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    Real Madrid 4 Espanyol 0 LIVE SCORE: Title party starts as Benzema adds to Asensio and Rodrygo goals – updates

    RODRYGO’S double has given Real Madrid a cushion in their huge title decider against Espanyol.And his double has been added to by Marco Asensio to kick off Los Blancos’ title celebrations.
    Isco also thought he’d helped Real put the cherry on top of the cake but his goal was ruled out for offside.
    Karim Benzema started on the bench for the home team in a surprise move by Carlo Ancelotti – but he scored a late fourth after coming on.

    Start time: 3:15pm GMT
    TV/Live stream: LaLigaTV
    Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Vallejo, Casemiro, Marcelo; Modric, Ceballos, Camavinga; Asensio, Rodrygo, Diaz
    Espanyol XI: Lopez; Vidal, Gomez, Calero, Cabrera; Herrera, Darder, Vilhena; Melendo, Puado, De Tomas

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    Real Madrid 4-0 Espanyol
    90 Only three more minutes of stoppage time to go until the grand fiesta!
    Real fans can’t wait!
    Real Madrid 4-0 Espanyol
    88 The trophy is going back to Madrid at full-time.
    The fans are doing the wave at the stands, the whole place is about to turn into a major party after the final whistle!
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    Real Madrid 4-0 Espanyol
    85 Chance
    Espanyol ace Darder delivers a long-range shot but Courtois saves with ease.
    Merida follows up with another long-range shot after a few seconds but just misses the target.
    The Santiago Bernabeu crowd are on their feet and loudly chanting as they wait to explode at full-time
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    83 Substitution
    Espanyol manager Moreno introduces David Lopez, who takes Calero’s place
    Real Madrid 4-0 Espanyol
    Goal for Real Madrid with Benzema!
    81 He just can’t stop scoring!
    Vinicius Junior, who came on for Rodrygo, gets the ball down the left.
    The Brazil international finds Benzema in the area where he is unmarked and beats Lopez with a fine shot
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    80 Chance
    Espanyol ace Puado delivers a shot from the left and although his effort appears to be going off Courtois doesn’t take any risk as he lunges down his right to palm it away
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    80 Gila makes his Real Madrid senior debut this season as he comes on for Camavinga.
    The 21-year-old appears to be playing at centre-back with Vallejo
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    77 Substitution
    Espanyol manager Moreno makes another change as Merida takes Herrera’s place
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    75 Substitution
    Real manager Ancelotti brings on youngster Gila to replace Camavinga
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    No goal!
    74 VAR’s check reveals that Rodrygo was offside during Isco’s shot!
    The Brazilian was blocking Espanyol keeper Lopez’s eyesight
    Real Madrid 4-0 Espanyol
    Goal for Real Madrid by Isco!
    71 Real break into a counter-attack as Isco feeds Benzema down the right flank.
    The striker finds Isco in the area and the latter’s shot beats Lopez, who got a touch with a lunge down his right.
    But VAR is having a look for offside!
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    71 Chance!
    Real come close to a fourth following some nice passing between Benzema and Isco.
    They find Vazquez who breaks down the right but his shot just misses Lopez’s bottom right corner
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    70 Real’s possession has increased as Espanyol are without their top scorer De Tomas.
    Manager Moreno appears to be saving him for the next matches
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    68 Real have sealed their 35th LaLiga title after Asensio’s goal.
    All focus is now turned on Manchester City
    Credit: GETTY IMAGES
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    65 Substitution
    Espanyol manager Moreno makes a double change as Lei and Morlanes replace De Tomas and Vilhena respectively
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    65 Chance!
    Espanyol come close as Kroos, out of all people, is dispossessed in the area and Darder breaks down the right.
    The midfielder delivers a low ball past Courtois where De Tomas is but Vazquez clears it right in the nick of time
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    63 It makes sense for Ancelotti to take Modric and Casemiro out as he wil need them against Manchester City.
    But it’s quite risky bringing Benzema in for such a formality of a match.
    Remember, the striker is 34 years old and has dealt with injury this season
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    60 Substitution
    Real manager Ancelotti makes a triple switch as Benzema, Kroos and Isco replace Diaz, Modric and Casemiro respectively
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    58 Check is over by VAR and there is no penalty for Espanyol.
    It did look like Vidal was tackled by Marcelo however…
    Real Madrid 3-0 Espanyol
    Goal for Real Madrid with Asensio!
    55 Real break into a counter-attack with Camavinga leading the run and passing to Asensio down his right.
    The forward beats Lopez with ease and registers his 10th league goal of the season.
    However, VAR may have to have a look as it appeared like Vidal was wiped out inside Real’s area in the build-up
    Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol
    55 Espanyol are still pushing for a goal with De Tomas and Vidal.
    But there is no jeopardy at Real
    Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol
    53 Real are slowly waking up after a poor start.
    But they have obviously not lost any bit of that confidence earned after Rodrygo’s brace
    Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol
    51 Chance
    Real ace Asensio tries a long-range effort but misses the target, doesn’t worry Lopez at all
    Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol
    50 A slow start by Real reminiscent of their poor performance in the first half before the half-hour mark.
    Espanyol are showing intent having already missed two major opportunities to score
    Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol
    48 Chance!
    Espanyol come close again with a free-kick from Vilhena down the right flank this time.
    And it almost leads to an own goal as Diaz gets his foot on the way and the ball just misses Courtois’ top right corner.
    Mariano is just having a mare today, really wasting a rare opportunity to prove himself in Benzema’s place
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    Mino Raiola dead at 54: World’s biggest football agent’s family confirms his death after he loses health battle

    SUPER-AGENT Mino Raiola has died aged 54, his family have confirmed. In a statement posted on Twitter, it was announced the Italian sadly lost his health battle.
    Mino Raiola has died aged 54, his family confirmedCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mino Raiola at the 2018 World CupCredit: Rex
    Super-agent Mino Raiola pictured with Paul Pogba
    It read: “In infinite sorrow we share the passing of the most caring and amazing Football Agent that ever was.
    “Mino fought until the end with the same strength he put on negotiation tables to defend out players.
    “As usual, Mino made us proud and never realized it.
    “Mino touched so many lives through his work and wrote a new chapter in the history of modern football.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}UNBELIEVABLE JEFF .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chris Kamara QUITS Sky Sports after 24 years following health issues
    “His presence will forever be missed. Mino’s mission of making football a batter place for players will continue with the same passion.
    “We thank everybody fo the huge amount of support received during these difficult times and ask for respect and privacy of family and friends in this moment of grief.
    “The Raiola Family.”
    Earlier this week, Italian media had wrongly claimed the football broker had passed away, which was then reported by the world’s press.
    Everything you need to know about Mino Raiola

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    Real Madrid even paid their condolences after the fake reports emerged, which Raiola was forced to deny it from his hospital bed.
    He tweeted: “Current health status for the ones wondering: p***d off second time in 4 months they kill me. Seem also able to resuscitate.”
    However, his family confirmed the sad news of his death just two days later.
    Raiola had been suffering with a lung condition, according to German outlet Bild, before his passing.
    The agent was known for looking after Manchester United’s Paul Pogba, Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland and the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
    Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mino Raiola in Manchester in 2017Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
    Mario Balotelli and Mino Raiola out in Milan in 2013Credit: Rex
    Paul Pogba in a swimming pool with his agent Mino Raiola in 2017Credit: Refer to Caption
    Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Mino Raiola and Paul Pogba in 2018Credit: Refer to Caption
    He was involved in some of the most historic transfers in history, known for his shrewd bargaining skills with the world’s biggest teams.
    Forbes estimate his personal fortune to be around £68million.
    He was the man who helped agree the £89m deal to take Pogba back to United from Juventus in 2016 for what was then a world record fee.
    SunSport previously revealed how Raiola’s journey to the top of football started by making pizzas.
    Born in Nocera Inferiore in Salerno, south-east of Naples, the Raiola family moved to the Dutch city of Haarlem when Mino was just one.
    There, they opened a pizzeria called Napoli in Haarlem’s Grote Markt and, not for the first time, Mino was the star with his sales patter, charm and customer service making him more than just a waiter.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GREY AREA .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I was trolled by neighbours for painting building ‘boring’ grey – so got revenge
    Those interpersonal skills were soon transferred as he negotiated with some of the sport’s biggest characters.
    Raiola also took care of Matthijs De Ligt and Gianluigi Donnarumma, among others.
    Mino Raiola’s journey to the top of football started by making pizzasCredit: Reuters

    The Italian was involved in some of the most historic transfers in historyCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Mino Raiola’s family confirmed his death in a statementCredit: Getty More

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    Barcelona ‘believe Man Utd could offer up THREE players to land De Jong with Ten Hag a huge fan’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are likely to open talks with Barcelona over the signing of Frenkie de Jong, according to reports.The Red Devils are looking to completely revamp their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.
    De Jong and Ten Hag could reunite at Man UtdCredit: Getty – Contributor
    With the imminent departures of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba, club chiefs have prioritised signing a new midfielder.
    And De Jong is one of the names on the shortlist.
    According to football journalist Gerard Romero, new boss Erik ten Hag is a huge fan of the 24-year-old and is eager to reunite with him at Old Trafford.
    De Jong shone under the management of Ten Hag at Ajax before making the move to Barcelona for an eyewatering £76million fee in 2019.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on Man 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}United news .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man Utd transfer chief Matt Judge RESIGNS from role, Kalvin Phillips UPDATE
    However, it might be difficult to prise him away from the Camp Nou as he has insisted that he loves the club and wants to stay.
    In an interview with ZiggoSport earlier this year, he said:  “I love being at Barcelona! I’d probably sign a six-year contract extension if they’d propose me, yes.”
    Despite claims that he is happy, there did appear to be some tension between De Jong and the Barcelona coaching staff earlier this week after he was subbed off against Rayo Vallecano.
    He stormed straight down the tunnel, visibly frustrated.
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    SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
    Barca boss Xavi reiterated the importance of the midfielder to the club after the game.
    He said: “We had a very good face-to-face talk in which I conveyed my feelings to him.
    “I understand his frustration [about being subbed early] but I have to look out for the team. He has to be consistent. He’s a player for the present and future.”
    Romero has also suggested that Barcelona expect to be offered three players in exchange for the midfielder, including Harry Maguire.
    The United captain has been heavily criticised for his performances this season.
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More on The 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GREY AREA .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I was trolled by neighbours for painting building ‘boring’ grey – so got revenge
    He even had a vile bomb threat sent to his family home if he did not leave United
    He has now been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. More

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    Real Madrid ‘fuming with Gareth Bale over latest injury’ after he withdraws from squad to face Espanyol

    REAL MADRID have been left furious with Gareth Bale over his latest injury, according to reports. The Welshman missed today’s game against Espanyol with a reported back strain, as the Spanish giants look to wrap up the title.
    Bale is reportedly coming under fire for his record of injuries while at Real MadridCredit: Reuters
    But Real are “fed up” over Bale’s “suspicious” absences due to injuries, Mundo Deportivo are reporting.
    They claim his injuries “do little or nothing” to convince club medical staff.
    The fitness of Bale has been a contentious issue at the Bernabeu, with the former Spurs player missing chunks of the season in recent years.
    Ahead of the Espanyol game, manager Carlo Ancelloti was set to “count on him” before the back issue left him on the sidelines, according to the report.
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    The Spanish press took aim at him earlier this season after he missed 13 Real games through injury – but then managed to play for Wales during the international break.
    Bale also missed Real Madrid’s El Clasico hammering last month due to feeling unwell.
    But then a few days later he arrived in time for Wales training ahead of their crucial World Cup play-off against Austria.
    Bale’s future looks to be away from Madrid after the 32-year-old repeatedly clashed with fans and the media.
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    In recent days he has been linked with a shock transfer to MLS team DC United in the States.
    He also hit back at his treatment by the Spanish press earlier in the season. More

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    Barcelona wonderkids who failed after starring at La Masia, including PSG star Icardi and ex-Spurs ace dos Santos

    LA MASIA has long been heralded as one of the most revered talent hubs in world football.Barcelona’s fabled academy boasts an enormous list of talented graduates to have honed their skills in Catalonia.
    Not all Barcelona wonderkids quite make the gradeCredit: AFP – Getty
    From Messi to Guardiola, Xavi to Iniesta, Busquets to Puyol – the list can go on and on.
    Naturally, given its stellar reputation – players making waves within the academy quickly gather the excitement of fans and coaches alike.
    But what happens to those that don’t quite make the cut?
    Is it all downhill from La Masia failure? Or can things still be salvaged?
    We at SunSport, take a look.Giovani dos Santos
    Given that he made 37 first-team appearances for Barcelona, it seems harsh to include the Mexican as an outright failure.
    But things subsequently went badly wrong.
    Touted as “the next Ronaldinho”, Dos Santos waved farewell to the Camp Nou with a hat-trick against Real Murcia in his final match before signing for Tottenham in 2008.
    Within a year, however, he had been farmed out to Ipswich on loan, a humiliatingly quick descent for the fleet-footed attacker.
    Reportedly carried out of Spurs’ boozy Christmas bash in 2009 unable to stand, Dos Santos was never fancied by new boss Harry Redknapp – and he’s now a free agent at 32-years-old, following a spell at America in his homeland.
    Giovani was once dubbed ‘the next Ronaldinho’Credit: Reuters
    Oriol Romeu
    The 6ft midfielder plays in the classic mould of a La Masia midfielder, unflustered in possession – a metronomic figure at the heart of a team.
    His problem? He was never going to be better than Sergio Busquets, three years his senior.
    His Barcelona first-team career lasted all of nine minutes, featuring in a 0-0 draw with Deportivo La Coruna in May 2011.
    At 30, Romeu now enjoys regular Premier League football at Southampton, via stints at Chelsea, Stuttgart and Valencia.
    Romeu was good… but not as good as BusquetsCredit: Rex Features
    Jeffren Suarez
    When little-known academy star Jeffren rounded off Barcelona’s humiliating 5-0 romp of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in stoppage time – it appeared the winger had the world at his feet.
    Having floated around the first-team for five years, Jeffren has finally achieved the pinnacle, scoring in a victory over their fiercest rivals.
    But things fizzled out spectacularly, as he was only to make six more LaLiga appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men.
    Injury subsequently wrecked his Barca chances, paving the way for a nomadic career – since turning out for Sporting Lisbon, Eupen, Grasshoppers and AEK Larnaca.
    At 32, he now plays for Thai club Lamphun Warrior.
    Jeffren once put Barcelona 5-0 up against Mourinho’s MadridCredit: Reuters
    Mauro Icardi
    If anyone proves that you can bounce back to be a superstar following La Masia rejection, it’s Mauro Icardi.
    The Argentine was bizarrely under-utilised by Barcelona’s academy, never even coming close to the first-team picture.
    He departed for Sampdoria, spending a season at the Genoan club before transferring to Inter Milan in 2013.
    A goal-laden, controversial spell followed, in which the striker fired 124 goals in 219 matches, became captain – and outraged the ultras.
    The 29-year-old is now playing for Paris Saint-Germain.
    Icardi was bizarrely under-utilised while on the books at BarcaCredit: FC Barcelona
    Isaac Cuenca
    Cuenca is another curious case of a winger once-fancied by Guardiola – before seemingly falling off the face of the earth.
    The pacey wide-man featured regularly at the beginning of the 2011-12 season, even providing a hat-trick of assists in a Champions League match against BATE Borisov.
    A serious knee injury curtailed his progress the following year, and an underwhelming loan spell at Ajax followed.
    He failed to ever recapture the magic of his initial months at Barca, and has since represented Deportivo, Bursaspor, Granada, Hapoel Beer Sheva, Sagan Tosu and Vegalta Sendai.
    Cuenca was a regular feature in the 2011-12 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Gai Assulin
    So-called football aficionados were convinced that Gai would be the next big thing, when at 16 he signed his first professional deal with Barcelona in 2007.
    At even that tender age, he was a regular for Guardiola’s all-conquering Barca B squad – the kind of pottering attacker long-associated with the famous Catalan club.
    When Pep stepped up to take the big job, Gai was tipped for first-team action.
    But it was Pedro, however, that made the step up on the wing – with Gai limited to just 56 minutes of a Copa del Rey tie with Cultural Leonesa in 2009.
    Having had a difficult relationship with then-Barca B boss Luis Enrique, Gai turned down a new contract in 2010 – instead joining Manchester City.
    He also failed to make the grade at the Etihad, however, and now is unattached – astonishingly having failed to ever add to his solitary international cap earned as a wonderkid in 2008.
    Gai Assulin was once highly-tipped for greatness, but played just once for BarcaCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    Jonathan Soriano
    Soriano was a bizarre case from the get-go.
    He signed specifically for Barcelona’s B team as a 24-year-old from rivals Espanyol – dropping down two divisions in the process.
    The Spaniard then scored as prolifically as any striker has for the club’s reserve side – bagging 39 goals in 51 appearances.
    These exploits earned him just one first-team call-up, playing the final five minutes of that same Copa del Rey tie against Cultural Leonesa in which Gai Assulin featured.
    His unusual career took another twist in 2012, when he eventually stepped out of Barca’s reserves and into the Austrian spotlight, scoring 174 goals in just 203 appearances for Red Bull Salzburg.
    He then had a prolific couple of seasons in China with Beijing Gouan, before transferring to Al Hilal in 2018.
    Soriano returned to Catalonia, turning out for Girona as a 34-year-old until retiring last season.
    Traded LaLiga for Barca’s reserves as a 24-year-oldCredit: AFP
    Adama Traore
    Spotted playing for his local side as an eight-year-old in the Catalan town of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Adama was an extraordinary talent that sparked much excitement at La Masia.
    He was thrust into first-team action as a skinny 17-year-old in 2013, featuring in consecutive matches against Granada and Ajax… before disappearing from the fold.
    Traore returned briefly for two Copa del Rey assignments the following season – but he soon left under a cloud – frustrated at his lack of reward for outstanding performances in Barcelona’s B squad.
    He left for Aston Villa in 2015, but only really started to fulfil his potential under the unlikely tutelage of Tony Pulis at Middlesbrough.
    Now 26, Traore is back at Barcelona on loan – however recent reports suggest he could be back at Wolves after failing to impress Xavi.
    Adama featured for Barcelona as a 17-year-oldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Marc Muniesa
    Given the Spaniard’s lack of impact at Stoke City between 2013 and 2018, it is hard to believe that Marc Muniesa is a Champions League winner.
    The now-30-year-old collected a winners’ medal despite not actually featuring at all during the run to their 2009 triumph over Manchester United in Rome, by virtue of the fact that he was an unused substitute in the final.
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    Muniesa had actually been red carded on his first-team debut four days previously.
    Like Ibrahim Afellay and Bojan, he swapped Barcelona for the Potteries after three more appearances – but was limited in his opportunities for Mark Hughes’ side.
    The most league appearances he made in a season was 19 back in 2014-15 – and after a stint at Girona, Muniesa now turns out for Al-Arabi in the Qatari Stars League.
    Muniesa is one of football’s lesser-known Champions League winnersCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Barcelona ‘turn to Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku’ after being priced out of Haaland chase and told no on Lewandowski

    BARCELONA have turned their attention towards Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku, according to reports in Spain.The Catalan giants are eyeing a rebuild under manager and club legend Xavi.
    Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku is being linked with BarcelonaCredit: GETTY
    And bolstering the frontline is a one of the priorities this summer.
    The club had tried to sound out moves for Bundesliga duo Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski.
    But Barca were not financially able meet the demands for Borussia Dortmund star Haaland and Bayern Munich turned down their approach for Lewandowski.
    And now according to Sport, Barca have now turned their attention towards big money Chelsea flop Lukaku.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Todd Boehly named as preferred Chelsea bidder despite late Jim Ratcliffe offer
    The Belgian is said to be unhappy at Stamford Bridge and Barca chiefs Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff have already met with the player’s representative, Federico Pastorello.
    But considering Chelsea signed Lukaku for a club record fee, Barca may also struggle to meet the Blues’ financial demands.
    There has been NO formal proposal to sign the player.
    Lukaku’s former club Inter Milan may rival Barca for his signature.
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swoop for Tchouameni, Ramsay to reinforce squad’
    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    The defending Serie A champions are said to be warming to the idea of the 28-year-old returning to the San Siro.
    But Lukaku would have to slash his £325,000-a-week wages for a move to materialise.
    Lukaku scored 64 goals in 95 appearances for Inter but has just 12 in 40 for Chelsea this season. More

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    Real Madrid vs Espanyol: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time, team news for TITLE CLINCHING La Liga tie

    REAL MADRID have the opportunity to secure a 35th La Liga title TOMORROW when they welcome Espanyol to the Bernabeu.Los Blancos miraculously managed to stay in their Champions League tie with Manchester City on Tuesday.
    Benzema’s panenka penalty has blown Real Madrid’s CL tie with Man City wide openCredit: News Group Nrewspapers Ltd
    Real Madrid suffered a surprise defeat to Espanyol earlier on in the seasonCredit: Getty
    When ice-cold Karim Benzema was YET AGAIN the standout player for Madrid.
    But Carlo Ancelotti’s side need to realign their focus on clinching more La Liga silverware.
    And with four games to spare, they only need a single point against 13th-placed Espanyol to do it.
    What time does Real Madrid vs Espanyol kick off?

    Real Madrid will try to clinch the La Liga title against Espanyol TOMORROW – April 30.
    The game is scheduled to kick-off at 3:15pm UK time – 4:15pm in Spain.
    Santiago Bernabeu will be the venue for the match which can hold approximately 81,000 spectators.
    Espanyol pulled off a shocking 2-1 upset over Madrid when the sides met in October 2021.

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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ANT PLAN .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Staggering Rudiger Real Madrid wages broken down ahead of Chelsea free transfer
    What TV channel is Real Madrid vs Espanyol on and can I live stream it?

    Real Madrid vs Espanyol will be broadcasted live in the UK on LaLigaTV.
    Build-up to the game will commence from 3pm UK time – 15 minutes before kick-off.
    Subscription members have the option to stream the game live via the LaLiga TV website.

    Team news
    Carlo Ancelotti has some defensive difficulties going into this crucial La Liga match with Espanyol.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    Former Bayern Munich star David Alaba came off early against Manchester City with an abductor issue, which means that he is unlikely to be risked.
    Eder Militao is suspended having accumulated too many yellow cards throughout the course of the season – and Nacho Fernandez is also unavailable due to suspension.
    Looking further forward, Luka Jovic and Mariano Diaz are doubts with their ongoing muscular injuries.
    Likewise for Eden Hazard who has typically missed a majority of the season.
    Elsewhere, this will be Espanyol’s first game in NINE days so head coach Vincente Moreno has a full selection of fit players to choose from.
    Latest odds

    Real Madrid to win 4/9
    Draw 7/2
    Espanyol to win 6/1

    *Odds courtesy of Betfair are correct as of Friday, April 29 More

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    ‘It’s not good to compare’ – Ronald Koeman takes swipe at Xavi’s Barcelona side months after his ugly exit

    RONALD KOEMAN has taken a swipe at Barcelona months after his ugly exit.The Dutchman was sacked in October following a 1-0 defeat at Rayo Vallecano.
    Ronald Koeman was axed after a 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano in OctoberCredit: Reuters
    Xavi has taken Barca from ninth to secondCredit: Getty
    Barca sat in ninth when Koeman was axed, but the former Southampton and Everton boss points out that they are now more points off top spot than they were then.
    Speaking at the presentation of his Koeman Cup charity golf event, he said of Barcelona’s progress: “Surely they have improved in some things.
    “They have signed three strikers or three players who can play up front.
    “It is not good to compare. When I left, Barcelona was eight points away and now almost double. It is not good to compare.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SETTING CAMP .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Barcelona will LEAVE Nou Camp while iconic home undergoes £1.2bn makeover
    “Xavi’s task is just as complicated as mine. There’s no need to lie, if you lose the last home games it’s for something.
    “This is the reality of Barcelona today. It needs time to return to what it was and, therefore, I ask for peace of mind and not to think that we haven’t won titles… we have to think long-term, trust and support the coach.”
    Koeman, 59, bemoaned a number of factors that made his Barcelona tenure difficult.
    He said: “I can write a book. A lot of things happened to us.
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    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    “Covid issues, lack of president for a while, I had to answer all kinds of questions, not being able to sign the players we wanted, without Leo Messi from one day to another, without (Antoine) Griezmann on the last day of the market.
    “I have been criticised a lot for Luuk (de Jong). For me he has always been a player who has worked for me in his role.
    “Luckily he has given five or six points for Barca. I don’t feel a coach who has failed.”
    Koeman was unhappy with his relationship with club president Joan Laporta, adding: “I didn’t have this support from the club and I hope Xavi does.”
    I haven’t had the full support of a presidentRonald Koeman
    He then pleaded with his old side to give his successor the time he will need, continuing: “It’s true that Barca’s situation is the same as mine. That means that changing a coach is not always something that guarantees you to improve.
    “I don’t want to make any criticism. The only thing I ask is to support Xavi. It’s the situation because a coach is not the only culprit.
    “I haven’t had the full support of a president and I hope he has learned from this and supports Xavi.
    “The club’s situation hurts me, it’s sad because I’m a cule. I ask for maximum support for Xavi, he’s a legend, a very good coach, a homebody and little to blame for Barcelona being in this situation.”
    Since Xavi’s appointment, Barca have risen from ninth to second in LaLiga.
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    Koeman is currently between jobs, and will take over as Netherlands head coach following Louis van Gaal’s departure after the World Cup.
    He concluded: “Now I only think about Holland, about enjoying life until January.” More