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      Man City become fourth English team to be hit by Champions League curse which only Real Madrid have ever overcome

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S defeat to Real Madrid means they are the fourth English team who have failed to defend their Champions League crown.City won the competition for the first time in their history last year but suffered penalty shoot-out heartbreak against 14-time winners Real on Wednesday.Manchester City failed to defend their Champions League crown after losing to Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid are the only team to successfully defend the Champions LeagueCredit: APThe result means they have failed to defend their Champions League title – a curse that has affected every team except for Real Madrid.Incredibly, the Spanish giants won the tournament three years on the bounce between 2016-18 with a team featuring the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema.No team has been able to repeat the trick, with City failing despite being favourites.They have good company, however, including in England where Liverpool failed to back up their Champions League successes in 2005 and 2019 with another trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Reds suffered surprise exists to Benfica in 2006 and Atletico Madrid in 2020, though did make the final again in 2007 and 2022.While Manchester United could not repeat their 2008 triumph a year later, losing to Barcelona in the final the following season.Chelsea also proved inadequate when it came to defending their European crowns after tasting success in 2013 and 2021.While the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan have also experienced the curse despite winning the Champions League multiple times since it changed format in 1992.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReal Madrid are now favourites to claim the Big Ears trophy for a 15th time, though face Harry Kane and Bayern Munich for a place at Wembley.If they make it through that tie they will meet Paris Saint-Germain or Borussia Dortmund in the final.Real Madrid fan says ‘silent’ Man City supporters ‘don’t deserve this team’ and it should be ‘given to Man Utd’ More

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      Jude Bellingham seen chanting in Spanish as Real Madrid stars go wild with fans after epic Man City penalty win

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      REAL MADRID superstar Jude Bellingham went wild with fans as he chanted in Spanish after a stunning Champions League triumph over Manchester City.Real punched their ticket to the semi-finals on Wednesday after beating City 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham went wild with the crowd after beating Manchester CityCredit: RexBellingham chanted in Spanish with the rest of the travelling Real Madrid fansCredit: ReutersBellingham helped Real Madrid qualify for the Champions League semi-finalsBellingham, 20, helped Los Blancos set sail for their 15th European title as his spot kick was on target.And the star midfielder broke out into passionate celebrations after his team-mate Antonio Rudiger scored the crucial penalty while Anriy Lunin denied both Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.The camera caught a number of Real stars, such as Rudiger and Rodrygo, climbing over the barriers and hugging travelling fans.Bellingham followed suit and joined the crowd in singing one of the club’s most famous chants.Read More on FootballA clip on TikTok showed the England international belt out: “Asi, Asi, Asi gana el Madrid (Like this, like this, like this Madrid always win!)”Bellingham has shown once more he has adjusted perfectly to his new life at the Santiago Bernabeu ever since his British record £115million move from Borussia Dortmund only last summer.The ex-Birmingham star has amassed a whopping total of 20 goals and 10 assists in 35 appearances.And the versatile midfielder is so happy at Real he insists his move to the Spanish giants was a “no brainer”.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham 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. Jude Bellingham explains why Real Madrid move was ‘no brainer’ despite holding transfer talks with European giants “I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”Why Man City fans were to blame for penalty defeat to Real MadridRIO FERDINAND and Joleon Lescott have blamed Man City’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid on the FANS.
      Bernardo Silva missed one of the spot kicks as City crashed out of the Champions League.
      And the England duo spotted how the home fans at the Etihad played a role in the spot-kick being saved.
      Ex-Man City star Lescott claimed the home supporters held onto the ball for too long after Real’s Luka Modric fired his shot into the stands.
      He said: “That would have just took him out of sync and out of his rhythm.
      “You can practice the routine, the technique, the walk up potentially, this is something you don’t prepare for, the ball being in the crowd.”
      Ferdinand chimed in: “40 seconds by the way Joleon,” before Lescott continued: “That is a long time. It may not seem that long but it’s a very long time when you are waiting there and you are thinking, now do I change position?
      “Now do I change where I go? And all of a sudden, it’s a soft penalty.”
      Manchester United legend Ferdinand went on to say: “It’s a shame though as well, because it is the home fans that are delaying that penalty kick which is a shame.” More

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      Iconic football stadium looks unrecognisable with four-storey underground greenhouse below pitch

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      REAL MADRID’S Santiago Bernabeu has a four-storey underground greenhouse below the pitch.The iconic stadium’s latest renovation work saw the capacity increased to 85,000.The Santiago Bernabeu looks unrecognisable with its underground greenhouseCredit: Real MadridReal Madrid’s iconic stadium has installed a retractable pitchCredit: Real MadridThe incredible new stadium has a capacity of 85,000Credit: AFPThe pitch is now stored and maintained underground when not in useCredit: Real MadridAs part of the project, an extra tier was built alongside a 360 degree big screen and new look exterior.Although fans did compare the renovated ground to an AIR FRYER when the roof was closed for the recent Champions League clash with Manchester City.Another hidden detail was also added by the Spanish giants, with the full extent now revealed.New images show how Real Madrid’s retractable pitch is maintained when not in use.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe playing surface is stored within an underground greenhouse that provides ventilation, air conditioning and LED lighting.Control and irrigation systems also help aid the growth of the grass and maintain the condition of the pitch.Los Blancos unveiled their greenhouse earlier this year after fans were baffled by the missing pitch in pictures of the new ground.Instead, the turf was underground inside the greenhouse as staff worked to prepare it for matchday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReal Madrid’s stadium was expanded last year as part of renovation work which began in 2020.Whilst work is still continuing on the exterior, the club were able to return to their home since 1947 after just one season away.Staggering final cost of new Bernabeu revealed after Real Madrid move into state-of-the-art 85,000-capacity stadiumThe 2020/21 campaign was instead spent at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium.Both the club’s reserve and women’s teams continue to play their home matches at the 6,000-capacity venue.The new stadium has been compared to an air fryer with the roof closedCredit: TNT SportsReal Madrid unveiled their retractable pitch earlier this yearCredit: Real MadridThe playing surface is now looked after in the four-storey underground greenhouseCredit: Real Madrid More

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      Iconic football stadium set to reopen at just 60 per cent capacity after being left a half-demolished wreck

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      BARCELONA are hoping to return to the Camp Nou later this year at a reduced capacity.The stadium is currently being renovated and expanded to a 105,000 capacity.Barcelona plan to return to the Camp Nou later this year with a reduced capacityCredit: EPAThe stadium was left half demolished after renovation work began last summerCredit: FC Barcelona via YouTube / SportsRenderHowever, Barca are now planning to reopen their home at 60 per cent of the capacity.That is despite the venue being left half demolished during the renovation work.Seats and the pitch were removed as construction got underway in June 2023.The club had hoped to return in time for their 125th anniversary on November 29.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, Mundo Deportivo now report the hope is for the Camp Nou to reopen on December 15.Barcelona have made a request to LaLiga for their first match back to be on that date.The reduced capacity means 63,000 seats of the new 105,000 capacity will be available.Permission has also been granted to extend the working hours of the renovations, the report adds.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeanwhile, Barca have installed 14 new hospitality boxes which are available for 8,000 Euros each.The final completion of the renovations is scheduled for June 2026.Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable as club reveal ‘insane’ CGI footage of the renovation plansBarcelona have been playing at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys during the construction.The 55,926-capacity venue is the former home of their city rivals Espanyol.During their temporary stay, Barca were beaten in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals by Athletic Bilbao in January.Paris Saint-Germain then dumped Xavi’s side out of the Champions League this week.The club legend is set to step down as manager at the end of the season.His team are currently second in LaLiga, eight points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid in the table.The Camp Nou’s capacity has been expanded to 105,000Credit: EPABarca hope to return on December 15 with 63,000 supporters in attendanceCredit: FC Barcelona via YouTube / SportsRender More

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      Carlo Ancelotti risks Uefa punishment as Real Madrid boss breaks protocol after Man City win

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      REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti risks an earful by UEFA for breaking protocol after a dramatic Champions League victory over Manchester City.Ancelotti, 64, saw his Real side draw 1-1 with City on Wednesday at the Etihad after the hosts’ captain Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti risks UEFA punishment after breaking protocolCredit: RexReal Madrid manager Ancelotti went to the mixed zone after full-timeCredit: GettyHowever, Los Blancos prevailed during a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout thanks to the heroics of Andriy Lunin who handed his team a 4-3 win after denying Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic.However, the Italian tactician’s triumph may be spoiled a bit after he appeared to go against UEFA rules regarding post-match interviews.Regulations state both managers must be made available to attend the post-match presser about 20 minutes after the end of a match.But the ex-Chelsea and Everton boss spoke with journalists in the mixed zone instead. Read More on FootballThat is where Ancelotti said: “Everyone thought we were dead, but nobody can do that, Real Madrid never dies.”Madrid have done it many times. It’s this badge. In the shootout we were convinced we would qualify. Andriy had a fantastic game.”I really like it when a team sacrifices, fights. Besides the quality. This is the only way to win here.”Nevertheless, Ancelotti did conduct post-match interviews with various rights holders, such as TNT Sports and LiveScore.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAncelotti will now look to extend Real’s record Champions League triumphs by sealing the club’s 15th crown, which would mark his third with the Merengues.The Madrid giants are now set to lock horns with Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.Jude Bellingham cheekily calls out Micah Richards for breaking promise after ‘little wager’ before Man City lossBayern punched their ticket to the final four after eliminating Arsenal. More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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