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      Kylian Mbappe moves into new sport as Real Madrid star expands growing business empire

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has made a shrewd investment in one of the most high-tech sports in the world.Real Madrid and France star Mbappe, 26, and his investment arm Coalition Capital have today been announced as new investors in the France SailGP Team.Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring Real Madrid’s first penalty during the Champions League last-16 second legCredit: GettyMbappe has been confirmed as a new investor in SailGPThe French team already hold the speed record in the Sail GP series, reaching just shy of 100km/hCredit: Bob Martin for SailGPSailGP is a high-tech, high-speed sailing league, featuring 12 national teams each competing in 50-foot catamarans.The season kicked off in Dubai in January, before heading to Auckland and then on to Sydney.Though the French team sat out the first two events, they returned to the competition in Sydney.Going into this weekend’s Grand Prix in Los Angeles, the French sit seventh in the league table, with the British team proudly leading the way.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe event series was founded by five-time America’s Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist Sir Russell Coutts in 2019.Real Madrid star Mbappé and his ‘Inspired by KM’ foundation will become the French team’s official charity partner, and he hopes to open countless more doors for young people and give them a voice they might not have otherwise had.Reacting to the announcement, Mbappé said: ““We are excited to be on board with this new adventure with the France SailGP Team, alongside Accor and other investors.”I’m also proud that IBKM has the opportunity to engage more young people around the world through this relationship.”Most read in FootballCoutts welcomed the announcement and the impact it might have on SailGP.He said: “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Kylian Mbappé into our growing SailGP family of partners and investors – he’s undeniably one of the most influential athletes of our time, and an inspiration to sports fans across the globe.”Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSpeed-merchant Mbappe will hope to inspire the French team, dubbed Les Bleus, to new heights. They already hold the record for the highest speed in a SailGP event – reaching a staggering 99.94 km/h (62.1 mph) in season 3.His investment in SailGP becomes the latest in a series of business ventures for the Frenchman, on top of his reported £26.3million salary at Real Madrid.Inside Kylian Mbappe’s private suite at Real Madrid training ground with fingerprint scanner and huge balconyJust last year, Coalition Capital acquired a majority stake in Ligue 2 side Caen, who sit rock bottom of the second tier of French football.They also acquired a minority stake in Loewe Technology – a German electronics company specialising in home cinemas and top-of-the-range televisions.Mbappe – alongside Lionel Messi and Serena Williams – is also an investor in cryptocurrency-based fantasy football game Sorare, and he has a further investment in luxury watch trading platform Wristcheck.And he now has a Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal to look forward to after Wednesday’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid. More

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      Antony’s incredible career revival goes on as Man Utd flop scores fourth Real Betis goal in ten games

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      ANTONY continued his incredible career revival by netting once again for Real Betis.The 25-year-old was in action for his club in the Europa Conference League for their second leg against Vitoria Guimarães. Antony continued his resurgence with a goal and assist for Real Betis in the Europa Conference LeagueCredit: GettyIt is now eight goal contributions in ten gamesCredit: GettyAntony had chipped in with an assist in a 2-2 draw last week during the first leg.But in the second leg he turned on the style by scoring his fourth goal in ten games before later putting the cherry on top with an assist.Betis took a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to a brace from Cedric Bakambu, who, like Antony, joined the club in January.After the interval, Antony raced down the right, smashing a shot to the near post to make it 3-0.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAntony was assisted for his goal by ex-Real Madrid star Isco, who later got on the scoresheet himself after Antony repaid the favour by grabbing an assist on his own.His goal and assist in Portugal last night brought his Betis tally to four goals and four assists.This tally already surpasses his output from his last 52 games with parent club Manchester United.Antony signed for the Red Devils for £85.5million in 2022 and had an electric start to life in Manchester as he became the first player in 50 years to score in each of his first three Premier League games for them.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOverall, he managed four goals inside his first ten appearances in all competitions for then boss Erik ten Hag following his arrival from Ajax.But his performances began to wane as the season went on, and he never managed to find this purple patch before he was sent on loan to Betis in January to recapture his best.Moment Antony told red card has been OVERTURNED and he can play Real Madrid as Man Utd flop celebrates with team-matesVictory in the last-16 has seen Betis drawn against Polish outfit Jagiellonia Białystok in the quarter-finals.Other big names left in the competition include Chelsea, Fiorentina and Rapid Wien.Antony’s parent club Man Utd also enjoyed a strong night against European opposition, smashing Real Sociedad 4-1 at Old Trafford led by a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick.It was arguably the team’s best performance since the arrival of Ruben Amorim, with the team registering 25 shots. Their last-16 victory means they will face Lyon in the quarter-finals.Meanwhile, Antony’s next game will see him return to La Liga to face Leganes as Betis aim to break into the top five of the Spanish league – with Betis losing just once since Antony’s arrival.Betis do not have a transfer clause in the loan deal with Antony, but it is hoped his strong performances will bump up his price tag for an expected sale in the summer. Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

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      Man Utd vs Real Sociedad LIVE RESULT: Red Devils DOMINATE Sociedad after Bruno Fernandes hat-trick, Spurs also win vs AZ

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are through to the Champions League quarter-finals after DOMINATING Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.Mikel Oyarzabal scored his second penalty of the tie in the first ten minutes, but that was as good as it got for the visitors. Rasmus Hojlund won United a penalty at the other end of the pitch, and Bruno Fernandes, as he always does, stepped up and converted for the Red Devils.Fernandes scored another penalty in the second half, before sealing the deal with a fantastic finish in the dying embers. Diogo Dalot added the finishing touches in added time.Tottenham also progress to the quarter-final after a Wilson Odobert brace helped them to a 3-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates… That’s all from Old TraffordWhere it’s been a rare red letter day for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim.And once again both were grateful to Bruno Fernandes for leading the charge.The captain hit a hat-trick as the Red Devils dispatched Real Sociedad in the Last 16 of the Europa League to set up a quarter-final clash with Lyon.It was arguably United’s best showing since Amorim took charge, and an indication of what may yet lie ahead if the club can start to get things right. Watch this space.Goodnight.Copy linkCopiedThree and easy for BrunoIt’s now six goals in his last six appearances for Bruno Fernandes.A real captain’s performance.Credit: @EuropaLeague on XCopy linkCopiedDorgu: We played our own gameAnother standout star of Manchester United’s four-goal display was Patrick Dorgu.The Dane was a constant threat on the left, and was responsible for winning a penalty as well as the foul that led to Real Sociedad’s red card.It is perhaps no surprise that both he and Ayden Heaven – two winter signings – were so pivotal to the best attacking performance of Ruben Amorim’s reign.It was a really good win and we dominated from the first minute. They got an early penalty but after that we responded well and played well. The key was to control the game with the ball and be patient, not to overthink too much and just to play our game.Patrick DorguUefa.comCopy linkCopiedUnited grateful after paying pennies for Heaven Eighteen-year-old Ayden Heaven made his first start for Manchester United this evening, and performed with all the composure of a seasoned international defender.Credit: @StatmanDave on XCopy linkCopiedAmorim: Bruno deserves titlesRuben Amorim paid tribute to Bruno Fernandes – and then declared that his captain should be regularly winning leagues and cups.The Portuguese ace played another starring role as Manchester United saw off Real Sociedad in the Europa League, although the Red Devils boss also admitted that his compatriot can be guilty of doing too much.Sometimes he wants to win too much. It’s not a bad thing, but sometimes he goes around in different positions and shows frustration. He can play set-pieces, he can score penalties under pressure, and make transitions late in games. We need to help him win titles because he deserves it.Ruben AmorimTNT SportdCopy linkCopiedThe Europa League kingWith his hat-trick tonight, Bruno Fernandes now has more goal involvements in the Europa League than any player in the competition’s history.The Portuguese star has scored 24 goals and assisted 17 more on Europe’s second-biggest stage.Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Old TraffordManchester United’s 25 shots, 10 shots on target and xG of 4.02 are all their best totals in a match under Ruben Amorim so far.Copy linkCopiedFrom Martin Blackburn at Old TraffordA great night for Ruben Amorim and his Portuguese men of four.Diogo Dalot got on the scoresheet late on but it was all about Bruno Fernandes who claimed the match-ball and led by example all night.Amid all the slashing of costs and job cuts at United they may have to find a way to give Fernandes a pay rise.Time and time again he comes to their rescue and it is thanks to him that they will be in quarter finals next month – with the dream of Champions League football next season still alive.Copy linkCopiedTonight’s Europa League tiesIt’s been a good night for both English sides in the Europa League with Tottenham also progressing after fighting back to eliminate AZ Alkmaar.But Rangers have a scrap on their hands after seeing their two-goal advantage wiped out by Fenerbache at Ibrox, where they are now into extra-time.Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2) FTRangers 0-2 Fenerbahce (Agg: 3-3) EXTRA TIME BEING PLAYEDTottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (Agg: 3-2) FTCopy linkCopiedFull time – Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2)Manchester United march into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.The Red Devils will now face Lyon in the last eight.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2)90+4. There haven’t been too many nights at Old Trafford like this recently.They may have been helped by two penalties and a red card, but four-goal victories and successful European nights are what many in this stadium were brought up on.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2)90+1. Diogo Dalot puts the icing on the cake!United are ending this one with a flourish, and suddenly these players – beleaguered for so long – are playing with a real confidence.They’re queuing up to score too, and when Rasmus Hojlund does well to work the ball back in from the byline, Dalot arrives to sidefoot into the roof the net.Copy linkCopiedFour!Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 4-2)89. Heaven tries an overhead kick.He doesn’t connect with the cross, but it gives some indication of the freedom that these United players are suddenly operating with.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 4-2)87. What a player Bruno Fernandes is!Not disheartened by missing out on the opportunity to net a hat-trick of penalties, the Manchester United captain simply rises to the fore on the next attack.Taking advantage of the extra man, Fernandes overlaps on the right to receive Alejandro Garnacho’s measured pass, and promptly whips his shot low past Alex Remiro and into the bottom corner.It’s a second Manchester United treble for the Portuguese ace, and his first for three-and-a-half years.Copy linkCopiedHat-trick!Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)84. It’s been a while but Manchester United have another penalty!It’s the lively Dorgu who is sent sprawling again, this time by the sliding challenge of Traore.The Real Sociedad player can’t believe it, and I’m not sure Dorgu can either as he appears to tell the referee ‘no penalty’.It prompts a VAR check in which the referee is informed that the defender won the ball first before the United man was sent to ground.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)81. For the first time in a long time, United are cracking open some champaign football. Bruno Fernandes is pulling strings, and it’s he who sets off Noussair Mazraoui for some brilliance on the right flank.A nutmeg and a measured cross puts a chance on a plate for Joshua Zirkzee, who heads despairingly wide.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)78. Young Toby Collyer is on for the Red Devils.The 21-year-old takes over in midfield from Casemiro, who has put in a decent shift for the hosts.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)74. Bruno Fernandes has his eyes on a hat-trick.The Portuguese pass-master lines up a quickfire effort from just outside the box, only for it take a deflection and loop straight at the goalkeeper.Copy linkCopiedFrom Martin Blackburn at Old TraffordBruno Fernandes was the coolest man on the park – slotting home his second spot-kick of the night just after half time.Where would United be without their skipper and talisman? More than likely going out of the Europa League.Sociedad going down to 10-men following Aramburu’s red card means the quarter finals beckon for Amorim’s men. Copy linkCopiedAn update from the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumWilson Odobert has followed his first Tottenham goal earlier this evening with his second.The former Burnley youngster has put Spurs 3-1 up on the night, and back in charge of their Last 16 tie.Tottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (Agg: 3-2)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)69. With the extra man, United are dominating the ball.It would take something particularly disastrous for the Red Devils to let this tie slip from their grasp now.Never say never, mind.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)67. Well, that’s the opposite of the phrase ‘good football all around’.Garnacho finds room on the right flank, but makes a mess of his cross with plenty of options available.It’s an easy clearance for the the defender, except he instead takes such a heavy touch that it allows Hojlund to take over.The striker has time and room to weigh up his finish yet takes advantage of neither, scuffing a wayward shot straight at an opponent.Copy linkCopiedAn update from the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumSpurs have been pegged back in North London.Peer Koopmeiners has fired AZ Alkmaar level on aggregate, and with little under half hour remaining, the Premier League side have to respond again.Tottenham 2-1 AZ Alkmaar (Agg: 2-2)Copy linkCopied More

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      Uefa ready to open talks over shock rule change after controversial Julian Alvarez penalty disallowed vs Real Madrid

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      UEFA ready to open talks over a shock rule change after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was controversially disallowed against Real Madrid.The Spanish derby went to a shootout in the Champions League last 16 after Atletico won 1-0 on the night to level 2-2 on aggregate.Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed in the shootoutCredit: GettyBut controversy struck when former Manchester City star Alvarez slipped while taking his spot-kick. His effort went in but was soon chalked off and overturned to a miss after replays revealed the slip caused him to twice touch the ball before it went in.It violated Uefa’s rules on penalties but, after Atletico launched an appeal, the governing body ruled the stipulation could be looked at and changed.Uefa said in a statement: “Atletico de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julian Alvarez at the end of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.READ MORE IN football “Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip. “Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee signalling that the goal should be disallowed.”UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where a double touch is clearly unintentional.” Madrid progressed 4-2 on penalties with ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger scoring the deciding spot kick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut, had Alvarez’s kick have counted, Atletico would have had one final penalty to take the contest to sudden death.Atletico manager Diego Simeone fumed in the post-match press conference. Fans can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his shirt for with fan after Atletico winHe said: “Don’t be afraid to speak. Are you afraid because you’re going to be punished? “If you’re afraid, don’t say anything. Raise your hand if you think Julian knocked twice. No one? No one. Okay.”Honestly, I won’t lie to you, being eliminated the way we’ve been is not an easy thing to accept.”Simeone continued: “I just saw the image of the penalty. “The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. “That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. “I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMadrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “I think they had detected it already at the VAR when we were hesitating. “We haven’t warned them, not me at least because I didn’t realise. I’ve seen the replay and I think he touches it with his left foot, the second touch.”Real Madrid won the shootout in very controversial circumstancesCredit: Alamy More

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      Conor Gallagher showed why he must be part of Tuchel’s England plans after upstaging Bellingham with ‘feral’ display

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      CONOR GALLAGHER had started just one game in almost two months before Wednesday’s Madrid derby.He may have, brutally, ended on the wrong side of things, as Atletico Madrid always do against Real.Conor Gallagher stole the show in a match that was expected to be all about Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyBellingham cut a frustrated figure as he was unable to take the game by the scruff of the neckCredit: ReutersBut Bellingham would end up on the winning side as Real Madrid prevailed on penaltiesCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel will name his first England squad this weekCredit: GettyBut the midfielder showed exactly why he must and will be a key part of Thomas Tuchel’s England plans ahead of his first squad announcement.Gallagher’s standout 85 minutes in the thunderous Metropolitano is worthy of praise for far more than his record breaking goal.The second leg opener, bagged after just 27 seconds, is the fastest Champions League goal ever scored by an Englishman.That was a moment to cherish, but everything which came after was equally as important.READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAMAll English eyes will have been on Jude Bellingham at the start, but Gallagher grabbed the spotlight and helped Atletico’s midfield frustrate the life out of his Three Lions teammate and the rest of the Real Madrid side.While the two were on the pitch together, Gallagher was easily the more impressive.What will have been even more encouraging for Tuchel, however, was how Bellingham grew in stature as everyone else faded and was the stand-out in extra time before burying a confident penalty.Carlo Ancelotti’s men had plenty of joy down their right-hand side during the first leg, so Diego Simeone tasked Gallagher with blocking them.Most read in Champions LeagueCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsHe carried it out magnificently. With his usual feral energy Gallagher shut down Brazilian Rodrygo and made some fine challenges on Kylian Mbappe, including one which stooped a rare dangerous break.It was just his second start in the last 11 games for Atletico, but Simeone clearly trusts him with the big ones. Wednesday night showed that Tuchel can too.Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card Gallagher’s previous start was against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and you would not bet against him being tasked with shutting down Lamine Yamal in La Liga this weekend.Tuchel, who has been in touch with Gallagher and spoke with his former Chelsea player ahead of the first-leg, must harness his undervalued quality.The German has options galore in the attacking areas.But finding someone to do the dirty work is equally important as to whether you can fit Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in the same team.Tuchel is in the England job for one reason – to win the World Cup. To do so will require shades of light and dark within his side.Gallagher showed his adaptability by moving out to the left of the pitch to deal with the threat posed by the likes of Bellingham and RodrygoWith Gallagher’s help, Atletico were very successful in playing on the counter-attackConor Gallagher was a safe pair of hands on the ballGallagher had just one touch in the opposition box but it resulted in the only goal of the gameThe prowess of Bellingham and the other star names is a must, but at holders Argentina proved you need some dogs in there too.There was just one start for England in the Euros, a nightmare against Slovenia which lasted just 45 minutes, but he looked a different player here.Gallagher is learning from the best when it comes to doing anything and everything for the team and has fully bought into Simeone’s ways.Even out on the left, not his favourite position, Gallagher gave everything and left the pitch to a standing ovation.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe would, it is true, rather have played terribly and been looking forward to a quarter-final with Arsenal.But given the cruel nature of Real Madrid’s latest Champions League victory over their rivals, the England midfielder can take nothing but immense pride from his performance.Bellingham was forced to play in areas outside the Atletico box where he couldn’t have his usual devastating impact on the gameWhile Real Madrid took up more attacking positions than their counterparts, it was Atletico who appeared to have greater control of the gameBellingham spent much of his time camped outside the Atletico box, but his opponents deprived him of the space to make use of the positions he took up More

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      Reason Kylian Mbappe ‘REFUSED to take penalty’ revealed as he walked away before horror Vinicius Jr miss

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      REAL MADRID were left breathing a sigh of relief after seeing off Atletico on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate draw.Kylian Mbappe was one of the players who coolly converted his spot kick in the shootout – but he was reportedly unwilling to take one during the game.Kylian Mbappe reportedly refused to take Real Madrid’s penalty during the matchCredit: GettyVinicius Jr then stepped up and missed completelyCredit: EPABut Mbappe redeemed himself for any refusal to take a spot kick by scoring in the shootoutCredit: AlamyVinicius Jr then stepped up in Mbappe’s place after the World Cup winner was fouled by Clement Lenglet.And the Brazilian blasted the ball so far wide that it may well have missed if there were two goals.But after the match, Guillem Balague claimed that Mbappe is still the designated penalty taker.The LaLiga TV reporter said: “Real Madrid won a penalty but Kylian Mbappe was not right. He struggled with his ankle and with a toenail that is coming off.READ MORE REAL MADRID NEWS”You had the penalty missed by Vinicius Jr in normal time. Mbappe said to Vinicius, ‘I don’t feel like kicking this, I am not ready’ and walked away from it, Vini took it and it went high.”Balague also said: “There was a typical exchange of strong words in the tunnel after the match, but nothing different to what happens after every match.”However, it was not clear if he was referring to an exchange between the Real Madrid and Atletico players or among the Real Madrid squad internally.Vinicius was subbed off in extra time and therefore unable to take a penalty in the shootout – a decision that appeared to have paid dividends for Carlo Ancelotti.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsMbappe, Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde all scored with well-placed spot kicks before Lucas Vazquez saw his kick saved by Jan Oblak.But Toni Rudiger then stepped up to score the fifth penalty and win one of the most controversial shootouts in history for Real.Mum of Thibaut Courtois’ love-child reveals fear they will be made homeless over unpaid mortgage despite his huge salaryJulian Alvarez slotted Atletico Madrid’s second penalty into the roof of the net but VAR then adjudged the Argentine to have kicked the ball twice before it went in, meaning the kick had to be marked down as a miss.Marcos Llorente then blasted his penalty onto the bar which gave Rudiger the chance to win it.Ironically, the man who replaced Vinicius Jr – fellow Brazilian Endrick – was also taken off penalty duties by Carlo Ancelotti.The Italian said: “We had a doubt, who should have taken the penalty between Endrick or Rudiger. “We wanted Endrick, but then I saw his face and decided Rudiger was the better option.” More

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      Furious fans hurl bottle at Jude Bellingham after Champions League controversy.. but Real Madrid star responds perfectly

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM silenced yobs who hurled a bottle at him after Real Madrid sealed a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.Real defeated rivals Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday in the second leg of their Last-16 encounter with Bellingham, 21, scoring from the spot before Antonio Rudiger secured qualification.Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham had objects hurled at him after beating Atletico MadridCredit: RexBellingham silenced yobs by heading away a plastic bottle that was thrown at himLos Blancos made it through despite a nervy encounter that saw the star midfielder’s England team-mate Conor Gallagher tying the aggregate on 2-2 just a few seconds after kick-off.Atletico couldn’t add to their 1-0 lead and thus the crunch derby went to pens where Bellingham kept his cool to help the reigning European champions advance to the next round.The ex-Birmingham star then led celebrations at the Metropolitano Stadium.That didn’t sit well with some home fans who started hurling objects at Bellingham and his team-mates.Read More on FootballBut a viral clip caught the Real star maintaining his composure with a brilliant reaction that showed his true class.The ex-Borussia Dortmund star saw a plastic bottle flying towards him and went on to head it away like he usually does on set pieces – a lot of which lead to a goal.Bellingham’s hilarious reaction and incredible resilience went viral with amazed fans storming social media.One fan tweeted: “What a video!”Most read in Champions LeagueAnother commented: “Absolute GOAT.”A third wrote: “Man redirected that bottle like it was a last-minute corner kick.”Jude Bellingham says ‘The Referee Made a Mistake’ giving red card This fan said: “Craziest reaction by Bellingham.”And that one stated: “Legend!” More

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      ‘Historic robbery’ – Fans furious as Julian Alvarez’s penalty controversially ruled out after Real Madrid protests

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      FOOTBALL fans were left furious after Julian Alvarez saw his penalty shootout goal ruled out following a VAR intervention.Conor Gallagher’s early goal for Atletico Madrid after 27 seconds had forced extra-time and penalties with holders Real Madrid during the second leg of the Madrid derby Champions League last 16 clash.Julian Alvarez saw his penalty shootout kick against Real Madrid controversially ruled outCredit: RexVAR ruled out the kick on grounds of a double touch before it went inCredit: ReutersBoth sides were unable to find a decisive winner, with Vinicius Jr blazing a spot-kick over the bar in the second half, so a shootout was needed to separate the teams at the end of more than 210 minutes of action.With the away side kicking first, the first three penalties were all scored.Ex-Manchester City star Alvarez then stepped up for his sides second penalty at the Wanda Metropolitano.Catastrophe struck as the Argentine slipped during his run-up, but his effort still managed to find its way into the net.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, VAR seemed to spot something wrong with the kick.And upon a review, Alvarez saw his goal ruled out for an extraordinary double touch.Atletico scored their next penalty through Angel Correa, but were sent crashing out of the competition by their neighbours once again when Marcos Llorente saw his kick saved by Thibaut Courtois.Fans were left fuming about the inexplicable intervention by VAR, accusing it of favouring the 15-time European Champions.Most read in FootballCheltenham 2025 – all you needOne fan on social media said: “Football will never see anything like this again. A historic robbery has taken place at the Metropolitano with the whole world watching. Payments have come in clutch.”A second said: “Cancelling a penalty because there might have been a double touch is abhorrent. At the very least, Álvarez should be given a chance to retake it. Carlo Ancelotti to step down as Real Madrid boss”But if there isn’t even clear-cut evidence of a double touch, why nullify it? There’s no other way to put it: it’s anti-football.”A third added: “The Julian Alvarez penalty kick is all the evidence we needed towards proving that Real Madrid has some pact with the devil in the Champions League.”Atleti boss Diego Simeone was incandescent as ever when discussing the intervention, asking reporters to raise their hand if they saw the apparent double touch.He then shouted: “Did anyone here see Julián touch the ball twice? Raise your hand! Come on, come on! Raise your hand! Nobody’s raising theirs, ready! Next question…”However, slowed-down replays from of the incident showed there was indeed a slight double-touch.Football lawmakers, IFAB, clearly write in the laws of the game that the double touch of a penalty kick is forbidden.Law 14.2 states: “The kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player; an indirect free kick (or direct free kick for a handball offence) is awarded.”Law 10, which clarifies the rules around shootouts, also adds: “If the kicker is penalised for an offence committed after the referee has signalled for the kick to be taken, that kick is recorded as missed and the kicker is cautioned.”Real Madrid’s progression into the quarter-finals sees them play Arsenal, who were eliminated at this stage by Bayern Munich last season.The first leg will commence at the Emirates on April 8, with the second leg commencing the following week on April 16.These two clubs have remarkably only met once before in the Champions League in 2005/06.Arsenal emerged as 1-0 victors over a two-legged semi-final thanks to Thierry Henry goal early in the second half at the Bernabeu.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat season was the last time the Gunners made it to the final of the competition.The winner of the tie will play one of Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa for a spot in the final at the Allianz Arena. More