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      I’m targeting Euro 2024 glory with Real Madrid legend Luka Modric – but first I’m out to KO his Champions League dream

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      JOSKO GVARDIOL cannot wait to be part of Luka Modric’s curtain call with Croatia this summer.But first he plans to end his countryman’s hopes of bowing out with yet another Champions League title.Croatian stars Josko Gvardiol and Luka Modric will collide again in the Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyModric, 38, is expected to retire from international football after Euro 2024 in Germany.He also looks likely to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season with his former club Dinamo Zagreb among those looking to sign him.In 12 years at the Bernabeu, the former Tottenham man has won the top Uefa pot FIVE times. And he wants one more back in North London to round things off, with the final at Wembley on June 1.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGvardiol said: “I don’t need to waste my time talking about his qualities as we all know them.“But he’s an even better person — and a leader on the pitch. This will be his last Euros, the last season for the national team.“So as a leader and person, I’m really happy I had a chance to play with him and share a dressing room.“I need to enjoy the last moments with Luka. But it’s also fun to face national team-mates with your club.”Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOver the last week, Gvardiol, 22, has scored a couple of goals that Modric would have been proud of.The defender is settling in nicely at the Etihad after his £77million summer switch from RB Leipzig in Germany but now he wants silverware.Luka Modric’s former club put full-page advert in Spanish newspaper to convince Real Madrid star to leaveIf City are to defend the Champions League trophy they won in Istanbul last June, they will have to do it the hard way.They must see off 14-time European “kings” Real Madrid in tomorrow’s quarter-final second leg at the Etihad.The tie is finely poised at 3-3 with Arsenal or Bayern Munich awaiting the winners in the semis.Gvardiol had not joined City when they first tasted Champions League glory last term  — and he is eager to experience it.He said: “We are going to face Real Madrid, the kings of this competition but if you ask me,  there is no fear.“If you’re afraid of trying and doing something, it’s better to watch it on TV.“We want to win the cup. If you want to go through then you need to beat Real Madrid.“In the Champions League if we want to win it we have to face the best teams.”Gvardiol scored a stunner in Madrid last week then added another long-ranger to round off the scoring in Saturday’s 5-1 rout of Luton.City’s Mateo Kovacic — who also scored a cracker against the Hatters — is impressed by his international team-mate.The former Real Madrid midfielder said: “Josko is doing great scoring goals and he’s happy here which is the most important thing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He’s loving Manchester life and enjoying his football. We know he is a great player, he just needs to keep going.“We both feel comfortable and we love being here.” More

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      Phil Foden looks distraught as he hobbles off injured in worrying scenes during Man City’s clash vs Real Madrid

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      PHIL FODEN was distraught after being subbed off in the 87th minute of Manchester City’s clash with Real Madrid.The 23-year-old midfielder was hobbling as he was withdrawn, which will concern City fans going into the business end of the season.Foden was not happy as he was helped off the pitchCredit: TNT SportsHe was closely helped by two medicsCredit: TNT SportsFoden starred in the 3-3 classic with Madrid, scoring a wonderful goal in the 71st minute to make it 2-2.The England international earned his start after Kevin De Bruyne pulled out of the starting XI before kick off.De Bruyne was ill before the game, with Pep Guardiola saying that he had “vomited” in the changing rooms.Fortunately for City fans, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Foden’s injury was not as bad as it first appeared.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said to TNT’s Becky Ives after the game: “It was [just] a knock, he was grumpy with me because I made the substitution.”When asked if City could emulate their feat last season and beat Madrid on home turf, Guardiola said: “We have to win the game.”It will not be like last season but we will have our people. Our fans will be there. It will be sold out. “We need all of them, the energy during 95 minutes to try and beat the king of this competition. Most read in FootballCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Our people in Manchester will go for it and yeah. The people will be there. They [Madrid] will score one goal that’s for sure.”City fans will be eagerly awaiting Pep’s next press conference ahead of the weekend’s clash with Luton.Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real MadridThey are one point off Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League with seven games to go.They also face Real Madrid in the second leg next week. More

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      Champions League stadium compared to giant AIR FRYER after special request is granted by Uefa

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      SHOCKED fans labelled the Bernabeu Stadium an “air fryer” and a “dehumidifier off Wish” – after a controversial Uefa decision ahead of Real Madrid’s thriller with Manchester City.Football chiefs were accused of “absolutely ruining” the outside of the famous venue by letting Real put up a retractable roof.Here’s why the Bernabeu roof sparked such a heated reactionReal Madrid fans were made to sweat in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Man City but was it also because of the retractable roof?Credit: PAThe huge structure made the Bernabeu appear extremely oppressive from above – with little more than the pitch visible.And although the two teams cooked up a Champions League classic with their 3-3 draw, fans reckon Uefa cocked up with their contentious decision.As viewers turned up the heat on the new roof, one blasted: “Looks like an f***ing air fryer.”Another said: “Absolutely ruined the Bernabeu on the outside.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third posted: “Haha. I have an air conditioning unit just like it.”And a fourth joked: “It’s just not Real.”But the most painful dig was surely: “When you buy a new dehumidifier off Wish”Federico Valverde rescued a quarter-final first-leg stalemate for Jude Bellingham and co with a sizzling equaliser on 79 minutes.Most read in Champions LeagueAnd despite heavy criticism of the Bernabeu with its new cover, praise flowed in for the action out in the middle.”This game is definitely cooking,” said one fan – with one eye on the Etihad return leg next Wednesday.Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real MadridAnd a few supporters backed the Bernabeu roof revamp.One insisted it looked “top drawer!” More

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      Real Madrid 3 Man City 3: Foden and Gvardiol wondergoals not enough as Valverde scores an even better one in thriller

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      JOSKO GVARDIOL is a centre-half, filling in at left-back, who had not scored and barely even had a shot in 32 appearances for Manchester City.So, in a game of beautiful bedlam, it was fitting that the Croatian should hammer home a corker to put Manchester City into pole position for next Wednesday’s second leg of this clash of European footballing royalty.Foden’s goal was arguably the pick of the bunchCredit: ReutersGvardiol gave him a run for his money thoughCredit: GettyBut Real gave as good as they got throughoutCredit: GettyWhen Jack Grealish cut back from the left, Gvardiol’s first touch was awful, almost gifting possession to Toni Kroos, but his second touch was a goal, as let rip from outside the area and propelled City into the lead.Federico Valverde volleyed a brilliant equaliser but, having survived some prime Real showboating and trailed for the majority of the game, City will be thrilled to go back to Manchester on level terms.Bernardo Silva had netted a stunning second-minute free-kick only for Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo to seize the lead for the 14-time champions of Europe.But Phil Foden netted a brilliant leveller, his 22nd goal of a stellar season, before Gvardiol fired the City second City cannonball in the space of five minutes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhat an absolute belter of a game this was, between the current champions of Europe and the side which has ruled the continent most often.Somehow City always seem to end up here for a knock-out tie. It was the fourth time in five seasons and Pep Guardiola’s side had won two of the previous three.It always feels like some sort of final – the best team in the world against the grandest club in the world, managed by the two most successful bosses of the Champions League era – Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.Maybe it will be the final before long or maybe the City project will be torpedoed by the myriad financial charges facing them, to be settled in the timescale of expensive lawyers.Most read in FootballBernardo Silva put City ahead with a smart free kickCredit: ReutersHe opened the scoring after just a minute and a halfCredit: GettyCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLast season, Kevin De Bruyne scored here in a 1-1 draw. This time, the Belgian was on the bench but he’d been suffering from a stomach upset rather than a Guardiola brainstorm.Real were sploshed 4-0 at the Etihad in the return leg last season, but that was pre-Jude Bellingham.Jude Bellingham stunned after journalist asks if he ‘wants to go home with her’ These days the Madrid metro system teems with Latin men wearing the name of a lanky 20-year-old Brummie lad on the back of their replica shirts.But it was another Brummie who lit the fuse on this firecracker, just a minute in.Jack Grealish stormed towards the Real box and was halted by a wrecking-ball challenge from Aurelien Tchouameni, who was booked and will miss the Etihad return next week.Real were set up for a crossed free-kick, so Bernardo leathered it towards the near post where a sprawling Andriy Lunin.Haaland almost made it two with a shot which Real’s Ukrainian keeper beat away in a chaotic scramble..Madrid always posed problems for City in transitionCredit: PA2′ ⚽️ Real Madrid 0-1 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆12′ ⚽️ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗱 1-1 Man City14′ ⚽️ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗱 2-1 Man City66′ ⚽️ Real Madrid 2-2 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆71′ ⚽️ Real Madrid 2-3 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆GVARDIOL SCORES AND MAN CITY LEAD 🔥#UCL pic.twitter.com/8i31nBBQ1K— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2024

      This vast old cooking pot had its lid on last night – a new retractable roof to improve the acoustics because there was nothing inclement about the weather.For a while it was merely increasing the volume of the whistling and whinging of the Madridistas.Not for long, though. Their showman struck up the music and for a spell it was as if they were playing while whistling Sweet Georgia Brown.Real, at their best, have always been football’s Harlem Globetrotters, making exhibition-match stooges of their opposition.Suddenly there were back heels, nutmegs and Cruyff turns as Real attacked with speed and sorcery.Had Vinicius Junior pulled a bunch of flowers out of his sleeve, it would not have been out of place.When Kylian Mbappe turns up here this summer, they are going to need two balls.The equaliser was fortuitous, Camavinga cut in from the right and his shot took a massive deflection off Ruben Dias to wrong-foot Stefan Ortega, surprisingly keeping his place ahead of a fit-again Ederson.Valverde had one last dagger for CityCredit: GettyCredit: The SunThe second was a pearl. Vinicius released Rodrygo down the left and the Brazilian turned full Road Runner, out-pacing Manuel Akanji, giving Ortega the eyes.Then he rolled a cute finish casually inside the far post, with just enough pace to find the back of the net, like a snooker player resting the cue ball against the baulk cushion.Teams very rarely do this sort of thing to City and they didn’t take it well.Akanji was booked for a foul on Vinicius, then the locals demanded a red when he piled into Rodrygo.City were missing Kyle Walker. They were missing proper full-backs in general. Why has Pep taken against them as a breed?Bellingham was performing so many back-heels, you wondered if he had his boots on back to front. He was getting carried away and risked a yellow which could have earned a suspension.Early in the second half, Bellingham feinted, sending two City defenders to the nacho stand, but shot narrowly wide. Then Vinicius fired over after a Hollywood pass from Toni Kroos.Rodri’s radar was on the blink, Camavinga was bossing midfield and at one point Haaland was charging back to win a tackle in the right-back position.Credit: The SunBut then City began to get a grip, pinning Real back and Foden seized his moment.Bernardo darted down the right and fed Stones who rolled a pass for his fellow England man to lash home a left-footed shot.Foden raced to the bench where he and Guardiola shared a manic celebration.Then came Gvardiol’s moment of unlikely genius and City thought they were heading back to the Etihad with a lead.Naturally, Vinicius soon wheeled away down the left and delivered a lofted square pass which Valverde walloped home on the volley.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat a game. What a treat. If you had any plans to go out next Wednesday night, cancel them.Unless you’re an Arsenal fan, the second leg is unmissable.Credit: The Sun More

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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