The 26-year-old’s physical profile has particularly impressed the Blues boss. More

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      Real Madrid fans say ‘we need to give Dortmund another £100m’ as Bellingham scores & assists 99th-minute winner in epic

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      REAL MADRID supporters have joked they should pay Borussia Dortmund more for Jude Bellingham after his latest heroics.Carlo Ancelotti’s side were 2-0 down at home to Almeria before a sensational comeback saw them win 3-2.
      INCREDIBLE! 😱😱In the 98th minute, Jude Bellingham’s cushioned header to the back post is finished by Dani Carvajal and Real Madrid go 3-2 up from being 2-0 down ⚪ pic.twitter.com/oIrAgLVEbl— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) January 21, 2024

      Jude Bellingham begun the comeback by scoring a penaltyCredit: Reuters
      He then turned provider as Dani Carvajal scored the last-gasp winnerCredit: AFP
      Bellingham inspired the incredible second-half performance as he coolly netted a penalty after 57 minutes.
      Vinicius Junior equalised ten minutes later to set up a frantic finish.
      Real Madrid pushed for the winner and got it in the 99th minute via Dani Carvajal.
      The right-back stabbed home from close range after Bellingham started the attack and then sprinted the length of the pitch to grab the assist by heading across the face of goal.
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      It was the 18th time the midfielder has scored for Los Blancos since his £115million move from Dortmund in the summer.
      And his assist tally for the season rose to eight.
      With Bellingham continuing to shine, Real Madrid fans would be happy send Dortmund extra cash as a thank you.
      One said: “We literally robbed Dortmund on Bellingham deal. Should’ve pay them £100m more.”
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      Another added: “The kid is carrying the worlds biggest club on his back.”
      A third commented: “99th minute of the game and Bellingham busts a gut to set-up the winner. What a player he is.”
      More reacted: “Bellingham is something else. That boy went to Real Madrid and just is shining, goals, assists, he’s doing it all.”
      The 20-year-old revelled in victory, tweeting after the game: “And breathe.”
      He will have plenty of time to recover from his lung-busting run in the closing stages as he is suspended for Real Madrid’s next game against Las Palmas on Saturday for picking up a fifth yellow card.
      Carvajal poked in the winning goalCredit: Getty More

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      Forgotten Newcastle star set for Rafa Benitez reunion after completing permanent transfer exit to join Celta Vigo

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      JAVIER MANQUILLO has left Newcastle to join Celta Vigo on a permanent basis.The move sees the Spaniard’s six-and-a-half year association with the Toon come to an end.
      Javier Manquillo played under Rafael Benitez at Celta VigoCredit: Reuters
      It also means that he will reunite with former Magpies boss Rafael Benitez.
      Celta currently sit 16th in LaLiga, having appointed Benitez last summer.
      Manquillo, 29, joined the Toon from Atletico Madrid in 2017 for around £4.5million.
      He had spent the previous campaign on loan fierce rivals Sunderland.
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      While he also spent the 2014-15 season at Liverpool.
      Manquillo played 110 times for the Toon, scoring his only goal in a 4-1 defeat at Manchester United in 2021.
      He has now signed an 18-month contract with Celta, having hardly played since Eddie Howe’s arrival on Tyneside.
      The full-back made just four substitute appearances in the Premier League last term.
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      Manquillo hasn’t featured at all this season, and has only even made the bench once in the Prem.
      Reacting to his departure, one fan wrote: “All the best @javiermanquillo…. Thanks for everything.”
      While a second commented: “Thank you Javier a loyal servant to the club best of luck.”
      Another added: “Always 100% and never backed out of a tackle. Thanks Javier, best of luck.” More

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      Vinicius Jr and Diego Simeone have to be separated by players and staff in heated Madrid derby

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      VINICIUS JR and Diego Simeone had to be separated following a heated Madrid derby.Atletico and Real locked horns at the Wandametroplitano Stadium on Thursday night in the last-16 of the Copa Del Rey.
      Vinicus Jr and Diego Simeone exchanged words during the Madrid derbyCredit: Getty
      The pair had to be separated from one anotherCredit: SSC SPORTS
      Vinicius Jr trudged off the pitch shortly after the incidentCredit: SSC SPORTS
      Simeone’s troops dumped the 20-time tournament winners out of the competition thanks to two extra-time strikes.
      And tensions boiled over at the final whistle, with scores of players and staff separating Vinicius Jr and Simeone.
      The incident seemed to stem from an exchange the pair had during the match, in which Vinicius gestured “seven” to the Atletico chief with his hands.
      Simeone responded with the same gesture but also appeared to shout something back at the Brazilian.
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      The Argentine was, understandably, quizzed about the incident in the aftermath of the pulsating derby but played down their angry viral exchanges.
      He said: “With Vinicius? There’s nothing to comment on. These are things that happen on the pitch.”
      Atletico ran out 4-2 winners thanks to goals from Samuel Lino, Alvaro Morata, Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme.
      Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said of the defeat: “We played a complete, even, hard-fought game against a strong opponent.
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      Diego Simeone downplayed his heated interactions with Vinicus JrCredit: GETTY
      “We left with a good feeling, but we’re not happy.
      “We tried in every way. It was a good game from us and also from Atleti.”
      He added: “Sometimes when you have the game under control, you don’t need to force the play.
      “We have young people with extraordinary quality, who try. [But] there are times in games when forcing the play isn’t necessary.
      “We lost because we took risks in an unnecessary play. The loss has punished us.”
      Atletico’s reward for their derby victory is a home tie with Sevilla next Wednesday. More

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      Kalvin Phillips ‘very favourable’ towards Barcelona loan but Premier League club leads transfer race for Man City ace

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      KALVIN PHILLIPS is “very favourable” towards a Barcelona loan but West Ham stands in the La Liga giant’s way for the midfielder.The Manchester City outcast has hinted that Barca are the frontrunners of the many clubs interested in signing him.
      Kalvin Phillips is ‘very favourable’ of a loan to BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      Phillips is looking for a way out of the Etihad Stadium after a lack of game time since his move from Leeds United in 2022.
      While Barca battle for the 28-year-old’s signature the Blaugrana’s financial woe – which has been long known – could stand in the way of the transfer.
      Phillips is said to be aware of the club’s economic crisis and has delayed his decision on what club to move to as he “sees Barcelona option very favourably”, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
      The move can only be finalised if the Catalonian giants can secure the player on a free loan having only to pay for the transfer fees.
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      However, Moyes’ Hammers are ready to splurge the cash in January which could turn Phillips’ head away from La Liga.
      West Ham’s hefty offer for the defensive midfielder can expect to convince Man City to send the Englishman to East London.
      Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in rivalling Xavi’s side.
      The only way for the midfielder to make a move to Camp Nou is for the club to complete the sale of 49 per cent of Barcelona Studios for £171million – £42million of which would be redirected to sign a new player.
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      A move to the Spanish side would guarantee Phillips Champions League football and also a run for the La Liga title.
      Fans will now wait for the Man City forgotten man as he is likely to hold out on his decision on a move until the last few days of the January transfer window.
      The England international will need to leave Pep Guardiola’s side if he wants to rake up his game time in the second half of the term.
      Phillips will be fighting alongside the rest of the Three Lions squad for a spot on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad this summer. More