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      Champions League: Arsenal’s opponents Girona set unwanted competition record as fans claim ‘they’re cursed’

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      GIRONA set an unwanted Champions League record during their clash with Feyenoord last night.The Catalan side lost 3-2 to the Dutch giants in their first ever Champions League match on home soil.Girona were beaten 3-2 in their first ever Champions League home matchCredit: GettyGirona’s team sheet featured a host of names that will be familiar to British football fans.Former Manchester United star Donny van de Beek started in midfield, with Tottenham loanee Bryan Gil and former Spurs stopper Paulo Gazzaniga also in the XI.Summer signing from Aberdeen Bojan Miovski got the nod up top, while ex-Tottenham, Everton and Bournemouth ace Arnut Danjuma came off the bench alongside former Championship duo Yaser Asprilla and Cristhian Stuani.Girona began their Champions League campaign a fortnight ago with a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe tournament debutants held their own until the 90th minute, when Gazzaniga scored a nightmare own goal.In last night’s 3-2 defeat to Feyenoord, Girona scored two further own goals – setting an unwanted record in the process.Michel’s men had actually taken the lead on 19 minutes, when David Lopez scored their first ever Champions League goal.But they were pegged back just four minutes later, with Yangel Herrera turning into his own net.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis moment saw Girona become the first side to ever concede own goals in each of their opening two games in the competition.It also saw them become the first team to have their first two Champions League concessions be via own goals.Arsenal set to play Champions League decider in half-empty stadium with tiny away allocation thanks to little-known rule Remarkably, more records would tumble as the extraordinary encounter progressed.Teenager Antoni Milambo put the visitors 2-1 in front on 33 minutes, before Feyenoord were awarded a penalty just moments later.Having given the ball away in the build-up to the spot kick, Gazzaniga made amends by saving Ayase Ueda’s subsequent effort.Girona thought they’d levelled just after half-time, only for their goal to be disallowed for an offside in the build-up.They then spurned a huge opportunity on 67 minutes, with Miovski this time being denied from the penalty spot.Yangel Herrera scored an unfortunate own goalCredit: GettyPaulo Gazzaniga saved Ayase Ueda’s penaltyCredit: GettyThe home faithful did finally have an equaliser to cheer on 73 minutes, however, when Van de Beek converted following good work by his Dutch compatriot Danjuma.Incredibly, Girona gifted Feyenoord their lead back just six minutes later, with Ladislav Krejci this time turning into his own net.The Czech international’s nightmare moment saw the match become the first in Champions League history to feature two missed penalties and two own goals.Try as they might, Girona could not conjure another equaliser, with Feyenoord winning a bonkers encounter 3-2.Former Man Utd star Donny van de Beek celebrates his goalCredit: GettyFeyenoord celebrate Ladislav Krejci’s own goalCredit: AFPAmazingly, the memorable match was watched by under 10,000 fans.That’s because due to Uefa rules, Girona were forced to operate with a reduced capacity.Their Estadi Montilivi home usually holds 14,624 spectators.But Uefa competitions ban temporary structures, thus reducing the stadium’s capacity by more than 5,000 seats.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis rule will also be in effect when Arsenal visit Girona.The two sides are set to meet in Catalonia on January 29.The match was forced to be played in front of a reduced capacityCredit: Reuters More

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      Real Madrid stunned as Lille end their mammoth 36-GAME unbeaten run with 1-0 win in Champions League

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      REAL MADRID’S 36-game unbeaten run collapsed as Lille stunned the Champions League holders.Jonathan David’s penalty also stopped Los Blancos equalling a club record of 15 straight games in Europe’s top club competition without defeat.Jonathan David hails his penalty winner for LilleCredit: GettyJude Bellingham shows his frustration as Real slumped 1-0Credit: GettyReal striker Kylian Mbappe came on for defender Eder Militao but it proved in vain as Lille pulled off an early shock in this season’s Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersCarlo Ancelotti’s LaLiga champs have stuttered all season.Yet until now they had not tasted a loss since Atletico Madrid KO’d them 4-2 after extra-time in the Copa del Rey in January.And Real’s last Champions League reverse was as long ago as May 2023 – a 4-0 semi-final second-leg loss to Manchester City at the Etihad.But Lille were as impressive for the first hour as Los Blancos were subdued for large spells.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd only Real keeper Andriy Lunin’s breathtaking double save denied Canadian striker David.Finally, in first-half stoppage-time, VAR ruled Eduardo Camavinga had blocked Edon Zhegrova’s free-kick with his arm.And David – long linked with Premier League clubs – fired home the resulting spot kick.Real’s England midfielder Jude Bellingham was booked as his side struggled.Most read in Champions LeagueDavid tucks his spot-kick winner as Real’s Aurelien Tchouameni looks onCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Kylian Mbappe – returning following a thigh problem – came off the bench to help Ancelotti’s men pile on the pressure late on.Ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger had a header cleared off the line.Kate Abdo stuns in bold outfit live on CBS Sports for Champions League coverage sending fans into meltdownArda Guler then nodded a gaping chance straight at Lille stopper Lucas Chevalier. Nonetheless, the French hosts will feel they deservedly held on for one of their finest ever victories.And to make things worse for Mbappe, his 17-year-old younger brother Ethan, who only missed out on playing for Lille due to a muscle problem, was shown by TNT Sports LEADING the home team’s dressing-room celebrations.And for Real their mediocre form now faces its most intensive examination.Barcelona are three points clear of Los Blancos in LaLiga.And Real are at home to third-placed Villarreal on Saturday.But it’s in the Champions League where Ancelotti might suffer the most heat.Real did beat Stuttgart 3-1 in their opener last month.But after Wednesday’s loss, they face Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Liverpool next.Ancelotti’s side will still expect to finish in the top 24 and advance to from the new-look group stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, they will need positive results in some tricky clashes if they are to finish in the top eight and punch a fast-track ticket to the last 16.If they finish between 9th and 24th in the 36-team league, they will face an extra two-legged knockout tie. More

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      I’m a former Champions League winner – fans tried to kill me by throwing a cement-covered chair at me

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      FORMER Champions League winner Santiago Canizares claims fans once tried to kill him by throwing a cement-covered chair at him.The former Real Madrid and Valencia goalkeeper opened up over life between the sticks following Thibaut Courtois’ clash with Atletico fans in Sunday’s derby.Santiago Canizares claims fans tried killing him with a concrete chair on the pitchCredit: AFPThe former goalie was a Champions League winner with Real MadridCredit: GettyThe Belgian, formerly of Atletico and Chelsea, was enemy No1 at the Wanda Metropolitano as Real Madrid secured a 1-1 draw.But Courtois was ruthlessly targeted by Atleti ultras throughout the game, with some evenhurling lighters and other objects at him.Late on in the match, the pelting became so much that the game was halted for a period of time as fans were ordered to calm down.And Canizares recalls facing issues of his own while protecting his net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne moment even saw fans rip up a concrete chair before hurling it at the now-54-year-old.And Canizares reckons Courtois’ treatment was nowhere near as bad, while also pointing out that the Real stopper also made a gesture to provoke Atletico’s fans.Speaking to Radio Marca, he said: “In my time, goalies were treated very badly. I was a goalie who was treated much worse than any doorman today.“One day, they threw a seat at me which they tore up with the cement rubble. If it had hit me, it would have killed me.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“A worker went out and removed it. This is attempted murder. The goalie was not protected.”Reflecting on Courtois, Canizares added: “He didn’t do well the other day, but that is an ethical and moral situation that is very different from making Courtois a victim of throwing objects.Spanish goalie Santiago Canizares goes off the road in his Suzuki in stunning Rally race crashCanizares revealed his thoughts on Thibaut Courtois being abused by Atletico Madrid fansCredit: GettyCanizares also won two titles with ValenciaCredit: Getty“Let’s not deflect, whoever doesn’t behave should go out on the street.“Courtois is the first to gesticulate and what he does enriches football because it has a component of passion.”Canizares’ fine career saw him start off with Real Madrid.But before he kicked a ball for the club, he enjoyed loans at Elche, Merida and Celta.Canizares then got his big break with Los Blancos in 1994 as their No2 stopper, winning two titles in the process.But in the 1997/98 season he made 34 appearances and went on to win the Champions League.It proved to be his final year at Real through, with Valencia moving for him.READ MORE SUN STORIESCanizares remained with them for a decade as he clocked up 416 games.And he retired in 2008 with a further two LaLiga titles, while also losing two Champions League finals.Santiago Canizares’ career statsReal Madrid B, 1989-1990: 37 gamesElche (loan), 1990-1991: 9 gamesMerida (loan), 1991-1992: 38 gamesCelta (loan), 1992-1994: 82 gamesReal Madrid, 1994-`998: 55 gamesValencia, 1998-2008: 416 gamesSpain, 1993-2006: 46 gamesTrophiesReal Madrid: LaLiga x2, Spanish Super Cup, Champions LeagueValencia: LaLiga x2, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Intertoto CupSpain: Euro U16s, Olympic Gold More

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      Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand suffers ‘traumatic brain injury’ after severe blow in final minutes of Madrid derby

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      ATLETICO MADRID defender Robin Le Normand suffered a “traumatic brain injury” during their derby draw with Real Madrid.The Spain international, 27, sustained the blow in the latter stages of Sunday’s clash at the Wanda Metropolitano.Robin Le Normand sustained the brain injury against Real MadridCredit: RexAtletico have confirmed Le Normand has suffered a subdural hematoma – which is when blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain.It is understood he has not travelled to Portugal for their Champions League clash with Benfica on Wednesday.A statement from the club read: “Robin Le Normand suffered a severe blow to the head in the final minutes of the Madrid derby, for which he underwent a series of tests and was assessed by specialists who determined that he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with subdural haematoma.”In the process of returning our player to competition, the guidelines set out in the protocol established for this type of trauma will be followed.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMarca are reporting a “serious injury has been ruled out”, but his immediate absence will be a disappointment for Atletico manager Diego Simeone.Le Normand has started all but one of Atletico’s nine matches so far this season.He also featured for Spain against Serbia and Switzerland in their two Nations League games last month.Atletico’s 1-1 draw with Real Madrid ended in chaos after the match was suspended for around 15 minutes due to home fans throwing objects onto the pitch.Most read in FootballThibaut Courtois was targeted with missiles as he attempted to take a goal kick.The referee sent both sets of players down the tunnel, while Atletico’s players and head coach Simeone urged the fans to stop.England fans heartbroken as Spain score late to WIN Euro 2024The match eventually resumed with Real Madrid leading 1-0, but Atletico equalised in stoppage time through Angel Correa. More

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      Barcelona and Spain legend Andres Iniesta retires and plans to formally announce decision on sentimental date

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      ANDRES INIESTA is set to retire from professional football, according to reports.The legendary midfielder has been without a club since July after his contract expired at UAE side Emirates Club.Andres Iniesta is set to retire from footballCredit: GettyIniesta is the second-most decorated player in Barcelona’s historyCredit: GettyHe won a staggering 37 trophies with the Spanish sideCredit: Getty Images – GettyHe scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup finalCredit: AFPAnd the 40-year-old will announce he is hanging up his boots on October 8, according to Relevo.It comes after Iniesta teased his future endeavours on his Instagram page.The Spaniard, who scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands, posted a video to his social media of him painting onto a mural of himself.He captioned the post: “COMING SOON. 8, 10, 24,” a date synonymous with his shirt number.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIniesta’s incredible career stretches over 22 years, having made his pro debut with Barcelona in 2002.He went on to appear in 674 games for the Blaugrana, scoring 57 goals and adding 135 assists.His exploits for the Catalan giants saw him land 37 trophies – the second most in the club’s history behind only Lionel Messi’s haul of 35 – including nine La Liga, four Champions League and three Club World Cup titles.Playing alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets, Iniesta is also considered to have been part of arguably the greatest midfield trio football has ever seen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIniesta would eventually leave the club in 2018 to join Japan’s Vissel Kobe on a free transfer.He would go on to spend five years in the J-League, winning the league, Japanese Cup and Japanese Super Cup.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersEmirates Club, whom he joined in 2023, would prove to be his final team as he made 23 appearances for them, scoring five goals and adding one assist.On the international stage Iniesta earned 131 caps for Spain, scoring 14 goals – including the decisive winner in the 2010 World Cup final.Iniesta also won the European Championship twice at senior level, as well at Under-16 and Under-19 level. His individual accolades were nothing to sneer at either, being named as Uefa’s Best Player in Europe in 2012, the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2012 and La Liga’s Best Midfielder on no less than five occasions.Away from the pitch, he has also been honoured with Prince of Asturias Awards, the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sporting Merit, the Queen Sofia Award and the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit.Reacting to Iniesta’s social media post seemingly confirming his retirement, one fan said: “This man retiring without winning the Ballon d’or is a crime.”A second said: “Good luck legend.”A third added: “Legend.”Another said: “THANK YOU FOR YOUR FOOTBALL.”Speaking back in July, Iniesta suggested he would be open to returning to Barcelona.He said: “I would like to go back to Barca at some point. But obviously, I still don’t know when or how; it’s something nobody knows. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ll see how it all goes. I want to continue playing until I feel that the moment has come to stop.”Given the mural in Iniesta’s Instagram video is one of him in a Barcelona shirt, there is a chance his announcement on October 8 will see him return to his former club in some capacity.Andres Iniesta’s incredible careerHonoursBarcelona: La Liga x9, Champions League x4, Copa del Rey x6, Spanish Supercup x5, Uefa Super Cup x2, Club World Cup x3Vissel Kobe:J-League, Emperor’s Cup, Japanese Super CupInternational:World Cup – 2010, European Championship – 2008 and 2012Stats: Barcelona (2002 – 2018) – 674 appearances, 57 goalsVissel Kobe (2018 – 2023) – 134 appearances, 26 goalsEmirates Club (2023 – 2024) – 23 appearances, 5 goalsSpain (2006 – 2018) – 131 appearances, 13 goals More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to rejoin Man Utd in 2013 with Real Madrid star in £200m deal before cash row, club icon claims

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Gareth Bale both agreed to join Manchester United in 2013 – but the club wouldn’t cough up £200m.United legend Patrice Evra revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson believed Ronaldo’s return was nearly 100 per cent agreed, four years after the Portugal star left for Real Madrid in a then-record £80m deal.Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to rejoin Manchester United in 2013, according to Patrice EvraAs did then Tottenham prodigy Gareth BaleFormer United star Evra revealed the information during a recent podcast appearanceAnd the legendary Red Devils boss also worked on trying to land Bale from Tottenham at the same time.But then Ferguson – who had just won the Premier League title – was forced to confirm to his players that he would in fact be retiring.Former left-back Evra said on The Obi One podcast: “It was one of the most sad days. I didn’t cry, I was in shock. “The reason why, is two weeks before, he brought me into his office and said: “Look at those people, they think I am going to retire, I am going to be here another 10 years but we need to win more Champions Leagues.”read more football news”He said: ‘Patrice, Cristiano has agreed 99 per cent to come back and Gareth Bale.’ He needed £200m and the club refused. Now they have spent a billion, whatever.”I remembered when I got out of his office, I was like, ‘Cristiano is back, Gareth Bale, we are back in business’. Imagine. That’s what he said.”Since then, United have spent a record £1.19bn on transfers and £40m on managers while running up a debt of nearly £1bn. Still no title, though.As a result Bale, who was flying at Spurs, instead joined Madrid in the summer of 2013 for an updated world record fee of £86m.Most read in FootballRonaldo scored 450 goals in 438 games for MadridBale scored a spectacular bicycle kick in the 2018 Champions League final win over LiverpoolFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDavid Moyes came in at Old Trafford and signed Marouane Fellaini instead.Ronaldo would go on to stay at Los Blancos until 2018, winning four more Champions League titles.Gary Neville’s sheepish reaction after Jamie Carragher says Cristiano Ronaldo has ‘pied two of us off’Wanting a new challenge, he joined Italian giants Juventus and picked up back-to-back Serie A titles in 2019 and 2020.He would eventually get his comeback move to Old Trafford in 2021, where he was named in the Premier League Team of the Year, scoring 16 goals in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for United.But Ronaldo left for Al-Nassr just over a year later after launching a verbal attack on the club in a tell-all explosive interview with Piers Morgan.Bale himself returned to Tottenham on a season-long loan in 2020 before returning to Madrid for a term.The Welsh star joined Los Angeles in 2022 and announced his retirement a year later.Ronaldo and Bale were both nominated for Europe’s Best Player award in 2016Ronaldo won his first Champions League with United under Fergie in 2008 More

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      Barcelona ready to make stunning £60m Mason Greenwood bid – but face two-horse transfer race with PSG for ex-Man Utd ace

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      BARCELONA are set to make a summer bid for Mason Greenwood – but face a major fight for the forward.Greenwood has enjoyed a brilliant start to his career at Marseille, scoring five goals in six games for the French side.Barcelona are lining up a move for Mason Greenwood after his flying start at MarseilleCredit: AFPScouts from the Nou Camp have watched four of Greenwood’s games so far.And SunSport understands they are prepared to bid as much as £60m for the former Manchester United star, who they were tracking last season.Barcelona know that Greenwood can play in LaLiga after impressing there last term while on loan for Getafe. And they’ve now made securing the 22-year-old one of their priorities for the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Greenwood’s impressive start to the season has also caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain, who are desperate to add to their firepower.They’ve also sent scouts to watch the former England international and would have no trouble matching Barcelona if the clubs became embroiled in a bidding war.And sources say Greenwood would welcome the idea of remaining in France long-term, having settled quickly in the country.A source said: “Mason loves France. He’s been welcomed with open-arms and is loving life in the league.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSunSport’s revelation comes days after reports claimed Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich were also tracking the player. Neither club is believed to have sent scouts to watch him this season. ‘Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseyBut Greenwood is quickly emerging as one of the most coveted players in Europe.His success in France comes at the same time as former club Manchester United endure a torrid period.They were booed off on Sunday following a 3-0 home defeat to Spurs.And Erik ten Hag – who never wanted Greenwood to leave the club – is now under pressure with two wins and three defeats in six Premier League matches. More

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      Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid SUSPENDED as ref begs players and managers to tell fans to stop lobbing objects onto pitch

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      REAL MADRID’S 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano was suspended after fans threw objects at keeper Thibaut Courtois.The match was halted as the Real Madrid shot-stopper prepared to take a goal kick in the 69th minute.The objects were thrown as Thibaut Courtois prepared to take a goal kickCredit: ITV4The referee suspended the match and informed both managersCredit: ITV4Koke pleaded with the Atletico Madrid fans to stop throwing objectsCredit: ITV4Atletico’s Jose Maria Gimenez also remonstrated with the fansCredit: ITV4Diego Simeone also urged the Atletico supporters to calm downCredit: ReutersOne of the items thrown was clearly a lighter as the referee was seen holding it in his hand.Another was a carrier bag containing an unknown object which Courtois got rid of from the pitch. The official ran over to managers Carlo Ancelotti and Diego Simeone to inform them of the situation.He appeared to ask Simeone and the Atletico players to help with calming the situation down.And after captain Koke had attempted to urge the fans to stop launching missiles onto the pitch, Simeone then came over to address the situation himself.The players went down the tunnel and returned after around 15 minutes.The score at time time of the stoppage was 1-0 to Real Madrid thanks to a second-half strike from Eder Militao.The goal came five minutes before the match was suspended.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe chaos occurred midway through the second halfCredit: ITV4A carrier bag containing something was one of the items thrownCredit: ITV4Simeone shook hands with Courtois as the players went to their dressing roomsCredit: ITV4When the game resumed, ex-Chelsea man Conor Gallagher was booked seconds later for a cynical foul on Fede Valverde.But the drama was not over there as Angel Correa equalised in stoppage time to salvage a dramatic point for Atletico.Top ten Instagram rich list of sportThe goal was initially ruled out but a VAR review overturned the decision as the stadium went wild.And just to add to the chaos, Marcos Llorente was shown a straight red card following another review for a horror tackle.Real Madrid came into the match knowing a win would close the gap to Barcelona to two points.Barcelona had won their opening seven LaLiga matches before suffering a 4-2 loss to Osasuna on Saturday.Real Madrid went to Atletico without Kylian Mbappe after he suffered a hamstring injury against Alaves on Tuesday. More