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      ‘Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro’ – Man Utd’s £70m flop makes stunning claim and admits he wants to see out contract

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      CASEMIRO claims his first season at Manchester United was his best ever despite mixed fortunes in the Premier League.The midfielder joined United following a £70million deal with Real Madrid in 2022.Casemiro claims his first season at Manchester United was his best everCredit: GettyCasemiro has had mixed fortunes at Man Utd since joining in 2022Credit: AlamyThe Brazil international enjoyed tremendous success during his nine-year stint at Real where he won three LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and five Champions League trophies.However, the 32-year-old hasn’t been able to replicate the same success at Man Utd, despite winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his first two years with the club.Some of Casemiro’s performances the last two seasons have been heavily criticised, especially from pundits such as Jamie Carragher who strongly advised him to move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS.However, the Brazilian is adamant that his debut season at Old Trafford featured the best ever version of himself as he amassed a total of seven goals and seven assists in 53 appearances.Read More on Man UtdCasemiro told AS: “It was the perfect time. I had won everything with Madrid and I had to take on other challenges. Looking at my career, individually, my best season as a professional footballer was the first with United. “I’m not saying collectively in terms of titles. Madrid’s Champions League is the ultimate, but as a player I think Old Trafford saw the best Casemiro in my first year.”Casemiro insists he still has a lot to offer to United despite a few sub par performances, which have seen him falling out of favour under new manager Ruben Amorim.So much so that the defensive midfielder, who started his first Premier League game of 2025 in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Spurs, wants to see out his £375,000-a-week contract, which runs out in 2026.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCasemiro said: “I have to keep doing what I’m doing, with a lot of respect and education. Of course I’d like to play more, of course. I don’t know any player who doesn’t want to play and help. “Also, I’d like to help the club at this time. I approach things with respect for my team-mates and the technical committee.Rio Ferdinand blasts ‘highly disrespectful’ Jamie Carragher for brutal eight-word assessment of Man Utd star Casemiro”And above all, I respect United, a club to which I’m very grateful. I have a year and a half left on my contract and I’d like to fulfil it here in Manchester. I’m comfortable here and so is my family. “They’ve adapted, we speak English. I’m very grateful to the Old Trafford fans and to the club. I’m happy at club level. Happy in the bench? Of course not. That’s another thing.”Casemiro is no stranger to winning over demanding managers throughout his 14-year career at the top level.The versatile midfielder has shone bright for the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane at Real as well as Tite in Brazil – the trio who he considers his “top three” coaches.Casemiro added: “Nobody wins so many titles just by being nice, although he is. I have a huge affection for Ancelotti.”For me he is in the top three of the coaches I have had, along with Zidane, of course, and Tite, who was the coach of Brazil. I have had others who have left their mark on me, like [Jose] Mourinho or [Julen] Lopetegui.Casemiro’s Man City warning”But Ancelotti is an old-school coach who didn’t stay stuck in the old school. Carlo modernised like football. Tactics, physical preparation… Ancelotti didn’t stay stuck in the old school.”He has the intelligence and calmness of an old coach, but with the intelligence of the new ones. An ideal mix. An incredible coach because of him and his staff.”Carlo is different from others and has known how to mark an era. In football there are several ways to win. [Pep] Guardiola’s tiki-taka, the intensity and living the passion of football like [Jurgen] Klopp, the defensive power of [Diego] Simeone, for whom I have a lot of respect…”Casemiro continues to follow Real’s matches and rooted for them during their most recent 3-2 victory over his current club’s rivals Manchester City at the Etihad.The Brazilian is confident his former club can make it to the Champions League’s last 16 thanks to the Santiago Bernabeu factor but warned them not to underestimate Man Utd’s noisy neighbours.Casemiro still backs RealCasemiro stated: “It wasn’t a surprise to me. Madrid almost always does it and everyone knows the history of this team and what it is capable of doing. “Madrid always grows until the end and never gives up. Even losing 2-1, I knew there was a lot to play for. And that’s City and a great coach like Guardiola. But they did it. “On top of that, the return leg will be at the Bernabeu with a great result after the 2-3. It won’t be easy, but the Bernabeu, on those Champions League nights, is very special. “I wish all the luck in the world to my former team-mates and not only because of my rivalry with City, but more so for Madrid. I hope they get through to the last 16. Even if it hadn’t been against City, I’ll always want Madrid to win. Unless we meet one day, of course…READ MORE SUN STORIES”Yes, this is the Bernabeu. But be careful, it’s going to be difficult. City aren’t at their best, but they’re City. They have [Erling] Haaland, [Kevin] De Bruyne, a great goalkeeper like Ederson.”Madrid, together with the Bernabeu, are going to make it very difficult for City. I hope Madrid makes it to the last 16.”Man Utd ratings v SpursMANCHESTER UNITED slipped to a 12th defeat in the Premier League with Rasmus Hojlund coming under fire again.Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players against an underachieving Spurs side – who are now three places above them in 12th – in North London.Andre Onana – 3United can’t do anything with him between the sticks. Can’t be trusted to collect anything.His opposite number Vicario showed him a thing or two after returning for the first time since Spurs thrashed Man City in November.At fault for the first goal when he palmed out a relatively weak bouncing shot into Maddison’s path in the 13th minute.Noussair Mazraoui – 5An OK performance. Clever link-up play with Zirkzee but couldn’t get hold of Spence down the left-hand side.Pulled out an excellent cross for the Dutchman’s headed chance late-on.Matthijs de Ligt – 6His clearance stopped an obvious 2-0 before the half-an-hour mark.Harry Maguire – 5A mixed bag. Long ball over the top for Hojlund’s chance in opening 10 minutes and went on a few attacking runs himself in the first half.Did well to stop Dejan Kulusevski from having a go at the edge of the box. But bizarrely stopped in his tracks when a cross came flying into Son later on.Diogo Dalot – 6A difficult afternoon for the Portugal international as Son and Djed Spence left him for dead a few times.Hesitated when asked to shoot from five yards to make it 1-0 but helped Onana out with some clearances too.Patrick Dorgu – 4A Prem debut to forget. He was almost invisible from the left-hand side. And lacked quality when asked to get involved more in the second half.Was stupidly caught offside with Bruno Fernandes offloading a stunning cross pitch pass and booked late-on.Casemiro – 5Looked every bit a player that hasn’t played Premier League football for two months. Unsurprisingly booked for a late one on Son.Bizarrely dropped to the turf asking for a free-kick when nobody touched him. Was forced to play 89 minutes with eight teenagers on the bench. A difficult afternoon, indeed.Bruno Fernandes – 5Interceptions and breaking up play is not a part of the captain’s game. An uncharacteristically poor cross left United open on the counter.Did get back to stop Son from having a shot at Onana on the hour mark and started ticking in attack in the final 20 minutes.Alejandro Garnacho – 4Looked shaky and cut a frustrated figure after blazing over an absolute SITTER from 10 yards to level the scores.A bit of a shocker and looked a completely different player to the one who got United into the fifth-round of the FA Cup last week.Woke up a bit in the second half as Vicario kept him at bay with several superb stops. But the 20-year-old is clearly better off the bench.Joshua Zirkzee – 6The best of a desperately poor front three. There’s a street player in there and he’s great with his touches at times.But curled wide from 23 yards, stuck a header wide in the 70th minute and kicked an air shot in the final five minutes.Rasmus Hojlund – 3Is Hojlund the worst No 9 in United’s recent history?The young Dane, who was unlucky to have a chance saved by Vicario, was second best in every loose ball and kept losing possession.He was even caught offside after a pass from an Onana goal-kick in the first half – how often do you see that happen? More

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      Vinicius Jr offered deal ‘Real Madrid will never reach’ worth €1BILLION to join Saudi football revolution

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      REAL MADRID are facing a major threat from Saudi Arabia in their bid to hold on to star man Vinicius Jr.Vinicius, 24, has a contract with Real until 2027 and is currently the club’s joint-highest earner along with star team-mate Kylian Mbappe, both of whom make about £12million per season.Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has received a €1billion contract offer from Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyReal would never be able to match the Saudis’ bid for ViniciusCredit: RexBut Los Blancos want to tie the forward down to a new long-term deal and have commenced negotiations with his representatives these past few months.According to AS, however, Saudi chiefs are determined to bring the Brazil international over to the Middle East “no matter what”.So much so that they are offering Vini a lucrative five-year deal worth a staggering total of €1billion (£832,000,000).That is a bid the reigning European champions could never match for last year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up.Read More on FootballThe same source claims Vinicius wants to stay in Madrid but will claim his new status as a global star means he can make higher financial demands.Real president Florentino Perez has refused to meet with Saudi delegates interested in signing the Brazilian and instead referred them to the player’s whopping €1bn release clause.Nevertheless, interest from the Saudi Pro League is not expected to disappear any time soon and that is why the reigning Spanish champions want to speed up talks with Vinicius.Perez wasn’t expected to hold contract talks with the Brazil star until this coming summer but the ongoing competition has forced his hand.Most read in FootballThat is why Real chiefs have contacted the ex-Flamengo star’s camp to find out his financial demands.The winger issued a response and he is now awaiting the club’s next move.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clashNevertheless, the popular player strongly hinted he wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for a long time.Vinicius told TNT after Tuesday’s Champions League victory at Manchester City: “It’s very exciting to be able to open talks with Madrid about my renewal.“I have a contract until 2027, but I have always said that I want to play here for a long time, to be able to make history and to receive the affection of the fans along with the president, all the players and the coaching staff. “And God willing, hopefully in the next few days all the negotiations can be resolved and I can stay here for much longer.” More

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      Jude Bellingham joined by model girlfriend Ashlyn and mum as they fly home with Real Madrid team after win over Man City

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      REAL MADRID hero Jude Bellingham flew home with his mother and girlfriend following his match-winning exploits against Manchester City.Despite twice going behind in Manchester, Madrid showed their nous in the Champions League by emerging victorious in the first leg of their play-off against City.Jude Bellingham was seen flying home from Manchester after his match-winning heroicsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe also wore a flat cap to go through the airportCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBellingham’s mum, Denise and his girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro were on the team flight homeCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBellingham’s parents met Ashlyn for the first time last monthCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe American model wore a colourful scarf with a cream coat and blue trousersCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBellingham was seen with a black shirt and trousers comboCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeErling Haaland struck twice for the home side, but the holders scored through Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz before Bellingham scored an injury time winner.The 21-year-old flew back home with the rest of the Los Blancos squad on Tuesday night.Bellingham was seen in a suave black shirt and trousers combo with a flat cap.He accessorised his look with a monogram signature Louis Vuitton bag, worth more than £2,000 on retail.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star’s mum, Denise and model girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro accompanied him on the flight.Ashlyn, who was first pictured with Bellingham in January, was seen keeping the cold at bay with a colourful scarf from fashion brand Acne Studios.The 27-year-old American was also seen with a cream coloured jacket, light blue jeans and brown boots.Denise also donned a fashionable black leather coat and white jumper combo.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Sun exclusively revealed how Ashlyn met Denise, 56, and dad Mark, 48, in the Spanish capital at the end of January in the family box at a Real Madrid game.She hugged Denise as Jude’s team ran out 5-1 winners against Salzburg in the Champions League.Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirtEngland superstar Bellingham and Ashlyn then went for lunch together the next day.Pals say they have been on several dates after they began liking each other’s social media posts.Bellingham was said to have been particularly drawn to one in November featuring pictures of Ashlyn in a low-cut dress lying on a bed.She is from Los Angeles where Bellingham and Three Lions team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold went on holiday after the Euros in July.Ashlyn, who has 140,000 Instagram followers, was rumoured to have previously dated Creed actor Michael B Jordan and was linked with basketball player LaMelo Ball, 23.Last weekend The Sun also exclusively revealed how Bellingham still has a profile on celeb dating app Raya, a dating app for high-profile celebs.But the Daily Mail have reported Bellingham has now deleted his account.The 27-year-old model has more than 240,000 followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramMadrid team-mates like Kylian Mbappe were seen going through the airportCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBrahim Diaz was lowkey after scoring against his former clubCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeLuka Modric came off the bench during the 3-2 winCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeVinicius Junior took photos with fans after setting up Bellingham’s winnerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeManager Carlo Ancelotti had a smile on his face knowing his side have a second-leg advantageCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeFootball legend Roberto Carlos was also in attendanceCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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      My hair will be all over the place’ – Wayne Rooney leaves Amazon Prime panel in stitches with gag about Manchester rain

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      WAYNE ROONEY trolled himself on his rain-lashed Amazon Prime debut.The Manchester United icon was the only one in a four-person broadcasting team at Manchester City against Real Madrid without an umbrella.Wayne Rooney gave himself some stick over his hairCredit: X @primevideosportAnd when his brolly bravery was pointed out to him, Rooney joked: “I hope the rain doesn’t come down any more, my hair will be all over the place!”Rooney is understood to have had two hair transplants.The procedures are thought to have cost around £30,000.After his first op in 2011 he was happy to share the experience on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe posted: “Just to confirm to all my followers I have had a hair transplant. I was going bald at 25, why not? I’m delighted with the result.”Rooney reportedly then had a top-up two years later.The former Everton striker, 39, was sacked from his last managerial job in December – after just seven months in charge of Plymouth.But amid a string of offers he chose a TV stint with Amazon.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd in fact it took him just THREE SECONDS with the microphone at the Etihad on Tuesday night to land a dig.He told his new colleagues: “Obviously a stadium I’ve scored a lot of goals in.”Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobA grinning Rooney then added: “I’m sure I’ll get a nice welcome.” One fan responded on X: “6 goals he scored at the Etihad btw wouldn’t say that’s a lot of goals.”Meanwhile, City were more concerned about keeping Real out – with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe both starting for the visitors. More

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      Man City vs Real Madrid prediction: Free betting tips, odds and Champions League preview for play off first leg

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      THE new Champions League format promised huge clashes earlier on in the competition and they certainly deliver that when Manchester City and Real Madrid meet on Tuesday.The pair flopped in the league phase, finishing outside the top eight and setting up this huge play-off clash for a spot in the last-16.So SunSport have enlisted the help of their betting experts to preview the European showdown and select the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereNew sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesManchester City vs Real Madrid previewThe new format has thrown up a blockbuster clash and neither Manchester City nor Real Madrid would want this so early.City’s wretched form since that Spurs defeat in the League Cup in October likely makes them underdogs to progress here.They needed Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden to come off the bench to progress in the FA Cup at League One Leyton Orient at the weekend.The rather embarrassing scenes of the pair playing for time and taking the ball into the corner shows how fragile the side is at present.So it’s a good thing for them that Madrid arrive with a defensive injury crisis which was furthered at the weekend.Madrid arrive without Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vazquex AND Eder Militao, with a new-look, makeshift back four set to play.However, they will still have a dynamic front line which is bound to cause this shaky City defence issues.It’s the fourth straight European competition that these sides have matched up in, with Madrid winning on penalties after a 4-4 score on aggregate in last season’s quarter finals.City had beaten them 4-0 and 4-3 on their previous two visits to the Etihad. With attack the best form of defence, those high scores could come into play again here.First scorer and correct score predictionsCorrect score: 2-2 at 9/1 with Betfred – HEREFirst scorer: Vinicius Jr 13/2 with talkSPORT BET – HEREMan City vs Real Madrid latest oddsOdds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.How to claim..William Hill £60 welcome bonusVisit the William Hill website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: T60Once your account is registered, click ‘opt in’ on the ‘Vegas Promotion’ pageDeposit a minimum of £10 in your main account to receive a £20 Vegas Bonus for use on Selected GamesThen place a bet with a minimum stake of £10 at odds of 1/2 or greater on any football marketOnce that’s settled, your account will be credited with £40 in free betsWilliam Hill: Claim £60 welcome bonus – click here*Man City vs Real Madrid predictions and tipsTchou are ya?This back four are going to be seriously tested, particularly against a Man City team who have to come out and go for it at home you’d think.That could put all sorts of pressure on Aurelien Tchouameni, who has filled in there plenty of times but it’s still not completely natural for him.The physical battle with Erling Haaland will test him, as will the likely speed out wide. 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New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.*talkSPORT BET. 18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet up to £40 (min. £20) on any football market at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. Get up to £40 in free bets on selected markets. Bonuses expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G40 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More

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      ‘We were an incredible machine… now I don’t know’ – Pep Guardiola reveals fears as City prepare for Madrid’s Fab 4

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      PEP GUARDIOLA admits he has no idea which Manchester City will turn up for their Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.City’s “incredible machine” malfunctioned during a disastrous run at the end of 2024 and they were thumped 5-1 in the Prem by Arsenal nine days ago.Pep Guardiola admits he does not know which Man City team will turn upCredit: GettyAnd he fears the quality of Real Madrid’s Fab 4, including Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyAhead of tonight’s play-off first leg at the Etihad, boss Guardiola said: “This season we struggled a lot. Before I would feel, ‘Yeah, the team is consistent, we can do it’. Now it’s like, ‘I don’t know’.“You never know before the game what’s going to happen, how they react. And now we’ve had a lot of injuries, players are a little bit up and down.”City have won seven of their last ten games in all competitions, a run that included the humiliation by the Gunners and a 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.Guardiola’s reigning Prem champs are currently fifth — 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he said: “We are not being consistent. What defined this team in the last decade is we are an incredible machine every three days.“Otherwise, we could not win six titles in seven years and these incredible trophies.“Of course, we can perform well on Tuesday, of course we can perform well in Madrid, of course we can perform well to the end of the season,“But before, I could tell you, ‘OK, it’s going to happen now’ — and now  I don’t know how it’s going to react, that’s the reality.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThis is the fifth time in six seasons the heavyweights have been drawn together after struggling in the new-look league phase.Pep added: “I know the game plan. I know the way we want to play.Pep Guardiola preview Man City’s tasty clash against Leyton Orient“I still have doubts for the selection, because I have injuries and people come back.“But at the same time, I’m so optimistic and calm. We’ll see what happens.“Of course it would be good to continue for the club, for the prestige to win this competition.”Pep knows it will be “impossible” to keep Real Madrid’s Fab Four quiet for both legs of their heavyweight European eliminator.But City must stop Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham from being too influential if they are to make the last-16 of the Champions League.Guardiola admitted: “All four are exceptional. It’s impossible — 90 minutes, 180 minutes or 200 minutes if there’s extra time — to control these four players.“How they combine, the ability one against one, how they keep the ball.“We have to reduce their involvement as much as possible. They have the ability to keep it and make extra touches and extra passes.“When that happens,  they can run, they can combine the shortest passes with the moments in behind.”City defender Ruben Dias pointed out the Premier League champions have “guns” of their own in the dressing room such as Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden.And the last two winners of this tournament could hardly know each other any better.FOUR CLASSIC EURO TIESMAN CITY 2 REAL MADRID 12019-20 last 16 – Man City won 4-2 on aggregateLATE strikes from Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus completed a 2-1 first-leg comeback win in Madrid, although the pandemic meant City were not able to finish the job — by the same scoreline — until 163 days later.REAL MADRID 3 MAN CITY 12021-22 semi-final – Real Madrid win 6-5 on aggregateFOLLOWING their 4-3 first-leg win, City were cruising into a final against Liverpool when Riyad Mahrez made it 1-0 on the night.But Rodrygo’s injury-time double and Karim Benzema’s extra-time penalty KO’d them.MAN CITY 4 REAL MADRID 02022-23 semi-final – Man City win 5-1 on aggregateTHERE was no stopping City this time and after a 1-1 draw in Madrid, they blew Real away.Bernardo Silva’s double set the tone before late Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez goals booked a final spot against Inter Milan.MAN CITY 1 REAL MADRID 12023-24 quarter-finals – 4-4 on aggregate, Real Madrid win 4-3 on pensCITY could not repeat their heroics from the year before as Madrid somehow held out for penalties — despite facing 34 shots on goal.Bernardo and Mateo Kovacic missed from 12 yards and Antonio Rudiger hit the winner.This will be the fifth season in six they have been drawn together — each having gone through twice so far.City have lost just one of eight legs against the Spanish giants.But their defence has struggled to keep clean sheets this season – particularly without the protection usually provided by midfielder Rodri since he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in September.And the addition of French superstar Mbappe to the Madrid sides City have faced in previous years makes their task even harder.Guardiola insisted: “We are going to try to impose our game and be smart, especially in the first leg.“The way you have to play. It’s important to read the tempo. We have to play to get a good result to take to the Bernabeu.”Madrid have their own defensive problems so attack could be the best form of defence for City.Guardiola added: “What we were, what we are — I know perfectly.“But the team has something special, our team. Hopefully, on Tuesday we can prove it.”The return of Dias — who has started only 19 matches in an injury-hit campaign — will be crucial to City’s hopes.And the Portuguese defender, 27, claimed that holders Madrid should be worried too. He said: “Since I’ve been here this is the most ­difficult season.”But even in the most difficult times you can achieve something beautiful.  We know how difficult it will be. But we have loads of guns in the dressing room and just have to use them the right way.”Dias believes City have learned plenty from their previous meetings with Madrid — and felt aggrieved to be knocked out of last April’s quarter-final on penalties.Two years ago, City memorably won 4-0 at the Etihad on their way to a historic Treble.A year before that they were knocked out in a dramatic semi-final in the Spanish capital.Dias added: “When we won the Treble, that feeling in the Bernabeu was important — the understanding of how good we need to be to win this game.“You might think the 4-0 was very easy, but it was a mix of so many things where we needed to be full on our game.“Last year was frustrating because we dominated but weren’t able to score the goals that would have made the difference.“They won’t make it easy for us. We need to do what we do better than ever and fight more than ever because that’s how you win.”Dias is raring to go after a stop-start last few months — having rushed back from injury too soon.He admitted: “It’s been frustrating. In a period like this, in which you want to be next to your family on the pitch.“You help any way you can. One of the ways is to recover as well and as fast as you can.“You need to be wise with the comeback, the schedule is ruthless. READ MORE SUN STORIESYou’re at a point when the train is going in the season and you need to catch that train.”If Dias helps City win tonight, it would be just the ticket. More

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      Jude Bellingham at risk of LaLiga punishment as mic catches Real Madrid star’s X-rated rant at derby linesman live on TV

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      Jude Bellingham risks possible LaLiga punishment after an X-rated blast at an assistant referee.In the 12th minute of Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid, the England superstar screamed “f*** you man, f*** off” as a throw went against the home side.Jude Bellingham risks LaLiga punishment after an X-rated blast at an assistant refereeCredit: GettyReal Madrid star Bellingham lashed out against Atletico MadridCredit: GettyThis foul-mouthed outburst comes months after he told a referee he was a “piece of s***” during Real’s 4-1 win against Espanyol.Bellingham, 21, escaped sanction for those actions in September but it remains to be seen whether Spanish league bosses will penalise this latest emotional rant, which was heard clearly on TV.Julian Alvarez, formerly of Manchester City, scored a penalty on 35 minutes for Atletico but Real equalised through France World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe on 50 minutes.Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain top of the league by a point ahead of their City rivals with 15 games left.Read More on FootballBritish Formula 1 driver George Russell attended the derby at the Santiago Bernabeu, watching the match from the comfort of the presidential box.Ancelotti might make several changes for the Champions League playoff first-leg trip to Man City as he tries to juggle domestic and continental competitions.The reigning European champions have a mounting injury list with defenders David Alaba (muscle) and Antonio Rudiger (hamstring) out – while Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal are long-term absentees with serious knee injuries.The Italian chief said: “For Tuesday’s game, we have to see the recovery of those who have played.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Those who haven’t played today have an advantage to play on Tuesday.” Spanish defender Lucas Vazquez said: “Another huge game awaits us in Manchester.Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clash“It will be a difficult match against a great opponent that we have faced in the last four years.“The team is eager to show our football and our worth and try to get a win there.” More

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      Sergio Ramos’ wife ‘refuses to move with Real Madrid legend, 38,’ following shock transfer after six months unemployed

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      SERGIO RAMOS has reportedly made his shock move to Mexico without wife Pilar Rubio.The Spanish legend signed for Mexican side Monterrey after six months as a free agent.Sergio Ramos has moved to Mexican club MonterreyCredit: AFPThe Spanish legend was a free agent after leaving Sevilla last summerCredit: AFPReports suggest Ramos’ wife Pilar Rubio has not made the switch to Mexico with himCredit: Getty – ContributorRamos was without a club after leaving Sevilla over the summer.The 38-year-old penned a surprise one-year deal with the Liga MX outfit last Friday. Ramas married Rubio, a popular TV presenter and model in Spain, in 2019. The pair have four children – but Pilar has reportedly chosen not to join her husband on his new South American adventure. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAccording to Bild, Rubio will remain in Spain during Ramos’ time in Mexico for “professional reasons”.The outlet cites a source close to Pilar, who claims she is “tired of moving.”Ramos left Real Madrid to join Paris Saint Germain in 2021 before switching back to LaLiga with Sevilla in 2023. Pilar is now reportedly back in Madrid and living there for the foreseeable future. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPer the report, Rubio said: “This time I will not give in, I have already given in twice. “Now I am staying here, in Madrid. The family is staying here, Sergio is going alone.”Furious Sergio Ramos goes berserk at Sevilla fan as he stops live TV interview Monterrey are currently 12th in LigaMX with just one win from their opening six matches. They will compete in the revamped Club World Cup, set to start in the USA in June. Monterrey will face Inter Milan, River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds in the group phase. Ramos has opted to wear the No. 93 shirt during his time in Mexico.The World Cup winner scored a dramatic 93rd-minute winner for Real Madrid against Atletico in the 2014 Champions League final.READ MORE SUN STORIESExplaining his choice, he said: “The 93rd minute was epic. “It is a tribute to Real Madrid and to my career.” More