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      Jude Bellingham squares up to England pal Declan Rice as tempers risk boiling over in Real Madrid vs Arsenal clash

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM squared up to Declan Rice during Real Madrid’s crunch match with Arsenal.The Los Blancos star cut a frustrated figure on the pitch as his side struggled to close the gap on the Gunners.Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham challenged for the ballCredit: AFPBellingham squared up to Rice in the aftermatchCredit: ReutersThe North London side won the first leg 3-0 and were maintaining their lead in the second leg in Spain.And Bellingham could not hold his temper in during the match as he clashed with Rice.The midfielders were caught in a tangle as they jostled for the ball by the halfway line.After the ball went out of play, Bellingham squared up to Rice before officials ran over to intervene.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Borussia Dortmund man did back off after the arrival of Rice’s team-mates Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.Tensions were already high in the Spanish capital with the home fans praying for a famous comeback victory.This was also seen during half-time as Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was seen clashing with Saka.The Spaniard grabbed the back of the Arsenal star’s neck as he walked down the tunnel.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis caused Saka to react angrily to the attempted goading.They were eventually separated after Carvajal put his finger in Saka’s face.Crocked Real Madrid star Dani Carvajal pulled away from Bukayo Saka after confronting Arsenal star at half-timeThat moment came after Saka had missed a penalty in the first half to put Arsenal out of sight.The Gunners were handed a boost after the miss as VAR overturned a Real Madrid penalty after it was judged that Declan Rice had not fouled Kylian Mbappe.Uefa then confirmed the call with a brief statement.They said: “The penalty for Real Madrid has been taken away due to a non-foul by Declan Rice.”Saka made amends for his missed penalty as he scored a great goal in the 64th minute.However, Vinicius Jr levelled the game on the night just minutes later.But hopes of a comeback were put to bed as Gabriel Martinelli scored a winning goal in the 93rd minute.Bellingham appeared frustrated during the match as Real struggledCredit: Getty More

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      Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal confronts Bukayo Saka and grabs Arsenal star’s neck in angry half-time tunnel row

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      BUKAYO SAKA had to be separated from Dani Carvajal during a heated half-time bust-up.Carvajal grabbed the back of Saka’s neck as Real Madrid and Arsenal made their way towards the tunnel during the half-time interval of the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.Dani Carvajal had some choice words for Bukayo Saka during the half-time intervalCredit: TNT SPORTSCarvajal tried to wind up Saka by grabbing the back of his neckCredit: TNT SPORTSSaka reacted angrily to the Spaniard’s attempt to goad himCredit: TNT SPORTSThe pair had to be separated after Carvajal stuck his finger in Saka’s faceCredit: TNT SPORTSAn irate Saka snapped at the Spain international, who proceeded to point his finger in his face.They were promptly separated, with Saka going down the tunnel and Carvajal being gestured towards the pitch.Footage of Carvajal’s attempt to wind up Saka went viral.One footie fan said of the incident on X: “Carvajal aggravating Saka at halftime.”READ MORE ON REAL VS ARSENALAnother said: “Playing mind gamesssss.”And another said: “Does he know his team are losing 3-0?”One remarked: “You are getting [are] destroyed, hence you make a fuss off the pitch.”It’s so embarrassing LMAO.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBukayo Saka had his head in his hands in the 13th minute after missing a penaltyCredit: RexAnother chimed in: “Dirty in a moment, dirty forever.”Saka missed a golden opportunity from the penalty spot to put the visitors 4-0 up on aggregate in the 13th minute.Ian Wright fears three Arsenal superstars could run down contract, including Saka But the England international fluffed his lines with a poor attempt at a spot kick, which Real stopper Thibaut Courtois easily saved.Real thought they’d have the chance to reduce the arrears when they were awarded a penalty of their own ten minutes later.But VAR overturned the spot kick due to an offside in the build-up, much to the relief of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and the travelling Emirates faithful.Saka would eventually break the deadlock in the 65th minute with a beautiful dinked finish following a beautiful move.But a clanger from William Saliba two minutes later would tee up Vinicius Jr to reduce the deficit back to three goals.But Gabriel Martinelli wrapped up safe progression, and a 2-1 away win, with a cool as you like injury-time strike.Saka had the last laugh though as he scored with a fab chipCredit: GettyDani Carvajal missed the game through injuryCredit: AFPArsenal ratings v Real MadridARSENAL’S heroes dumped the Kings of Europe out of the Champions League in dramatic fashion. More

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      Leo Beenhakker, Winning Soccer Coach Without Borders, Dies at 82

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      Among many other accomplishments, he led tiny Trinidad and Tobago to the World Cup and Poland to its first appearance in the European championships.Leo Beenhakker, a globe-trotting soccer coach who managed his native Netherlands during the 1990 World Cup, won three Spanish League titles with Real Madrid in the 1980s and, perhaps most impressively and improbably, guided Trinidad and Tobago to the 2006 World Cup as the smallest nation at the time ever to compete in soccer’s global championship, died on April 10. He was 82.His death was announced by the Dutch soccer federation and by Ajax, the powerful Amsterdam club that Beenhakker coached to two Dutch League titles. The announcement did not cite a cause or say where he died.His own playing career, as a winger, did not carry him beyond the amateur level. But neither did it prevent him from achieving national and international success as a coach.In that role, Beenhakker displayed wit and charm as well as the ability to engage with and inspire his players and to immerse himself in various cultures in the soccer diaspora. One of his accomplishments was to coach Poland to its first appearance in the European championships, in 2008.He dismissed the idea that to coach at a high level, one needed to have played at a high level. “You can be a very good milkman,” he once said, “without having ever been a cow.”Beenhakker (pronounced bin-HACK-er) never possessed the authority or standing of Johan Cruyff, who captained the Netherlands to second place at the 1974 World Cup and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Nor did he have the tactical skill of Guus Hiddink, who in 1988 coached PSV Eindhoven to both the Dutch League title and the European Cup, the forerunner of the European Champions League title.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      Gary Lineker didn’t hesitate when naming best player he played alongside with Gazza and Shearer snubbed

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      GARY LINEKER did not hesitate when asked who the best footballer was that he played alongside.The retired striker starred alongside the likes of Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne during his career.Gary Lineker has revealed the best player he ever played alongsideCredit: PAHe played alongside Diego Maradona during a Rest of the World matchCredit: GettyLineker, 64, featured for clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Barcelona before hanging up his boots in 1994.He also earned 80 caps for England and featured alongside other legends such as Peter Shilton, Chris Waddle and Bryan Robson.But it was none of his English compatriots that he believed were the best he played with.Lineker insisted the best player he lined up with was Argentine star Diego Maradona.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDuring a snooker match with Stephen Hendry he revealed he played with the mercurial forward during a Rest of the World match.He said: “Well, I only played with him for half a game, but it was Diego Maradona.”Hendry then asked if Lineker thought that the skilful forward would have been successful in today’s game.Lineker replied: “Yeah, as in those days he would have been kicked to bits.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMaradona is considered one of the best to ever grace the football pitch.He captained his homeland of Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, during which he scored the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England.’You never lose it’ – Gary Lineker stuns former world snooker champion as he shows off impressive skillsMaradona ended his playing career in 1997 at Boca Juniors, having enjoyed spells at Napoli, Barcelona and Sevilla while in Europe.He was prolific on the pitch and scored 348 goals across 690 appearances in domestic and international football.After hanging up his boots, he went into management and even coached the Argentina national side.He passed away at the age of 60 from a heat attack in 2020.Meanwhile, during the snooker match with Hendry, Lineker was able to showcase his impressive cue skills.He admitted that he was no stranger to the felt and would often play during his time in Spain.Lineker’s most regular team-matesHere is a list of the players that featured alongside Gary Lineker the most during his career…Pat van den Hauwe – 163 matchesGary Mabutt – 139 matchesAndoni Zubizarreta – 137 matchesRobert Fernández – 129 matchesPaul Allen – 126 matchesPaul Stewart – 124 matchesSteve Sedgley – 117 matchesErik Thorstvedt – 114 matchesDavid Howells – 112 matchesIan Wilson – 105 matches More

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      Who is Thibaut Courtois’ model wife Mishel Gerzig and how long has she been married to the Real Madrid goalkeeper?

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      MISHEL Gerzig is the wife of star footballer and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Courtois will be appearing in Real Madrid’s Champions League 2025 quarter-final clash against Arsenal as Los Blancos attempt to comeback from a 3-0 defeat in the first-leg.Mishel Gerzig is a famous runway modelCredit: Getty ImagesShe is married to Real Madrid star Thibaut CourtoisCredit: Instagram/@MishelGerzigThe star regularly takes fans behind the scenes on InstagramCredit: Instagram/@MishelGerzigMishel’s incredible careerMishel was born on June 5, 1997, in Tel Aviv, Israel. She gained fame as a print model before being signed by Model MGMT, Next Miami and View Spain. The star was recognised on the Forbes 30 under 30 list and even appeared on the magazine’s cover, wearing a white suit. Thrilled about the news, she posted on social media: “Excited to share I was chosen for Forbes 30 under 30! Read More on Football“Thankful for this recognition.”Meeting a football legendMishel opened up to Israeli lifestyle magazine La’Isha about how she met Thibaut.She said that the footballer messaged her on social media about a picture of her and her pet dog. Mishel said: “He started asking me questions about Israel, about the army.Most read in Football”In April I had several jobs in Madrid, and then we met for the first time face-to-face. “We met again in early July, that’s when the relationship between us became romantic.”Watch Thibaut Courtois bizarrely throw cake at fan at Tomorrowland in ‘most random crossover of 2024’Thibaut proposed to Mishel on Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Mishel shared pictures from the romantic event. She captioned the post with: “Yessss to a lifetime with you.”The pair tied the knot at the Château de la Croix des Gardes in France in 2023. Real Madrid vs ArsenalFans are clamouring to see whether Mishel will be supporting Thibaut at the Champions League 2025. The competition kicked off on April 8, 2025 and concludes in Munich, Germany, on Saturday 31 May 2025. Thibaut will be representing Real Madrid in their faceoff with Arsenal at 8pm on April 16, 2025, in what could be one of the competition’s great comebacks.SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens. More

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      Who is Rodrygo’s girlfriend Bruna Rotta?

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      BRUNA Rotta is the girlfriend of Real Madrid fan-favourite Rodrygo. The footballer will be competing in the Champions League as part of Los Blancos’ elite squad, as they go head-to-head with some of the biggest clubs in football.Bruna Rotta is a famous influencer and modelCredit: Instagram/@brunarottaBruna has been dating Rodrygo since 2023Credit: Instagram/@brunarottaRodrygo plays for Brazilian football team Real MadridCredit: Getty ImagesMeeting a world famous footballerBruna was born on September 23, 1998, in Brazil. She is a hugely famous TikToker who boasts over 2 million followers on the social media platform (as of April 2025).The star regularly posts videos which take fans behind the scenes of her hectic life, as well as fitness content. Bruna started dating Rodrygo in September 2023, kicking off their whirlwind romance.Read More about FootballShe made headlines, though, when she suggested that her famous boyfriend doesn’t shower. Taking part in a TikTok trend which talks about how “destiny” can “play with people”, she said that she would “never date a guy who doesn’t shower”.Bruna then posted a picture of Rodrygo, which was captioned: “I paid with my tongue.”What Luka Modric told Rodrygo in classy message after Croatia knocked Brazil out of World CupRodrygo’s fantastic careerRodrygo is one of the biggest footballers in the world and began his career at Brazilian side Santos. Most read in FootballHe moved to Real Madrid for €45million in 2019, and became an integral part of the side which won the Champions League in 2022 and 2024.His contract was extended on November 2, 2023, which means he will stay with the team until June 2028. The footballer has two sons, from a previous relationship with Pamella Cristina Costa, whom he welcomed in February 2022.  More

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      ‘Finally know why he’s always sacked’, say fans as Wayne Rooney picks controversial Arsenal-Real Madrid combined XI

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      WAYNE ROONEY has enraged fans after naming just THREE Arsenal players in his combined XI with Real Madrid.The Gunners are in the Spanish capital to face the LaLiga giants in their Champions League quarter-final second leg tonight.Wayne Rooney has infuriated Gunners fans with his combined Arsenal and Madrid XICredit: X formerly Twitter / @primevideosportLIVE BLOG: Latest news from Real Madrid vs ArsenalThe Premier League side shell-shocked the reigning European champions with a stunning 3-0 first leg win a week ago.Two outrageous Declan Rice free-kicks were finished off by a slick curling finish from Mikel Merino, to leave Madrid needing to create club history in order to come back.Arsenal fans believe they have one foot in the semi-final, with a couple even wearing ‘Champions League WINNERS’ shirts against Brentford on Saturday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSupporters have every belief after watching Mikel Arteta’s defence nullify superstars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr last Tuesday. So the Emirates faithful have laid into Rooney for leaving so many Arsenal players out of his current combined XI.Speaking to TNT, Rooney began with choosing world class goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois over David Raya. Seems plausible.But fans were left baffled when Wazza picked Lucas Vasquez – a makeshift right-back for Madrid – over Jurrien Timber.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe Manchester United legend can be forgiven for backing Antonio Rudiger over Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba over Raul Asencio.Rooney also picked Myles Lewis-Skelly over David Alaba at left-back.How Declan Rice can be ‘world class’ AGAIN vs Real Madrid | Tactics Exposed Deano’s DecisionBut there were plenty of question marks when Eduardo Camavinga – who was sent off at the Emirates – earned a spot over Thomas Partey.The final Arsenal player chosen was Rice over Federico Valverde.That means Jude Bellingham made the cut over Martin Odegaard.And after a few seconds of stewing, Bukayo Saka was completely LEFT OUT for Rodrygo on the right wing.There should be few complaints over Vinicius and Mbappe completing the line-up over Gabriel Martinelli and Merino.But, naturally, Arsenal fans were outraged with Rooney’s picks – with a few teasing the ex-England striker about his poor managerial career.One said: “Not putting in Saka over Rodrygo has got to be one of the worst takes I’ve seen.”A second quipped: “Finally, I have found out the reason why he is always sacked… poor first team selection.”Another said: “Camavinga over Partey… This man is not Ok. He needs to be checked. Rodrigo and Vasquez over Saka and Timber.”A third added: “Lucas Vasquez in front of Timber is just football malpractice!”Rooney was forced to defend himself on live TV after being caught jokingly whispering behind Gabby Logan’s back on Tuesday night.Meanwhile, supporters been rocked by the ever-so-close comebacks of Aston Villa and Borussia Dortmund last night. After going 5-1 down on aggregate, Villa mounted an incredible revival to bring the score to 5-4 across to two legs. Read More on The SunAnd they could’ve won the game enough to go through, before missing untold chances at Villa Park.Meanwhile, Dortmund also gave Barcelona a scare after climbing close to a 5-3 aggregate scoreline on Tuesday night.Arsenal ratings vs Real Madrid as Declan Rice’s free-kick thunderbolts earn him an ELEVEN out of 10BEND it like Beckham? More like bend it like Declan…It was a set-piece clinic from the Arsenal midfielder as he scored the first free-kicks of his career against Real Madrid – and the first player in Champions League history to score multiple direct free-kicks in the same knockout stage game.Thibaut Courtois was on hand to save Real Madrid in a fast paced first half as he pulled off a fine double save to deny a Rice header and a follow-up effort from Gabriel Martinelli.The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute as England star Rice whipped in a sensational free-kick.Rice then sent the Emirates into the stratosphere with as he added a second with an even better free-kick from the left side of the goal which he rifled into the top right corner.Mikel Merino then swept a devastating third into the bottom corner from a low cross to put the cherry on a remarkable night.Rice’s epic showing was enough to earn him an unprecedented ELEVEN in our player ratings.Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the rest of the Gunners… More

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      Real Madrid fire ominous eight-word warning to Arsenal in 20 LANGUAGES as they plot historic Champions League win

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      REAL MADRID have sent Arsenal an ominously blunt warning – and translated it into 20 different LANGUAGES.The 15-time Kings of Europe have a near impossible task on their hands to keep their Champions League hopes alive after losing the first leg of their quarter-final tie 3-0 at the Emirates last week.Real Madrid have sent out a warning video to Arsenal that ’90 minutes at the Bernabeu is very long’Credit: X formerly Twitter / @realmadridenThe club posted it today and asked the AI system to write it in different languagesCredit: X formerly Twitter / @realmadridenMadrid have every belief that the legendary club can come back from 3-0 downCredit: X formerly Twitter / @realmadridenDeclan Rice scored two sensational free-kicks that stunned Madrid in the first legCredit: GettyMadrid have NEVER came back from 3-0 down across two legs in the Champions League.But they know a thing or two about legendary revivals and have fought back from first leg defeats on three out of four occasions.After trailing, the Los Blancos came back against Wolfsburg in 2015-2016 and against both Paris St-Germain and Manchester City in 2021-2022.Carlo Ancelotti warned Arsenal that “anything can happen” after two outrageous Declan Rice free kicks and a sleek Mikel Merino finish shell-shocked Madrid last Tuesday.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile Madrid star Jude Bellingham said that “everyone believes it’s nailed on” that he and his team-mates will still go through at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night.And now, Madrid’s social media accounts have taken to X to send Arsenal a new and final message before kick-off.Real posted a video where they asked ChatGPT to translate a staunch message: “Ninety minutes at the Bernabeu is very long.”The club began it’s request, asking: “Can you translate this into as many languages as possible?”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBellingham revealed that the word “Remontada” – which translates to “comeback” – has been bouncing around the Real dressing room.While Vinicius Jr wrote on Instagram “Tomorrow. 9pm”, with the Brazilian seemingly ready to put in a big performance after being kept quiet in the first leg.Jude Bellingham confidently claims ‘everyone thinks it’s nailed on’ that Real Madrid will win Arsenal tie from 3-0 downAnd the Spanish giants will be boosted by Aston Villa’s second-half surge against Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park last night.Unai Emery’s side were asked to overcome a 3-1 first leg defeat to PSG – already champions of France.But the Premier League side quickly saw themselves 5-1 down after two early goals from the Parisians. Yet, out of nowhere, Villa mounted a shock comeback and missed plenty of chances to lose 5-4 on aggregate after winning 3-2 on the night.And Borussia Dortmund also gave Barcelona a scare on Tuesday night.Barca had thrashed Bellingham’s former side 4-0 last week, before the German giants won 3-1 in their second leg.But it wasn’t enough to bring Dortmund through, with Barca winning 5-3 on aggregate. However reports of internal chaos at Madrid threatens to derail their chances of doing the same.Reports in Spain claim Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger had to be separated in a training ground bust-up on Friday.On top of all of this, Madrid have also been rocked by news that defender Ferland Mendy is definitely out of the tie.That adds on to the already absent Eduardo Camavinga after he was sent off at the end of the game at the Emirates.There are also fitness doubts surrounding Federico Valverde and David Alaba, while Dani Ceballos is almost certainly out against his former club.Read More on The SunLos Blancos returned to winning ways on Sunday with a 1-0 win at Alaves, despite Kylian Mbappe being sent off for a horror tackle when he went diving in with his studs raised and caught Antonio Blanco high on his shin.The French superstar is free to face Arsenal and will serve a one-match ban in La Liga over the weekend.Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger had a training ground bust-up, reports claim More