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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

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      PSG boss’s Luis Enrique’s daughter ‘moves on from ex-Premier League star Ferran Torres as she dates his team-mate’

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN manager Luis Enrique’s stunning daughter is rumoured to have swapped ex-boyfriend Ferran Torres for a team-mate in Spain’s national team.Reports in Spain say showjumper Sira Martinez is dating Real Sociedad centre-back Robin Le Normand.Sira Martinez is the ex-girlfriend of Ferran TorresCredit: InstagramSira and Ferran broke up in May last yearCredit: Instagram / @siramartinezcSira is the daughter of PSG boss Luis EnriqueCredit: GettySira is now reportedly dating Ferran’s Spain team-mate Robin Le NormandCredit: Kenny RamsaySpanish TV programme Socialite is claiming they were spotted “cuddling and being affectionate with each other” in the Basque city of San Sebastian, where Le Normand’s LaLiga side is based.Sira, who split with Barcelona and former Man City frontman Torres nearly a year ago, is said to have travelled to Paris to see her famous dad after being dropped off at the city airport by the footballer.Luis Enrique managed the Spanish national side before taking over at PSG.Le Normand was born in France and started playing at Brest but obtained Spanish nationality in 2023 and was part of the Spain squad that won the Uefa Nations League in the same year.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old, whose younger brother Theo is also a professional footballer, and 24-year-old Sira have yet to comment on the reports linking them romantically.The Spanish beauty has been riding horses since she was a child.She has said of her former Barcelona midfielder dad, currently celebrating his team’s Champions League quarter-final win over Torres’ Barca: “He has no idea about horses, but as an athlete and trainer he gives good advice focusing on my figure as an athlete.”Ferran Torres met Sira, who has just turned 24, while playing for Manchester City and the pair began a long-distance relationship before his move to Barcelona in 2022.Most read in FootballSira is a professional showjumperCredit: Instagram / @siramartinezcSira still lives in SpainCredit: Instagram / @siramartinezcHer father is the manager of Paris Saint-GermainCredit: InstagramThey went their separate way in May last year, with Sira reportedly wanting to focus on her sporting career.She has 343,000 followers on Instagram.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtShe was linked briefly to Spanish Grand Prix motorcycle rider Alex Marquez last year but they never confirmed they were in a relationship.Little is known about Le Normand’s private life.He posted a photo of himself with his brother and sister on his Instagram at Christmas but rarely posts on anything other than football on his social media.Sira is Enrique’s eldest child, but he tragically lost a daughter in 2019 when Xana died of bone cancer aged just nine.The former Spain manager, who also has a son, paid an emotional tribute to Xana when he was managing the national side at last season’s World Cup.She says her father’s advice has made her a better showjumperCredit: Instagram / @siramartinezcSira often keeps fans updated on her Instagram about her life, including her holidaysCredit: Instagram / @siramartinezc More

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      Xavi launches stinging attack on referee after Barcelona knocked out of Champions League thanks to ‘mistake’

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      BARCELONA manager Xavi lashed out at the referee following his team’s heartbreaking Champions League elimination.Barca hosted Paris Saint-Germain at the Nou Camp in the quarter-finals with a 3-2 advantage following last week’s victory in the first leg at Parc des Princes.Barcelona boss Xavi lashed out at the referee after the elimination by Paris Saint-GermainCredit: EPAXavi was furious with the referee, who sent him and Ronaldo Araujo offCredit: APThe Blaugrana opened the scoring after just 12 minutes to extend their lead but it all went downhill after that as they lost Ronald Araujo to a controversial red card after he tripped Bradley Barcola.PSG went on to punch their ticket to the semi-finals with a 4-1 victory thanks to goals by ex-Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha as well as a brace by Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.Xavi’s evening got even worse after he was also sent off for angrily kicking Champions League padding around the VAR monitor near his dugout.As he walked away from the touchline, the ex-midfield maestro could be seen taking off his coat and having a quick chat with assistant Oscar Hernandez.Read More on FootballThe Spaniard was left fuming and confronted referee Istvan Kovacs at full-time, calling him a “disaster before giving him both barrels during his post-match interview.Xavi said: “It’s a pity, our Champions League is over due to referee’s mistake.“I just told the referee that he’s been a disaster. It’s the reality”.This officially marks Xavi’s last Champions League match as Barcelona manager.Most read in Champions LeagueThe Catalan tactician confirmed earlier this season that he will be leaving his beloved club after three years in charge.The 44-year-old head coach missed the chance of leaving the Catalan giants with silverware as his team are eight points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid in the table.Football icons’ strange hobbiesPSG are now set to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-finals.Dortmund made it to the final four after knocking Atletico Madrid out with an aggregate of 5-4. More

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      Xavi sent off for Barcelona after lashing out moments after PSG levelled tense Champions League tie

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      XAVI was sent off for kicking out during Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.The Barcelona boss lost his cool on the touchline as he booted padding around the VAR monitor.Xavi lashed out on the touchlineCredit: TNT SPORTSThe manager was not impressed with the refereeCredit: TNT SPORTSReferee Istvan Kovacs showed the Spaniard a straight red cardCredit: GettyXavi, 44, was given a straight red card for his outburst by Romanian international referee Istvan Kovacs.The Spaniard was clearly frustrated after signing his side lose a 4-2 aggregate lead on the night.As he walked away from the touchline, Xavi could be seen taking off his coat and having a quick chat with assistant Oscar Hernandez.Fans reacted to the moment as they flooded social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne commented: “So stupid from Xavi!”A second wrote: “Poor Xavi.”A third posted: “Xavi is a crybaby.”A fourth said: “Please Xavi, leave now.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “Xavi really leaves our club.”Raphinha had scored the opening goal before Paris Saint-Germain hit back with goals from Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersRonald Araujo was also shown a straight red card earlier in the match for a last-man challenge.To make matters worse, moments later, the Ligue 1 side were awarded a penalty as Dembele was fouled by Joao Cancelo.Kylian Mbappe converted from the sport to put PSG 5-4 ahead in the tie.Barcelona then had another blow as Hernandez was given a second yellow card and also handed his marching orders, leaving the team two coaches down.Mbappe sealed the win in the 89th minute as he fired in after a swift counter-attack.Barcelona had gone into the second leg 3-2 up, having won a thrilling first leg at the Parc des Princes. More

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      ‘Are you Chelsea in disguise?’ ask baffled fans as Champions League giants line up in almost identical shirt to Blues

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      FANS took a double take at their screens as Atletico Madrid lined up in an almost identical shirt to Chelsea in the Champions League.The LaLiga giants had travelled to the Signal Iduna Park to take on Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the quarter-final.Fans likened Atletico Madrid’s shirt to the Chelsea kitCredit: EPAFormer Blue Alvaro Morata was on the pitchCredit: GettyThe kit has a similar vibe to Chelsea’s 2022/23 shirtCredit: AlamyAtletico won the first leg 2-1, but it was the choice of kit that got fans talking.Los Colchoneros usually wear their strikingly recognisable red and white shirts with blue shorts.The club wore their alternate strip which was predominantly blue but with a white block on the shirt.The club’s traditional badge had also been swapped out as a nod to its 120th anniversary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe badge had been replaced with the crest that was used until 1917 in a circular shape.This kit choice had fans thinking they had worn a Chelsea kit on social media.One fan posted: “Atletico looks like Chelsea.”A second wrote: “Atletico, what kind of jersey is this, bro, are you Chelsea?”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA third commented: “These Atlético kits look like Chelsea kits.”A fourth joked: “Are you Chelsea in disguise.”Jude Bellingham gives RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose his shirt after Real Madrid’s Champions League winA fifth said: “Atlético’s shirt looks like Chelsea’s.”Another added: “Why does Atlético Madrid look like Chelsea?”Fans could be forgiven for getting confused, as former Chelsea stars Alvaro Morata and Cesar Azpilicueta both lined up for Atletico on the night.Dortmund won the match on the night 4-2 and 5-4 on aggregate after a thrilling battle and sealed their spot in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 11 years. More

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      Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM says it was a “no brainer” for him to join Real Madrid over Wednesday’s opponents Manchester City.The treble winners were one of a host of clubs chasing the signature of the England star when it was clear he was leaving Borussia Dortmund last spring.Jude Bellingham insists joining Real Madrid was the best decisionCredit: GettyBellingham was approached by a raft of elite clubs, including Manchester CityCredit: GettyHe admitted he spoke with several teams – but could not resist the lure of the Spanish giants when they came calling.City became aware in May that the former Birmingham midfielder had set his heart on a switch to the Bernabeu rather than the Premier League.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.Read More on Football“I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”Now he hopes to show he made the right call by sending Pep Guardiola’s holders tumbling out of the Champions League at the Etihad.The quarter-final tie is finely poised at 3-3 after a thriller in Spain last week.He said: “I think everyone has spoken about them being favourites – they’re the treble winners and an amazing team.Most read in Football“I’m not a gambler – and I’ve never been to the bookies.“But that’s the impression from the outside. We are Real Madrid – we are pretty good and have some brilliant players.Vinicius Jr appears to ask Bellingham for Premier League star’s shirt as Real Madrid team-mates chat after England loss“Internally we are confident and we trust what we have in the dressing room.“These are the sort of games I joined for. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get out there and play.”Almost a year has passed and Bellingham says he has no regrets over his decision – hoping England will reap the benefits.He also hopes other young talents will follow his path and try their luck abroad.Bellingham said: “I was at Dortmund for three years and I took a path that is unfamiliar but I feel grateful every time I go into training.“It’s a good idea for young players to go abroad and hopefully I’m showing that.“You learn a lot and hopefully I take that with me into the national team.”Bellingham made an explosive start to life in Spain and while the goals have dried up he hopes there are still more to come.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I didn’t expect to score this many goals. People were asking me when I joined and I just wanted one – but I’m up to 20 now.“Hopefully I can get more before the end of the season.”Real Madrid star Bellingham will look to end Man City’s Treble hopes More