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      Fans joke it’s ‘like flexing a tenner to Elon Musk’ as they spot what Man City did before Real Madrid loss

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      MANCHESTER CITY were mercilessly mocked for “flexing” their Champions League trophy… against record winners Real Madrid.City hosted Real on Wednesday in the second leg of their quarter-final clash at the Etihad following last week’s dramatic 3-3 draw in Madrid.Manchester City ‘flexed’ their sole Champions League trophy before facing Real MadridCredit: EPAFans were left cringed by Man City’s botched mind games against the most successful Champions League clubCredit: GettyReal Madrid eliminated City and will challenge for their 15th Champions League titleCredit: PALast year’s winners proudly displayed their first-ever Champions League trophy in the stadium before kick-off for all to see.The only catch is their rivals have FOURTEEN of them in their cabinet at home.And the stunt had fans watching on cringing.One fan tweeted: “Like me flexing a tenner to Elon Musk.”Read More on FootballAnother added: “Wow i’m sure Real Madrid are very impressed, they’ve never seen a CL trophy before.”A third posted: “They’ve won it 14 times. This was pathetic.”One said: “Small club mentality, got 14 ffs..”While another quipped: “They can flex when they win 13 more.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhy Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
      Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
      And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
      Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
      He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
      “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
      Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
      “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

      It’s safe to say the sight City’s trophy did not psych Madrid out – despite losing to Pep Guardiola’s side in the semis last season.Carlo Ancelotti’s men put on a stellar defensive performance to earn a 1-1 draw, with Kevin De Bruyne cancelling out Rodrygo’s early opener.Jamie Carragher reveals Micah Richards ‘nearly QUIT’ CBS Sports after Champions League final snubGuardiola withdrew De Bruyne and star striker Erling Haaland during a goalless extra-time period.And City suffered penalty heartbreak as they lost 4-3, with Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missing from the spot. More

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      Micah Richards told to ‘consider other career paths’ after dreadful Champions League prediction re-emerges

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      MICAH RICHARDS was put on full blast on social media after getting all of his Champions League predictions wrong.A video has reemerged of ex-Manchester City ace Richards, 35, guessing the winner of each quarter-final pair during a recent appearance on CBS Sports Golazo.Micah Richards got all of his Champions League predictions wrongCredit: X @cbssportsgolazoNot one of Richards’ picks made it to the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: GettyThe pundit revealed his picks to presenter Kate Abdo and fellow Premier League heroes Jamie Carragher as well as Thierry Henry but not one of them ended up being right.The former England international predicted his former club City would offload Real Madrid, Arsenal would eliminate Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid would prevail over Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona would best Paris Saint-Germain.Richards said: “Arsenal-Bayern: The Arsenal.”Okay, Real Madrid-Manchester City: Just Man City.Read More on Football”We’ll go over this way [with] a little pirouette there Jamie. Atletico-Dortmund: Atletico.”PSG-Barca: Sorry Kylian [Mbappe], I’m going with Barca.”However, both Premier League giants were ultimately eliminated by Bayern and Real, while Dortmund and PSG overcame Atletico and Barcelona respectively.Fans stormed social media and held nothing back on their assessment of Richards’ predictions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROne fan tweeted: “Not a single one right.”Another commented: “An absolute stinker. He should consider other career paths.”Jamie Carragher reveals Micah Richards ‘nearly QUIT’ CBS Sports after Champions League final snubA third said: “Wanna make a fortune? Listen to Micah and bet on the opposite of what he says.”This fan wrote: “All wrong.”And that one stated: “Bro hit a quadruple of misses.”Thomas Tuchel’s genius tactical tweak against ArsenalFANS hailed Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak that “took Bukayo Saka out of the game” in their Champions League victory against Arsenal.
      With regular full-back Alphonso Davies suspended, Tuchel deployed TWO full backs in his place in the shape of Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro.
      The duo doubled up on Saka, with Mazraoui at left-back and Guerreiro playing higher up, offering him protection from midfield.
      And the plan could not have worked out any better with Saka almost totally nullified.
      One fan noted: “Thomas Tuchel with a tactical masterclass today starting two full-backs on the left wing to keep Bukayo Saka locked down.
      “Through 75 minutes, Saka has 0 shots and 0 chances created. Just 19 accurate passes & 32 total touches…”
      Tuchel himself explained: “You have to defend a lot on that side. Arsenal’s right side is where most attacks usually start. That’s their danger side. That’s why we chose Rafa (Guerreiro).”
      Read more on Tuchel’s genius here. More

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      Jude Bellingham reveals Carlo Ancelotti’s cheeky 10-word answer after seeing Real Madrid boss yawn before Man City game

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has revealed Carlo Ancelotti’s cheeky 10-word response after being pulled up for yawning before last night’s game.The Real Madrid boss was in Manchester as his side took on City in the Champions League quarter-finals.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid defeat Manchester City last nightCredit: GettyThe midfielder caught his boss Carlo Ancelotti yawning before the gameCredit: RexThe Spanish giants went on to triumph on penalties, no doubt inspired by their veteran boss.Ancelotti, 64, has become renowned for being as cool as a cucumber during his legendary career.And last night he no doubt instilled confidence in his players once again with his laid back attitude.Appearing on TNT Sports following his side’s penalty shoot-out victory, Bellingham lifted the lid on a pre-match encounter with his manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 20-year-old said: “One of our biggest strengths is that we’re so off the cuff.”As a man he just fills you with calmness and confidence.”Before the game, I caught him yawning and I said to him ‘boss are you tired?'”He went ‘yeah you need to go and excite me out there’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”That’s the sort of confidence and calmness he brings.”Bellingham also spoke of his joy at being able to return to home soil and win.How Jude Bellingham is key to England winning Euro 2024He added: “It is incredible. Moments like this are magic and it just comes down to mentality.”When you get those details right and you get those little moments, like the penalties, when the lads keep their cool, it is magic. This was beautiful.”My brother is here today and it is the first time he has been able to see me playing for Madrid. I feel really proud about that.”After his team’s triumph, Ancelotti praised their character.Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
      Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
      And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
      Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
      He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
      “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
      Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
      “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.”

      He said: “There was only one way to get out of here alive. We did well to score early on and then we showed the commitment to defend the lead.”We defended well, we had to dig in and fight hard. We could have played better but the team were defensively superb.”We showed the attitude and commitment demanded by this jersey.”This is a very special competition for us and we always deliver something that people are not expecting us to produce.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Everyone was writing us off but we’re still here.”Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, after Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate. More

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      Enzo Maresca, 44, could leave Leicester even if they get promoted as ‘Euro giants line up Foxes boss’

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      LEICESTER boss Enzo Maresca is rated a top Sevilla target.And even if the Foxes return to the Premier League in his first season, he could be lured back to the Spanish club where he made his name.Leicester hope to make an immediate Prem return in Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge but he is reportedly on the radar of old club SevillaCredit: RexFormer Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is under pressure at Sevilla as they sit a disappointing 13th in LaLiga.And Relevo claim the club’s ex-midfielder Maresca, 44, would be one of three main contenders lined up to replace him.Real Madrid legend Raul, who has been coaching Bernabeu junior teams, is also said to be in the running.The third man on Sevilla’s reported wish-list is Jagoba Arrasate – currently manager at their top-flight rivals Osasuna.READ MORE TOP STORIESMaresca’s strong coaching reputation in England is mainly based on two spells working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.He also spent 13 months inbetween as Parma chief in Serie A.And in June 2023 he departed the Etihad once more for a second stab at being the main man in the dugout.That was when the Foxes pounced for the former West Brom and Juventus player following relegation from the Prem.Most read in ChampionshipAnd he helped Leicester romp 17 points clear in the Championship with flowing, attacking football. But a remarkable slump, including three straight losses, sent Maresca’s men out of the two automatic promotion spots.Harry Winks voices his disappointment as Leicester blows 17-point lead as Leeds overtake Foxes in table And only a recent revival has taken them back up to second spot.However, Leicester face a probe for allegedly breaching Prem financial rules before their demotion.And even if they go up, that investigation might be another factor for Maresca to ponder. More

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      ‘You know how sad I am’ – Luis Enrique says he’s ‘upset’ with CBS pundits live on TV and tells panel ‘you know why’

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      LUIS ENRIQUE hilariously called out “idol” Micah Richards after the pundit didn’t back Paris Saint-Germain to beat Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.PSG capitalised on Barcelona’s calamitous second-leg performance, despite going 1-0 down on the night, and went on to win 6-4 on aggregate. Luis Enrique hilariously challenged those in the CBS studioCredit: CBSWith his jesting attitude particularly directed toward Micah RichardsCredit: CBSRonald Araujo’s 29th-minute red card changed the course of the tie, as ex-Barca star Ousmane Dembele came back to haunt them.After completing a sensational turnaround in the away leg on Tuesday, the gleeful Spaniard made sure to call out those who doubted his team.During his post-match interview with CBS Sports, Enrique firmly joked: “I’m really upset with all of you!”Former Manchester City defender Richards asked “Why?”, before host Kate Abdo queried: “What did we do?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe PSG manager replied: “You know why.”Richards then realised and exclaimed: “Because of the brackets! He knows! He watches the show!”Richards, alongside fellow pundit Thierry Henry, had predicted that Barcelona would advance from the quarter-final tie.But Carragher went with PSG – although Enrique admitted he hadn’t remembered that part correctly.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREnrique said: “I watched on YouTube, all of you predicted that Barcelona were going through to the next phase.”Nobody believed in our possibilities. How sad I am, how sad I am.”PSG boss’s Luis Enrique’s daughter ‘moves on from ex-Premier League star Ferran Torres as she dates his team-mate’The former Barcelona boss then had the studio in stitches when he added: “I can understand Henry, because he was a supporter for Arsenal.”But Micah, you were my idol. I thought you were going to be confident in the team. Oh my god.”Richards begged for forgiveness before exclaiming: “I went against you, I’m sorry.”Earlier this season, the PSG boss had revealed his love for Richards and said he was his favourite pundit after a 3-0 win over AC Milan in the group stage.Kylian Mbappe struck twice to push PSG throughCredit: AFPRichards can be forgiven for doubting the Parisian’s chances of advancing after they lost 3-2 at home last week.But PSG soon found their groove, going on to with 4-1 in Spain, after Araujo’s straight red card ruined things for Barca.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoss Xabi and his assistant were given red cards and forced to leave the dugout in the second half.PSG’s famous win books them a semi-final clash with Borussia Dortmund, who dramatically beat Atletico Madrid  More

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      Barcelona ‘make decision’ on Xavi replacement with club set to turn to legendary former team-mate as new manager

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      BARCELONA have decided on Xavi’s replacement, according to reports in Spain.Xavi, 44, announced he would be quitting the club at the end of this season in January.Xavi has already announced he will step down at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyFormer Barca defender Rafa Marquez is in line to take over at Camp NouCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe manager was under huge media scrutiny after failing to repeat the success of his first season in charge, which saw Barcelona win the league playing attractive football.He left with the club 10 points off the top.Speaking on his decision, he said: “I will leave Barcelona in June.“We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I think that it’s time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June.“I took this decision days ago. I already knew it. But it’s time to make it public.“I think the players could not free themselves up. I don’t want to be a problem for the club, but the opposite.”A recent upturn in form has led the board to publicly attempt to convince Xavi to change his mind on his decision.Most read in FootballMarquez was known for his trademark long hair in his prime at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSXavi would only consider changing his mind if a marquee player is signed, such as Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, who Barca have a long term interest in.But given the club’s financial position this is not a luxury they can afford.Xavi announces he’s stepping down as Barcelona coach at the end of the seasonAccording to Spanish outlet Sport, the club now want the uncertainty cleared up if Xavi is to leave and to find a replacement as soon as possible.Legendary Mexican defender Rafael Marquez is the current favourite to step into the hot seat according to the report.He is the current manager of Barcelona B and has a good relationship with Barca sporting director Deco.Given he would be promoted from the inside, he would also represent a cheap option for a team that has struggled to balance its finances in recent years.But, if they are to push the boat out, Deco reportedly admires the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Roberto De Zerbi and Hansi Flick.There could even be room for a dramatic reunion with former coach and now PSG manager Luis Enrique. More

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      Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona to £43million windfall despite BOTH clubs going out of Champions League on same night

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      BARCELONA have missed out on £43million following their Champions League exit.Paris Saint-Germain came from behind against ten-man Barca to knock them out in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, as the Catalans were left bemoaning Ronald Araujo’s controversial first-half red card.Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League by PSGCredit: APThe result means Barcelona miss out on the 2025 Club World Cup.The tournament expands from four clubs to 32 next year with 12 teams from Europe qualifying.But a maximum of two teams are permitted from each country and with Champions League winners from 2021-24 getting a place, that means Real Madrid have already qualified.The second spot from Spain was being contested between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who also exited the Champions League on Tuesday after losing to Borussia Dortmund.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Diego Simeone’s side will head to the Club World Cup as they have a high Uefa co-efficient ranking than Barca, with a score of 67 compared to 60.And with qualification comes a £43m windfall for all participating clubs, with the winner set to cash in on an additional £80m.Barcelona also miss out on £10.6m which they would have received for reaching the Champions League semi-final.That is bad news for the club who are still struggling financially and need to slash their wage bill by £57m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLaLiga announced the Blaugrana would be having their permitted salary limit cut down from £231m to 174m for the 2024/25 season.With the club’s real squad cost – the total of salaries and transfer amortisations – for this season officially budgeted at £421m, they are some way over budget and will need to make significant cuts.Footage of Ronaldinho’s son, 19, at Barcelona emerges and fans are baffled to spot his positionEngland’s two places will go to recent Champions League winners Chelsea and Manchester City.But Arsenal can still earn a spot if they win the competition this season.That’s because the two club per country cap is lifted if there are more than two winners from one league over the four-year qualifying cycle. More

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      Fans spot Real Madrid stars’ classy gesture as training footage emerges ahead of huge Man City clash

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      REAL MADRID stars were hailed for their immense sportsmanship ahead of tonight’s crunch Champions League clash against Manchester City.Real take on City in the quarter-finals at the Etihad following a stunning first leg between the two title favourites at the Santiago Bernabeu which ended 3-3.Real Madrid stars avoided stepping on Manchester City’s badgeReal Madrid take on Man City in a crunch Champions League quarter-final clashLos Blancos trained for the crucial game at the Citizens’ ground and the camera caught Carlo Ancelotti’s players paying respect to the hosts.Real players were seen walking down the corridors where City’s badge was placed on the floor.And all the Madrid aces walked around the club crest making sure they wouldn’t step on it.Fans stormed social media to congratulate Real for the class and dignity they showed.Read More on Man CityOne supporter tweeted: “Values.”Another commented: “Sportsmanship.”A third wrote: “They are real players.”This ones said: “Respect.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that one stated: “Class.”City are looking to replicate last season’s Treble triumph but are facing a daunting task against Champions League record winners Real.Guardiola is hoping Man City can see off Real Madrid to make more historyThe winner of tonight’s fixture will go on to face either Bayern Munich or Arsenal in the semi-finals.Speaking ahead of the clash, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham revealed he held talks with other clubs – thought to include Man City – before making the switch to the Bernabeu.The £88.5million signing said: “I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no-brainer really.“The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players.“I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.” More