More stories

  • in

    Inter Milan fans desperately fight to get back into San Siro after LEAVING at 3-2 down… missing famous semi-final win

    INTER MILAN fans pleaded to be let back into the San Siro – after leaving while Barcelona were winning and before their incredible comeback.Some dejected supporters walked out with Inter trailing 3-2 – and 6-5 on aggregate – deep into stoppage time in the Champions League semi-final.Davide Frattesi sealed Inter’s 4-3 win in extra time after they trailed 3-2 deep into added time of the regulation 90 minutesCredit: ReutersFans rushed to try to persuade staff to let them back inBut 37-year-old centre-back Francesco Acerbi netted his first ever goal in Europe’s top club competition to take a momentous tie into extra time.That left those home fans who had already streamed out now feeling dejected for a totally different reason.They were seen desperately running back to the entrance, while others were caught on camera trying to persuade staff to let them through.One female employee on a door shook her head as a group of supporters appeared to beg her to help them get in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSub Davide Frattesi went on to fire Inter’s clincher in the added half-hour.The Italians’ 4-3 victory on the night put them through 7-6 overall – the joint highest aggregate scorer EVER in a Champions League semi-final.Barcelona had trailed 2-0 in the 3-3 first-leg draw.And they suffered the same fate at the San Siro in an astonishing contest packed with brilliant attacking from both sides.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThis time Lautaro Martinez’s 21st-minute opener and a penalty from Hakan Calhanoglu left Inter 5-3 up on aggregate.But Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo levelled it up for Barca soon after the break before Raphinha put the Spanish giants 3-2 up on 87 minutes.Injured Barcelona star fails to go incognito as he takes budget flight with fans to Champions League semi-final vs InterThat sparked a batch of departures from Inter supporters.But Acerbi – who was caught up in a “spitting” row just before half time – sent home an equaliser three minutes into injury time – sparking sudden attempts at a comeback of their own from fans who had walked out just moments before.Frattesi then exchanged passes to slot home the decisive goal on 99 minutes.That led to more amazing scenes – but on this occasion it was wild celebrating on and off the pitch, rather than frantic behaviour around the entrances.Inter will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final in Munich on May 31 – after ending Barcelona’s Treble dream.And most fans had little sympathy for the early leavers who missed the party.TNT Sports posted a clip of the supporters trying to return, calling it “crazy”.TNT added: “The Italian team equalized in the last seconds and these people were unable to return to watch extra time!”One viewer told the fans: “Well done. If you are a truly passionate fan of your club, you NEVER leave the stadium before the final whistle, regardless of the score or situation, you have to believe until the end.”Read More on The SunAnother posted: “What they will regret about not being at the stadium at this historic moment is no joke.”A third added: “Well done, until the final whistle damn it.” Barcelona looked like they were going through after Raphinha put them 3-2 up in the 87th minuteCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Emotional tributes paid to former Fulham keeper after death at 37 following month in a coma

    TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of former Fulham keeper Corrin Brooks-Meade.The stopper passed away on April 5 aged 37 after spending a month in a coma.Former Fulham goalkeeper Corrin Brooks-Meade has sadly diedCredit: FacebookFriend and team-mate Lyle Taylor led the touching tributesCredit: RexBrooks-Meade suffered a stroke and bleed on the brain a month before his tragic death.He was on the books of Fulham as a youngster, regularly playing for their reserve side but never made his full debut.The Londoner, who had a spell on loan at AFC Wimbledon in 2007, was close to signing for Bournemouth when they were in League One after being released by the Cottagers.But he went on to have a successful career in Cypriot football, playing for seven clubs in the country.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrooks-Meade was also capped 23 times by the Montserrat national team.He became close pals with the nation’s captain and Colchester striker Lyle Taylor while on international duty.Taylor told the Daily Mail: “When it’s somebody your age who you’ve spent so much time with over the years and seen grow both as a footballer and as a man, it hits you hard.”It’s going to sound really cliche, but Corrin was a leader. He was a brick wall. He was probably, in all honesty, the best of us as a group.Most read in Football”He was just a brilliant person and we’re all lucky to have been able to share special moments with him.”Fans added: “So sad. Condolences to the family.”Another wrote: “Awful news to hear. What a player he’s been for us over the years, completely taken aback by it.”A third said: “Rest in peace Corrin sad to hear of your passing buddy.”Many supporters and old team-mates have donated to a GoFundMe page setup in his honour.Brooks-Meade continued playing for Montserrat until last year despite retiring from club football in 2021.He kept busy after hanging up his gloves by opening an Afro-Caribbean food business in Cyprus. His uncle was Raphael Meade, who played for Arsenal from 1981 to 1985. More

  • in

    Barcelona star accused of SPITTING at Inter Milan’s Acerbi as reason for half-time brawl ‘revealed’

    BARCELONA star Inigo Martinez has been accused of spitting at Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi.Acerbi reacted angrily to his opponent’s apparent attack, sparking a flare-up on the brink of half-time. Inigo Martinez has been accused of spitting at Francesco AcerbiThe incident sparked a brawl, with Acerbi furiousCredit: GettyThe defender was fuming with his opponent and had to be ushered awayCredit: GettyVAR reviewed the incident but deemed no punishment necessaryCredit: ReutersIt came following Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty which put Inter 2-0 up.Martinez tried to distract the Turk before he converted from the spot, according to Marca.That prompted Acerbi to celebrate by running past Martinez, shouting in his face.Martinez is accused of responding by spitting at the Italian.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAcerbi is then said to have confronted his fellow defender, sparking the melee.He was ushered away by his own team-mates and Barca’s Pedri, while furiously gesturing and shouting at Martinez.Referee Szymon Marciniak also intervened to calm the situation and VAR got involved to check whether a red card offence was committed.The review ended with no players receiving even a yellow card.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSome on the Inter bench ran on the pitch to get involved after the half-time whistle before the bust-up fizzled out.Acerbi had the last laugh, too, as he netted a 90th-minute equaliser to send the tie to extra-time, where team-mate Davide Frattesi netted Inter’s winner.New $1bn stadium in Miami rapidly takes shape and set to open in 2026 Acerbi celebrates after scoring a 90th minute equaliserCredit: AP More

  • in

    Real Madrid open transfer negotiations to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in £1m deal… but Liverpool set to play hardball

    REAL MADRID officially began negotiations with Liverpool to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.On Monday, the England defender confirmed he will be leaving his boyhood club at the end of the season and is set to sign a five-year deal with Real.Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave LiverpoolCredit: RexHe is expected to join Real MadridCredit: PAThe Spaniards are keen for TAA to play at next month’s Club World Cup, although they could be forced to pay a fee of more than £1million.Liverpool will shell out for his £180,000-a-week wages as his deal does not expire until June 30.Real’s first game in the US is against Saudi side Al-Hilal on June 18.They could register their new man between June 1 and 10 or between June 27 and July 3 for the knockout stage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAlthough Real have been hoping to secure TAA for around £1m, Liverpool could play hardball and ask for a further £500,000.Alexander-Arnold, 26, has three games left as a Liverpool player — with his Anfield farewell coming against Crystal Palace on the final day of the season.He could also make appearances for the club against Arsenal on Sunday before travelling to Brighton.But he might not get the warmest reception from Liverpool fans during his farewell tour.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMany supporters have been left angry with the defender’s decision to leave the club.Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has insisted that the anger towards his exit is “justified”.Trent Alexander-Arnold announces he is leaving Liverpool after 20 years in emotional video LiverpoolIn his Telegraph column, Carragher wrote: “Liverpool are in the business of winning more Premier League and Champions League titles.”Anything which undermines that is a threat.”You may not agree, or believe that competitive attitude to the loss of a star player is justified, but it is what makes Liverpool the successful club it is, and it is no different than what you would expect at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Manchester United.”By leaving Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is making it harder for his own club to win its 21st league title and seventh European Cup.”That is bound to stir emotions.”Some of the negative reactions have seen Alexander-Arnold get “banned” from Curry’s and Popworld.Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool exit interviewTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD spoke to Liverpool’s in-house club media to explain his decision to leave Anfield.Here are the key parts…I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. Giving everything day in, day out for 20 years, I’ve got to a point now where I feel like I need a change, a new challenge for me as a player and as a person. And I think now is the right time for me to do that.Obviously there’s been a lot of noise around what the decision was going to be and how that was going to look. I know a lot of people will say I should have said sooner, a lot of people will say maybe I waited for the right time. But I felt personally the focus should always be on the pitch.I’ve got full confidence in the manager and the staff and the club going forward. It’s not about me thinking we’re not going to fight for titles or fight for trophies season in, season out… it was never about not having confidence in that, it just boiled down to what I felt I needed, and that is a change.Growing up, seeing players leave that I’ve loved watching and have helped the team win trophies, you feel a connection to the players that you watch, especially when they bring success to the club as well. So, I completely understand the feelings that go with that and I’ve felt it myself so I completely understand that the news will disappoint a lot of people, will anger people, it will make them upset. Obviously that went into the decision as well – it’s something you don’t want to do, you don’t want to ever have these moments where you feel like you’re letting a lot of people down, you’re disappointing a lot of people. But I’ve had to make a decision for me, it’s as simple as that. It’s a difficult one, it’s one that has played on my mind for a long time but being able now to get it off my chest will feel like a weight is lifted. And I think it’s important for the fans to know where I stand and know what the truth is.I fell in love with the club from a very, very young age and that’s something that has grown and grown day in, day out. This club has given me the opportunities to achieve everything beyond my wildest dreams. I can never repay enough of what’s been given to me and I don’t take it for granted at all. I’ve given everything every single day for 20 years now. I’ve sacrificed everything. I know the news will take a bit of time to set in and people won’t be happy and they’ll be disappointed. At the end of the day, you can be angry and hurt at me but I just hope that the lads, the rest of the team, the staff, everyone else is able to feel how good a season this has been and able to feel the love and support from the fans as they have done all season.There’s no doubt about it, I’ll be back – I’d love one day to be able to bring my kids to Anfield and show them that that’s where I’ve played and show them the videos and highlights of what we were able to achieve together. So just a huge thank you for that, thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. Thank you for the support, thank you for the love that I’ve always felt, thank you for always having my back. I will always love the club, I will always love the people of the club, I will always love the fans and the supporters. Even though I’m leaving as player, as a fan I’ll always be a Liverpool fan. More

  • in

    Inter Milan 4 Barcelona 3 (aet, 7-6 agg): Frattesi extra time goal seals one of the greatest Champions League ties ever

    FORGET the final, give Inter Milan the Champions League – nothing will top this.Neither Arsenal nor Paris Saint-Germain will want to face Simone Inzaghi’s monsters, anyway.Raphinha looked to have won the tie for Barcelona with his 87th minute strikeCredit: GettyBut Inter’s Francesco Acerbi scored his first ever Champions League goal to force extra timeCredit: GettyDavide Frattesi scored an extra-time winner for the Italian sideCredit: GettyHe climbed on to the fences to cheer with the fansCredit: GettyThey triumphed over Barcelona in the greatest of semi-finals and in the most dramatic of fashion.These two served up an instant classic a week ago, and went all out to top it at the San Siro.Inter were cruising after another flying start, floored after Barcelona came back from the dead again.Somehow they had more left and, for all of Barcelona’s comebacks across this unforgettable tie, it was the Nerazzurri who produced one when it counted, sealed by Davide Frattesi in extra time.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Inter sub showed a composure few could believe amid the mania of this match – finishing off a move which was made by Marcus Thuram’s brilliance.Thuram refused to give up down the right, beat two Barca defenders and laid off for Mehdi Taremi, who teed up Frattesi to, finally, kill off this most stubborn opponent.Barcelona had come from behind three times in this tie.Raphinha thought he had won it in the 87th minute, putting them ahead for the first time.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut no one counted on a 37-year-old Francesco Acerbi getting his first Champions League goal, in the 93rd minute, to give everyone what we wanted – more.Barca’s would-be match winner collapsed to his knees and this proved one comeback too far for Hansi Flick’s men.How Arsenal can beat PSG and reach the Champions League final Their wait for a Champions League final goes on past a decade now, Inter have reached their second in three years.The exuberant home fans earlier welcomed their team bus with a frenzy of fireworks and flares.Inzaghi’s men had surprised everyone with their attacking intent and effectiveness in an enthralling first leg.An expectant San Siro wanted more of the same and were not disappointed.It was the same plan as a week ago – trying to punish the visitors’ nauseatingly high line – and it bore more fruit.Inter looked primed to race into another early lead, and did just that.Denzel Dumfries, who scored a brace last week, was sent one-on-one by Federico Dimarco but despite his devastating work six days ago, the Dutchman selflessly squared for his skipper.Thuram consoles a devastated Yamal at the endCredit: GettyLautaro Martinez, passed fit to start after being a major doubt, capitalised on the empty net and raced away to celebrate with a surging sea of black and blue – none of them knowing what they were about to be put through.Inter, famed for defending a tight lead, would not sit back. Dumfries still barrelled forwards and the two strikers proved a nuisance.Barca looked in desperate need of some experience. They had lost Jules Kounde and Pau Cubarsi, 18, was struggling.Hakan Calhanoglu flashed an effort wide but would soon get a much better one thanks to the teenager.Henrikh Mkhitaryan slipped one of many dangerous balls through for Martinez to race after, Cubarsi was caught out and restricted to a late lunge.Referee Szymon Marciniak waved the shouts away and the San Siro erupted, a din of whistles as their captain writhed on the deck.Eventually, Marciniak was sent to the monitor and corrected the decision, allowing Calhanoglu to step up and – for the second time in this tie – put his side two clear of Barca.Inter had dumped Barca in an almighty hole, again. The young visitors looked lost in the pit of this famous old stadium.For a while even the older players looked as bamboozled as the kids.But Barcelona players, young and old, have a muscle memory for comebacks, not just that famous “Remontada” against Paris Saint-Germain eight years ago.It was brilliance which got them going in the first leg, this was more traditional – but nonetheless incredibly impressive.Eric Garcia, the former Manchester City man, thumped home to convert Gerard Martin’s cross less than 10 minutes after the restart.Inter’s breaks had been limited, Barcelona looked themselves again with Pedri composed and conducting things.It was Martin again who made the second, lifting an exquisite ball over the Inter defence from deep, placed perfectly for Olmo to run on to and head Barca level, from two down – again.The hosts looked like Barcelona’s latest recovery act had finally knocked it out of them. Inter were struggling and Inzaghi rattled through five changes in a bid to revive them.But they looked to have failed.Pedri spotted Raphinha in space on the left, picking out the ex-Leeds winger.His first shot was fired at Yann Sommer, but the Swiss sent it straight back and Raphinha did not waste his second helping.The home fans were silent and some had even left, they had given up. But their players had not. Dumfries – again – kept going and crossed for Acerbi, who converted first time to take this tie beyond the realms of ridiculous and crush Barca.There is talk of tearing San Siro down. Those celebrations almost did the job anyway.Read More on The SunInter, unfancied, had matched Barca blow for blow and taken them to the end.Flick’s tikes refused to fold even after Frattesi’s winner, Yamal twice stopped by Sommer, but this was finally too much to come back from.Yann Sommer proved to be the difference maker with a stunning tieCredit: AFPSommer was awarded the Man of the Match award for his exploitsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Inter Milan vs Barcelona LIVE RESULT: Frattesi seals Champions League semi-final classic with superb extra-time winner

    INTER MILAN have booked their spot in the Champions League final with a 7-6 aggregate win over Barcelona after extra-time.The hosts struck first when Lautaro Martinez punished Barca’s high line with a tap-in on 21 minutes to put his side 4-3 up on aggregate.Just before half-time, Inter were awarded a penalty following a lengthy VAR check – and Hakan Calhanoglu made no mistake from the spot.Minutes after the interval, Eric Garcia’s stunning volley got Barca back in the tie before Dani Olmo’s bullet header made the thriller 5-5 on aggregate on the hour mark.The Spaniards thought they had won it through Raphinha’s late strike, but Francesco Acerbi sent the semi-final to extra time at the death.Davide Frattesi’s stunning finish put Inter back in front in the first half of the additional period – and it was enough to send the Italians to their second Champions League final in three years.Match result: Inter 4-3 Barcelona (AET) (AGG: 7-6)Inter Milan team: Sommer, Dumfries, Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Martinez, ThuramBarcelona team: Szczesny; Martin, Inigo, Cubarsi, Eric; Pedri, De Jong, Olmo; Raphinha, Ferran, Lamine YamalCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Catch me if you canAnyone who plays against Inter Milan or the Netherlands knows straight away what Denzel Dumfries brings to the party.However, recognising the threat and stopping it are two completely different things.Dumfries shuts out the hype and speculation and just does what he knows he does best.Over the both legs, he was a constant thorn in the side of Barcelona and a huge reason the Italians now have a final to look forward to.Inzaghi may have his work cut out keeping his full-back as no doubt, the vultures will be circling.Copy linkCopiedWe could be heroes, just for one dayBeing a goalkeeper is the toughest position on the pitch, of that there is no doubt.While a striker can miss three chances and score his fourth to win the you the game, he is heralded as a match-winner.So often keepers are just overlooked, great saves met with Roy Keane saying ‘Why are you clapping? He’s just doing his job! That’s what he’s paid for!’But in this semi-final, Jann Sommer, take a bow!He singled-handedly at times protected his side’s lead and made some truly world-class saves to deny Barcelona.The Swiss keeper has surely experienced paying for anything in the city for the very last time after this victory.A more deserving man of the match there was certainly not.Credit: AFPCredit: EPACredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedAre you not entertained?In a certain film, this was yelled from the middle of a Roman colosseum.The modern equivalent in Milan is the San Siro Stadium.It was a shame that one of these teams had to exit the competition, this could have been a final to remember.One thing is for sure, whatever your allegiance, you have definitely been entertained over the course of these two legs.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedLeaders inspire greatnessIf anyone doubted the managerial abilities of Simone Inzaghi, those doubts should now be put to bed.It seems to be a match made in heaven between him and his squad, a chemistry and passion not seen since Jose Mourinho graced the touchline.He has put Italian football back on the map in Europe’s elite competition and made them a team nobody wants to face.As for this group of Inter players…….andiamo di nuovo!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGrit is just in their DNAEmpires are built on solid foundations and a will to put themselves and their bodies on the line to do what is required.The great Italian teams show that mentality that saw their ancestors conquer and rule most of the known world.Beware the experienced, focussed, well-drilled sides from this country is something we have learned if you did not know already.They never give up and will keep coming back at you until they have no more to give.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSpanish giants dealt huge blowBarcelona and their fierce rivals Real Madrid are used to dominating this competition over the years.Carlo Ancelotti’s side were dumped out by Arsenal in the quarter-finals while Hansi Flick’s team could only make it one round further.Both Spanish outfits have been taught a lesson this season in Europe, flair and talent is not always enough to see you through.Good teams will identify ways to undo you, using whatever approach is needed to nullify your threat.The gauntlet has been laid down, it will be interesting to see how both Spanish giants react next season and just how they will look to bounceback from exits far earlier than they had planned for.Credit: EPACredit: EPACopy linkCopiedMartinez puts it on the line for his familyLautaro Martinez knew when they was a slight chance he could play in this game, the decision had already been made.The Inter Milan skipper got himself on the scoresheet to break the deadlock and it seemed somewhat fitting.Wearing the captain’s armband, he epitomises everything that this team stands for.They are brothers in arms and will go to war for their teammates and manager.That is something you just cannot teach or buy, worth its weight in gold.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedMentality monster triumph at homeThere is nothing better than having a second-leg of a European tie at home, especially when he goes through.Inter Milan showed they have a psychological edge having learnt so much from the pain of defeat in the final against Man City.Many of these players were part of that squad and know they have a chance to make up for it.Beware Simone Inzaghi and hit battle-hardened side whoever makes it to Munich from the other tie.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDutch maestro leading waySpeaking with Amazon Prime after the match, Inter’s classy full-back gave his thoughts:Yeh crazy match again. Seven goals today, it was incredible. We fought until the end and are very proud, we are going to the final. I’m very happy, for all the team, I came back from injury so it was not easy to play two matches. He’s an amazing manager [Inzaghi] and now we go there to win. Two years ago we lost the final, this year we fight and we have an objective of course. Tomorrow we will see who we face in the final.Denzil DumfriesInter MilanCopy linkCopiedTough test for Italian giantsComing into this semi-final, Inter Milan boasted a record in this season’s competition where they had only conceded five goals.Barcelona tore that up as they scored six goals against them in just the space of two matches.However, Inter did not crumble and stuck to their task, showing that they never give up.Nobody could deny either of these sides passage through to the final but the Italians just edged it.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedNever underestimate your eldersOn paper, you wondered if this older Inter Milan side could contain the vibrant, youthful, pacey Barcelona attack.They certainly did that and made a big statement here.Experience cannot be replaced and as we saw over both games, the Italians utilised it to find a way to book their place in Munich for the final.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedYoung guns dealt huge blowBarcelona were most peoples’ tip to win this season’s competition.However, Inter Milan found a way to beat them.You do not learn much from victories but more so defeat.Hansi Flick needs to ensure that his side remember this pain and use it as a platform for growth.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedFT: Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ETThe Catalan giants suffer defeat in Italy.Inter looked dead on the their feet as the visitors took the lead late on but they dug deep.First they found an equaliser before a veteran defender grabbed a winner to cap off a special night in the Champions League.What a game, in both legs!!!Copy linkCopiedInter Milan beat Barcelona 7-6 on aggregateCopy linkCopiedFT: Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ETThe referee blows his whistle, to the relief of the home fans.What a performance from the Italians once again.Barcelona head out of the tournament.Copy linkCopiedInter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ET120. Some of the Inter players are showing their experience now.Receiving the ball and inviting the challenge from Barca.As soon as they feel contact from behind, while shielding the ball, they go to ground to run the clock down.We are going to have two added minutes.Copy linkCopiedInter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ET118. Another chance for the visitors.Yamal uses his pace and trickery to work some space before firing off a shot from a tight angle.Sommer beats it away but Lewandowski can only head the loose ball over the crossbar to huge cheers from the Italian fans.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedInter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ET116. If the score stays like this, Sommer has to be man of the match.He has made truly wonderful saves at pivotal stages of both legs.The Swiss keeper is just four minutes away from becoming a cult-hero in Milan, if he is not already.Copy linkCopiedInter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ET114. PSG and Arsenal have got a lot to live up to tomorrow.And one of those teams have to try and find a way to beat the winners of this game also.Barca are getting caught with counter attack more often as they try and throw caution to the wind in these wet conditions.Yamal runs at the hosts again and looks to place one in the far corner but Sommer makes another world-class save to tip it behind.Copy linkCopiedInter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ET112. These two teams have looked impressive in the competition up until this semi-final.Despite that, nobody ever could have predicted the two legs of football they have given us.It is everything we love about Europe’s elite tournament.Copy linkCopiedInter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ET110. Wow, Frattesi almost grabs another goal.He looks to bend one in the far corner but Szczesny makes a wonderful save to turn it around the post.The former Arsenal keeper has just kept his side in the competition with that one.Copy linkCopiedInter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ET108. Not that they are a one-person team by any stretch but Inter’s success this evening so far is partly down to their handling of Yamal.They are making him have to try and do the impossible.Somehow, he toes pokes a ball across the box but Lewandowski heads it over the target from about four yards out.What a chance.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedInter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ET106. The instructions from Inzaghi will have been interesting.To they look to just defend what they have now is the question.That approach has not always worked out well for the Italian giants.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ETWe are back underway in the San Siro.What will happen next, nobody can predict.Barcelona get the second-half of extra-time started.Copy linkCopiedHT: Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (AGG: 7-6) ETNow all the pressure is on Barcelona.If they cannot find a goal, they are heading out.Inter Milan are within touching distance of another European final.Copy linkCopied More

  • in

    ‘Best decision I ever made’ – Antony aims subtle dig at Man Utd as he reveals he snubbed huge transfers to join Betis

    ANTONY claims leaving Manchester United to join Real Betis was the best decision he ever made.The £85.5million Brazil forward, 25, had a nightmare couple of years at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag and then Ruben Amorim.Antony has excelled since joining Real Betis in JanuaryCredit: RexManchester United are willing to sell him in the summer transfer windowCredit: GettyRed Devils chiefs decided to let him leave on loan during the January window — and he made the surprise choice to join Manuel Pellegrini at Betis in Seville.However, the move has worked out perfectly for all parties, and the Spanish side are desperate to take him for another season.Antony and his agent are planning to hold talks with United about his long-term future this month.But he said: “The best decision I’ve ever made was coming to Betis.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I’m happy — and when I’m happy, things go well.“It’s very early. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I’m very happy here.”Antony felt playing regularly in a fun environment was more important than looking for a big move.He added: “Although I know how talented I am, I prioritised going where I knew I’d be happy, even though I had better offers.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“It’s important to score goals and provide assists but being happy is even more important.”Antony’s form at Betis has alerted Atletico Madrid, who could yet make a move this summer — when United will be looking to sell.Antony shows his excitement as he joins Real Betis Reports have claimed that the LaLiga side could have to pay between £34million to £43m for the winger. Meanwhile, Man United could face a battle in order to keep hold of captain Bruno Fernandes.The Portuguese star is wanted in Saudi Arabia and has been offered a staggering £65m per season on a three-year deal by Al-Hilal.Fernandes has not yet responded and the club do not want to sell their star man.It comes with Man Utd believed to be wanting to move on at least 10 players this summer as part of a huge rebuild.Firstly, the four all-but definite exits come in the form of Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof.Read More on The SunUnited also want to permanently sell on-loan stars Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to reinvest in a new goalscorer.Casemiro will also be put up for sale as the Manchester giants look to raise funds for new signings.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

  • in

    ‘We need big balls’ – Fired-up Declan Rice says Arsenal ready to make a statement vs PSG but will need ‘magic moments’

    DECLAN RICE says Arsenal need “big balls” and “magic moments” to reach the Champions League final.And the England star assures he “knows what is required” to drive the Gunners to semi-final victory over Paris Saint-Germain.Declan Rice has called on Arsenal to show they have ‘big balls’ versus PSGCredit: GettyRice says Arsenal have ‘full belief’ they will make the finalCredit: EPAMikel Arteta’s men must overturn a 1-0 deficit in France as they bid to win Europe’s elite competition for the first time.The odds are against them having failed to score in their last SIX semi-finals in all competitions dating back to May 2021.Arsenal have also lost their last four Champions League knockout ties after a first-leg defeat at home.But Rice said: “We need to have big balls and go out there on the biggest stage and show that we’re ready to play at this level.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s a semi-final, 90 minutes away from a final.“We can go out there and achieve something great for this club and that’s what we want to do.“We know we’re 1-0 down but nothing changes. We have full belief, full positivity that we’re going to go out there and win. “We’re here to make a statement. There’s no stopping us getting into that final.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMidfielder Rice, 26, has played in major European semi-finals for both West Ham and England.He lost a heart-breaking Europa League semi-final to Eintracht Frankfurt with the Hammers in 2022 before captaining them to win the Conference League a year later.How PSG tricked Arsenal to gain Champions League semi-final advantageWith the Three Lions he has been runner-up at the last TWO Euros.Rice, who scored two wonder free-kicks against Real Madrid in the quarter-final, added: “I’ve played in semi-finals before and I know what is required.“Against Madrid, I was able to produce two free-kicks. But it is set up for someone else to maybe get that magic moment.“You’re going to need a moment of magic to win.”PSG forward Ousmane Dembele — who scored the fourth-minute Emirates goal that separates the sides — has been passed fit after a hamstring scare.Arsenal have failed to score in their last six semi-finalsCredit: GettyBukayo Saka will be hoping to produce the ‘magic’ moment the Gunners needCredit: Getty More