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    Arsenal hero Ian Wright blasts muddy pitch where Gunners’ fell to a first-leg Champions League loss to Real Madrid

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    IAN WRIGHT branded Real Madrid’s pitch a “f***ing disgrace” as Arsenal’s Champions League bid got stuck in the mud.The Gunners icon said the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium’s surface was worse than the Pride Park pitch, where Chelsea beat Manchester City in Saturday’s League Cup final. Ian Wright was appalled by the condition at Real Madrid’s home ground where the Spanish club hosted their Champions League duel with ArsenalCredit: SportsfileThe wet conditions on the pitch left players covered in mud during the quarter-final first-leg clashCredit: GettyArsenal hope to overturn a 2-0 deficit when the team’s meet next Wednesday in the second leg at the EmiratesCredit: GettyGoals from Real strikers Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo saw Arsenal fall to a quarter-final first-leg defeat. The drenched pitch at the rain-soaked Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, left the Gunners’ women stars and their opponents splattered in mud with some players slipping due to its conditions. In the second half Madrid midfielder and ex-Chelsea ace Melanie Leupolz went off after hurting her knee she attempted to clear the ball up field. In an Instagram video, Women’s Super League ambassador Wright said: “It’s a f***ing disgrace, the pitches these girls have to play on.” Read More Football Stories Light wind and rain had been forecast in Spain’s capital ahead of yesterday’s game. However conditions were very wet ahead of the 5:45pm kick-off. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers said: “We knew the condition of the pitch. “We had a plan for it but then it’s always hard because over a season and over time you work on things and you have an identity the way you want to do things. Most read in FootballRenee Slegers has backed Arsenal to turn things around in their decisive second-leg quarters clashCredit: Getty“So then reality comes and these conditions come and all of a sudden you need to do things differently so that’s hard.”Arsenal will battle to try and overturn the deficit in next Wednesday’s second leg at the Emirates.Slegers added: “We’re all confident we can do something against them at the Emirates because it’s only half time.” More

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      Furious Carlo Ancelotti threatens to BOYCOTT LaLiga games before Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Arsenal

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      CARLO Ancelotti says Real Madrid will now BOYCOTT LaLiga games scheduled with less than 72 hours rest beforehand.Madrid beat Villarreal 2-1 on Saturday but the match kicked off 67 hours after his side’s penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.Carlo Ancelotti has threatened to boycott future LaLiga games after Real Madrid won 2-1 at VillarrealIt comes after the team claimed a victory in a challenging 120-minute game against Atletico Madrid on WednesdayAncelotti said his players were exhausted without a 72-hour recoveryJude Bellingham was one of 11 players to play 120 minutes against Atletico Madrid on WednesdayAncelotti claimed Madrid had contacted LaLiga twice to ask for the time of Saturday’s 5:30pm game to be changed.Madrid travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on April 8. The Italian manager then said it would be “the last time” such scheduling was arranged.He fumed: “The explanation (for the win in the circumstances) is that this team has something special, character, commitment.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But they can’t always do it, sometimes I even get angry with them.”We have to thank these players for their tremendous effort since January 3. Even more so today.“I think today is the last game we will play with less than 72 hours rest. We will never do it again. “We have asked LaLiga twice to change the time of the game and nothing has happened, but this is the last time.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLaLiga sources indicated Madrid did not make a request regarding the Villarreal game before the schedule for this weekend’s match round was confirmed, according to The Athletic.The need for a 72-hour rest period between games has been raised to Fifa by player unions, but it’s not mandatory.Jamie Carragher exposes iShowSpeed’s ‘real name’ on live TV during Champions League coverage European mid-week competitors Barcelona, Atletico, Real Sociedad and Athletic Club all have league fixtures scheduled for Sunday.Madrid saw themselves 1-0 down after Juan Foyth’s seventh minute goal, before Kylian Mbappe’s quick-fire double secured the turnaround.Ancelotti could not rotate his team on Saturday, considering the league standings.Los Blancos are currently first in the LaLiga table with 60 points, while Barcelona sit three points behind and Atletico four.Meanwhile, Barca have another extra game following the postponement against Osasuna a week ago.Ancellotti added: “It was a trap game, because of everything that happened.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Because of the hours of rest and because of the strength of the opponent, who are a good team, but we watered down physically.”The team ended up exhausted, it’s quite normal. It’s a victory that says a lot about this team and the resources of this squad.” More

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

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

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

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

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      Real Madrid and Germany legend Toni Kroos ready to come out of retirement to play for his brother’s team

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      TONI KROOS is set to return to football for a special match just eight months after his retirement.Toni, 35, rolled credits on a glittering 17-year career that saw him win almost everything with the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Germany.Toni Kroos is set to return to football just eight months after his retirementCredit: GettyToni will be playing for his brother Felix’s team Two Stripes United in the ICON LeagueCredit: GettyThe midfielder’s last game took place at Euro 2024 in his homeland when his national team was eliminated by eventual European champions Spain in a controversial quarter-final.According to Marca, however, the German legend is set to lace up his boots for just one more match.But it won’t be for a top-tier competition or an elite club, like everyone is used to seeing him.Instead, Toni will play for his brother Felix’s team named Two Stripes United in the ICON League.Read More on FootballThe competition is mostly consisted of streamers, content creators and footballers – similar to the Kings League in Spain.The six-time Champions League winner agreed to cross over to the non-pro competition, but he had one demand.And that was to play side by side with Felix, 34, with whom he started his professional career.The Kroos brothers cut their teeth together at Hansa Rostock but their paths were separated in 2006 when Bayern came knocking for Toni.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsFelix stayed in Germany where he played for the likes of Werder Bremen, Union Berlin and Eintracht Braunschweig until his retirement in 2021.Toni’s addition to Two Stripes United works as a major boost for the younger brother.Toni Kroos shows his skills at Real Madrid training Felix’s team only managed six points out of 13 matches last season.Toni will be the most successful and experienced player in the league after 465 appearances with Real, 205 games with Bayern and 114 caps with Germany. More

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      ‘He’s got to go’ – Danny Dyer reveals two clubs he’d let Jarrod Bowen leave West Ham for even if it broke his heart

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      DANNY DYER has revealed the two clubs he would let Jarrod Bowen leave West Ham for.The Hammers star has been a shining light for the club in a below-par season.Danny Dyer has admitted there are two teams he would let Jarrod Bowen joinCredit: GettyBowen is currently the club captain at West HamCredit: RexBowen is engaged to Dyer’s daughter DaniCredit: SplashBowen, 28, has netted seven times and provided four assists in his 23 Premier League appearances this season.It is also the first campaign in which he has been the club captain following the departure of defender Kurt Zouma.The forward’s good form has seen him touted as one of the best in England’s top-flight.But father-in-law to be Dyer believes that there are only two clubs he would let the former Hull City ace join.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe British actor and diehard West Ham fan has not hidden his admiration for Bowen since he started dating his daughter and Love Island star Dani.During an appearance on talkSPORT, he was asked how he would feel if the Conference League winner followed in the footsteps of Declan Rice.Host Andy Goldstein asked: “What about if he left to go to Arsenal, how would you feel?”To which Dyer replied: “Impossible… he’s never going to do that, is he?Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Why would he, what’s in it for him?”Goldstein then changed track as he asked: “Actually, not Arsenal – let’s say Real Madrid came in for him?”Trolls say Dani Dyer isn’t in a ‘genuine’ relationship as she makes shock admission about home life with Jarrod BowenThe suggestion of the serial Champions League winners was enough for Dyer to admit that Bowen would “have to go”.He said: “Real Madrid? Well then he’s got to go, hasn’t he? Real Madrid, yeah, for sure.”Real Madrid was not the only team that Dyer admitted that he would accept.Darren Bent chipped in and suggested current Premier League champions Manchester City.To which Dyer admitted that he would be happy for Bowen to make the transfer, but insisted that it would “hurt”. He said: “City? Listen, it’s his career.”I wouldn’t mind City, I’d suffer that – it would hurt, I’m not going to lie it would hurt me, but he’s a grown man, he makes his own decisions.”Obviously it would hurt, but of course, I’d be over the moon for him.”Bowen’s future is currently cemented in East London having signed a contract extension in October 2023 that will run until 2030.This season has seen him hit his 50th Premier League goal for the Hammers since joining the club from Hull in January 2020.Dyer has previously suggested that he would not swap Bowen for anyone in world football.He told GOAL: “Father of my grandchildren, I can’t tell you how that makes me feel.”West Ham is my one true love and to have the captain part of my family, my blood now… He’s f***ing brilliant. He’s our man.”The fact he broke his foot the other week, was out for six weeks, comes back and scores against Chelsea. Gets the ball, slips it round, we were unlucky that game. Build a statue now for the man.”To score the winning goal in a European final, in the 92nd minute, when he’s one on one he scores.”He’s already a legend. He will be our all-time top scorer.”I wouldn’t swap Bowen for f*cking anyone. He’s very underrated. In my eyes he’s as good as [Bukayo] Saka, if not better. Does the same s***.”I know Arsenal fans will say ‘what are you talking about’. The geezer’s got it all.”And he can play No.9, you can’t put Saka No.9, he’ll get lost. Jarrod is a class above everybody.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s grassroots, came through, he’s done it all. The geezer never stops working.”Bowen and Dani started dating in October 2021 and they now have 22-month-old twin daughters Summer and Star.Bowen’s career so farHere is a look at Jarrod Bowen’s career so far…Club career:Hereford United, 2014Apps: 8Goals: 1Assists: 1Hull City, 2014-2020Apps: 131Goals: 54Assists: 14 West Ham United, 2020-presentApps: 227Goals: 68Assists: 43International career:England, 2022-presentCaps: 14Goals: 1Honours:Europa Conference League x1 More

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      Real Madrid 2 Atletico Madrid 1: Man City old boys show Pep Guardiola what he’s missing in derby with THREE wondergoals

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      REAL MADRID celebrated their 500th game in the Champions League with hard-fought victory over bitter local rivals Atletico.Los Blancos have put themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg of the round of 16 tie.Rodrygo netted the opening goal after just four minutesCredit: APFormer Man City forward Julian Alvarez also netted a sublime goalCredit: APBrahim Diaz scored a wonderful winnerCredit: ReutersThe goal sent the crowd into raptures for celebrationsCredit: GettyRodrygo gave the hosts the perfect start as he curled home after just four minutes.But just as it looked like Carlo Ancelotti’s side would have a perfect night, former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez stepped up.The Argentine forward bettered his Brazilian counterpart’s effort in the 32nd minute.Alvarez took on his man and then whipped a shot in off the post from the corner of the box.READ MORE ON CHAMPIONS LEAGUEAtletico started to dominate the game as they looked to spoil Real’s big night.But it was the hosts that would find the next goal and it was another former Man City ace on target.Brahim Díaz jinked his way past two defenders with some brilliant footwork before firing past Jan Oblak in the 55th minute.The two goals must have left Pep Guardiola scratching his head back at home.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSManchester City were dumped out of the tournament in the playoff round by Real.The team has failed to defend its Premier League title and has been knocked out of European competition and the Carabao Cup.’I could have been tidier’ Jamie Carragher addresses controversial Afcon comments and explains his ‘mistake’Pep Guardiola must have some regret for selling Alcaraz and DiazCredit: GettyThe Cityzens only have a spot in the top four to play for and an FA Cup trophy to salvage any success from what has been a disappointing season.Fans watching on felt the need to take to social media to vent their frustrations.One posted: “Will never understand why City sold him.”A second commented: “Blame Pep for not playing him alongside Erling Haaland.”Meanwhile, Real will be hoping that the one-goal lead can boost them in the return leg next week.They will not have to travel far as there is only four miles between the two clubs’ stadiums.The 15-time tournament winners will be hoping to make it 16 by the end of the season.Elsewhere in the Champions League, Arsenal marched to a 7-1 away win over PSV to virtually seal their spot in the quarter-finals.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite the dominant scoreline, Myles Lewis-Skelly was lucky to avoid a first half red card for two reckless challenges.Borussia Dortmund drew 1-1 with French side Lille while Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 3-1 in the early kick off. More

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      Real Madrid to expand Bernabeu just a year after £1.5BILLION redevelopment as it’s too SMALL to host huge sporting event

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      REAL MADRID are looking to further expand the Bernabeu in order to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup final.Madrid only returned to their iconic stadium last month – after spending £1.5billion renovating it.Real Madrid are eyeing further changes to the BernabeuCredit: GettyMadrid only returned to the Bernabeu pitch last month after a long redevelopment projectCredit: GettyThe European giants spent a fortune on giving the Bernabeu a face-lift, with work beginning in 2019 and finally ending in late 2024.The changes have included a retractable roof, a 360-degree LED scoreboard and a new metal facade with 7,500 stainless steel slats.However, all the renovations actually slightly REDUCED the capacity of the stadium.But, Fifa’s December announcement of Spain co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco, has thrown a spanner in the works.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Madrid are now planning to do MORE work on the ground, to this time raise the number of seats.Plans would see the Bernabeu’s capacity is set to increase from around 79,000 to 85,000 seats, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.Fifa rules state that the World Cup final stadium must have a capacity of at least 80,000.The club is said to prefer a permanent solution over temporary seating so it can reap the long-term benefits after the World Cup.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThere is some uncertainty over the exact capacity of the Bernabeu following the redevelopment project.So far this season, Madrid’s attendance has only surpassed 78,000 on two occasions, against rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.Real Madrid being sued for millions over VIP Bernabeu SkyBar that costs fans £2,500 a game Barcelona’s revamped Spotify Camp Nou is another top contender to host the World Cup final.The Nou Camp is in the midst of a major revamp, with its capacity to stand at 105,000 once the project is completed. Barca are hoping to return home before the end of the season, but it would be operating at a reduced capacity while work continues.Meanwhile, the Grand Stade Hassan II, a huge new stadium set to open in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, is also a candidate.The African arena is set to have a capacity of 115,000, which would make it the largest football stadium in the world once completed.It’s the first time that three countries across two continents will officially stage the tournament. More

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      How Real Madrid could line up with THREE England stars next season with two players tipped for huge transfers

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      REAL MADRID could include an English backbone in their starting XI next season.Los Blancos are reportedly tracking both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Adam Wharton.Jude Bellingham could be getting two more English team-mates this summerCredit: GettyLiverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was approached by Madrid in JanuaryCredit: GettyLos Blancos are reportedly tracking Crystal Palace playmaker Adam WhartonCredit: GettyThree Lions star Jude Bellingham has already established himself as a regular at the Bernabeu.The former Birmingham youngster made the switch to Spain from Dortmund for £115million in July 2023.He has since gone on to become an England standout, helping Gareth Southgate’s men reach the Euros final last season.Bellingham could be joined in the Spanish capital by two familiar faces over the summer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGood pal Alexander-Arnold, 26, was the subject of interest from Madrid in the January transfer window.He is out of contract in the summer, with Carlo Ancelotti keen on a move for the full-back. Liverpool already have a ready-made replacement in Conor Bradley, with the youngster set for a mega 650 per cent pay rise at Anfield.Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton is also being “closely monitored” by Madrid scouts. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 21-year-old recently returned to action after three months out following groin surgery.He has impressed since moving to Selhurst Park from Blackburn for £22m in January 2024.The meteoric rise of England star Adam WhartonMadrid chief scout Juni Calafat is also said to be a big fan of the midfielder.Wharton is expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad later this month, alongside Bellingham.Madrid veterans Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez are both out of contract at the Bernabeu in the summer.Central midfielder Wharton and full-back Alexander-Arnold would fit the bill in replacing those departing stars. But a Three Lions reunion in Madrid would not come cheap. Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024Wharton is also being tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool.He would cost in the region of £70m, per ESPN. Should the pair end up in Spain, Madrid’s potential XI next season could feature a strong backbone of English players.In our predicted line-up, ex-Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois starts between the sticks. Alexander-Arnold slots in at right back, alongside fellow defenders Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn midfield, Wharton could partner Bellingham and Brahim Diaz.While upfront, the feared trio of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo would spearhead the attack. More