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    Ronaldinho scores stunning free-kick aged 44 as Barcelona legend proves he’s still got it in El Clasico Legends game

    BARCELONA legend Ronaldinho rolled back the years by scoring a stunning free-kick in an El Clasico exhibition match.The 44-year-old shared the pitch with Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, former Arsenal striker Julio Baptista and Rivaldo in Qatar on Thursday.Ronaldinho showed he still has it with a sleek free-kickThe Barca legend doubled the lead in an El Clasico exhibition match on ThursdayThe Samba legend couldn’t help but celebrateBarca went 1-0 up early on through Juan Pablo Sorin, before winning a free-kick from around 22 yards out.Naturally, Ronaldinho stepped up and curled a beautiful right-footed effort into the top left corner past ex-keeper Francisco Buyo.The former Madrid stopper – who is, it must be said, 66 years old – had no hope of reaching it.The Brazilian World Cup winner doubled Barca’s lead inside 15 minutes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut the Catalans couldn’t replicate the 4-0 pasting the current flock imposed on Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid last month.The Madrid Legends eventually found a way back into the game, which went on to end 2-2 in Qatar.Former Portugal winger and Ballon d’Or winner Figo, who played for both sides in his prime, brought one back for Madrid in the second half.And Edwin Congo’s low finish in the 63rd minute levelled the score.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIt was Jose Mourinho’s old foe Frank De Boer who fumbled the pass to put Congo in a one-on-one with the keeper.Barca had a chance to win the game late on from the penalty spot, but Kluivert’s effort was saved by substitute keeper Pedro Contreras.Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou But Ronaldinho went onto score in the penalty shootout afterwards.As did Figo, Congo and Sorin as the Catalan’s edged the shootout 4-2.Ronaldinho’s most famous free-kick was the effort he floated over England’s David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes joined Burnley’s under-21 squad this summer.The 19-year-old midfielder had previously been at Barca’s La Masia youth academy.Mendes most recently featured in Burnley’s 5-0 win over Luton Town’s under-21s last Friday.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis father won the World Cup in 2002 and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006, and was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2005.The legends will play in another El Clasico before the end of the year, with the halves lasting a slightly shortened 40 minutes each.Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes joined Burnley after coming through the ranks at BarcaCredit: FC Barcelona via InstagramWho are these famous footballers? More

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    Real Madrid fan BURNS Kylian Mbappe shirt and fumes ‘my hopes and support for him is over’

    A REAL MADRID fan vowed to stop supporting Kylian Mbappe as they posted a video of the Frenchman’s shirt in flames.Mbappe, 25, completed a long-awaited free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to the Spanish capital in the summer.A Real Madrid burned their Kylian Mbappe shirtCredit: XMbappe, 25, endured a disappointing evening at AnfieldCredit: GettyBut the forward has so far failed to impress many of his new club’s supporters.Last night his woes intensified as he saw a crucial penalty saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.The wasted spot kick came at 1-0, with Real Madrid going on to lose 2-0 at Anfield.After the game, a social media user declared that they’d had enough.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Real Madrid fan uploaded a video of an Mbappe No9 shirt in flames.They dramatically captioned it: “My hopes and support for Kylian Mbappe is over.”I’ll assume anyone supporting him has IQ of that of a house fly.”Mbappe has scored seven goals in 12 LaLiga appearances so far this season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLast night, former Real Madrid and Liverpool star Steve McManaman criticised Mbappe.Appearing on TNT Sports, he said: “We haven’t seen the best of Mbappe tonight.Kylian Mbappe dropped from France squad as Deschamps explains decision and says ‘it’s better this way’ “They needed Mbappe tonight and he flattered to deceive. The Madrid press will be ruthless because he didn’t deliver again when he needed to.”Madrid are going through a rough patch and the big players are not performing. All the baggage around Mbappe magnifies it.”This year they are really, really struggling.”Real Madrid are second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona with a game in hand.In the Champions League they occupy 24th place in the league table, the final spot for a place in the play-offs.But boss Carlo Ancelotti has come under-fire, particularly since his side’s 4-0 home defeat to Barcelona last month.Amid criticism of Mbappe, Jude Bellingham last night jumped to the defence of his team-mate.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “Kylian is a wonderful player but the pressure is humongous.”The penalty is not why we lost the game. Kylian can keep his head high and I know for sure he will produce many more big moments for this club.”Jude Bellingham has defended Mbappe’s formCredit: Getty More

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    Real Madrid coach crashes on UK motorway after Liverpool defeat in Champions League

    REAL MADRID’S team coach has crashed on the M40 motorway.Several social media users have posted pictures and video footage of the new coach stuck on the side of the road.Real Madrid’s team coach has been seen stuck on the side of the M40Credit: XThe bus was seen stuck behind a lorryCredit: X @tc14sznReal Madrid’s bus is decorated by the club’s incredible list of honoursCredit: YouTube/Diario ASThe European champions took on Liverpool last night at Anfield.Prior to their 2-0 defeat, Real Madrid stars were seen arriving at Anfield in the same plush coach.In footage circulating on social media, the stationary coach appeared to be stuck behind a lorry.As per The Athletic’s Guillermo Rai, two drivers a security member and travel manager were onboard at the time of the crash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThankfully nobody was seriously injured in the incident.Teams typically fly back home immediately after a European match.But even if players and staff had already flown home, their coach would still have needed to be driven back to Madrid.The new-look luxury Real Madrid bus was unveiled in October 2024 to ferry the players to and from games.Most read in Champions LeagueThe hi-tech branding is meant to look like the revamped Bernabeu stadium, which has been rebuilt at a cost of £1.5billion.The bus is also decorated with the club’s most prestigious titles.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game Inside, the players can relax luxury leather seats, with the club’s crest sewn into every headrest.In February this year, Real Madrid’s previous team bus was also caught up in a crash.The incident occurred in Germany as Carlo Ancelotti’s side travelled to a Champions League clash with RB Leipzig.Real Madrid flew to Erfurt, rather than Leipzig, due to a strike at Leipzig Airport.This meant that they had to finish their journey with a 100-mile coach ride.German newspaper Bild reported at the time that Real Madrid were involved in a collision with a white Toyota.Thankfully no one was hurt in the incident, with the Real Madrid coach coming away with only minor scratches.Real Madrid were beaten 2-0 at Anfield last nightCredit: Rex More

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    Arsenal transfer blow as Barcelona make Isak top transfer target with Gyokeres set to snub Nou Camp for Man Utd move

    BARCELONA have made Alexander Isak their number one summer target, SunSport can reveal.The Spanish giants will make a mega-money offer for the Newcastle striker at the end of the season.Barcelona have identified Alexander Isak as a top transfer targetCredit: GettyViktor Gyokeres has his sights set on a move to the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyIt comes days after Eddie Howe said Sweden star Isak could go on to be one of the world’s best forwards.Directors at the Nou Camp have switched their focus to Isak after learning they will struggle to secure the services of his international team-mate Viktor Gyokeres – another player they covet.SunSport understands Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres has his heart set on a move to the Premier League and a reunion with ex-boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.But Isak is viewed as a plan B by Barcelona who think he can help lead them to success in Spain and in Europe.Read More in FootballArsenal have also been heavily linked with a move for Isak, who is yet to agree terms for a new deal with Newcastle.He is said to be one of Mikel Arteta’s top targets for 2026.Last week, speaking in the build up to their game with West Ham, Newcastle manager Howe said: “He’s building momentum into his season and has scored some big goals of late for us. His general performances I think have continued to improve.“He’s gone away to Sweden and played very well, I’m delighted with how he has looked on international duty as well, to continue that good form.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I think being a striker, having not been one myself, but just from my experience it’s all about confidence and how you feel.“Alex has got undoubted qualities. I would put him right up there in terms of world strikers that are currently playing.”Rúben Amorim talks about the future of Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting Asked if he could be the best in the world, Howe added: “I feel that his potential is great.“I think he can really, if he can continue on the path he has been the last few seasons, continue to go and prove himself as one of the world’s best.”That would be, without putting pressure on him, my target if I was him. More

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    Former Barcelona boss, 66, who managed Messi keen on job in England after visiting three Premier League clubs

    QUIQUE SETIEN is keen to join the Premier League’s Spanish invasion.Former Barcelona boss Setien, 66, made a whistle-stop tour of the Prem and Championship earlier this month with managers desperate for an audience.Former Barca boss Quique Setien visited three different Prem clubsItalian Enzo Maresca was so eager to host Setien at Chelsea that he prepared a video showing the coach which tactical tricks he had copied from him.Fellow Spaniard Julen Lopetegui opened the doors at West Ham while Thomas Frank reached out after learning Setien would be at two Brentford games.And the respect does not stop there.Any clubs interested in speaking to the Spaniard will be blown away by his references.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Diego Simeone, Xavi and Luis Enrique are just a few.Just over a year after leaving Villarreal, the former midfielder is ready for a new challenge. So, did his trip tempt him to try England?Setien said: “Obviously. I have been out for a year and in Spain I didn’t have the feeling.“We follow all the Premier League. In Spain you watch one or two teams on TV, in England we watch all of them.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“We came here last year for seven days but this week has been  a huge surprise. I fell in love with people, the passion. “The supporters are doing their best and the game wasn’t exciting.”Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou There are already five Spanish Prem bosses and, after the FA made Thomas Tuchel the new England chief having targeted Guardiola first, English football is wondering how other nations have mastered the development of coaches.Setien believes English coaching may be on a similar course as in Spain… but it will take time.He said: “The reference for the best, like Pep, is Johan Cruyff. He was the change of mentality.“He changed the point of view of the sport in Spain, he changed the way to understand football. “Something was different when Cruyff arrived, suddenly from that club several players go to the national team and it began the process.“It’s like in England, with Pep arriving. It changes the mentality but this is a process that takes years.“It means probably the next  generation of English coaches and the teaching and learning process for the English coaches has begun in the last years.”Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Real Madrid and Bayern Munich locked in transfer war over FIVE players with Man Utd target caught in the middle

    EUROPEAN heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are reportedly set to battle it out for several players next summer.The futures of five different stars are currently up in the air.Alphonso Davies’ contract is set to expire in JuneCredit: GettyJoshua Kimmich is also nearing the end of his contractCredit: GettyReal Madrid are allegedly interested in Jamal MusialaCredit: GettyIt could result in some of them swapping Germany for Spain.Bayern full-back Alphonso Davies has just seven months left on his current deal.As things stand, he is yet to agree terms for a new contract.Real Madrid are waiting to pounce if he does become a free agent at the end of the campaign.Read More in FootballBut they could face competition from Man Utd for his signature.Similarly, German full-back Joshua Kimmich is also edging towards the conclusion of his deal at the Allianz Arena.The future of young superstar Jamal Musiala is arguably Bayern’s most significant cause for concern.Musiala has just 19 months left on his contract with the Bundesliga giants.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFlorian Wirtz is wanted by both clubsCredit: GettyJonathan Tah has also attracted interest from several clubsCredit: GettyReal Madrid are also waiting for the right moment to launch an offer for the Germany ace.With Davies, Musiala and Kimmich potentially set to leave Munich in the near future, the Bavarians could reportedly attempt to sign Bayer Leverkusen stars Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah.Arda Guler shows his talent at Real Madrid training However, Los Blancos could prove to be a thorn in their side once again.Earlier this year it was revealed that Real Madrid chiefs wanted to add Wirtz to their ever-growing list of Galacticos.The 21-year-old is expected to cost around £125million next summer.Arsenal and Manchester City are among the other clubs understood to be interested.Meanwhile, Bayern pushed to sign Tah this summer alongside Man Utd but failed to seal a deal.This time around, however, the German giants will also have to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona if they want to attempt another swoop. More

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    David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid lockers set to fetch enormous sums at historic auction

    LOCKERS used by the likes of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid are being auctioned off this month.The lockers were used by the Spanish giants between 2002 and 2022, but were removed during the Santiago Bernabeu’s staggering renovations which took the iconic stadium’s capacity to 85,000.An incredible selection of Real Madrid lockers have gone to auctionCredit: APFans can get their hands on lockers previously belonging to global superstarsCredit: PAGareth Bale’s locker is among the star-studded selectionCredit: ReutersA total of 24 lockers went on display at Sotheby’s in London yesterday.Bidding will remain open until November 26, with prices starting at £10,000 each.In addition to Beckham and Ronaldo, the likes of Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric’s lockers are also available.While fans of the Galacticos era could also bid for lockers previously belonging to Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA slice of the revenue generated will go Real Madrid’s charitable foundation.Sotheby’s are collaborating with Pursuit 3 Marketing Group on the auction.Pursuit 3 are Real Madrid’s “memorabilia partner”.Following its renovation work, the Bernabeu now features a huge 360 degree screen that wraps around its upper tier.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere is now a retractable roof on the stadium, as well as a newly designed outside facade.Real Madrid have also built a plush new VIP “Sky Bar” – a stunning 700-metres-squared space designed by Room 1804.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game Tickets for the exclusive bar are said to cost up to £2,500 per match, but so far it has not opened its doors.According to El Confidencial, Anastasia Gourmet have slapped the 15-time European kings with a lawsuit worth £13.8m for being unable to use the space.Of that whopping sum, approximately £6m is said to correspond to suppliers, Mundo Deportivo add.The reports claim Anastasia Gourmet have been blocked from accessing their new premises – prompting the huge loss of expected earnings.Real Madrid have built a stunning SkyBarCredit: room 1804 DesignThe Santiago Bernabeu has undergone an incredible transformation in recent yearsCredit: Getty More

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    Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game

    REAL MADRID are reportedly being sued for more than £13million over the flagship VIP hospitality suite at the Bernabeu.The LaLiga giants are renovating their iconic stadium and re-opened it in 2023 with the bulk of the facelift done.Real Madrid are close to completing their Bernabeu renovationCredit: GettyThe SkyBar was tipped to be the crown jewel in the revampCredit: room 1804 DesignThe luxury suite aims to be the pinnacle hospitality suiteCredit: room 1804 DesignFans can expect to pay up to £2,500 per match for one of the 200 spacesCredit: room 1804 DesignAnd the construction work saw the addition of the crown jewel of the revamped arena, their epic exclusive ‘superbox’. The SkyBar is a stunning 700-metres-squared space designed by Room 1804 to be the ultimate luxury football stadium experience hotspot in the world. With a capacity of 200, the lucky Madrid fans able to get access can expect a restaurant, a massive bar, LED ceiling and walls, wonderful views of the pitch, two outside terraces overlooking the city of Madrid – and can even stay late to make the most of the nightclub in the SkyBar.It does not come cheap, though, with tickets understood to cost up to £2,500 for a single match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat could see Real Madrid rake in as much as £500,000 per home game.With approximately 30 home fixtures in a season and the possibility to stage up to 20 concerts per year and rent out the space on non-matchdays, the beautiful SkyBar was estimated to help generate roughly £25m annually. However, things have not gone to plan.The Bernabeu’s rights to host concerts was suspended until spring 2025 in order to adapt the stadium to ensure it complies with anti-noise regulations following protests from neighbours. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMore worryingly, though, there is still no sign of the SkyBar being open.Real Madrid were due to open its doors to the prestigious gold, premium and diamond zones for fans six months ago.Staggering final cost of new Bernabeu revealed after Real Madrid move into state-of-the-art 85,000-capacity stadiumBut now well into the 2024-25 season, it remains empty and seemingly unable to welcome guests.And that has reportedly sparked a legal challenge from the company awarded the rights to operate the SkyBar.According to El Confidencial, Anastasia Gourmet have slapped the 15-time European kings with a lawsuit worth £13.8m for being unable to use the space.Of that whopping sum, approximately £6m is said to correspond to suppliers, Mundo Deportivo add. The reports claim Anastasia Gourmet have been blocked from accessing their new premises – prompting the huge loss of expected earnings. SunSport has contacted Real Madrid for comment. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe vast majority of the Bernabeu’s transformation work is complete – including a new retractable pitch and a new retractable roof, an impressive exterior facade plus a 360-degree video scoreboard.Costs have sky-rocketed to approximately £1.5billion but it is understood the final stages of the refurbishment will be done in January 2025.A massive bar takes pride of place in the centre of the SkyBarCredit: room 1804 DesignThe space even has a nightclub built inCredit: room 1804 DesignThe prestigious venue has four main area set across three levelsCredit: room 1804 DesignLED screens make up the ceiling and wallsCredit: room 1804 DesignThe Bernabeu has undergone a dramatic facelift in recent yearsCredit: GettyThe updated stadium now has a retractable roof and retractable pitchCredit: Getty More