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    Champions League stadium compared to giant AIR FRYER after special request is granted by Uefa

    SHOCKED fans labelled the Bernabeu Stadium an “air fryer” and a “dehumidifier off Wish” – after a controversial Uefa decision ahead of Real Madrid’s thriller with Manchester City.Football chiefs were accused of “absolutely ruining” the outside of the famous venue by letting Real put up a retractable roof.Here’s why the Bernabeu roof sparked such a heated reactionReal Madrid fans were made to sweat in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Man City but was it also because of the retractable roof?Credit: PAThe huge structure made the Bernabeu appear extremely oppressive from above – with little more than the pitch visible.And although the two teams cooked up a Champions League classic with their 3-3 draw, fans reckon Uefa cocked up with their contentious decision.As viewers turned up the heat on the new roof, one blasted: “Looks like an f***ing air fryer.”Another said: “Absolutely ruined the Bernabeu on the outside.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third posted: “Haha. I have an air conditioning unit just like it.”And a fourth joked: “It’s just not Real.”But the most painful dig was surely: “When you buy a new dehumidifier off Wish”Federico Valverde rescued a quarter-final first-leg stalemate for Jude Bellingham and co with a sizzling equaliser on 79 minutes.Most read in Champions LeagueAnd despite heavy criticism of the Bernabeu with its new cover, praise flowed in for the action out in the middle.”This game is definitely cooking,” said one fan – with one eye on the Etihad return leg next Wednesday.Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real MadridAnd a few supporters backed the Bernabeu roof revamp.One insisted it looked “top drawer!” More

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    Real Madrid 3 Man City 3: Foden and Gvardiol wondergoals not enough as Valverde scores an even better one in thriller

    JOSKO GVARDIOL is a centre-half, filling in at left-back, who had not scored and barely even had a shot in 32 appearances for Manchester City.So, in a game of beautiful bedlam, it was fitting that the Croatian should hammer home a corker to put Manchester City into pole position for next Wednesday’s second leg of this clash of European footballing royalty.Foden’s goal was arguably the pick of the bunchCredit: ReutersGvardiol gave him a run for his money thoughCredit: GettyBut Real gave as good as they got throughoutCredit: GettyWhen Jack Grealish cut back from the left, Gvardiol’s first touch was awful, almost gifting possession to Toni Kroos, but his second touch was a goal, as let rip from outside the area and propelled City into the lead.Federico Valverde volleyed a brilliant equaliser but, having survived some prime Real showboating and trailed for the majority of the game, City will be thrilled to go back to Manchester on level terms.Bernardo Silva had netted a stunning second-minute free-kick only for Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo to seize the lead for the 14-time champions of Europe.But Phil Foden netted a brilliant leveller, his 22nd goal of a stellar season, before Gvardiol fired the City second City cannonball in the space of five minutes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhat an absolute belter of a game this was, between the current champions of Europe and the side which has ruled the continent most often.Somehow City always seem to end up here for a knock-out tie. It was the fourth time in five seasons and Pep Guardiola’s side had won two of the previous three.It always feels like some sort of final – the best team in the world against the grandest club in the world, managed by the two most successful bosses of the Champions League era – Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.Maybe it will be the final before long or maybe the City project will be torpedoed by the myriad financial charges facing them, to be settled in the timescale of expensive lawyers.Most read in FootballBernardo Silva put City ahead with a smart free kickCredit: ReutersHe opened the scoring after just a minute and a halfCredit: GettyCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLast season, Kevin De Bruyne scored here in a 1-1 draw. This time, the Belgian was on the bench but he’d been suffering from a stomach upset rather than a Guardiola brainstorm.Real were sploshed 4-0 at the Etihad in the return leg last season, but that was pre-Jude Bellingham.Jude Bellingham stunned after journalist asks if he ‘wants to go home with her’ These days the Madrid metro system teems with Latin men wearing the name of a lanky 20-year-old Brummie lad on the back of their replica shirts.But it was another Brummie who lit the fuse on this firecracker, just a minute in.Jack Grealish stormed towards the Real box and was halted by a wrecking-ball challenge from Aurelien Tchouameni, who was booked and will miss the Etihad return next week.Real were set up for a crossed free-kick, so Bernardo leathered it towards the near post where a sprawling Andriy Lunin.Haaland almost made it two with a shot which Real’s Ukrainian keeper beat away in a chaotic scramble..Madrid always posed problems for City in transitionCredit: PA2′ ⚽️ Real Madrid 0-1 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆12′ ⚽️ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗱 1-1 Man City14′ ⚽️ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗱 2-1 Man City66′ ⚽️ Real Madrid 2-2 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆71′ ⚽️ Real Madrid 2-3 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆GVARDIOL SCORES AND MAN CITY LEAD 🔥#UCL pic.twitter.com/8i31nBBQ1K— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2024

    This vast old cooking pot had its lid on last night – a new retractable roof to improve the acoustics because there was nothing inclement about the weather.For a while it was merely increasing the volume of the whistling and whinging of the Madridistas.Not for long, though. Their showman struck up the music and for a spell it was as if they were playing while whistling Sweet Georgia Brown.Real, at their best, have always been football’s Harlem Globetrotters, making exhibition-match stooges of their opposition.Suddenly there were back heels, nutmegs and Cruyff turns as Real attacked with speed and sorcery.Had Vinicius Junior pulled a bunch of flowers out of his sleeve, it would not have been out of place.When Kylian Mbappe turns up here this summer, they are going to need two balls.The equaliser was fortuitous, Camavinga cut in from the right and his shot took a massive deflection off Ruben Dias to wrong-foot Stefan Ortega, surprisingly keeping his place ahead of a fit-again Ederson.Valverde had one last dagger for CityCredit: GettyCredit: The SunThe second was a pearl. Vinicius released Rodrygo down the left and the Brazilian turned full Road Runner, out-pacing Manuel Akanji, giving Ortega the eyes.Then he rolled a cute finish casually inside the far post, with just enough pace to find the back of the net, like a snooker player resting the cue ball against the baulk cushion.Teams very rarely do this sort of thing to City and they didn’t take it well.Akanji was booked for a foul on Vinicius, then the locals demanded a red when he piled into Rodrygo.City were missing Kyle Walker. They were missing proper full-backs in general. Why has Pep taken against them as a breed?Bellingham was performing so many back-heels, you wondered if he had his boots on back to front. He was getting carried away and risked a yellow which could have earned a suspension.Early in the second half, Bellingham feinted, sending two City defenders to the nacho stand, but shot narrowly wide. Then Vinicius fired over after a Hollywood pass from Toni Kroos.Rodri’s radar was on the blink, Camavinga was bossing midfield and at one point Haaland was charging back to win a tackle in the right-back position.Credit: The SunBut then City began to get a grip, pinning Real back and Foden seized his moment.Bernardo darted down the right and fed Stones who rolled a pass for his fellow England man to lash home a left-footed shot.Foden raced to the bench where he and Guardiola shared a manic celebration.Then came Gvardiol’s moment of unlikely genius and City thought they were heading back to the Etihad with a lead.Naturally, Vinicius soon wheeled away down the left and delivered a lofted square pass which Valverde walloped home on the volley.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat a game. What a treat. If you had any plans to go out next Wednesday night, cancel them.Unless you’re an Arsenal fan, the second leg is unmissable.Credit: The Sun More

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    Liverpool face huge Luis Diaz transfer dilemma with winger yet to agree new contract amid interest from European giants

    LIVERPOOL star Luis Diaz is attracting interest from two European giants, according to reports.The Colombian winger recently met with his agent Raul Costa to discuss his future.Luis Diaz could leave Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyDiaz has three years left on his contract but is at a crossroads this summer.Liverpool supposedly view the end of the season as the right time to sell the player should he not agree a new and improved long-term deal.The club want to offload players when their value is high amid the threat of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.Diaz is rated at £75million by Liverpool, according to The Telegraph.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey also claim that Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are both keen on signing him.However, the Catalan giants could find it hard to raise enough cash amid financial troubles.Real Madrid have previously been touted as a possible destination for Diaz.The 27-year-old shares an agent with Ruben Amorim, who has been linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Sporting Lisbon boss has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to become the next Liverpool manager.Sky Sports Germany say Amorim is willing to put pen to paper on a deal that will run to 2027.Jurgen Klopp manages to savage both Man Utd and his own Liverpool team with astonishing comment about ArsenalThe Portuguese boss’ deal in Lisbon runs for another two years and is believed to contain a £25m release clause. More

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    Jude Bellingham ‘touched Real Madrid players’ hearts’ with effort he made from the moment he arrived, reveals Joselu

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has touched Real Madrid stars’ hearts, says team-mate Joselu.The England superstar, 20, instantly became a key man in the Spanish capital after completing his £115million move from Borussia Dortmund last summer.Jude Bellingham has been a revelation for Real MadridCredit: GettyJoselu has loved playing with Bellingham this seasonCredit: GettyAhead of tonight’s huge Champions League quarter-final clash with Manchester City, Joselu has spoken of his pal’s incredible quality.Speaking to The Guardian, the former Newcastle and Stoke forward said: “Jude’s different class. Physically, he’s incredible. He’s very humble, a great team-mate.”From the start, he tried to speak Spanish. He’s touched everyone’s hearts: he’s very special.”I learned English when I was there and we speak a lot. I try to help.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Jude can achieve everything he sets his mind to. He has the potential to be really important for England and Madrid for as long as he wants.”He gives us something extra, not just as a goalscorer.”Bellingham has scored 16 goals in 23 LaLiga appearances this term, also laying on four assists.It’s been a similar story in the Champions League, with the Stourbridge-born star scoring four goals and assisting a further four in six appearances.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERReal Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has also raved about his team-mate.The German, 31, said: “At the beginning I was a bit surprised. I didn’t know much about him, to be honest.Vinicius Jr appears to ask Bellingham for Premier League star’s shirt as Real Madrid team-mates chat after England loss“But – wow! – he’s a big personality in our locker room and that’s massive. The way he handles himself is very good.“He’s only 20, but if you talk to him you feel like this guy has already seen everything in life.”He’s very mature, so I’m not surprised anymore.“I’m sure he’ll be a leader for you guys (England). For his age he’s very mature.”He’s just professional in everything he does. He’s a good lad.Antonio Rudiger has been full of praise for BellinghamCredit: AP More

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    Man City forced into last-minute change as Kevin De Bruyne drops to BENCH for huge Real Madrid clash

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been benched for Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid tonight.De Bruyne is unwell and will only be fit to play a role as a substitute.Kevin De Bruyne reported that he felt ill before the gameCredit: RexPep Guardiola was involved in an awkward interview with Jules BreachIn his pre-match interview, City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed that the 32-year-old has been vomitting.But it was somewhat of an awkward interview with TNT presenter Jules Breach, who misheard what the Spaniard said at first.Phil Foden has been restored to the starting line-up after being rested for the 4-2 victory against Crystal Palace.The two midfielders had been rotating in the XI, with De Bruyne playing City’s last game against Palace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe midfielder shone in a man-of-the-match performance, scoring twice.That came after Foden put in his own stunning performance mid-week against Aston Villa, scoring a hat-trick with De Bruyne being consigned to the bench.De Bruyne missed the early part of this season with a hamstring injury which had been plaguing him since the Champions League final last season.He returned in the New Year and has been eased back into the City first-team, largely sharing his minutes with Foden.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDe Bruyne was named City captain last summer after Ilkay Gundogan left the club.But his long-term absence saw him pass the responsibility along to Kyle Walker.Kevin De Bruyne and stunning wife Michele in ad City play Real Madrid at 8pm tonight in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.The club are still looking to put together a never-done-before back-to-back treble.In an unprecedented move, Real Madrid have opted to close the Bernabeu roof in a bid to create a hostile atmosphere at their iconic stadium. More

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    I’m a Champions League winner – I cut out five major foods for my ‘Caveman’ diet… it’s a way of living

    MARCOS LLORENTE has insisted that his ‘caveman’ diet will stay with him until he dies.The Spanish midfielder was a part of the Real Madrid side that won the Champions League in 2018.Marcos Llorente eats a diet based on the Paleolithic eraCredit: INSTAGRAMThe midfielder will not eat ultra-processed foodCredit: INSTAGRAMLlorente, 29, lives off an unusual diet which is often nicknamed the the ‘caveman diet’ and the ‘stone age diet’.It consists of food that would have been eaten in the Paleolithic era, also known as the Old Stone Age.He has ruled out any food that he considers to be ultra-processed such as pasta, bread and even cereal.Instead, he indulges in food such as meat, fish, and vegetables, as well as “high-quality” cheeses.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said on Cadena SER programme El Larguero: “It would be eating what was eaten in the Paleolithic.”You would have to eliminate all ultra-processed foods. Don’t even look at them. And also cereals. “Everything that is pasta, bread, wheat, rice… also dairy. Only high-quality cheeses.”I eat everything. Meat, like the steak that I love. Fish, eggs, vegetables. And carbohydrates like potatoes, sweet potatoes and cassava.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”With the Paleolithic diet, I will go 100 per cent. It is a lifestyle and a way of living. With that I will live and with that I will die.”That’s how it is. I do it for health, not because of football. Football stars’ weird phobias”I am clear that when I finish my career, I will continue to take care of myself just as much or more than now.”Llorente now plays for Atletico Madrid and will be taking on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday evening.Speaking about the match, he said: “I’m calm at the moment. There will be time to get nervous on Wednesday.”It’s good to live it calmly. I’m looking forward to the game and I think it’s a great opportunity for us. “We are very excited. It is a great opportunity for this season.”Entering the Champions League semi-finals is another story.”The team is very eager and has plenty of motivation. The fans are going to make it a very special match.”What is in the Paleolithic diet?THE Paleolithic diet is based around what people would have eaten over 3.3 million years ago.
    What can you eat?

    Fruits
    Vegetables
    Nuts and seeds
    Eggs
    Lean meats, especially grass-fed animals or wild game
    Fish, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel and albacore tuna
    Oils from fruits and nuts, such as olive oil or walnut oil

    What can you not eat?

    Grains, such as wheat, oats and barley
    Legumes, such as beans, lentils, peanuts
    Dairy products, such as milk and cheese
    Refined and added sugar
    Added salt
    Starchy vegetables, such as corn, jicama, peas and white potatoes
    Highly processed foods, such as chips or cookies More

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    Europe on alert over ISIS threat to Champions League including Arsenal match as Madrid & Paris stadiums under guard

    EUROPE is on guard following ISIS’s threat towards the four stadiums hosting Champions League quarter-final matches this week – including the Emirates Stadium in London.The Islamic State revealed a sinister poster on Monday night that included the names of the four high-capacity venues and a message that read: “Kill them all”.ISIS launched a threat against the four stadiums that will host the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions LeagueCredit: TwitterSpanish authorities have already taken drastic measures in the event of a fresh attack by doubling down on their security presenceCredit: GettyMore than 2,000 agents from the National Police and the Civil Guard will be present at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid vs Man City tonightCredit: GettyArsenal host Bayern Munich tonight as Manchester City travel to face Real Madrid, while Wednesday sees Atletico Madrid play Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain welcome Barcelona.Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, Real’s Santiago Bernabeu, Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium and PSG’s Parc de Princes are all on high alert.The Met Police said today they have a “robust policing plan” for Arsenal’s match against Bayern Munich. They said the UK terrorism threat level remains at ‘substantial’ meaning an attack is likely. Read more on ISISArsenal have also released a statement, saying tonight’s fixture will be “no different” from normal.The club said: “We work closely with the Metropolitan Police regarding the safety and security of all supporters and staff at Emirates Stadium for all our matches.”It comes amid fears of a resurgent ISIS after the group killed more than 140 people in a terrorist attack in Moscow last month.The death cult appears to be rising again as chaos spills out from the Middle East.Most read in Champions LeagueBut despite the threats, UEFA have confirmed that this week’s Champions League matches will take place as planned.A statement issued on Tuesday read: “Uefa is aware of alleged terrorist threats made towards this week’s Uefa Champions League matches and is closely liaising with the authorities at the respective venues.“All matches are planned to go ahead as scheduled with appropriate security arrangements in place.”Spain has already activated “all alert systems” ahead of Real Madrid vs Manchester City and Atletico Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund in the capital on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.The Santiago Bernabeu holds more than 80,000 spectators, while Atletico’s Metropolitano has a capacity of 70,460.More than 1,270 security guards are set to be deployed in Madrid as part of heightened security responses to the ISIS threat, La Vanguardia report.Spanish police will stretch their operation into Wednesday’s game between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the capitalCredit: GettySpanish police outside the Santiago BernabeuCredit: AFPThere are fears of another terrorist attack after gunmen killed more than 140 people in Moscow last monthHead of The Ministry of the Interior, Fernando Grand-Marlaska, said: “In terms of preventing the terrorist threat, the State Security Forces and Bodies have activated all their early warning and protection systems, as well as all their response mechanisms ready and willing.” He added that all pertinent initiatives have been adopted to guarantee the safety of both the participants and attendees of the sporting event and the Spanish citizenry as a whole, local media report.That includes more than 2,000 agents from the National Police and the Civil Guard, who will be joined by members of the Municipal Police.The response from Spanish authorities has been conducted in line with the Anti-Terrorism Prevention, Protection and Response Plan for the current level 4 out of 5 anti-terrorist alert.Also taking place tonight is Arsenal’s highly-anticipated clash with Bayern Munich in the capital.The Met Police said it has a ‘robust policing plan’ in place for the game at the 60,704-capacity Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, overseeing the policing of London today, said: “The UK terrorism threat level remains at ‘substantial’ meaning an attack is likely. Manchester City fans have already arrived in Plaza Mayor in MadridCredit: PAPolice are on alert in the Spanish capital following the threatsCredit: PACity take on Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday nightCredit: GettyThe match is one of four quarter-final first legs taking place this weekCredit: GettyCity fans snapped up over 3,800 tickets for their trip to face Real MadridCredit: PASupporters are hoping to see their side continue their Champions League defenceCredit: PA”We work closely with colleagues from across Counter Terrorism Policing in planning for events here in London, to take into account any relevant information that could help us to keep those attending safe.”We’re aware of online and media reports in relation to calls to target matches across Europe and here in London. “However, I want to reassure the public that we have a robust policing plan in place for tonight’s match and we continue to work closely alongside the club’s security team to ensure that the match passes peacefully.“As ever, we ask the public to remain vigilant, and if they see any that doesn’t look or feel right, then report it to police or security staff.”Security will also be stepped up for PSG’s clash with Barcelona in Paris on Wednesday.A French Interior Ministry source told The Sun: “Security will be enforced to counter any threats.”Specialist anti-terrorist teams will be in place, along with soldiers outside the ground.”The Return of ISISISIS’s infamous black flag is feared to be rising once again – with the attack on the Moscow hall being one of their bloodiest since they were defeated in the Middle East.
    The terrorist groups attacks sparked horror around the world for years – and their violent videos showing beheadings, burnings and other executions shocked society to its core.
    But it is feared that following on from the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan and the crisis in the Middle East following the October 7 massacre, the group is gathering strength.
    US General Joel Vowell – who leads America’s efforts abroad to squash ISIS – warned that the threat of a suspected attack has risen 200 per cent in the last three months.
    He has headed the ten year US-led coalition Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS, which saw Western troops stationed in Iraq and Syria – two hotbeds of the terror group’s activity.
    In January he met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to talk about removing US troops from Iraq – but instead issued a disturbing message.
    The Middle East expert explained that ISIS cells have been rallying their forces in the background, “in Syria and Iraq in the last 60 days in particular”.
    Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist extremist movement, launched a brutal attack on Israel’s border in the early hours of October 7 2023 dubbed Israel’s “9/11” – killing over 1200 people.
    Extremist Islamist groups including the Houthis and Hezbollah have aimed attacks at the US and the UK, citing support of Israel – because of their war against Hamas.
    Professor Anthony Glees told The Sun that the Western world now faces threats “from all sides”, and that the fight against Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah shouldn’t detract from efforts to protect ourselves from older terrorist threats like ISIS.
    “I absolutely think we are being assailed from all sides. That makes us vulnerable. And when you’re vulnerable, you get bullied and attacked.”
    The security expert also told The Sun that he “absolutely” thinks it’s possible that we could be looking at a new wave of a terrorist threat like those seen over the last 20 years.
    The raging threat of terror groups like Hamas, the Houthis and Hezbollah could be combined with attacks by organisations like ISIS on UK soil.
    Ex-US General Ben Hodges said: “The UK is in a pre war environment. That means war is coming.”
    Met Police commissioner Mark Rowley warned this time last year that Britain that the UK has tens of thousands of potential terrorists hiding in plain sight.
    Sir Rowley warned that they were on the security services radar, and would need just a “spark” to act on their extremist beliefs.
    Glees told The Sun that the events of October 7 and the ensuing war has “provided that spark”.
    He said: “I think what has happened since the seventh of October, has, in a sense, provided a spark.”
    Glees “absolutely” thinks the threat of a terror attack on British soil has been increased.
    He warned that while we have a nuclear deterrent, which could be used to ward off certain enemies, it won’t prevent more conventional attacks like those that might come from a terrorist organisation like ISIS.

    There will be some 500 ordinary police alone securing the game, and these will be swelled by an unspecified number of specialist units, including military ones. PSG has also reported cyber attacks on its ticketing system over the past two days. This raises the fear that terrorist are attempting to gain access to the stadium, said the Interior Ministry source. France has already increased its security alert rating to the highest level after ISIS claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow last month.It resembled the November 2015 attacks on Paris, when ISIS operatives struck across the city, killing 130 people, and wounding hundreds of others.The night of violence started with an attack on the Stade de France, when suicide bombers hit an international match between France and Germany.England fans have already been warned over new terrorism threats ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024 in Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESGerman Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the Islamist attack in Moscow has raised “dangers to a new level”, with drastic steps being taken already.That includes a plan to temporarily close borders and ramp up frontier checks, while British police will also make the journey to help bolster ranks in the host country.Arsenal are in action on Tuesday when they take on Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium in North LondonCredit: PA:Press AssociationAtletico Madrid’s welcome Borussia Dortmund to the 70,000-seater Metropolitano Stadium on WednesdayCredit: GettyFrench police are also stepping up their proceedings when PSG face Barcelona at the Parc de Princes in ParisCredit: Rex More

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    Former Arsenal star Dani Ceballos set for shock transfer that will leave Real Madrid fans fuming

    REAL MADRID star Dani Ceballos could make a controversial switch to Atletico this summer, according to reports.The former Arsenal loanee, 27, signed a new four-year contract at the Bernabeu last year.Dani Ceballos has struggled for game time at Real Madrid this seasonCredit: GettyHe has struggled for game time this season, however, often finding himself stuck behind the likes of Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga.According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Atletico are interested in signing Ceballos.Real Madrid fans would likely be unimpressed with their midfielder making the move to local rivals.But such a transfer is not unprecedented, with Atletico’s current squad boasting the likes of Marcos Llorente and Alvaro Morata – former Real stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCeballos moved to Madrid from Real Betis in 2017.He subsequently spent two years on loan at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, playing 77 times for Mikel Arteta’s side.Upon his return to the Spanish capital he managed to carve out a role for himself, and even won his second Champions League medal in 2022.But this season he has so far been limited to 14 LaLiga appearances, with just one start.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIn addition to Atletico, Ceballos is likely to receive further interest.Former club Betis have been linked with bringing Ceballos back to Andalusia.I went to Arsenal clash wearing nothing but body paint – it almost ended in disaster when it started drippingTheir financial woes, however, make a reunion unlikely.Ceballos could yet make a return to the Premier League, with Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, the man that initially brought him to Arsenal, still an admirer.Ceballos’ Arsenal stintMidfielder spent two seasons with the Gunners
    2019-20 season:37 appearancesTwo goalsTwo assistsNotable for: Unai Emery being sacked on November 29, and replaced by Mikel Arteta the following month. Winning the FA Cup, and starting the final against Chelsea.
    2020-21 season:40 appearancesZero goalsThree assistsNotable for: Losing his earlier prominence, starting just 17 Premier League games. Slumping to eighth in Arteta’s first season in charge. More