More stories

  • in

    Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni filmed in heated debate ‘arguing over Haaland and Mbappe’

    FANS are convinced there is division at Real Madrid over the potential signing of Kylian Mbappe after a dressing room debate emerged.The French superstar looks set to join Los Blancos this summer when his contract at PSG expires.Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni had a heated debate appearing to compare two playersCredit: X Tchouameni couldn’t believe that Bellingham disagreed with himCredit: X Real Madrid have also been linked with buying Erling Haaland as an alternative amid reports he is open to leaving Manchester City in the future.A clip has now emerged of Jude Bellingham and midfield partner Aurelien Tchouameni appearing to discuss the two players.The names of the stars in question have been bleeped out but fans are convinced Mbappe and Haaland are being compared.Bellingham sides with his former Borussia Dortmund pal as Tchouameni picks his fellow France ace as the better player.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England sensation says his man is a “great and unbelievable guy.”But Tchouameni hits back: “We don’t care.”Bellingham then appears to mock team-mate’s voice while saying: “He’s better than your boy.”A baffled Tchouameni is left lost for words and replies: “No brother, no. Please. Please. Please.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDuring the heated debate, Eduardo Camavinga shouts across the room at the feuding duo: “Man, shut up.”Fans believe Mbappe and Haaland have to be the subject of the argument, with one saying: “Definitely.”How Jude Bellingham is key to England winning Euro 2024Another said: “Thought he was talking about an England player but realised this is most likely Mbappe-Haaland.”Others were not so certain: “I thought they were talking about Harry Kane and Karim Benzema.”Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland played together at DortmundCredit: AlamyAurelien Tchouameni and Kylian Mbappe know each other from France dutyCredit: Reuters More

  • in

    Pep Guardiola facing huge Jude Bellingham dilemma as Man City boss devises plan to ‘control’ Real Madrid star

    PEP GUARDIOLA admits he faces a massive headache over how to stop Jude Bellingham.Manchester City and Real Madrid square up for the third year running, this time in the Champions League last eight. Pep Guardiola admits he faces a massive headache over how to stop Jude BellinghamCredit: RexBellingham’s Real Madrid face Man City in the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: GettyBut this time City must deal with Bellingham. Asked about the Three Lions star, Guardiola said: “The impact has been massive. “It’s a different team from last season. His influence is obvious, we have to try to discover what he does and control it.”The Euro heavyweights met in the semi-finals in the previous two years.Madrid went on to win the competition in 2022 with City finally lifting the trophy for the first time last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBellingham brings a new dimension though — the England ace has netted 20 goals in 31 games for Madrid since joining them from Borussia Dortmund last summer.The first leg will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 9, the same night that Arsenal host Bayern Munich.The second legs are on April 17. And there is no respite for the winners — they will play each other in the semi-finals!While Guardiola’s men are defending champions, the City boss knows they are still rookies compared to their Spanish rivals.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSReal have won the Champions League in five of the last ten seasons.Guardiola added: “It looks like a little bit of a tradition, three years in a row playing the kings of the competition.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024“With them winning 14 Champions Leagues, it’s not necessary to say what Real Madrid are in this competition.“For us, it’s a little bit new. For Real Madrid, it’s not special to play quarter-finals of the Champions League.“The last years we have been consistent — many times semi-finals, final, now quarter-final again — and we start to be in this routine to play in the latter stages.“And when you play latter stages you play against the best teams in Europe, Real Madrid are totally there.“This one is special and makes you feel like you go to Europe and play your best football. It’s so nice.”In the other half of the draw, Jadon Sancho’s Borussia Dortmund landed Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals while Paris Saint-Germain will face Barcelona. More

  • in

    Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois publicly calls out Belgium manager and accuses him of lying

    THIBAUT COURTOIS has thrown his Belgium future into major doubt after branding manager Domenico Tedesco a liar.The Real Madrid stopper has been at loggerheads with his international gaffer after being snubbed of the captaincy for their matches against Austria and Estonia last June.Thibaut Courtois’ Belgium future is up in the air due to a spat with manager Domenico TedescoCredit: GETTTTedesco recently claimed he’s doing everything in his power to bring Courtois back into the foldCredit: EPAThe Real Madrid stopper has accused his international gaffer of lyingCredit: XCourtois has accused both the Belgian Football Federation and Tedesco of not appreciating him.He’s even claimed Tedesco hasn’t given him a straight answer for the captaincy snub.Tedesco claimed this week that he’s done everything in his power to ensure the crocked Courtois plays for the Red Devils again.But the former Chelsea stopper has publicly taken umbrage to the claim on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn response to the clip of Tedesco discussing his future on X, Courtois commented with three Pinnochio emojis.Courtois’ legion of followers were quick to defend him, with one saying: “Real Belgium fans support you, legend.”Another said: “Yeah, Tedesco out, please!And another said: “Hala Tibo.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROne remarked: “Own this fraud.”Another chimed in: “I would also feel the same if somebody tried to make [Romelu] Lukaku and [Kevin] De Bruyne captain over me.”Thibaut Courtois inspired into Champions League heroics… after being upset by top ten keepers in world omission Courtois will likely find himself out in the cold should he not patch things up with Todesco, who has just been given a new two-year contract.So it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that he may very well have played his last game for the Red Devils.Courtois made his Belgium debut back in 2011 aged 19 and has gone on to make a further 101 appearances for his country.The 31-year-old will miss this summer’s European Championships through injury and is targetting a return to action with Real early next season. More

  • in

    Classy Jude Bellingham in rarely-seen gesture to rival manager after Real Madrid’s Champions League win over RB Leipzig

    JUDE BELLINGHAM was involved in a rarely-seen gesture at the end of Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig yesterday.The draw was enough to see Madrid through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after they won the first leg 1-0.Bellingham ran up to Rose to give him a hugCredit: GettyHe then gave his former manager his shirtCredit: GettyAfter the final whistle, Bellingham ran over to RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose.They exchanged a hug before Bellingham gave the manager his jersey as a memento from the match.The two worked together during Bellingham’s time at Dortmund, with Rose leaving the club in 2022.The midfielder followed Rose out the Dortmund exit door a year later when he moved to Real Madrid for £115million last summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans on X responded generally positively to the gesture, with a Dortmund fan writing: “Jude first started developing his overall game thanks to Marco Rose. Gave him the freedom that got the best out of him on the pitch. Miss both these guys”Another wrote: “What Bellingham did with his old coach is like a bromance!”A third posted: “I like the bond between them both.”While a fourth said: “Memories.”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Rose’s team ran Madrid close despite being unfancied at the Bernabeu.After acquitting themselves well in the first leg and losing narrowly, Leipzig created the majority of the chances during the game in Spain.Jude Bellingham stunned as dramatic ‘winner’ for Real Madrid ruled out as referee blows final whistle with ball in airBut it was Madrid who opened the scoring through Vinicius in the 65th minute against the run of play.Leipzig equalised in the 68th minute through Willi Orban but were unable to find a second that would have taken the game to extra-time. More

  • in

    Real Madrid 1 RB Leipzig 1 (agg 2-1): Bellingham’s super assist for Vinicius Jr just enough on nervy night at Bernabeu

    JUDE BELLINGHAM shrugged off his La Liga ban to help Real Madrid squeak into the Champions League quarter-finals.The England superstar conjured up a super assist for Vinicius Junior after the hour.Jude Bellingham helps Real scorer Vinicius Junior celebrateCredit: GettyVinicius hit a 65th-minute opener but Leipzig hit back to make Real sweatCredit: ReutersAnd though Leipzig hit back straight away through captain Willi Orban, it proved enough to go through on aggregate after Real won the first leg 1-0 in Germany.Bellingham is now set to sit out Madrid’s next two league games against Celta Vigo and Osasuna due to a two-match suspension for his X-rated reaction in Valencia on Saturday.According to the official referee’s match report, the 20-year-old aggressively shouted “it’s a f***ing goal” repeatedly after his last-gasp winner had been chalked off in the 2-2 draw.Bellingham was also fined £513 but Real boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed before the Leipzig game that the club will appeal his “unfair” punishment.READ MORE TOP STORIESFair to say Wednesday was not a great day for Ancelotti who became embroiled in a tax fraud scandal which could theoretically land him in jail.At least his side managed to get over the line in this last-16 second leg, though they stunk the place out in a toothless first half.Bellingham cut an isolated figure as Ancelotti opted unnecessarily for an extra midfielder and just Vinicius Jnr as an out-and-out attacker.Leipzig really should have capitalised but could not convert any of their numerous chances with striker Lois Openda missing a hatful.Most read in Champions LeagueWilli Orban headed Leipzig level, forcing their Spanish hosts to cling onCredit: RexReal’s unimpressed fans whistled in anger at half-time, during which Ancelotti realised his mistake and brought on Rodrygo for Edouard Camavinga.Openda had sight of an open goal shortly after the break, albeit from a tight angle, after Real stopper Andriy Lunin got it all wrong when rushing out, but the Belgian could not convert.Jude Bellingham stunned as dramatic ‘winner’ for Real Madrid ruled out as referee blows final whistle with ball in airThe hosts finally had a shot on target with 63 minutes played when sub Rodyrgo lashed towards the near post but was denied by former Hereford keeper Peter Gulacsi. And two minutes later, almost inevitably, they had their opener.Toni Kroos won possession and gave it to Bellingham, who raced up the pitch and flicked a gorgeous pass through for Vinicius to fire home.That, on the face of it, looked to be that. But Leizpig levelled instantly when Orban headed home David Raum’s cross three minutes later.The visitors had more chances too through Openda and Orban but could not take them. Dani Olmo hit the bar in injury-time.Real were nervy but got through – though Bellingham and Co will know they were mighty lucky not to crash out.Real midfielder Kroos said: “The result is one thing, how you play is another. At half-time, we felt fine about the result, but not about the way we were playing. “The second half was a bit better, but still not so good that you’d say we clearly deserve to be in the next round. We didn’t do it all that well – but in the end, we’re in the quarter-finals.”Real’s ex-Chelsea defender Toni Rudiger was equally honest: “We suffered a lot. They played well and we played bad. Simple. “We were sloppy, we were slow, zero intensity. We didn’t get in the challenges and in the Champions League you can get punished for this.“This match we don’t celebrate because it was not a good performance but at the end of the day we’re through.And boss Ancelotti admitted: “It was a badly-played match, with little intensity and little attention. “The mental aspect made the difference, it influenced us a lot”.Asked about tax evasion accusations, he added: “We’re talking about something that happened in 2015 because they think I was resident here. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve already paid the fine. I’m convinced I’m innocent. We’ll see what the judge decides.”Meanwhile, Leipzig were left to rue what might have been as Orban said: “We had so many great chances that you need to make the most of.” More

  • in

    Real Madrid’s secret weapon ‘falls in love’ with Phil Foden after Man City star runs the show in crunch Man Utd clash

    REAL MADRID’S chief scout has reportedly “fallen in love” with Phil Foden after his latest Manchester City display.The midfielder ran the show in his side’s derby day victory over Manchester United.Phil Foden has reportedly caught the eye of Real Madrid’s chief scoutCredit: RexJuni Calafat has ‘fallen in love’ with Foden according to sensational reports in SpainFoden scored twice as City came from behind to secure a 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.According to sensational reports in Spain, Real Madrid’s Juni Calafat has been left enamoured with the 23-year-old.The Spanish giants’ chief scout believes Foden would make a great addition to their squad, claims Defensa Central.Their report adds that the England international is seen as an alternative to a “more complicated” deal for Erling Haaland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCalafat has been dubbed Los Blancos’ secret weapon for his part in their transfer business across recent seasons.He is understood to have been key in the deals to sign Federico Valverde, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.The 51-year-old Spaniard, who grew up in Brazil, has also proved particularly crucial in their recruitment of Brazilian players.Calafat has been a Real Madrid scout for a decade and was promoted to chief scout in 2017.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis eye for Foden comes after the City academy graduate took his tally to 18 goals for the season on Sunday.Foden has also contributed 10 assists for Pep Guardiola’s side so far this term.Phil Foden ‘would walk into Arsenal’s starting XI’ after Pep Guardiola labelled Man City’s derby hero ‘Prem’s best player’ – but are two players better?The playmaker currently has over three years left on his City contract after penning a new deal in October 2022. More

  • in

    Jude Bellingham stunned as dramatic winner for Real Madrid ruled out as referee blows final whistle before it goes in

    JUDE BELLINGHAM’S dramatic winner for Real Madrid was ruled out because the referee had already blown the full-time whistle.The England star thought he had pinched three points for Los Blancos in the 99th minute of their 2-2 draw with Valencia.Jude Bellingham couldn’t believe it as his ‘winner’ was ruled outCredit: GettyBellingham was sent off in the aftermathCredit: ReutersBellingham thought he won it! 😱The Englishman put the ball in the back of the net, but the final whistle sounded just seconds beforehand ❌Real Madrid players are FURIOUS 😤 pic.twitter.com/MvmLFkZdmH— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 2, 2024

    Bellingham, 20, leapt highest in the box to head Brahim Diaz’s cross into the home side’s net.But his celebrations were brutally cut short after realising ref Jesus Gil Manzano had ended the game while the cross was in the air.Irate Bellingham was even shown a red card for his furious protests as the official headed off the Mestalla pitch.Madrid’s former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was also dismissed in the aftermath.READ MORE FOOTALL NEWSManzano wrote in his report after the game that Bellingham had “ran towards him in an aggressive manner”, before shouting, in English: “That’s a f***ing goal.”Manzano had initially indicated seven minutes of additional time, following a lengthy delay for a freak leg injury suffered by Valencia’s Mouctar Diakhaby.That time had passed, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side were piling on pressure searching for a winner and Manzano blew with Madrid’s attack in full flow.The draw costs Bellingham and Co the chance to go nine points clear of surprise package Girona at the top of LaLiga.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd now talisman Bellingham – the league’s top scorer with 16 goals – will face a ban.Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni wasted no time in slamming the officials on social media.Real Madrid and Valencia players react to Diakhaby horrific injury, bein sportsMouctar Diakhaby suffered a horror injury moments beforeCredit: GettyAntonio Rudiger couldn’t look as some players appeared close to tearsCredit: GettyJust minutes after the whistle, the Frenchman wrote on X: “That’s embarrassing.”Valencia took the lead in the clash, going ahead in the 27th minute through Hugo Duro.Roman Yaremchuk then doubled the lead moments later.And it appeared Valencia were heading out of sight before Vinicius Jr pulled one back for Real on the stroke of half-time.He then bagged his second of the game in the 76th minute.But Vincius Jr’s night turned from joy to sorrow after he accidentally collided with Valencia star Diakhaby.The centre-back writhed in pain on the ground as medics rushed onto the field.READ MORE SUN STORIESSome players looked close to tears as it became clear he had suffered a horrific leg injury.And he was eventually stretchered off the field before Bellingham’s dramatic late red card. More

  • in

    Kylian Mbappe’s mum ‘jets to Madrid to find incoming Real star a new home as transfer moves step closer’

    KYLIAN MBAPPE’S mother has allegedly been house-hunting in Spain ahead of her son’s move to Real Madrid.The 25-year-old French superstar is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain in June.Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid has reportedly moved a step closerCredit: GettyThe star’s mum Fayza Lamari, top right, has allegedly been house hunting in MadridHe is widely-believed to have decided to join Real on a sensational free transfer, although there are still a few final details to sort.Even though he will technically be a free agent, the World Cup winning forward’s signing will not come cheaply.Numerous reports claim Mbappe is set to earn MORE than Jude Bellingham’s entire £114m transfer fee with his signing-on bonus.It was also claimed he had made three staggering financial demands in order to complete the move.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThose were believed to have been met with Mbappe reported to have agreed a five-year contract to move to the Bernabeu.Another fresh update then claimed that Madrid are willing to sign the star’s younger brother Ethan, 17, in order to help finally get their man.Mbappe’s entourage, which is led by his mother Fayza Lamari, made the special request to Madrid, with their president Florentino Perez agreeing to the request.Now Relevo have stated that his mum and agent Fayza has been in the Spanish capital to find a house for her boy ahead of his long-awaited switch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe has been weighing up the logistical and safety elements where he will live, with a popular spot close to the training ground looking like the preferred spot.La Moraleja is around ten minutes away from Valdebebas, where Madrid’s huge training complex and HQ is located, and is said to be a top choice.PSG take training to the next level with ROBOT WALL as fans joke ‘all this to convince Mbappe to stay’While La Finca, another popular spot with the Madrid squad, is a slight second preference.Meanwhile, this report also states that the Valdemarin area, where Bellingham lives, is another option.Madrid are set to hand Mbappe a £85.5m signing-on fee upon his arrival, which will make him become the club’s highest earner, surpassing Bellingham, that’s despite taking a pay-cut and accepting a lower wage.Mbappe came close to making the move in 2022, but announced a two-year extension with PSG instead. But he caused a stir at the French side last summer after refusing to sign a new contract.The Ligue 1 giants subsequently accepted a huge £259million offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for him, but Mbappe rejected the move.He was briefly axed from the squad and sent to train with PSG’s “undesirables” – a group of players not wanted by the club.However, he made a return at the start of the Ligue 1 campaign and has since scored over 30 goals so far this term.The star could be moving to La Moraleja, which is 9km from the Real Madrid training HQ More