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      Real Madrid 2 Atletico Madrid 1: Man City old boys show Pep Guardiola what he’s missing in derby with THREE wondergoals

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      REAL MADRID celebrated their 500th game in the Champions League with hard-fought victory over bitter local rivals Atletico.Los Blancos have put themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg of the round of 16 tie.Rodrygo netted the opening goal after just four minutesCredit: APFormer Man City forward Julian Alvarez also netted a sublime goalCredit: APBrahim Diaz scored a wonderful winnerCredit: ReutersThe goal sent the crowd into raptures for celebrationsCredit: GettyRodrygo gave the hosts the perfect start as he curled home after just four minutes.But just as it looked like Carlo Ancelotti’s side would have a perfect night, former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez stepped up.The Argentine forward bettered his Brazilian counterpart’s effort in the 32nd minute.Alvarez took on his man and then whipped a shot in off the post from the corner of the box.READ MORE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUEAtletico started to dominate the game as they looked to spoil Real’s big night.But it was the hosts that would find the next goal and it was another former Man City ace on target.Brahim Díaz jinked his way past two defenders with some brilliant footwork before firing past Jan Oblak in the 55th minute.The two goals must have left Pep Guardiola scratching his head back at home.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSManchester City were dumped out of the tournament in the playoff round by Real.The team has failed to defend its Premier League title and has been knocked out of European competition and the Carabao Cup.’I could have been tidier’ Jamie Carragher addresses controversial Afcon comments and explains his ‘mistake’Pep Guardiola must have some regret for selling Alcaraz and DiazCredit: GettyThe Cityzens only have a spot in the top four to play for and an FA Cup trophy to salvage any success from what has been a disappointing season.Fans watching on felt the need to take to social media to vent their frustrations.One posted: “Will never understand why City sold him.”A second commented: “Blame Pep for not playing him alongside Erling Haaland.”Meanwhile, Real will be hoping that the one-goal lead can boost them in the return leg next week.They will not have to travel far as there is only four miles between the two clubs’ stadiums.The 15-time tournament winners will be hoping to make it 16 by the end of the season.Elsewhere in the Champions League, Arsenal marched to a 7-1 away win over PSV to virtually seal their spot in the quarter-finals.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite the dominant scoreline, Myles Lewis-Skelly was lucky to avoid a first half red card for two reckless challenges.Borussia Dortmund drew 1-1 with French side Lille while Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 3-1 in the early kick off. More

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      ‘Is Carrington that bad?’ – Antony’s reaction to seeing Real Betis facilities revealed as Man Utd flop stars on loan

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      ANTONY has told Real Betis he would be open to extending his loan from Manchester United by a further 12 months.The Brazilian winger, 25, endured a nightmare stay at Old Trafford after making the £85 million move from Ajax in summer 2022.Manchester United loanee Antony is open to extending his stay at Real BetisCredit: GettyThe Brazilian has impressed during his first month in SpainCredit: GettyAntony joined United for £85 million in the summerCredit: GettyBut he agreed to join the Spanish club in a loan deal in January and so far the move has worked out well.Betis chief exec Ramon Alarcon said: “The other day Antony told me that he wanted to stay another year.“The player is very comfortable here and was surprised by the facilities we gave him to settle in the city as soon as he arrived.”The statement has left many United fans questioning the supposed state-of-the-art conditions at their own HQ.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSOne fan fumed: “Is Carrington that bad?”A second said: “Wow another player hinting at the under par facilities at United.”Another added: “Surely the facilities at Betis CANNOT be better than United’s.”One more wrote: “Maybe Cristiano Ronaldo was right.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs things stand, Antony will return to United in the summer – but a longer spell in Spain has not been ruled out.Antony’s electric performances for Betis have certainly put him in the spotlight for potential buyers.Sir Alex Ferguson filmed enjoying Zimbabwe holiday as legendary ex-Man Utd boss forgets about Red Devils woesHe has already scored three goals and provided two assists in seven matches for Betis and had a straight red overturned.The winger’s mid-season switch has reinvigorated him, and he now has designs on winning his place back in the Brazil squad. Upon leaving United in 2022 for Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo described Carrington as “stopped in time”.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “Nothing changed, surprisingly. Not only the pool, the jacuzzi, even the gym. “Even the kitchen, the chefs, whom I appreciate – lovely people. They stopped in time. It surprised me a lot.”I thought I would see other things, technologies, and infrastructure. “Unfortunately, we see a lot of what I used to see at 21, 22, and 23 years old. It really surprised me.”Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly unhappy with Man United’s training facilitiesCarrington’s swimming pool as it looked in 2000It comes after United stars were reportedly stopped from ever visiting the Glazer-owned Tampa Bay Buccaneers.The Red Devils have often toured around the US for pre-season, but have never been near Tampa.However, it has now been revealed United were stopped from visiting their sister team over fears it would spark a player revolt.READ MORE SUN STORIESESPN’s Mark Ogden explained it was believed if players from United saw the training facilities in Tampa they would then rebel due to their own relatively poor facilities.A United supporters’ group has unveiled plans for a protest before the club host Arsenal on Sunday, March 9.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. More

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      Real Madrid to expand Bernabeu just a year after £1.5BILLION redevelopment as it’s too SMALL to host huge sporting event

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      REAL MADRID are looking to further expand the Bernabeu in order to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup final.Madrid only returned to their iconic stadium last month – after spending £1.5billion renovating it.Real Madrid are eyeing further changes to the BernabeuCredit: GettyMadrid only returned to the Bernabeu pitch last month after a long redevelopment projectCredit: GettyThe European giants spent a fortune on giving the Bernabeu a face-lift, with work beginning in 2019 and finally ending in late 2024.The changes have included a retractable roof, a 360-degree LED scoreboard and a new metal facade with 7,500 stainless steel slats.However, all the renovations actually slightly REDUCED the capacity of the stadium.But, Fifa’s December announcement of Spain co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco, has thrown a spanner in the works.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Madrid are now planning to do MORE work on the ground, to this time raise the number of seats.Plans would see the Bernabeu’s capacity is set to increase from around 79,000 to 85,000 seats, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.Fifa rules state that the World Cup final stadium must have a capacity of at least 80,000.The club is said to prefer a permanent solution over temporary seating so it can reap the long-term benefits after the World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere is some uncertainty over the exact capacity of the Bernabeu following the redevelopment project.So far this season, Madrid’s attendance has only surpassed 78,000 on two occasions, against rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game Barcelona’s revamped Spotify Camp Nou is another top contender to host the World Cup final.The Nou Camp is in the midst of a major revamp, with its capacity to stand at 105,000 once the project is completed. Barca are hoping to return home before the end of the season, but it would be operating at a reduced capacity while work continues.Meanwhile, the Grand Stade Hassan II, a huge new stadium set to open in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, is also a candidate.The African arena is set to have a capacity of 115,000, which would make it the largest football stadium in the world once completed.It’s the first time that three countries across two continents will officially stage the tournament. More

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      How Real Madrid could line up with THREE England stars next season with two players tipped for huge transfers

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      REAL MADRID could include an English backbone in their starting XI next season.Los Blancos are reportedly tracking both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Adam Wharton.Jude Bellingham could be getting two more English team-mates this summerCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was approached by Madrid in JanuaryCredit: GettyLos Blancos are reportedly tracking Crystal Palace playmaker Adam WhartonCredit: GettyThree Lions star Jude Bellingham has already established himself as a regular at the Bernabeu.The former Birmingham youngster made the switch to Spain from Dortmund for £115million in July 2023.He has since gone on to become an England standout, helping Gareth Southgate’s men reach the Euros final last season.Bellingham could be joined in the Spanish capital by two familiar faces over the summer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGood pal Alexander-Arnold, 26, was the subject of interest from Madrid in the January transfer window.He is out of contract in the summer, with Carlo Ancelotti keen on a move for the full-back. Liverpool already have a ready-made replacement in Conor Bradley, with the youngster set for a mega 650 per cent pay rise at Anfield.Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton is also being “closely monitored” by Madrid scouts. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 21-year-old recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.He has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22m in January 2024.The meteoric rise of England star Adam WhartonMadrid chief scout Juni Calafat is also said to be a big fan of the midfielder.Wharton is expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad later this month, alongside Bellingham.Madrid veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.Central midfielder Wharton and full-back Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill in replacing those departing stars. But a Three Lions reunion in Madrid would not come cheap. Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024Wharton is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool.He would cost in the region of £70m, per ESPN. Should the pair end up in Spain, Madrid’s potential XI next season could feature a strong backbone of English players.In our predicted line-up, ex-Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois starts between the sticks. Alexander-Arnold slots in at right back, alongside fellow defenders Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn midfield, Wharton could partner Bellingham and Brahim Diaz.While upfront, the feared trio of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo would spearhead the attack. More

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      Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Get £40 in free bets to spend on Champions League football with BetMGM

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      THE Champions League round-of-16 has thrown up a Madrid derby as Real host Atletico in the first leg tonight.It’s always a terrific occasion when these two come together and bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the European clash!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsReal Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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      LaLiga clash postponed as furious fans boo after being told to leave stadium minutes AFTER game should have kicked off

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      VILLARREAL’S LaLiga clash against Espanyol has been POSTPONED – leaving fans furious.The Yellow Submarine were due to take on the Catalan side at the Estadio de la Cerámica tonight.Villarreal’s clash with Espanyol was postponed due to flood warningsCredit: X/dvidcostarrosaFans were told to leave the ground AFTER kick off was scheduledCredit: GettySupporters could be heard booing the official decisionCredit: GettyVillarreal were going into the match hoping to close ground on the top four while Espanyol were looking to solidify their spot in LaLiga.However, recommendations were made to postpone the match due to a risk of flooding.Fans had already entered the stadium ahead of the expected kick-off at 8pm local time. But they were urged to leave the ground AFTER the game should have started as a message was displayed on the big screen.READ MORE ON SPORTSIt said: “Due to weather alert, we ask spectators to leave the stadium calmly and follow the instructions of security personnel.”The supporter’s fury could be heard in a video that was shared on social media as they started to boo.Rain had started to fall at the ground and it was expected to get much heavier.Marca reports suggest the loudspeakers confirmed to fans in the ground that the match was suspended.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVillarreal confirmed the decision on social media with a statement.It read: “Due to the safety recommendations because of the risk of flooding as a result of the current weather conditions in Castellón.”The Judge of Professional Competitions has decided to postpone today’s match between Villarreal CF and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, which was scheduled to kick off at 9pm CET.”Watch incredible moment Lionel Messi’s son recreates Barcelona and Argentina icon’s goal against Getafe for inter Miami Villarreal president Fernando Roig Alfonso could be seen on the pitchCredit: GettyEspanyol players applauded the travelling fans for their effortsCredit: EPAVillarreal players showed their appreciationCredit: EPAVillarreal president Fernando Roig Alfonso could be seen taking a phone call on the pitch.Espanyol released a statement to fans thanking them for their efforts despite the game not going ahead.It read: “We want to wish our fans a safe and happy return home.”We deeply regret this. Thank you for always being there.”The team’s players still went over to applaud the travelling fans despite not kicking a ball.Villarreal players were pictured doing the same with their supporters. Fans were still left upset having made the journey to the match as they reacted on social media.One posted: “They could have warned before all those people traveled, this doesn’t make sense.”A second wrote: “Let’s see who pays for my gasoline now on this evening up and down.”A third commented: “I hope you start looking for free buses for all of us, for the next trip to Villarreal, first of all.”Elsewhere in LaLiga, Real Madrid have reportedly sent scouts to watch Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarcelona star Lamine Yamal has revealed which of his team-mates would be “impossible” to live with.He also sensationally admitted he is afraid of kangaroos. More

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      Real Madrid scouts ‘closely monitoring Jude Bellingham’s England team-mate Adam Wharton, 21, for shock summer transfer’

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      REAL MADRID are interested in Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, according to reports.Wharton, 21, recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.Adam Wharton is attracting plenty of interestCredit: GettyThe England midfielder has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22million in January 2024.According to the Mail, Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on Wharton’s progress.They add that the Spanish giants’ chief scout Juni Calafat is a big fan of the Selhurst star.Manchester United and Liverpool are also keen on Wharton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile Manchester City may well have made a swoop for his services last month, had he not been injured.A move to Spain could see Wharton unite with England team-mate Jude Bellingham.The Blackburn-born star made his Three Lions debut last summer and was taken to Euro 2024.He is expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad later this month.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEngland are set to host Albania and Latvia in World Cup qualifiers under their new German boss.Palace, meanwhile, are set to receive enquiries for several of their star players this summer.Incredible footage shows Adam Wharton dazzling defenders aged 10 before rising to Euro 2024 stardom with EnglandIn addition to Wharton; Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marc Guehi are all attracting interest.Palace beat Millwall 3-1 on Saturday to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals.The match was marred by the nasty injury suffered by Mateta early on.Lions stopper Liam Roberts was sent off following a VAR check, after his reckless high boot struck Palace’s red-hot French striker in the head.Mateta required oxygen on the pitch and was taken to hospital.The forward has subsequently been discharged, having required 25 stitches on a “severe laceration”.Jean-Philippe Mateta was kicked in the head on SaturdayCredit: Rex More

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      ‘Antony’s aura is enough’ – Fans stunned as Real Madrid’s title challenge derailed at Man Utd loanee’s Real Betis side

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      FANS have hailed Antony’s “aura” after Real Betis dented Real Madrid’s title hopes.The LaLiga hopefuls were beaten 2-1 at the Benito Villamarin and missed out on the chance to go top of the table.Antony played all 90 minutes against Real MadridCredit: APReal Madrid missed out on the chance to go top of LaLigaCredit: GettyIsco netted the winning goal from the spot for the hostsCredit: EPAAntony, 25, played the full 90 minutes for Betis as he continued his impressive run of form.The Manchester United winger did not score or assist but proved to be a constant thorn in the visitors’ side.Brahim Diaz did fire Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the lead in the tenth minute.However, Antony’s team-mates Johnny Cardoso and former Real star Isco turned the match on its head.READ MORE ON ANTONYCardoso scored the equaliser before Isco converted from the spot after Antonio Rudiger brought down Jesus Rodriguez in the box.But fans on social media are convinced that the result was down to the “aura” of Antony.One posted: “Antony’s aura is enough for a victory.”A second commented: “Antony’s impact is strong.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third wrote: “Antony aura it is.”A fourth said: “Hail Lord Antony.”Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis Antony is enjoying playing for Manuel PellegriniCredit: EPAHe has already scored twice in LaLigaCredit: ReutersAnother added: “Let’s all laugh at United for loaning out Antony.”The result leaves Real tied on 54 points with leaders Barcelona but the Catalonians have a crucial game in hand.Antony joined Betis on loan until the end of the season from the Red Devils.He has already made a good impression in Spain with two goals and two assists in his first five outings in LaLiga.His appearance against Getafe was cut short after he was sent off.But the suspension was then overturned – allowing him to play against Real.Old Trafford bosses will be hoping his good form continues so he can be sold for a hefty fee in the summer.Antony has admitted that he has regained his “confidence” since moving to Spain.He has also insisted playing under Betis boss and former Man City and West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has helped him.He told Estadio Deportivo: “The most important thing to regain my confidence was to reconnect with myself.”I found myself here and that’s why I’m very happy at Betis. Every day I feel more secure.”Pellegrini is very important to me. Before signing with Betis, I spoke with him, and he gave me a lot of confidence.”His experience and history give me energy every day to do well.”When I made the decision to come here, it was to find myself again, as I mentioned before.”There is always pressure, but the greatest pressure I felt was when I was living in the poor neighbourhoods of Brazil, thinking about my family and everything.”The club forked out an eye-watering £85.5million on the Brazilian back in the summer of 2023.Manager Ruben Amorim has been asked about the winger’s upturn in form since leaving Manchester.The Portuguese coach has insisted the different physicality level in Spain has helped Antony to shine.He told TNT Sports: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there.”If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot.”Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”The former Ajax man has also revealed that he is “happy” in Betis but has remained coy on his future.Antony has been tipped to make a permanent exit from Old Trafford in the summer, but he is remaining tight-lipped on his future.He said: “I’m very happy here, but I don’t know what will happen in the future.”I always say that I enjoy every day with the club, the city and everything that surrounds me, and I give my best for the team.”It’s still too early to talk about my future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know how much money they paid for me.”I worked and continue to work hard to perform at the highest level, but I don’t focus on transfer prices, neither mine nor any other player’s.”Ruben Amorim has addressed Antony’s success since leaving on loanCredit: GettyHe is not concerned with his price tagCredit: Getty More