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      Man City forced into last-minute change as Kevin De Bruyne drops to BENCH for huge Real Madrid clash

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      KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been benched for Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid tonight.De Bruyne is unwell and will only be fit to play a role as a substitute.Kevin De Bruyne reported that he felt ill before the gameCredit: RexPep Guardiola was involved in an awkward interview with Jules BreachIn his pre-match interview, City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed that the 32-year-old has been vomitting.But it was somewhat of an awkward interview with TNT presenter Jules Breach, who misheard what the Spaniard said at first.Phil Foden has been restored to the starting line-up after being rested for the 4-2 victory against Crystal Palace.The two midfielders had been rotating in the XI, with De Bruyne playing City’s last game against Palace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe midfielder shone in a man-of-the-match performance, scoring twice.That came after Foden put in his own stunning performance mid-week against Aston Villa, scoring a hat-trick with De Bruyne being consigned to the bench.De Bruyne missed the early part of this season with a hamstring injury which had been plaguing him since the Champions League final last season.He returned in the New Year and has been eased back into the City first-team, largely sharing his minutes with Foden.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDe Bruyne was named City captain last summer after Ilkay Gundogan left the club.But his long-term absence saw him pass the responsibility along to Kyle Walker.Kevin De Bruyne and stunning wife Michele in ad City play Real Madrid at 8pm tonight in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.The club are still looking to put together a never-done-before back-to-back treble.In an unprecedented move, Real Madrid have opted to close the Bernabeu roof in a bid to create a hostile atmosphere at their iconic stadium. More

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      I watched Carlo Ancelotti kick a BOX at Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s head… it’s the angriest I’ve ever seen him

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI is known for his cool exterior and impressive tactical catalogue, but it doesn’t mean he can’t show his frustration when he needs to.The Real Madrid boss’ former right-hand man Paul Clement has recalled the time he remembers the Italian getting the angriest.Paul Clement (left) has revealed the time he saw Carlo Ancelotti at his angriestCredit: GettyEx-PE teacher Clement became Ancelotti’s unlikely second in command when the manager arrived to manage Chelsea in 2009.And their relationship endured throughout moves to Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, before Clement forged his own path as a manager with Swansea in 2017.Clement, 52, has seen it all with Ancelotti from lifting the Premier League with Chelsea to earning a spot in European history with Champions League success during his time in Madrid.But it was the pair’s time in Paris where he remembers seeing Ancelotti lose his temper with his PSG side under-performing in the first half against Evian.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLClement explained how he saw Ancelotti kick a BOX at superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s head.He told SunSport: “There’s a line and you don’t cross it. In one game against Evian he was fuming at half-time and kicked a box and it hit Zlatan on the head! That was probably the most angry I’ve seen him.“He has an absolute coolness about him. He looks laid-back, it doesn’t mean he’s not getting stressed inside.”Clement went on to explain that Ancelotti’s ability to show his frustration when necessary but ultimately remain calm when he needs to is one of the reasons he has stayed at the top for so long.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSClement claims Ancelotti kicked a box at Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s headCredit: AFPHe added: “That’s one of his biggest skills, his ability to manage pressure and that’s given him his longevity. “You can’t go half a game at Real Madrid without being criticised. It’s relentless. That feeds onto other people. Watch hilarious moment Carlo Ancelotti gives fan by dugout chewing gum during Real Madrid win over Athletic BilbaoCarlo Ancelotti’s managerial careerThose numbers in full…

      Reggiana, 1995-96: P45 W17 D16 L12

      Parma, 1996-98: P87 W42 D27 L18

      Juventus, 1999-01: P114 W63 D33 L18

      AC Milan, 2001-09: P420 W238 D101 L81

      Chelsea, 2009-11: P109 W67 D20 L22

      PSG, 2011-13: P77 W49 D19 L9

      Real Madrid, 2013-15: P119 W89 D14 L16

      Bayern Munich, 2016-17: P60 W42 D9 L9

      Napoli, 2018-19: P73 W38 D19 L16

      Everton, 2019-21: P67 W31 D14 L22

      Real Madrid, 2021-24: P159 W113 D23 L23

      Trophies: Intertoto Cup (Juventus); Serie A, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup, Champions League x2, Uefa Super Cup x2, Club World Cup (AC Milan); Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield (Chelsea); Ligue 1 (PSG); La Liga, Spanish Cup x2, Spanish Super Cup x2, Champions League x2, Uefa Super Cup x2, Club World Cup x2 (Real Madrid); Bundesliga, German Super Cup x2 (Bayern Munich)

      “When they won the Champions League two years ago and they were in dire situations against PSG, Chelsea and City, his outer calmness spread to the players and gave them belief.”Ancelotti is used to working with the stars during his time at some of Europe’s biggest clubs and has even found his own way to keep them happy while ensuring they play in his preferred system.Clement revealed how the Italian came up with a clever tactic to keep Cristiano Ronaldo happy at Real Madrid when he wanted the Portuguese star to play up front despite Ronaldo favouring a position on the wing.He explained: “At Real Madrid, Carlo had an idea of Ronaldo as a striker so he didn’t have to track back. He had a discussion with Cristiano who said he preferred playing off the left.“Carlo knew he had to make him comfortable, so brought in two systems for when we were attacking, 4-3-3 with Ronaldo on the left, and then 4-4-2 when defending, with Ronaldo up front.”He has plenty of stars in his current Real Madrid side too and will have to try and get the best out of them as they take on Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals tonight.Los Blancos welcome the treble winners to Spain as they look for revenge following their 5-1 trashing during the competition’s semi-finals last year.Paul Clement’s managerial recordThose numbers in full…

      Derby County, 2015-16: P33 W14 D12 L7

      Swansea, 2017: P41 W14 D5 L22

      Reading, 2018: P30 W7 D8 L15

      Cercle Brugge, 2020-21: P25 W7 D1 L17

      Chelsea (assistant), 2009-11

      Blackburn (assistant), 2011-12

      PSG (assistant), 2012-13

      Real Madrid (assistant), 2013-15

      Bayern Munich (assistant), 2016-17

      Everton (assistant), 2022-23 More

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      Former Arsenal star Dani Ceballos set for shock transfer that will leave Real Madrid fans fuming

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      REAL MADRID star Dani Ceballos could make a controversial switch to Atletico this summer, according to reports.The former Arsenal loanee, 27, signed a new four-year contract at the Bernabeu last year.Dani Ceballos has struggled for game time at Real Madrid this seasonCredit: GettyHe has struggled for game time this season, however, often finding himself stuck behind the likes of Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga.According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Atletico are interested in signing Ceballos.Real Madrid fans would likely be unimpressed with their midfielder making the move to local rivals.But such a transfer is not unprecedented, with Atletico’s current squad boasting the likes of Marcos Llorente and Alvaro Morata – former Real stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCeballos moved to Madrid from Real Betis in 2017.He subsequently spent two years on loan at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, playing 77 times for Mikel Arteta’s side.Upon his return to the Spanish capital he managed to carve out a role for himself, and even won his second Champions League medal in 2022.But this season he has so far been limited to 14 LaLiga appearances, with just one start.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIn addition to Atletico, Ceballos is likely to receive further interest.Former club Betis have been linked with bringing Ceballos back to Andalusia.I went to Arsenal clash wearing nothing but body paint – it almost ended in disaster when it started drippingTheir financial woes, however, make a reunion unlikely.Ceballos could yet make a return to the Premier League, with Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, the man that initially brought him to Arsenal, still an admirer.Ceballos’ Arsenal stintMidfielder spent two seasons with the Gunners
      2019-20 season:37 appearancesTwo goalsTwo assistsNotable for: Unai Emery being sacked on November 29, and replaced by Mikel Arteta the following month. Winning the FA Cup, and starting the final against Chelsea.
      2020-21 season:40 appearancesZero goalsThree assistsNotable for: Losing his earlier prominence, starting just 17 Premier League games. Slumping to eighth in Arteta’s first season in charge. More

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      Luka Modric’s former club go to extreme lengths to convince Real Madrid star to leave

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      LUKA MODRIC’S former club have made a bold move to convince the star to Real Madrid – by buying a full-page advert in a national newspaper.Modric, 38 has played for the Spanish giants since 2012 following a transfer from Tottenham.Dinamo Zagreb have taken a full page ad out in Marca to convince Luka Modric to join themModric’s time at Real Madrid could come to an end after 12 years this summerCredit: GettyHe won three league titles at Zagreb before he joined TottenhamCredit: AFP – GettyIn that time he has racked up a breathtaking trophy cabinet including five Champions League titles, three LaLiga titles and two Spanish Cups.This period has also been a success for his national team and individually, with Modric guiding Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final which helped him to pick up the Ballon d’Or gong for that year.However, amid speculation over his future, Dinamo Zagreb – where the midfielder won three league titles before he joined Spurs in 2008 – have made their intentions overtly clear.In the April 6 edition of Spanish newspaper Marca, a full page ad had been taken out displaying a Dinamo shirt with’ ‘Modric 10’ on it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ad came with the message in the bottom left: “Join us! “It makes sense, all the possible sense in the world.”It was also signed by club president Velimir Zajec with his signature seen in the bottom right of the ad under the club’s badge.The club also shared a message on social media of someone sitting at a table with Marca in front of them before opening the paper on to the page of the ad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERModric has appeared 522 times for Real Madrid, including 34 games this season.Reports suggest he is not in Madrid’s plan from next season with the growing influence of Aurelien Tchouameni.Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveThe Croatia captain is said to have several options available to him should he leave Madrid this summer, including the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer. Modric is understood to want a big send off from the club, unlike former team-mates Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.Modric remains a star player for Madrid this season More

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      Real Madrid and Bayern Munich ‘tracking Championship star’, 18, after breakthrough season with promotion chasers

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      ARCHIE GRAY is being watched closely by both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as they consider a move for the talented teenager. The European giants have been long-term admirers of the 18-year-old, who has emerged as one of England’s most in-demand players.Archie Gray has been long admired by Bayern Munich and Real MadridCredit: GettyThe Leeds star has been highly-rated for some time at Elland Road – and, with his family connections, he was always going to be a player in the spotlight.Gray is the son of Andy Gray, grandson of Frank Gray and great nephew of Eddie Gray – all former Leeds players.And now the teen has impressed Bayern Munich and Real Madrid scouts as Leeds won 3-1 against Hull City on Monday night. The Yorkshire side have gone unbeaten in their last 15 games and have been on a great run since the start of 2024.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLOver the Easter weekend, they took another huge step towards sealing a Premier League return as they moved into second – just one point off leaders Ipswich.Gray has made 35 Championship starts to go with two substitute appearances this season.The midfielder has laid on two assists but is yet to trouble the scorers himself.Though he is one of Daniel Farke’s most important players, he is attracting a lot of interest and catching the eye of Europe’s top clubs. Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 18-year-old committed his future to Leeds last year when he signed on until 2028.The promotion hopefuls have no intention of selling Gray and hope an immediate return to the Premier League will fend off any interest. Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle were keen on a move for Gray last summer, having tried to lure him away before he put pen to paper on a new deal.Gareth Southgate has also praised Gray, saying he is doing “very, very well”, while admitting the Leeds ace is on his radar for a shock call-up to the England set up. More

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      Luis Rubiales detained on arrival at Madrid airport as former Spanish FA chief is transferred to police headquarters

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      ‘KISSGATE’ scandal former Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales was met by police today as he flew back to Spain from the Caribbean.Detectives were waiting for him as he stepped off an Air Europa flight from the Dominican Republic which landed at Madrid’s Barajas Airport just after 10.30am local time.Luis Rubiales has been arrested on alleged corruption chargesCredit: EPARubiales has been embroiled in scandal since his ‘unwanted’ kissing of Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup victoryCredit: GettySpeculation rose overnight the 46-year-old father-of-three would be arrested and brought out of the arrivals area in handcuffs to be met by an army of journalists and photographers waiting for him.In the end he was driven away in a police van waiting for him on the runway.He is set to be taken to a police station where he is expected to be formally read his rights and handed a court summons as part of an ongoing corruption probe linked to his time as head of the Spanish FA.The investigation focuses on business deals thought to include one to hold the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.READ MORE ON LUIS RUBIALESA judge is expected to question him in a closed court hearing in the coming days before being released on bail pending an ongoing probe.The investigation, led by a judge based in Majadahonda on the outskirts of Madrid, is unrelated to the separate ‘Kissgate’ probe.Last month public prosecutors involved in that case said they were seeking a two-and-a-half year prison sentence over the “unwanted” kiss Rubiales gave footballer Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup women’s team’s finals victory over England last August.They said in an indictment sent to Madrid-based judge Francisco de Jorge they wanted him jailed for a year if he was found guilty at trial of sexual assault and another one and a half years for coercion linked to his alleged attempts to get the footballer to speak out in his defence following his World Cup kiss.Most read in FootballHermoso recently testified at a Madrid court – a trial has not yet been setCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAround the same time Spanish public prosecutors asked for Rubiales to be arrested over alleged financial irregularities while he was in charge of the Spanish FA.Rubiales’ home in the southern Spanish city of Granada was one of several properties searched on March 20 but he was already in the Caribbean.Disgraced Spain FA chief Luis Rubiales’ mum ‘rushed to hospital’ on 3rd day of her hunger strike over kiss scandalRubiales had already said he would return to Spain and insisted it would be on April 6 but overnight it emerged he had changed his travel plans.He is thought to have avoided an embarrassing arrest, and a photo of him in handcuffs, after confirming his voluntary return ahead of and after a Spanish police operation in the Dominican Republic on Monday with assistance from local officers.He rescheduled his return to Madrid after Spanish police investigators flew to the Caribbean and confiscated his phone and laptop during a reported search of the property he has been staying at on the Caribbean island.Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing in both the ongoing corruption probe and the ‘Kissgate’ case.In a TV interview with Spanish journalist Ana Pastor, set to be screened tonight on La Sexta, he will deny  allegations he embezzled millions of pounds from the Spanish FA and insist: “My money is the product of my work and my savings.”He is also expected to accuse the judge who charged him with coercion and sexual assault over his ‘unwanted’ Jenni Hermoso kiss of manipulation by saying: “I think his way of describing my words is manipulative.”His mother had locked herself in a church in Granada as part of a hunger strike, she was rushed to hospital three days laterCredit: APFurious demonstrations demanded the removal of Rubiales following the World Cup last yearCredit: APA clip of the interview released overnight shows Rubiales, who went to the Dominican Republic earlier this year for work reasons, reacting angrily to claims by Ana Pastor his defence has involved attacking the football player.Pastor was on the same plane as the former Spanish FA chief, who had seat number 25L, and described the flight as ‘eventful’ saying there had been turbulence and several people had fainted.Defiant Rubiales promised to “defend his innocence” after announcing on September 10 last year he was quitting as Spanish FA president following the ‘Kissgate’ scandal. He was subsequently banned from football by FIFA for three years.He tweeted as his resignation decision to resign was made public: “I will defend my honourability. I will defend my innocence.“I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thanks to everybody.”He finished his tweet by posting a photo of the Spanish flag.Rubiales, who had apologised for grabbing his crotch during the post-final World Cup celebrations in front of Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, had said in a lengthy statement before announcing his decision to quit: “The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consensual act, a product of great enthusiasm.“At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both of us.”He resigned as Spanish FA Chief in September last yearCredit: ReutersRubiales’ 72-year-old mum Angeles Bejar went on hunger strike at a church in her son’s hometown of Motril near Granada for two days after being rushed to hospital 48 hours into her protest.She said at the time she had launched it to get Jenni to “tell the truth” about the kiss.Speaking from the inside of the church before falling ill, she said: “I just want the truth to be told.“She knows my son is very honest. If she tells the truth everything will be fixed.”No date for his trial over his Jenni Hermoso kiss has yet been announced.Rubiales has not been formally charged with any crime as part of Operation Brody, the ongoing probe linked to alleged irregularities while he was still Spanish FA president.READ MORE SUN STORIESA judge is however investigating him on suspicion of crimes including corruption and money laundering.Overnight respected Spanish daily El Mundo said police investigators have concluded Rubiales diverted at least EUROS 3.8 million (POUNDS 3.25 million) from the Spanish FA to a construction firm that paid him kickbacks through a company controlled by a close friend. More

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      Chelsea FFP woes set to worsen with £72m flop to be sent back to Stamford Bridge after disastrous loan transfer

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      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA will leave Real Madrid when his season-long loan expires this summer.The 29-year-old joined Los Blancos in August after refusing a move to Bayern Munich.Kepa Arrizabalaga will leave Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid wanted to sign him on a temporary basis to replace Thibaut Courtois, who suffered an ACL injury during pre-season.When he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kepa revealed he wanted to seal a permanent move at the end of the season.However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims he will return to Chelsea instead.Kepa has been limited to just 18 appearances this season, with back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin taking his spot in the first team.Read More on FootballReal Madrid officials now want to reward Lunin with a new contract.They are also waiting for Courtois to return from his latest injury setback.Kepa’s return to Stamford Bridge could spell trouble for Chelsea, with the club needing to balance the books due to Financial Fair Play.The Blues could be forced into selling some key players – including Reece James and Conor Gallagher – this summer to comply with FFP regulations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKepa has fallen out of favour at Real MadridBut they will have to accept a huge loss to offload Kepa.The goalkeeper joined Chelsea in a £71.6million transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.Andy Dillon and Will Pugh discuss where Chelsea’s transfer policy has gone wrong, the future of Conor Gallagher and The Blues’ spendingAnd according to Transfermarkt, he is now valued at just £12m.Kepa made 163 Chelsea appearances before leaving for Real Madrid.The Blues have since signed Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic. More

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      Real Madrid reserves score controversial winner as TWO BALLS end up in the back of the net – did you spot how?

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      REAL MADRID’S reserve team were allowed to score a controversial winner – despite TWO BALLS ending up in the net.It saw them triumph over Atletico Baleares to win the game 1-0 in the Spanish third division.Nico Paz whipped a free kick inCredit: XA second ball was thrown onto the pitch as Villapalos made contact with itCredit: XTwo balls were in the net by the time the first had crossed the lineCredit: XThe incident took place after Real Madrid Castilla midfielder Nico Paz whipped the ball in from a free-kick, and the ball was deflected by Baleares midfielder Alberto Villapalos into his own net.But just as Villapalos made contact with the match ball, a second one was thrown by a fan directly at him.And with Villapalos outstretched and helpless, the second ball bounced directly off him and into his own net too.That led to the Baleares players to appeal for the goal to be disallowed given that there were two balls on the pitch at the same time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis would usually lead to the game being stopped.Given the match ball was virtually already in the net when the second ball made contact with Villapalos, the referee used common sense and allowed the goal to stand.Marca asked Spanish refereeing expert Alfonso Pérez Burrull to explain the decision.The ex-ref said: “You have to award a goal. Unless it interferes, you have to consider the goal valid. You don’t have to give value to the trick from the stands.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMadrid fans on X were quick to see the funny side of the incident.One fan posted: “It should count as two goals haha.”Jude Bellingham stunned after journalist asks if he ‘wants to go home with her’ A second fan wrote: “It doesn’t influence the play, so it’s well granted, but what s****y football we have in Spain.”A third wrote: “A joke… if the ball lands half a second before the goal doesn’t count and the brainless [fans] achieve their goal.” More