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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Real Madrid could be forced to close part of Bernabeu as Uefa release statement after ‘homophobic Pep Guardiola chants’

    REAL MADRID have been fined after homophobic chants were directed towards Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. The Catalan chief watched his side crash out of the Champions League following a 3-1 defeat at the Bernabeu earlier this month.Real Madrid have been fined after homophobic chants were sung at Pep GuardiolaCredit: GettyThe club will have to close 500 seats of the Bernabeu for an upcoming European gameCredit: GettyGuardiola was targeted with vile chants after the hosts took a 2-0 lead through Kylian Mbappe. The chants referenced an area of Madrid known as the heart of the gay district.Uefa have now taken action against the Champions League holders.They have ordered the LaLiga side to pay a fine of £24,800.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd the club has been hit with a partial stadium closure for its next European match. A Uefa statement read: “The AB has decided to fine Real Madrid CF €30,000 (£24,800).”It has also ordered the partial closure of Real Madrid CF’s stadium (i.e. at least 500 adjacent seats) during the next match Real Madrid C.F. will play as host club, for the discriminatory behaviour of its supporters.”Madrid’s partial closure has been suspended for two years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt comes after Real’s 6-3 aggregate win over Man City secured a quarter-final showdown with cross-town rivals Atleti. Boss Carlo Ancelotti admitted the Madrid derby would be “difficult as always”.Pep Guardiola admits ‘best team won’ as Real Madrid knock Man City out of Europe But he backed Los Blancos to show their class over two legs.Ancelotti said: “It’s going to be a beautiful, entertaining, and balanced tie. “The quality of the two teams is similar.”Both sides are battling for the title in LaLiga, alongside Catalan giants Barcelona.And the ex-Everton boss is convinced the domestic season will go down to the final match. Ancelotti continued: “A competitive league like here in Spain is difficult. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Here are three teams with one point between them, and they are teams of a very high level. “It is a league that will be decided in the last game.” More

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    Man City compared to company behind one of biggest financial scandals ever and accused of HIDING losses by LaLiga chief

    MANCHESTER CITY have been accused of an “Enron-style” financial deception by Spanish LaLiga boss Javier Tebas.Outspoken Tebas stunned an audience in London as he claimed the Etihad outfit had hidden losses that would have impacted their financial fair play status by hiding them in related Abu Dhabi-owned companies. More

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    Javier Dorado dead at 48: Former Real Madrid star dies after long illness as club pays touching tribute

    FORMER Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48 after a brave battle with cancer.The Spaniard was part of the Los Blancos academy system in 1996 before getting a promotion under Vicente del Bosque.Former Real Madrid star Javier Dorado has passed away aged 48Tributes have flooded in to honour and remember Dorado, who made his Madrid debut in 1999 against Valencia in the Copa del Rey.He won the Champions League a season later with Liverpool legend Steve McManaman, who scored an incredible volley in Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Valencia.Dorado was part of the squad that beat Manchester United over two legs in the quarter-finals of that winning 2000 campaign. But, in his second campaign, Dorado made only seven appearances due to a fierce competition with Brazilian icon Roberto Carlos.READ MORE FOOTBALLThe left-back was loaned out to UD Salamanca and Sporting Gijon, before leaving joining Rayo Vallecano on a permanent basis.He continued his career with other Spanish sides, such as Mallorca and Atletico Baleares, where he retired in 2012 at the age of 35.Dorado had been battling cancer since 2022, according to Spanish outlet Marca.The former defender told El Comercio a few months ago: “I’ve been here for a while now.Most read in FootballDorado won the Champions League with Madrid in 2000″And I hope that this time this nightmare will end, that we can go out and be at peace. “I’ve been fighting for years and the tough treatments take their toll , especially when they end because they leave me a little more tired and a little more affected, but I try to lead a normal life.”A club statement on Thursday read: ‘Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Javier Dorado.”We would like to express its condolences and affection to his family, his team-mates, all his loved ones and all the clubs he was a part of.”During the two seasons he played for Real Madrid, Javier Dorado won one European Cup, the Eighth in Paris (2000).”Born in Talavera de la Reina, Dorado also featured in four matches for Spain’s Under 21s between 1998 and 2000.He made eight appearances for Madrid’s first team, while most of his career games came in the Spanish second division.A fan honoured his memory saying: “What a great player. May you rest in peace.” More

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    Barcelona legend Gerard Pique proposes bizarre law change that would result in both teams getting ZERO points

    BARCELONA legend Gerard Pique has proposed a new rule change that he believes would make football more exciting.The 38-year-old previously suggested that the game needs a revamp in order to keep audiences entertained and engaged.Gerard Pique has suggested that teams should not receive any points for a goalless drawCredit: The Mega AgencyAnd one thing he believes should be cut out completely is goalless draws.Pique has suggested that neither team should get a point if they fail to score during a match.Speaking to former Spain team-mate Iker Casillas on the goalkeeper’s new podcast, he said: “It can’t be that you go to a football stadium, spend €100, €200 or €300 and the match ends 0-0.”Something needs to change. One proposal to consider would be that if the match ends 0-0, the teams would score zero points.Read More in Football”The match would open in the 70th minute.”Pique previously recommended that draws should be scrapped from the game entirely.He said: “Maybe there are no draws, why not? In baseball and basketball there are no draws. You go to a game and it ends with a draw and the feeling is, ‘Who won?'”Football is afraid of change. It has a huge history, it is very traditional, but change will happen, it has to happen.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”A 90-minute game that can finish 0-0 is difficult to understand for the new generation.”In order to make football more entertaining and engaging for younger audiences, Pique created a new format called the Kings League.Spectacular Timelapse of the works in the Spotify Camp Nou It’s a seven-a-side format with 40-minute games – none of which end in a draw.Instead, if the score is level at full-time the winner is decided with a penalty shootout whereby each taker goes one-on-one with the goalkeeper.The rules are completely different to the traditional football format, with cards drawn at the start of each match.Each team picks a card which could include double goal, sanction, penalty or star player to name a few.The cards can be activated between half-time and the 38th minute. More