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      Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 4: Mbappe suffers NIGHTMARE in his first Clasico as Lewandowski double sees Barca run riot

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI scored twice as Barcelona shattered Real Madrid’s 42-game unbeaten run in LaLiga.But it was a night of frustration for Kylian Mbappe in his first Clasico as the Frenchman saw TWO goals ruled out for offside.Robert Lewandowski outshone Kylian Mbappe as his double downed Real MadridCredit: GettyLewandowski scored twice after the break as Barcelona won 4-0 at the BernabeuCredit: GettyInstead it was Lewandowski who was the star of the show as he netted his 16th and 17th goals of the season to send Barca six points clear at the top.Lewandowski’s first, in the 54th minute, followed a superb pass by Barca’s latest youth talent Marc Casado.And he followed it up with a header almost immediately after the restart to silence the Santiago Bernabeu.In fact, it should have been a historic hat-trick as Lewandowski somehow hit the post with an open goal after Raphinha’s cross cut out Los Blancos keeper Andriy Lunin.read more football newsLamine Yamal made it a rout in the 77th when the teenage phenom somehow rifled a shot from an angle over Lunin.Raphinha got involved in the burgundy-and-blue party when he broke free with Madrid pressing forward and chipped the keeper in the 84th.Mbappe had a frustrating first game against Barcelona in a white shirt.The France star was repeatedly caught offside by Barcelona’s synchronized back four and failed to beat second-choice goalkeeper Inaki Pena one-on-one with his team down two goals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMbappe has two goals ruled out for offside on a frustrating nightCredit: ReutersJude Bellingham was off the boil for MadridCredit: ReutersHansi Flick, meanwhile, had a night to remember in the first Clasico for the German coach.Barcelona still have financial troubles that cast doubt over their future but they have made huge steps forward since Flick replaced Barcelona great Xavi Hernandez in the summer.Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique Casado, an unknown reserve team player until Flick picked him to be his holding midfielder, was one of five home-grown players that Flick put in his starting line-up, the same 11 that beat Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League three days before.A total of six players under 22 years old started for Barcelona, led by 17-year-olds Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, and showed no signs of being intimidated by the scenario.Yamal upstaged Mbappe this summer when Spain beat France en route to winning the European Championship.And he did it again when he displayed the finishing touch that Mbappe was lacking.Mbappe himself was ruled offside no less than five times in the first half hour, as Barcelona pressed high up the field.While Jude Bellingham was largely anonymous as the game slipped away from the increasingly desperate hosts.Vinicius Junior, who is set to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday, didn’t fare much better as he missed a golden chance to give Madrid the lead in the first half. More

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      Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use ROBOTS to hone technique

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      REAL MADRID continue to show why they’re a cut above the rest and football’s leading flagship club.Los Blancos have taken their training into the future with the addition of a ROBOT wall to allow players to master their free-kick techniques.Real Madrid implemented futuristic technology at their training ground in 2022Footage showed stars such as Luka Modric and Eder Militao perfecting their free-kicksThe mannequins are operated by a control panel on a tabletGone are the days of players bending the ball over stationary metal men in training, these guys can actually jump!Footage from Madrid’s Valdebebas Park base shows players working with a robot wall in front of goal.The mechanical free-kick wall allows coaches to adjust the specific height of each of the humanoids by a control panel on a tablet.This means players can practice against the height of different defenders they’re about to play against.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, ahead of the El Clasico on Friday, Madrid stars could practice shooting over a mannequin that resembles the height of Jules Kounde or Raphinha.In a resurfaced video shared on Real Madrid’s social media, several players including midfielder Luka Modric managed to curl shots into the net.Eder Militao also successfully avoided the wall that consisted of five ‘mechanical men’.The clip shows sculpted torsos bearing Real Madrid kits mimicking the effect of jumping, akin to how a human wall would react in a game.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut despite the advance in technology at their £100m base, the robot wall has not brought about many direct results on the pitch yet.In fact, the last time Madrid scored from a direct free-kick was Rodrygo’s strike against LaLiga outfit Sevilla on May 27 2023.Watch mortified Real Madrid legend Marcelo cover his face in embarrassment as son, 9, nutmegs him with outrageous skillParis Saint-Germain also attempted to implement something similar, albeit not to the same aesthetics.PSG practice free-kicks with a wall of mannequins on wheels which move up and down to block shots. Meanwhile, Madrid’s new free-kick taker Kylian Mbappe has never scored from a direct set piece.The France international has become the primary free-kick taker following the retirement of German legend Toni Kroos.Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi is the primary free kick specialist at PSG and was during Mbappe’s time at Parc des Princes.Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt. More

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      Atletico Madrid suffer ‘worst VAR decision ever’ as fans fume at ‘robbery of the highest degree’ in Champions League

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      ATLETICO MADRID fans and boss Diego Simeone have been left fuming after they conceded a harsh-looking penalty during their Champions League clash with Lille.Madrid were looking to get back to winning ways in the competition after suffering a huge 4-0 defeat to Benfica last time out.Atletico Madrid fans and players were left fuming that Marco Guida had awarded a penaltyCredit: EPAJonathan David converted the penalty to make it 2-1 to LilleCredit: AFPDiego Simeone received a yellow card for his protestsCredit: GettyHowever, they ended up falling to a 3-1 defeat at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday night.They had taken the lead after eight minutes through Julian Alvarez.However, the French outfit managed to equalise with super-sub Edon Zhegrova in the 61st minute.With the balance of the game on a knife edge, referee Marco Guida then awarded a penalty to the visitors.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt was initially assumed that this was given for an alleged handball by Koke.But it was later revealed that the spot kick was awarded for a trip by the Atletico Madrid captain immediately afterwards.And replays showed that the ball never touched Koke’s arm but that of a Lille player.The footage also revealed that Koke made only minimal contact with his opponent during the incident immediately afterwards which saw the penalty awarded.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVAR reviewed the incident and after several moments ruled that the on-field decision should stand, though Guida did not go to the monitor to check. Jonathan David stepped up to slot home the subsequent penalty in the 74th minute, before later adding Lille’s third goal of the night in the 89th minute.’Bruno Fernandes red card was huge VAR error’ in Man Utd loss to Spurs | Whistleblower, Mark HalseySimeone, 54, was furious at the decision and received a yellow card for his protests. Speaking after the game, he said: “It wasn’t a penalty.”We’ve been watching the replays, the referee must have made a mistake about what he saw, and those on the VAR weren’t able to help him.”Fans echoed the emotive Argentine’s sentiment on social media, with one saying: “VAR did NOT overturn Lille’s penalty???????????? This may be the worst VAR decision I have ever seen.”Lille’s had handball, not Atletico’s player. Madness. Maybe I’m blind, someone explain.”A second said: “Lille is robbing you at home. Zero respect for this team in this competition of the f***ing devil. “They have whistled for a penalty for Koke’s touch on the boot of a guy who was falling to the ground.”Another said: “Keep rewatching this Lille penalty, and there’s no explanation as to why this was given. “There was no foul. There’s a Lille handball in the box before the call. There’s no handball by anyone from Atleti. So what exactly is the decision for? A robbery of the highest degree.”And former Champions League final referee Mateu Lahoz said: “It is possible that the referee makes a mistake and sees Koke’s handball. But VAR is a tool that has to help. “The VAR referee had no experience, he was not given the opportunity, he was not invited to see it. It is impossible to explain what he called.”He added: “It’s a black night for refereeing. The VAR came in for plays like these.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe result leaves the Spanish side down in 27th in the table, with their next game seeing them take a trip to Paris Saint-Germain.Meanwhile, Lille are 15th in the table and firmly in the play-off spots, with their next game seeing them host Juventus.New Champions League format is a snorefestBy Dan KingUEFA sold the idea of expanding the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams, with each playing eight games instead of six in the opening phase, as a way of creating more competitiveness and excitement.The biggest clubs would have two matches against their peers, rather than having to wait until the knockout stage to meet.The smaller clubs would meet teams of a similar level twice and have a chance of tasting victory that was so hard to achieve if you were the bottom seed in a group of four.Ignoring for a moment the fact that the real motivation was the simple equation of more games = more money, the theory itself already looks flawed.None of the matches between European giants has delivered a compelling contest yet.And why would they? At the start of the long season with more matches in it, why would any team with ambitions to win things in the spring, go out all guns blazing in the autumn?Especially when they know they have six games NOT against big sides to make sure they accrue enough points to qualify at least for the play-off round (and even more games).There is even less jeopardy than before.Read the full column on the Champions League format fail and why everyone – including YOU – needs a rethink. More

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      World Cup stadium lies half demolished next to rubble as it hosts second-tier matches with no away end

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      A WORLD CUP stadium currently lies half demolished and surrounded by rubble.But the hope is that it will all be ready to be opened within four years.La Romareda is currently being revampedCredit: RexThere is a building site at one end of the groundCredit: RexReal Zaragoza are still hosting matches despite the renovationCredit: AlamyLa Romareda in Zaragoza is one of the stadiums set to be used by Spain as they join Portugal and Morocco to host the 2030 World Cup.However, it seems a long way off being ready just yet.Recent images of the ground show three sides of the stadium intact – not dissimilar to Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.However, one end has already been destroyed and instead a pile of dirt lies behind the goal. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDiggers and workers are hard at work renovating the stadium to increase its capacity from 33,608 to approximately 43,000 once the expansion is complete.Fifa require all stadiums to have a minimum capacity of 40,000 to be used at World Cups. The Nueva Romareda – the New Romareda – is set to be completed in 2028 at an estimated cost of £117million. That should in theory give Real Zaragoza two years to play in their refurbished new home before fans from all over the globe arrive to catch a glimpse of their country in action in 2030. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, despite the ongoing construction and views that resemble a building site, La Romareda is still being used this season.Real Zaragoza – six-time Copa del Rey winners – currently play their league football in the Segunda Division, the second tier in Spain below LaLiga. But currently there are no tickets available for away fans while the refurbishment takes place. Instead, a banner has been erected in front of the rubble bank to block the eyesore view for players, fans and TV cameras alike. A total of 11 stadiums in nine Spanish cities are set to be used for the 2030 World Cup. The new Nou Camp, the redeveloped Bernabeu and the modern Metropolitano are the three flagship grounds. The home grounds of Espanyol, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla are also on the initial list.And the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Malaga’s Estadio La Rosaleda, Estadio Gran Canaria of Las Palmas and the Estadio Riazor where Deportivo de La Coruna play are all in line – but each of their capacities are currently less than 40,000 so will need expanding to meet the criteria. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the iconic Mestalla was stripped of its right to host matches after the shocking debacle surrounding Valencia’s proposed new ground. However, the biggest stadium used in six years’ time will be the brand new Grand Stade de Casablanca in Morocco – which will be purpose-built for the tournament and have space for a staggering 115,000 spectators. The diggers have been in to get to workCredit: RexThe Nueva Romareda will have around 43,000 seats and is set to be done by 2028Credit: AlamyThis is how the ground used to look before the end was knocked downCredit: GettyZaragoza is one of nine Spanish cities set to host 2030 World Cup matchesCredit: GettyWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Stunning Real Madrid Wag hints her footballer boyfriend ‘doesn’t shower’ in revealing video

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      BRUNA ROTTA has landed her famous footballer boyfriend in hot water – by suggesting he dodges the shower.The stunning social media star, 26, is currently dating Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo. Bruna Rotta has been dating Brazilian ace Rodrygo since last yearCredit: instagram @brunarottaThe fitness fanatic boasts more than 2 million followers on TikTok aloneCredit: instagram @brunarottaBrazilian ace Rodrygo joined Los Blancos in 2019Credit: GettyRotta and the two-time Champions League winner have been an item since last September. The 26-year-old influencer boasts over 2 million followers on TikTok alone.A fitness fanatic, Bruna has been a regular at the Bernabeu to support her man over the past year. And Rodrygo has even joined in her with her internet stunts, recently posing to get his eyebrows plucked in a bizarre viral clip. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLRotta recently uploaded another cheeky video, taking part in a Brazilian social media trend.The trend asked users to talk about how “destiny” can “play with people.”Rotta uploaded a TikTok, referring to how she’d once joked on her Instagram stories: “I will never date a guy who doesn’t shower.”She followed it with a picture of Rodrygo, joking: “I paid with my tongue.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBruna added in the captions: “I made this song to say some things. Be careful with fate, it plays with people.”A tricky winger, Rodrygo joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2019. Watch mortified Real Madrid legend Marcelo cover his face in embarrassment as son, 9, nutmegs him with outrageous skillThe forward rose to fame in Brazil with Santos, joining the club’s youth setup at the age of 11. Since arriving in Spain, he has carved out a regular place in the first team. Rodrygo has already won three La Liga titles and two Champions League winners medals in his short career. So far this term, he’s appeared ten times for Los Blancos, scoring three goals. The Brazilian was recently forced to backtrack on his own controversial social media post.READ MORE SUN STORIESRodrygo claimed he deserves as much hype as teammates Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.He wrote in a since-deleted WhatsApp post: “Last week they talked about the trio of Bellingham, Mbappe and Vini, but they are going to have to add the R of Rodrygo to that acronym.” More

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      Three ways Man Utd could line up under Xavi as he finally brings Barcelona star Ten Hag was desperate to sign

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could finally land a star Erik ten Hag has been desperate to sign for three seasons if they appoint Xavi.Despite the club backing under-pressure manager Ten Hag, reports have emerged suggesting the Red Devils have lined up Xavi as a potential replacement.Xavi has reportedly been tipped as a target by Man Utd chiefsCredit: GettyThey could move for the former Barcelona boss if they sack Erik ten HagCredit: GettyAnd it may result in Man Utd finally landing Frenkie de Jong, three years after Ten Hag originally wanted himCredit: GettyThe legendary Spaniard is out of work after leaving Barcelona at the end of last season.And according to reports, United chiefs have identified the 44-year-old as a possible option if the Dutchman is sacked.It’s claim that contact has twice been made between United and Xavi via intermediaries in recent months, with CEO Omar Berrada in Barcelona last Thursday as part of a four-person delegation.In the event Xavi is hired, it begs the question; how might United line up?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLXavi’s team typically lines up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the La Masia graduate championing the “Four P’s” – positioning, possession, pressure and perception.In terms of line-ups, Xavi would not be likely to go searching for a new goalkeeper, given how well Andre Onana suits his style of wanting to play out from the back.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are both extremely capable right-backs who could feature in a Xavi team due to their technical prowess, though the former’s ability to tuck into midfield could make the difference on who is given the nod.Lisandro Martinez is another star who suits Xavi’s system, though there could be a toss up on who starts as the right centre-back.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMatthijs de Ligt has looked lightweight at times for United, which could prompt Xavi to ask the club to sign a new defender in the form of Ronald Araujo.This being said, like Martinez, the Uruguayan is an aggressor centre-back, while the Argentine has played his best stuff alongside a covering partner in Raphael Varane.Sir Alex Ferguson steps away from ambassador duties at Manchester UnitedThat may instead mean Xavi turns to teen prodigy Leny Yoro, who is back in training after suffering an injury in pre-season.United have left-back options who are good when fit, however, both Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw have been absent for some time, leaving Dalot as the main defender to fill in there.If either Malacia or Shaw cannot be relied on to play, Xavi may try a raid on his old club by signing 21-year-old Alejandro Balde.Moving into midfield, Xavi may finally be able to land the midfielder who was Ten Hag’s No1 target in his first summer at the club, Frenkie de Jong.However, while the manager of Barcelona, Xavi had a number of midfield targets which he may switch over to his Old Trafford moving in shopping list. He is said to “love” Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who is a transfer target for Arsenal, while Arthur Vermeeren was also linked to Barcelona during Xavi’s tenure.Xavi Simons was targeted by Xavi while at BarcelonaCredit: ReutersXavi reportedly ‘loves’ defensive midfielder Martin ZubimendiCredit: RexAlternatively, and echoing reports suggesting the Red Devils want to bring him back, Angel Gomes could also be a welcome addition in midfield.United academy star Kobbie Mainoo is likely to remain in the team – given not just his importance and quality but also because Xavi is more than happy to give a large volume of minutes to youngsters.Further forward, Xavi may see fit to try and ease out club captain Bruno Fernandes by bringing in Xavi Simons – targeted by him in Spain and by United transfer chiefs.Xavi is known to be a big fan of Marcus Rashford, meaning his spot in the team is likely secure. Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo are other exciting prospects.But should Xavi tell transfer bosses he is desperate for some new additions, he may ask them to sign Barca target Nico Williams. The Euro 2024 winner refused to move to the Blaugrana from Athletic Bilbao last summer as he wanted to stay for another season.READ MORE SUN STORIESXavi may even look to some of his old favourites at Barcelona, with former Leeds star Raphinha and ex-Man City star Ferran Torres among his most used stars at the Camp Nou with 113 and 100 appearances respectively.Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may also be a consideration, but he would likely be less available than the other options mentioned.Xavi could look to pip his former club to the signing of Nico WilliamsCredit: GettyWhile signing a technical star like Angel Gomes could align with both Xavi’s style and Man Utd’s transfer needsCredit: RexNine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages. More

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      Chelsea ‘make transfer enquiry for Christantus Uche’ months after he was signed from Spanish third tier for £400k

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      CHELSEA have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus Uche ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Uche, 21, joined the LaLiga side from Spanish third-tier outfit Ceuta in July for a bargain €500,000 (£416,000) and has since taken the top flight by storm.Chelsea have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus UcheCredit: GettyUche has taken LaLiga by storm after joining Getafe from the Spanish third tier last summerCredit: AlamyThe versatile midfielder has started in all 10 league matches this season and even scored on his debut against Athletic Bilbao to save a point in a 1-1 draw for Jose Bordalas’ side.According to Relevo, the Nigerian is already attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.And Chelsea are among Uche’s suitors as they are closely following his incredible development.The same source claims the Blues have already enquired about the playmaker and discussed a potential deal.Read More on FootballIt is understood that the ex-Nigeria youth international has an “affordable termination clause” on his contract, which runs until 2028.Uche’s stunning rise has also caught the eye of his national team and thus a first ever senior Nigeria call-up is now imminent.The versatile player, who can also play as a false nine, has turned a lot of heads in LaLiga this season despite having no experience at elite level before his move to the Coliseum. Uche amassed a total of 36 appearances last term with Ceuta, where he also picked up two assists.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe attacking midfielder quickly won over Bordalas and the rest of his team-mates.And thus Uche is now fully focused on his new team, which has yet to kick into gear.Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskGetafe are currently 16th in the table after three losses and only one win in 10 matches.Chelsea ratings vs LiverpoolBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Chelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

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      Meet England wonderkid Jamie Gittens, 20, who made history vs Real Madrid, changed name and will eye place under Tuchel

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      IN a flash, Jamie Gittens has become Borussia Dortmund’s heir-apparent to Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho.At 20 years old and 75 days, Gittens became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League, when he put Dortmund two goals ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.Jamie Gittens suddenly finds himself in the form of his life after scoring his third Champions League goal of the seasonThe 20-year-old became the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the Champions LeagueGittens beat former Leeds forward Alan Smith by about two months with his clever back-post run and simple finish to establish a stunning two-goal lead over the holders after half an hour.But despite going on to lose 5-2 in Madrid, courtesy of a Vinicius Junior second half hat-trick, Gittens has cemented his name in the Champions League history books after being subbed off at 2-0 in the 55th minute.In fact, only Harry Kane (four) has more European goals than Gittens, who has three, this season.The England wonderkid, who previously went by the surname Bynoe-Gittens before changing it on his Barbadian dad’s advice, is in the form of his life.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has scored six goals and registered three assists in 11 games in all competitions this season.After making history on Tuesday, he told TNT Sports: “To lose how we did should not have happened. But this stadium is so magical. They have great players to make impacts and they did it again tonight.”Gittens scored Dortmund’s first two goals in their last Champions League outing as they beat Club Brugge 3-0, after a stoppage-time penalty from Serhou Guirassy.The Reading-born winger has already starred in a European final, coming on from the bench at Wembley when Madrid won their 15th title in June.Most read in FootballGittens shortened his name from Bynoe-Gittens at the behest of his fatherFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGittens went the Sancho route of joining Dortmund straight from Manchester City’s academy four years ago.He has since made 51 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund since joining the first team from the Under-19 side in July 2022.15 year old Jamie Bynoe-Gittens shows why he is such a special player at Man City Bellingham named his fellow Englishman as his successor to the Golden Boy award when the Madrid superstar won it in December.Gittens signed up with Reading at Under-9 level after rejecting an invitation to switch to Chelsea.He told Secret Scout: “I’m from Reading and started when I was about four. “I was playing for a little local team called Cavs and Trents from the age of five to seven. “My dad used to play cricket so I was caught between football and cricket. “I played a little but obviously football turned out better. I then went to Reading, and was also at Chelsea too for a bit. “I got to U9s level where I had to pick between Reading and Chelsea. I picked Reading and stayed there until U14s.”He eventually moved north to join Man City’s Under-15s.His train to City would take three hours so he would stay with a host family up there and joined a new school in Manchester. The distance was tough on both him and his family.Gittens revealed he also turned down approaches from Arsenal to move to Manchester.He said: “It was an easy decision. I could have gone to Arsenal but I chose City because they were producing players like Brahim Diaz and Jadon Sancho back then.”At the start, I didn’t really believe it. I’m from a small town in the middle of nowhere. “When they told me that they wanted me, I was just surprised, but thought that all the hard work I had put in was paying off.”He was highly-rated at City but in 2020 moved to Dortmund, believing it would provide him a quicker route to the first team.England fans are already getting excited at the prospect of Dortmund developing another Three Lions talent.Gittens could be set to earn himself an England call-up as new boss Thomas Tuchel will be fully aware of his talent, having faced him as Bayern Munich manager in March.A month into his training with us, we were thinking ‘Christ, this boy has got some serious ability’. His dribbling was incredible, even as a six-year-oldCoach Martyn BeneyGittens played the final half-an-hour of Dortmund’s 2-0 win over Bayern in March.Although he has grown up in Dortmund, he has been progressing through England’s youth levels.The winger was part of England’s triumphant Under-19 Euro campaign two years ago, starting the 3-1 win over Israel in the final alongside recent senior call-up Jarell Quansah.He has made 10 appearances for England’s Under-21s and is set to play a prominent role under Lee Carsley, who will return to the fold after a three-camp stint with the first-team.Martyn Beney coached Gittens as a seven-year-old at local club Caversham Trents, who also produced female star Fran Kirby.The 49-year-old told SunSport earlier this year: “A month into his training with us, we were thinking ‘Christ, this boy has got some serious ability’. His dribbling was incredible, even as a six-year-old.Gittens joined Man City’s academy from Reading aged 15Credit: Manchester City“Jamie was a shy boy behind the scenes, with a really nice, sporty family, but they didn’t push him. “They said they wanted him to be coached in a way where he could enjoy it, learn a few things along the way and can develop naturally. That’s exactly what we did.“We worked out quickly that he was a goal-scorer, and he scored a ridiculous number of goals.“But he was happy to play anywhere. He would even go in goal at times and he wasn’t bad.”His German is developing nicely too, after three and a half years of three lessons a week, and is even conducting parts of some interviews in it.He has also had to curb his sweet-tooth ways in his bid to reach the top, confessing: “When I was younger, I used to always eat chocolate and sweets.“I had to cut that out. Now I try to avoid sugar as much as I can.”Future England star?Jamie Gittens was born in Reading in August 2004.He was outstanding at a very early age, and played at Chelsea’s famous Cobham Academy aged eight.Gittens went to Reading before moving to Man City’s academy in 2018.He moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, and made his debut in the Bundesliga in April 2022, against Wolfsburg.He is a winger blessed with pace, outstanding dribbling skills and a cool head in front of goalGittens has played for England at U15, U16, U18, U19 and U21 levels, but could also represent Barbados.Gittens in training with the England Under-21s in September 2023Credit: PAGittens playing for England Under-19s v Italy in 2022Credit: GettyThe talented wideman’s new lease of life has coincided with using a shorter version of his surname on the back of his shirt.In August 2024, Dortmund announced that he would play under the surname “Gittens”, rather than “Bynoe-Gittens” as he had previously used. Gittens told Dortmund’s official website: “Both are my father’s names, but he said he thinks it’s better if I’m just called Gittens because it’s shorter.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Most people know him as Gittens, so in the future, I’ll only wear Gittens.”The “shorter the better” he told German outlet Bild. More