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Tag: Real Madrid

  • Madrid players still want ‘their’ Ancelotti to stay as manager after City humilation

    Madrid players still want ‘their’ Ancelotti to stay as manager after City humilation

    Real Madrid players are reportedly hoping that Carlo Ancelotti will not be sacked by the club despite their humiliating elimination from the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, May 17.
    Following their crushing 4-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, there have been doubts about the future of the Italian manager.

    And it’s a goal from Bernado Silva

    However, Vinicius Junior has shown his support for Ancelotti, and it is believed that the players share a similar sentiment, hoping that the club will retain him despite the disappointing result.

    According to Football Espana, Luka Modric also has backed Ancelotti to continue as Real Madrid’s manager, despite the club’s failure to reach a consecutive Champions League final.

    “It’s football, but I think that in the Cup and in the Champions League we have done very well. For this reason, for me, there is no doubt about his continuity. He deserves it for everything he does and has done.”

    Luka Modric also has backed Ancelotti to continue as Real Madrid’s manager, despite the club’s failure to reach a consecutive Champions League final.

    Ancelotti’s current deal with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2024, although the Brazil national team is said to be courting the Italian manager for their vacant managerial post.

    Ancelotti admits City were better

    Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that his Real Madrid team deserved to lose against Manchester City, as they were second-best to the English champions, Caught Offside reports.

    Carlo Ancelotti looks on during Real Madrid’s 4-0 Champions League semi-final defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Photo by James Gill

    The Italian manager said that there was no psychological decline, despite being blown away 4-0 by the Cityzens in the second leg of their semi-final clash at the Etihad Stadium.

    Real Madrid have failed to defend the Champions League and La Liga titles they won last season, marking a disappointing end to their 2022/23 campaign.

    Madrid’s Ancelotti hopes to stay

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to continue as the club’s coach, despite Wednesday night’s rout at the hands of Manchester City.

    The Cityzens mauled Real Madrid 4-0 to book their place in the Champions League final.

    When asked about his future, Ancelotti was upbeat, and he fully anticipates being at the helm for Real Madrid in the upcoming campaign.

  • Soccer academy is to assist the underprivileged – Yaw Dabo

    Soccer academy is to assist the underprivileged – Yaw Dabo

    Ghanaian actor, Samuel Yaw Dabo, has recently shared his motivation for establishing a soccer academy, emphasizing his desire to support talented footballers who come from less privileged backgrounds.

    Dabo’s primary objective is to give back to society by providing opportunities to aspiring players. He actively visits orphanages and villages to identify and recruit potential talents for his academy.

    Through this initiative, Dabo aims to uplift and empower young footballers who may not have had access to formal training or resources, allowing them to pursue their passion for the sport.

    “I have the Dabo Soccer Academy, because we have to support others. That’s my dream because, when you get money, you have to give it to somebody because everybody needs help,” he told Marca.

    “Me, too. I need help. My brother needs help. So I want to give back to my society to support others. I go to orphanages and I go to the villages to bring talented players to everybody to see that in Ghana we have very talented players.

    Yaw Dabo: I established soccer academy to support the less-privileged

    “A lot of good players are in the academy and go to school. I have workers, coaches and caterers to support the football team. I have everybody. I came to Europe to find a solution to support my academy.”

    Yaw Dabo appeals to Real Madrid and super-agent Jorge Mendes to partner his academy | Pulse Ghana

    The comic actor has been touring various European countries to build a network between his academy and clubs on the continent.

    He made stops in Germany and France before taking his tour to the Netherlands, where he met with Ajax star Mohammed Kudus.

    Dabo then headed to Spain and was in attendance at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg game against Manchester City.

    People are calling me from US, Europe after Marca interview – Yaw Dabo Pulse Ghana

    The diminutive actor went viral when he was interviewed by Spanish television station Marca TV in the aftermath of the game.

    He was later invited to the media organisation’s office in Madrid, after which he discussed his academy and future.

    Dabo said he’d love to partner with Real Madrid and also appealed to super-agent Jorge Mendes for a collaboration.

  • City’s star jabs Vinicius Jnr after Madrid’s lashing defeat

    City’s star jabs Vinicius Jnr after Madrid’s lashing defeat

    Kyle Walker is relishing his triumph as Manchester City secured their place in the Champions League final with an impressive victory over Real Madrid.

    The right-back from England played a crucial role in neutralizing Real Madrid’s key attacker, Vinicius Junior, throughout the second-leg match, which City won convincingly with a 4-0 scoreline.

    Kyle Walker and Vinicius enjoyed a heartwarming moment after Man City’s draw with Real Madrid.

    According to Madrid Universal, Walker acknowledged Vinicius after the semi-final encounter but couldn’t resist making a subtle remark about their respective abilities, implying a comparison between them.

    “You have to be arrogant. You have to be like attackers. I’m very confident in my speed and going one-on-one. I’m bigger than him, and I thought I could use my physical advantage.

    He’s a fantastic player, but I have to use my strengths. I made it as difficult for him as I could.”

    Vinicius failed to muster a single shot on target against Manchester City as Real Madrid failed in their quest to defend the Champions League title they won last season.

    Vinicius laments Real Madrid’s UCL loss

    Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior has blamed Real Madrid’s ouster from the Champions League on failure to listen to the coach’s instructions in their loss to Manchester City, Daily Post reports.

    Real Madrid were pummelled 4-0 by the Citizens thanks to a brace from Bernardo Silva and two second-half goals from Eder Militao and Julian Alvarez.

    Vinicius scored Real Madrid’s goal against City in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu but was kept quiet by the English defence in the second leg.

    Vinicius appeared to disagree with Ancelotti

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Carlo Ancelotti and Vinicius Jr. appeared to have gotten in each other’s faces after Real Madrid conceded the first goal against Manchester City.

    The Brazilian forward gestured with his arm and pointed to the goal, as if he were telling his manager what went wrong in the preceding play.

    Vinicius Jr and Carlo Ancelotti

    Real Madrid will want to forget that night quickly, as they were dominated and embarrassed by City in front of a packed Etihad Stadium.

  • Ancelotti still wants to stay with Madrid even after City’s thrashing defeat

    Ancelotti still wants to stay with Madrid even after City’s thrashing defeat

    Manager of Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, has reaffirmed his intention to stay on as the team’s head coach despite Wednesday night’s humiliation at the hands of Manchester City.

    The Citizens destroyed Real Madrid 4-0 to secure a spot in the Champions League championship game.

    According to Football Espana, Bernardo Silva scored twice to get Pep Guardiola’s team going before Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez added insurance goals to the tally.

    The second leg at the Etihad Stadium was Ancelotti’s 191st as a manager in the Champions League, which takes him ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson as having the most appearances in the competition.

    However, it was a night to forget for the Italian manager, who acknowledged that Man City were by far the better team on the night, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.

    “We have lost to a team with more quality and more intensity than us. Last year we were superior, and this year they were superior. It’s a defeat that hurts a lot. They’ve been much better, there’s no other choice but to think about next season.”

    When asked about his future, Ancelotti was similarly upbeat, and he fully anticipates sitting on the bench for Real Madrid in the upcoming campaign.

    “Next season, I will be here to fight to win another Champions League. No one doubts me. I think the president was very clear 15 days ago. What he tells me in private, I’m not going to say here.”

    Ancelotti has a contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2024.

    Meanwhile, Man City will face Inter Milan in the UCL final on June 10 in Istanbul, Turkey, with the Citizens chasing the elusive treble.

    City fans humiliate Real Madrid

    There had been talks of City fans acting too elite and not getting behind their team with a proper atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium, but the night was different.

    The stadium was packed and loud from start to finish with City’s white and blue colours all over the seats ahead of kickoff and supporters making themselves heard.

    After City’s third goal, they hit the famous Poznan celebration – rising from their seats, turning their backs, and suggesting the game was already over, per ESPN.

    Ancelotti angrily chews gum

    Sports Brief reported earlier that Ancelotti cut a worried figure as he watched his Real Madrid side helplessly go down two-nil at half-time in their Champions League semi-final reverse tie against Man City.

    Carlo seriously munch on his gum while he watched his side crumble against City

    The Italian’s side came into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium with the tie poised at 1-1, with both teams eyeing a spot in the final against Inter Milan, yet he watched his side slip down two-nil by the break.

  • City thrashes Madrid to progress to Champions League final

    City thrashes Madrid to progress to Champions League final

    Manchester City are celebrating their return to the Champions League final after delivering one of the most remarkable performances in the club’s history by crushing reigning champions Real Madrid.

    Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, who is pursuing a historic treble, City dominated the 14-time European champions with an emphatic 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. This resounding win secured their spot in the highly anticipated Istanbul final, with an aggregate scoreline of 5-1.

    The victory was thoroughly deserved, as City’s relentless pace and power proved too much for Madrid to handle. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’s heroics prevented an even more significant goal margin for the English side.

    Bernardo Silva paved the way for City’s triumph with two first-half goals, followed by an own goal from Eder Militao and a late fourth from Julian Alvarez.

    Now, City sets their sights on lifting the coveted trophy and seeking redemption for their defeat in the 2021 final. With the possibility of achieving a glorious treble, their upcoming final clash against Inter Milan holds immense significance for the club.

    The first of those trophies could come on Sunday if they beat Chelsea to clinch the Premier League with the FA Cup final against Manchester United on June 3.

    City manager Guardiola said: “In the Premier League we are close, we know we need one more game.

    “We play against our neighbours and against an Italian team in the finals. The season is really, really good. Now we have to lift it. We are close and of course we are going to try.”

    Last week’s semi-final first leg against Madrid in the Bernabeu Stadium had been an even contest.

    City dominated possession for large spells but Real were more incisive on the counter-attack.

    This time City refused to allow their opponents to sit back and feel comfortable soaking up pressure. They were far more dynamic and the Spanish giants could not handle their speed and movement.

    The resounding win made for sweet revenge for City’s heartbreaking loss to Real and the same stage last season.

    Guardiola said: “It was really tough losing the way we lost. In that moment we had to swallow poison but football and sport always gives you another chance.

    “When the draw was Madrid, I said, ‘yeah I want it’.

    “Everything was there – the energy we had from a year of being criticised as players for not having character when we lost.”

    Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the dethroned champions, could not begrudge City their victory.

    “I think that Manchester City deserved to win because they played better than us,” the Italian said.

  • Kyle Walker warns Vinicius Jnr ahead of UCL showdown

    The reason for Kyle Walker’s affectionate embrace with Vinicius Junior following the first leg of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid has been revealed.

    The Spanish powerhouses will be Man City’s opponents at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg. The English right-back and Vinicius engaged in a contentious scrap on the right flank.

    Kyle Walker and Vinicius enjoyed a heartwarming moment after Man City’s draw with Real Madrid.

    With the tie finely poised at one-all, both Walker and Vinicius will be expected to put up splendid performances to push their respective clubs over the line in their pursuit of European glory.

    Ahead of Wednesday’s second-leg clash, the Sheffield-born defender lifted the lid on what motivated him to embrace the Madrid winger.

    According to the 32-year-old, he cautioned Vini not to make a meme out of him, after the Brazilian tried an audacious rainbow flick in an attempt to outwit the former Tottenham Hotspur full-back in the first leg.

    “I went to hug Vinícius because he tried to rainbow-flick me. It was more to say, ‘Don’t do that again’ because I don’t want to be a meme,” he said, as quoted by Madrid Zone.

    Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring against Manchester City on May 9.

    Aside from his light-hearted caution to the zippy winger, Walker expressed his utmost respect to Vinicius, per Evening Standard.

    “Boxers have a battle and shake hands after. You give the level of respect because they deserve it.

    Carrying a massive club over the line in the Champions League, you show your respect. Tomorrow night, I’ll give him the respect he deserves at full-time, but before that, it’s dog-eat-dog.”

    Vini attempts audacious rainbow flick

    The Brazilian put on another impeccable show in the UCL with a fine display against Manchester City, Sports Brief reported.

    Vinicius even attempted a rainbow flick, but the Citizens defender, Kyle Walker was alert to him and stopped his effort.

    Vini’s strengths, like Kylian Mbappe’s, are his pace and mazy feet with the player improving his finishing and pass success.

    Vinicius attempts rainbow flick
    Walker names toughest-ever opponents

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Walker named the three toughest players he has ever come up against, with his choices raising some eyebrows.

    The England international recently named the attackers that still gave him nightmares, with his list including former Liverpool star, Sadio Mane.

    Walker also admitted he was torn between picking Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Paris Saint-Germain superstar, Mbappe as the more difficult.

  • Real Madrid stranded at airport ahead of Man City clash

    Real Madrid stranded at airport ahead of Man City clash

    Prior to playing Man City on May 17 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal, Real Madrid experienced a little setback in their preparations.

    The Los Blancos players arrived at Manchester Airport on Tuesday, May 16, but they were stuck there for more than 30 minutes because their coach was late.

    The players were reportedly seen waiting for their bus at terminal 2, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti did not appear happy about the situation, according to The Sun.

    Luka Modric’s facial expressions also looked like someone who would have preferred to be anywhere else than in the airport.

    Real Madrid players were forced to wait at the Manchester Airport on Tuesday, May 16. Credit; @CityXtra Source: Twitter

    However, Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao appeared to be in high spirits as they chatted with their teammates.

    The latter will be available after missing the first leg through suspension, where the former starred with a beauty of a goal.

    Real Madrid fans will be hoping that the minor delay didn’t affect the team’s plans and morale ahead of the crunch tie at the Etihad.

    The duel is evenly balanced at one-all after Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Vinicius’ goal.

    The winner of the tie will face Inter Milan in the June 10 final in Istanbul.

    Kyle Walker vs Vinicius Junior

    Sports Brief has also reported that Kyle Walker has explained the reason behind his warm embrace with Vinicius Junior after the first leg of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League tie with Real Madrid.

    The English right-back had an eventful battle with Vinicius on the right flank, and the two are set to rekindle their rivalry when Man City host the Spanish giants at the Etihad Stadium in the return leg.

    Kyle Walker and Vinicius enjoyed a heartwarming moment after Man City’s draw with Real Madrid.

    With the tie finely poised at one-all, both Walker and Vinicius will be expected to put up splendid performances to push their respective clubs over the line in their pursuit of European glory.

  • Real Madrid found a replacement for Benzema

    Real Madrid found a replacement for Benzema

    Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen is allegedly being pursued by Real Madrid.

    The Copa del Rey champions wants the Super Eagles and Napoli star to replace the Ballon d’Or winner and captain of the Madridistas, Karim Benzema.

    A replacement for the 35-year-old Benzema, who has been a crucial player at the Santiago Bernabeu for years, is being sought by the club as he enters the final years of his career.

    Osimhen has been incredible this season in all competitions, and many clubs will be looking to grab his signature this summer, even though the Napoli president has made it clear that he won’t sell the Nigerian.

    Victor Osimhen celebrates victory
    Why clubs want Osimhen

    Osimhen is currently the leading scorer in the Serie A, with 23 goals. The Nigerian has also helped Napoli to win the Scudetto, with three games left to the end of the term.

    His speed, power, and goal sense are just some of the reasons many clubs in Europe want the Nigerian in their squads.

    According to reports on Complete Sports and Daily Post, Real Madrid chiefs are seriously monitoring Osimhen’s transfer situation.

    There are four games left to the end of the season in Spain. Benzema has scored 17 League goals, and Real Madrid occupy second position on the table.

    Karim Benzema

    Barcelona have won the La Liga title following their 4-2 win over Espanyol on Sunday night, 14 May.

    Balotelli praises Victor Osimhen

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported how Italian striker Mario Balotelli heaped praises on Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen after he won the Serie A with Napoli.

    The Super Eagles striker has been the main man in Napoli’s league triumph, with his 23 goals powering the Gli Azzuris to their first Scudetto in 33 years.

    With the league wrapped up, Osimhen will be hoping to finish the season as top scorer.

    Italy forward, Balotelli revealed to Osimhen that the magnitude of his success with Napoli will take years to sink in.

  • This is Bundesliga star who Real Madrid targets to replace Marco Asensio

    This is Bundesliga star who Real Madrid targets to replace Marco Asensio

    Marco Asensio’s contract with Real Madrid is set to expire at the end of June, and he has expressed uncertainty about signing a new one with the club.

    Several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa, are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, indicating strong competition for his services.

    Real Madrid, in preparation for the potential departure of Asensio, have reportedly identified Olmo as a potential replacement in the upcoming transfer market, according to AS.

    Olmo’s future at club level is also unclear, with the Spain international’s Leipzig contract due to expire in the summer of 2024, which has led to recent exit speculation.

    United, Barcelona chase Olmo

    Manchester United and Barcelona have also been heavily linked with the versatile attacker, who has scored five goals and registered nine assists in 28 appearances at club level this term.

    Sports Mole reported that Leipzig are not prepared to let Olmo enter the final year of his deal, so the forward will be sold this summer if he decides against signing a new contract.

    The offer on the table would allegedly make the attacker one of the best-paid players at his German club, but he is thought to be keen to seek pastures new ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

    Leipzig are believed to be prepared to let Olmo leave for a fee in the region of €30m (£26.6m), which is a price tag that is likely to attract the attention of a number of top-tier European clubs.

  • Ancelotti to take no risk, plans to rest ‘tired’ players ahead of Man City clash

    Ancelotti to take no risk, plans to rest ‘tired’ players ahead of Man City clash

    Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has announced that he will give rest to “tired” players in their upcoming Liga match against Getafe.

    This decision is in preparation for their crucial Champions League semi-final clash with Manchester City.

    Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid will be traveling to England for the second leg.

    Ancelotti has identified Karim Benzema, Rodrygo Goes, and David Alaba as injured players who may be uncertain starters against Getafe.

    “We still have some doubts with players who picked up knocks Tuesday and have not yet recovered,” said Ancelotti.

    “(Ferland) Mendy and (Dany) Ceballos will return, they can play tomorrow.

    “I won’t be taking risks as we have fresh players but it will be a very demanding match against an opponent that’s fighting against relegation.”

    Ancelotti added he did not know if Vinicius Junior, scorer of Madrid’s goal against City, would start but that he would feature.

    “The players who have doubts are not going to play and those who do play have time to recuperate,” he said.

    The Italian insisted however that he would field a “competitive” lineup against Getafe in a game which Madrid must win to have any hope of overhauling runaway leaders Barcelona.

    Ancelotti dismissed suggestions that other clubs in the relegation battle might feel aggrieved at Madrid playing with a weakened team.

    “We’ll try to win tomorrow with the best team possible,” he said.

    “I’ll try to preserve tired players but those who are available will play.”

  • Vini Jnr: “And he will win the Ballon d’Or” – La Liga president Javier Tebas hints

    Vini Jnr: “And he will win the Ballon d’Or” – La Liga president Javier Tebas hints

    Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, has praised Vinicius Junior as one of the best players in the world right now and questioned why the Brazilian wasn’t included in the FIFPRO eleven for 2023.

    After watching the 22-year-old Brazilian forward play against Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal on Tuesday, Tebas was in awe of the player’s extraordinary talent.

    Vini will likely be the next Real Madrid player to win the Ballon d’Or as a result of his accomplishments, the La Liga manager has predicted, according to AS Soccer.

    “He is one of the best players in the world. It surprised me that he wasn’t in the FIFPRO XI or in the debate for the Ballon d’Or. He is up there with the three or four best players in the world, and he will win the Ballon d’Or.”

    The Brazilian has scored a total of 23 goals this season for Real Madrid, and will be expected to play a crucial role in the Champions League reverse fixture against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

    Carragher backs Vini as best

    Meanwhile, Liverpool legend and TV pundit, Jamie Carragher said Real Madrid star, Vini has the potential to become the best player in the world, Tribal Football reports.

    The former Reds man believes the Brazilian forward is currently one of the top five players in the world, considering his form for reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid.

    Vinicius scored a stunning goal to give Real Madrid the lead in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg against Manchester City earlier this month.

    Vinicius Junior melts Benzema’s heart

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Vinicius Junior demonstrated great respect and admiration for Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema with a heartwarming gesture.

    The Brazilian winger, who has formed a lethal partnership with the Frenchman since the start of last season, gifted the current Ballon d’Or holder with custom Airpods Pro.

    Benzema and Vinicius have built a strong friendship both on and off the field, with the

    latter’s gesture highlighting the nature of the camaraderie that exists between them.

  • Controversial calls follow after De Bruyne’s goal is allowed to stand

    Controversial calls follow after De Bruyne’s goal is allowed to stand

    The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) a few seasons ago was intended to aid officials in making accurate decisions during games.

    While it may have caused a loss of momentum in some instances, it did assist in several situations.

    However, when the VAR makes an incorrect decision, it can create a chaotic scenario, as seen with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid on May 9.

    Ancelotti, who rarely appears agitated, was visibly frustrated by the incident.

    He is the epitome of calmness and sobriety on the touchline but against Manchester City, he was absolutely sure his team had been robbed.

    KDB’s goal should not count

    Kevin De Bruyne had just scored a thunderbolt to equalise proceedings. There was nothing wrong with the Belgian’s shot, only that a few seconds earlier, Bernardo Silva had retrieved the ball after it had crossed the line for a throw-in, but the officials failed to spot it.

    VAR failed to review the incident and Ancelotti was so furious that he got himself booked. One can only imagine the scenes if that becomes the goal that eliminates Real Madrid next week.

    As history shows, there have been more scandalous decisions in the Champions League in the past; goals and decisions that stood that weren’t supposed to.

    Let’s take a look at some of these controversies.

    1. RVP’s red card at Camp Nou

    Well, this was more of a harsh booking. This game was characterised by Jack Wilshere’s masterclass, helping Arsenal carry a 2-1 advantage to the second leg.

    Barcelona V Arsenal The Champions league Picture; Andy Hooper Van persie sent off

    Robin Van Persie was through on goal but fluffed his shot wide, only to turn around and see the offside flag raised.

    The centre referee adjudged the Dutchman had kicked the ball away after hearing the whistle and he sent him off on a second yellow. Arsenal would go on to lose the tie 4-3.

    2. Luiz Adriano at Shakhtar

    The Brazilian striker enjoyed a glittering nine-year spell in Ukraine, but it was marked by a few dubious moments. The biggest of them all was a group stage match against Nordsjælland in 2012.

    Adriano got a hat-trick in that game, but his first goal elicited reactions. Willian, then at Shakhtar, had played the ball back to the opposition, as fair play after an injury.

    To everybody’s bewilderment, Adriano chased down the ball, rounded the goalkeeper and scored. The referee allowed it to stand.

    Like everyone else, Nordsjælland’s goalkeeper had expected the ball to roll back to him so that he could restart play, but the opposition man had other ideas.

    3. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Bayern Munich

    As Thomas Muller will tell you, Cristiano Ronaldo has always been the antidote to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Only that in 2017, the Bavarians’ faithful felt aggrieved after he scored two goals from an offside position.

    The five time Ballon d’Or winner put the ball past Manuel Neuer in extra time while in an offside position. Minutes later, the same happened when Marcelo squared the ball to him while he was in front of the ball, which technically, is not allowed.

    Both goals were allowed to stand. While VAR had not been introduced then, it did not make the decisions any less scandalous.

    For Ancelotti and his troops, they can only hope that De Bruyne’s goal won’t be the difference in this tie – because such defeats sting.

    Courtois sure Madrid will progress

    Sports Brief also reported that Thibaut Courtois is optimistic about the chances of Real Madrid progressing to the UCL final ahead of his side’s second-leg semi-final clash with Man City.

    Vinicius Junior and De Bruyne traded breathtaking goals as Los Blancos and the Citizens shared the spoils in the first leg of their last four blockbuster at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

    Madrid’s veteran shot-stopper, Courtois – who pulled off some stupendous saves in the tie – is confident his side will have the last laugh regardless of Man City’s impregnable home record.

  • Mbappe set to land heavy deal with PSG

    Mbappe set to land heavy deal with PSG

    There is still uncertainty surrounding the future of Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain, as the team is expected to undergo significant changes for the upcoming 2023/24 season.

    Despite PSG’s lackluster campaign, the 24-year-old striker has been a standout performer and key asset to the reigning Ligue 1 champions who are on track to retain their title.

    Sportskeeda reports that Real Madrid has expressed renewed interest in signing Mbappe and is willing to break the current world record transfer fee to secure the services of the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner.

    Los Blancos are yet to reveal how much they are willing to pay but it has been confirmed the Spanish champions are willing to smash the €220million fee PSG paid to sign Neymar from Barcelona in 2017.

    Mbappe who has scored a total of 36 goals this season in all competitions, has two years remaining on his current deal with PSG.

    Mbappe favourite to win Ligue 1 MVP

    Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe is ranked as one of the favourites to be crowned as the 2022/23 Ligue 1 most valuable player, Goal reports.

    The 24-year-old forward who won the accolade in the 2021/22 season, has scored a total of 24 goals this season for PSG in the league as the Parisians look set to retain their league crown.

    Mbappe will however have to battle top stars like Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette, current PSG teammate Lionel Messi and Lille forward Jonathan David for the prestigious gong.

    Mbappe set to announce his PSG departure

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Paris Saint-Germain is set to face one of its toughest summers since the club was bought by Qatari Sports Investments in June 2011, following its not-too-successful 2022/23 campaign.

    PSG is reportedly set to part ways with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi at the end of the season after a fallout with the Argentine superstar, and Kylian Mbappe could be next to depart Parc des Princes.

    Former football agent, Francois Gallardo revealed the French star is also nursing a desire to leave the Ligue 1 champions when the season ends.

  • Madrid vs City: It was a difficult one for Haaland – Pep details star player’s struggles

    Madrid vs City: It was a difficult one for Haaland – Pep details star player’s struggles

    Erling Haaland received praise from Pep Guardiola for his performance against Real Madrid, although the Manchester City manager believes that the opposition’s setup hindered the Norwegian striker’s ability to play his usual game.

    Despite Haaland being a goalscoring hero, he was unable to make much of an impact during the crucial first leg of the semi-finals, where Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant strike helped secure a 1-1 draw for City after Vinicius Jr had opened the scoring.

    Antonio Rudiger, who defended against Haaland with great tenacity, kept the 22-year-old at bay for much of the match.

    In fact, the 51-goal star was restricted to just 21 touches throughout the evening on Tuesday night. That was the least out of every player that started the contest at the Bernabeu, including both goalkeepers.

    City keeper Ederson even made more passes than Haaland, registering 19 to the Norwegian’s 13.

    Speaking after the match, Guardiola explained why his main man was marked out of the match, insisting that Real Madrid’s defensive plan worked a treat.

    The ex-Barcelona manager said: “The pockets and distances between the central defender and full-backs was occupied.

    “It was not easy for Erling. He moved well and had his chances.”

    Haaland had the least touches out of anyone

    And Real boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke of his delight that his tactics worked against Haaland, who has scored 12 times in the Champions League this season.

    The Italian remarked: “Defensively we were good. Rudiger against Haaland did well and the midfield had control.

    “The performance was good and we are happy. We have strong motivation for the next game.”

    City will be thanking De Bruyne for getting themselves back in the contest in a relatively cagey affair despite the sheer quality on show at the Bernabeu.

    Former Chelsea defender Rudiger had a good game against Haaland

    It was his powerful strike that gave Thibaut Courtois no chance as he hammered one in from outside the area after being laid off by Ilkay Gundogan.

    And speaking after the match, City teammate Rodri admitted that they were indebted to De Bruyne.

    The Spaniard said: “He [Kevin de Bruyne] is a massive player for us. Always he has been great and he helped us in the moment we most needed it.

    “We were suffering a bit because they were keeping the ball and with the goal he gave us the confidence to keep pushing. It is a good result for us.

    “We knew no matter what happened here it would not be the end. At home, we will need the people to support us.”

    That goal means the Premier League leaders have a slight advantage when they return to the Etihad, playing in front of their own fans.

    But no one can rule out Real Madrid, a club that has won the Champions League 14 times – more than anyone else – and has a collective 29 Champions League medals in the dressing room.

    Vinicius Jr proved that in the first-half when his rocket saw Rio Ferdinand lose the plot and break the deadlock.

    There were other flashpoints including Ancelotti uncharacteristically losing his cool, Jack Grealish getting thrown into an advertising board and Toni Kroos escaping a red card.

    All signs point towards a true classic at the Etihad next Wednesday where the winner will face either Inter or AC Milan in the final.

  • Real Madrid’s Carvajal says they have ‘nothing to fear’ but there to win in second leg at City

    Real Madrid’s Carvajal says they have ‘nothing to fear’ but there to win in second leg at City

    Dani Carvajal is confident that Real Madrid has nothing to worry about when they travel to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week.

    In the first leg, played on Tuesday at the Bernabeu, the two sides put on an exciting display, with Vinicius Junior scoring a breathtaking goal to give Real the lead in the first half.

    Kevin De Bruyne matched that with a similarly stunning goal in the second half, levelling the score at 1-1, leaving the tie delicately poised for the return fixture.

    Real right-back Carvajal said: “They have world-class players, they move the ball very well, they’re tactically very well worked – but I don’t think we saw a City side that are superior to Madrid.

    “The team goes home knowing that we played well and that if we get things right, if we take our chances in Manchester, we have a chance of going through.

    “We go there with nothing to fear. We have to go there to win, to play our game, and the team believes in it.”

    City dominated early on at the Bernabeu but it was Real that took the lead against the run of play when Vinicius lashed home from 25 yards on 36 minutes.

    From then on the hosts did their best to disrupt City’s flow by employing some rough tactics.

    Carvajal particularly pushed things to the limit and was involved in a running battle with Jack Grealish. At one point he barged the England midfielder into the advertising hoardings and then fell to the ground theatrically when Grealish reacted angrily.

    “It’s a semi-final, everyone is playing to the limit, every challenge is a war,” the Spain international said.

    City drew level on 67 minutes, during a period when Real had been dominating, when De Bruyne connected with a fierce drive from a similar range to Vinicius.

    The draw was the least the Premier League leaders deserved but Real did have a gripe over the equaliser, with suggestions the ball may have gone out of play in the build-up.

    Real manager Carlo Ancelotti was booked for his protestations as De Bruyne celebrated.

    Carvajal said: “In general I think the referee (Portugal’s Artur Dias) was good, he controlled it pretty well. It’s complicated to referee a Champions League semi-final.

    “We have to congratulate him for that but if the ball did go out then that’s an error that could cost us the tie.”

  • Haaland’s father Alfie debunks altercation with Real Madrid fans, calls it ‘good banter’

    Haaland’s father Alfie debunks altercation with Real Madrid fans, calls it ‘good banter’

    Alfie Haaland, the father of Erling Haaland, a striker for Manchester City, has dismissed the incident that resulted in his removal from his seat at the Bernabeu during Tuesday’s evening match as a harmless joke.

    A video circulating on social media revealed Haaland, who is 50 years old, engaged in a verbal altercation with Real Madrid fans while celebrating Kevin De Bruyne’s equalizer goal for City in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

    Former Leeds and Manchester City midfielder Haaland cupped his ears in response to taunts from supporters near the executive box before he was guided away from the area by security staff.

    Reports in Spain suggested Haaland had thrown food in the direction of home fans, which he denied, saying he had been asked to move to another location close by.

    “RM was not happy we were celebrating KDB goal. Other than than that we had to move because RM fans not happy with 1-1,” the Norwegian wrote on Twitter.

    In response to a report he had thrown peanuts at Real Madrid fans, Haaland said: “I did not. Not true.

    “We had some good banter with Madrid fans. They were not happy when City scored. Typical. Then we had to move 50 meters away. Nothing more. All happy. Well nearly.”

    Erling Haaland has enjoyed a standout first season with City, scoring 51 goals in all competitions.

  • Haaland’s dad ‘gets dirty’ with Madrid fans after draw

    Haaland’s dad ‘gets dirty’ with Madrid fans after draw

    On May 9th, an altercation took place between Real Madrid fans and Alfie Haaland, father of Erling Haaland, at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

    Mr. Haaland was present in Madrid to support his son and his Manchester City team in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

    The incident was unpleasant and witnessed by many.

    Erling Haaland speaks with Vinicius Junior at the end of their game on May 9. Photo by Burak Akbulut. Source: Getty Images

    Despite early pressure and dominance from Pep Guardiola’s team, it was the record European champions who struck first thanks to a fine belter from Vinicius Junior.

    Kevin De Bruyne restored parity in the second half with an equally good shot of his own, to set up a feisty contest at the Etihad Stadium next week.

    Haaland’s dull display for Man City

    Haaland had a rare dull day, with the Norwegian being subdued by Madrid’s centre-back pairing of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. He had two flimsy shots on target on a night Guardiola elected not to use his substitutes bench.

    Perhaps frustrated with the situation, Alfie Haaland was accused of insulting Real Madrid fans, with footage showing him cupping his ears towards them.

    As Daily Mail reports, he was also accused of throwing food at the opposition supporters before security intervened and escorted him out of his private box.

    With his son previously linked with a move to the Spanish giants, this altercation could severely dent those hopes when that time comes. This was Haaland’s first-ever game at the iconic stadium.

    He will be hoping for a better outing as City hope to reach their second UCL final in history.

    Aguero slams Guardiola’s UCL tactics

    Sports Brief also reported on Sergio Aguero blasting Guardiola’s ‘baffling’ decisions during Man City’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid.

    The Citizens took on the reigning UCL champions in a mouthwatering first-leg semi-final encounter on May 9 at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

    Aguero was less than impressed with a tactical move made by Guardiola during the match, with the Spaniard leaving all his subs on the bench.

  • City-Madrid clash: Yaw Dabo’s comical post-match analysis on Marca TV goes viral

    City-Madrid clash: Yaw Dabo’s comical post-match analysis on Marca TV goes viral

    Yaw Dabo, a Ghanaian actor, has been making waves on social media after his appearance on the Spanish TV show Marca following Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City.

    Despite claiming to be 24 years old during the interview, the small-statured actor expressed his excitement about the 1-1 draw at Santiago Bernabeu and believes that Real Madrid will advance to the final.

    In the match, Kevin De Bruyne’s 67th-minute goal canceled out Vinicius Jr’s first-half goal, resulting in a draw.

    As the European champions head to England for the second leg, the tie remains evenly balanced.

    In a video shared severally on social media, Dabo is seen analyzing the game, praising Real Madrid for cutting supplies to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

    Dabo is currently on an European tour and has already visited PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax.

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be hoping to get a positive result at the Etihad as they eye back-to-back Champions League final.

    Pep Guardiola is also poised on winning the trophy that has eluded him since leaving Barcelona in 2012.

    Kudus welcomes Dabo to Ajax
    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Kudus took time off to show actor Yaw Dabo around following his visit of the Netherlands.

    Dabo has been in Europe since last week touring some big clubs as he monitors how these teams are run due to his involvement in the game.

    The diminutive actor owns a soccer academy in Ghana and has taken the opportunity to establish relationship with some of these European clubs.

    Yaw Dabo visits Dortmund

    Ghanaian actor, Yaw Dabo continued his tour of Europe with a visit to German giants Borussia Dortmund.

    The president of Dabo Soccer Academy spent time at the club’s training venue, where he was also given a tour of the club’s facilities by former Ghana coach Otto Addo.

    Dabo met some of Dortmund’s stars, including English midfielder Jude Bellingham and teen sensation Youssoufa Moukoko.

  • Real Madrid vs Man City: Aguero hits out at Pep’s ‘dreadful’ decision

    Real Madrid vs Man City: Aguero hits out at Pep’s ‘dreadful’ decision

    Pep Guardiola made a ‘baffling’ decision during Manchester City’s Champions League match against Real Madrid, according to Sergio Aguero.


    The semi-final matchup between City and the defending champions took place on Tuesday, May 9, at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    According to Marca, the European powerhouses agreed to a 1-1 draw in the thrilling match, leaving the tie wide open going into the second leg, which will be played at the Etihad Stadium.

    During the first half, the hosts’ Vinicius Jr. scored a stunning goal to start the scoring before Kevin De Bruyne controversially equalised for City in the 66th minute.

    Vinicius Jr opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half with a stunner before Kevin De Bruyne controversially equalised for City in the 66th minute.

    Aguero hits out at Pep

    Despite the encouraging result, Aguero was less impressed with a tactical decision made by Pep Guardiola during the match.

    Sportbible reports that Guardiola did not make a single substitution in the Champions League match, a move that left Aguero baffled.

    The City legend slammed his former manager for the decision, insisting his fellow countryman Julian Alvarez should have been given an opportunity to play.

    “What I don’t understand is why he didn’t put Julián [Alvarez on]… I wonder, but well it’s Pep. He doesn’t marry anyone,” he said via @City_Xtra.

    “If it was up to me, I’d play Julián in almost every game – we need him to be active and have a spark,” he added.

    Fans mock Haaland

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported a section of fans has taken to social media to mock Erling Haaland for allegedly going missing during Manchester City’s Champions League cracker against Real Madrid.

    Haaland was part of City’s squad that settled for a 1-1 draw against the reigning champions in the first leg of the semi-final fixture staged at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

    The Norwegian hotshot went into the clash off a fantastic run of form that had seen him score an eyewatering 51 goals across competitions.

  • Man City maintain unbeaten run as Madrid game ends in stalemate

    Man City maintain unbeaten run as Madrid game ends in stalemate

    Manchester City’s unbeaten record in the Champions League now stands at 21 games.

    Pep Guardiola’s team has been unbeaten since early February, with 17 victories and four draws, as they prepare for the finish of the season and a possible trophy treble.

    City are aiming to repeat Manchester United‘s 1998-99 achievement of winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League all in the same season.

    Thirty-seven points from the past 39 available have enabled them overtake long-time league leaders Arsenal, with four games remaining and a one-point advantage over the Gunners.

    They have beaten their title rivals twice in that time, 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium and 4-1 back home a fortnight ago.

    Improbably, relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest are the only side to take a point off them in that time after Chris Wood’s late equaliser.

    Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester, Fulham, West Ham and Leeds are their other victims, with 36 goals scored in those 13 games and 10 conceded.

    Their other draws have come in the away legs of their three Champions League ties, all 1-1 against RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Real.

    The home legs against the two Bundesliga sides saw Leipzig beaten 7-0 and Bayern 3-0, while in the FA Cup they beat former City captain Vincent Kompany’s Burnley 6-0 and two other Championship sides, Bristol City and Sheffield United, 3-0 to set up a Manchester derby in the final.

    Such form in the run-in is nothing new to City, who won last season’s league title by a point after finishing with a 12-game unbeaten run including nine wins and also won their last 14 in succession to pip Liverpool to the 2018-19 title – as part of a domestic treble.

    Erling Haaland is unsurprisingly City’s top scorer in the current run with 20 of City’s 61 goals.

    That includes back-to-back hat-tricks against Leipzig – with an astonishing five goals – and Burnley, helping him past a half century for the season while he has a record 35 for a Premier League campaign.

    Kevin De Bruyne’s stunner against Real was his seventh goal of the run while Haaland’s sometime deputy Julian Alvarez has six.

    There have been five apiece for Riyad Mahrez, who scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup semi-final against the Blades, Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan. Twelve City players in all have scored, in addition to an own goal from Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham.

    Winger Jack Grealish spoke after the draw at the Bernabeu of his confidence of reaching the Champions League final, based on City’s formidable home record.

    “Within ourselves at the Etihad, we feel unstoppable there,” the England international told BT Sport after playing his part in a feisty first-leg encounter.

    His view is borne out by the statistics, City winning all 11 home games in their current run with 40 goals scored and just five conceded.

    That sequence at the Etihad extends to 15 straight wins since their New Year’s Eve draw with Everton and 17 unbeaten since losing to Brentford in November.

    Away from home, since the Tottenham defeat, City have won six games and drawn four, scoring 21 goals and conceding eight.

  • Madrid’s Rodrygo prays ‘unstoppable’ Haaland doesn’t score against them

    Madrid’s Rodrygo prays ‘unstoppable’ Haaland doesn’t score against them

    Ahead of Tuesday’s first-leg tie in the Champions League semi-final, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes has expressed admiration for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

    The two teams met in last year’s semifinal, which Real Madrid won 6-5 on aggregate, including a thrilling 3-1 comeback at the Bernabeu.

    Since then, City has acquired Haaland, who has scored an impressive 51 goals across all competitions since joining Pep Guardiola’s side from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

    The Norwegian goal machine has also forged an effective link with his teammates outside the box.

    According to UEFA, Haaland is the top scorer in this year’s Champions League, scoring 12 goals in just eight appearances this season.

    And Speaking with RTVE, via Madrid Universal, Rodrygo said:

    “Haaland scores a lot of goals, no one knows how to stop him. I hope he doesn’t score against us.

    “Manchester City is always scary. They’re a great team, they play very well, but we are confident that we can win.”

    Rodrygo’s 2022/23 season

    In Real Madrid’s previous five games, Rodrygo has three goals and an assist to his credit. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian has had a strong season and has established himself as a regular starter.

    The Brazilian has made 30 league appearances for Real Madrid this season, contributing eight assists and six goals.

    He also creates 10 major chances and averages 1.4 critical passes per game, per Madrid Universal.

    Haaland Set to Pocket £5million

    Erling Haaland is in line to pocket a huge £5million jackpot in bonuses if he helps Manchester City win the treble this season, Sports Brief reported earlier.

    City are on course to secure a historic treble under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, with the club in the race to lift the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

    The Citizens have been in incredible form and are currently topping the charts with 82 points, four points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.

  • City to soon emerge as Champions League champions – Toure is optimistic

    City to soon emerge as Champions League champions – Toure is optimistic

    Kolo Toure, a former Manchester City defender, believes it’s just a matter of time before the club wins the Champions League under their current manager, Pep Guardiola.

    City are currently aiming for a treble and are set to face Real Madrid, who have won the European competition a record 14 times, in the first leg of a highly anticipated semi-final match on Tuesday at Santiago Bernabeu.

    Despite Guardiola having lost six out of nine Champions League semi-finals, no other manager has lost more at this stage.

    But Toure is convinced a City success in Europe’s elite club competition will come sooner rather than later and believes this could be the year for Guardiola to win his third Champions League crown, and first with City.

    “It is a matter of time, we all know that and you can see that,” Toure, who played for City between 2009 and 2013, told Stats Perform.

    “City has been dominant in the Premier League, of course. 

    “And in Champions League, they haven’t got as far, but they’ve been so unlucky a few times. In football, you need that luck element, it’s maybe that one or two per cent. 

    “At the moment it doesn’t go to Man City, but you can feel it’s coming. For Pep, he knows it is coming anyway. 

    “He is breeding the team he wants. Of course, when you’re not winning it and for a manager of his stature, everybody is just trying to put the pressure on, but there’s no pressure because within the Champions League you play against unbelievable teams.

    “Keep calm, keep the process, keep improving the team if it doesn’t work. Sometimes they are teams who will press very well. You have to be able to value the game, you cannot be predictable.

    If they know you’re going to pass short, they will go at you, and you can lose the ball and that can be damaging. 

    “And there are moments you have to feel as a player that, ‘we have to go over because this guy is pressing so well’. City have that and for me, it can help them to reach the Champions League [final].

    “You just need to find that key element with which will help them to win that Champions League, which for me is coming.” 

    This season Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already seen off Liverpool and Chelsea in the knockout stages, but Toure is confident City can progress after beating RB Leipzig 8-1 on aggregate and then ruthlessly dismissing Bayern Munich 4-1 over two legs.

    Toure said: “For me, when I look at both teams, I see City going on further because I believe that they have the right team. Now, when I say the right team, I mean they are really well-balanced. 

    “Defensively, they look really strong. In the middle they are strong, but at the same time, they are in form. They look really, really good this year.

    “With [Manuel] Akanji signing, they look very good [in defence]. Going forward they have Erling Haaland which brings another dimension in the game because City always been a team that always want to play short ball all the time, but now Kevin De Bruyne can go over the top as well.

    “One thing Pep has been doing really well this season, it’s been managing the [minutes] really well, managing the energy.

    “Every time they’re winning 2-0 or 3-0, he just takes the key players out, to rest them to make sure they don’t get fatigued to make sure they don’t get injured. 

    “That management this season will help the players to be fresher because when you go to the end on the Champions League, it is right at the end of the season, and sometimes players are tired [physically] and they are mentally tired because they’ve been playing so many games. That will make you fatigued, that’s where you lose the lucidity that you need. 

    “A few years ago, you always saw them and at the end of the season not feeling that fresh because we’ve been over overworked really. But this season, I look at the Manchester City team and they look really fresh.”

    After the match in Spain, City will travel to Everton in the Premier League on Sunday before the return leg against Madrid in Manchester on May 17.

  • Gomez backs Madrid, ‘true beast’ of Champions League win

    Gomez backs Madrid, ‘true beast’ of Champions League win

    Mario Gomez, a former European champion, believes that Real Madrid is “the best team of this generation” and that they have a good chance of winning the Champions League once more this year.

    Madrid won their 14th European championship in spectacular way last season, defeating Manchester City, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain in a series of intense knockout matches.

    Los Blancos defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final in Paris after making it there despite dropping a match in the round of 16, quarterfinals, and semis.

    Gomez, a former striker for Bayern Munich, described Madrid as the “true beast” of Europe’s top club championship as Carlo Ancelotti’s team got ready to play them in a rematch of last year’s semifinal match.

    “With Real Madrid, over the last 10 years, how many times have we thought, ‘it is over for them’, and they just come back every time,” Gomez said in an interview with the Go Turkiye YouTube channel.

    “They are the true beast of the Champions League, absolutely unbelievable. 

    “Since I was very little, I have been a Barcelona supporter, but I really enjoy this Real Madrid side.

    “They believe until the last second, so, for me they are the best team of this generation.

    “For that reason, I think that they will go really far. I don’t know if they will win it, because football is unpredictable, but they can reach the final.”

    Turkey striker Cenk Tosun was speaking alongside Gomez, and having worked with Ancelotti during a stint in the Premier League with Everton, he believes the Italian could be set for more glory in Istanbul next month.

    “It is always a special event to have the Champions League final here in Turkey,” Tosun said. “Of course, Real Madrid is the winner of last season and a clear favourite. 

    “They have the same manager as last year, Mr. Ancelotti. I worked with him at Everton and I really like him, he is a special person for me, so I would pick Real Madrid to win it.”

    Gomez appeared as a substitute as Bayern beat Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League final, as part of a memorable treble won by Jupp Heynckes’ team.

    Reflecting on that win, Gomez said: “It was one of the most beautiful days in my life, because we were in the final one year before against Chelsea, and we lost [on penalties].

    “To this day nobody knows how we lost that game. In 2012-13 we really had the power and energy to show people that it was our year, it was our time. 

    “The final wasn’t that good. Dortmund were as strong as us, if not better, but in the end, we got the trophy. When we got handed the trophy and lifted it in front of the fans, it was amazing.

    “The four years I spent there were just incredible. There were so many special players in that team.

    “I’ll start with the two wingers. They were the stars and I was just the finisher. On the left-hand side we had Franck Ribery. 

    “On the other wing, Arjen Robben. Totally different from Franck. He always wanted to finish. 

    “With Arjen I always had to predict the keeper’s movement, and if they saved his shot, I was there for the rebound. I scored many goals liked that!”

  • City not driven by revenge in Real Madrid rematch – Guardiola

    City not driven by revenge in Real Madrid rematch – Guardiola

    As he gears up Manchester City for their rematch with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, Pep Guardiola emphasised that a desire for vengeance is not what drives him.

    City, who were heartbreakingly defeated by the Spanish giants in the semifinals a year ago, have a chance to atone this time around.

    On Tuesday, the Bernabeu will host the first leg of their most recent match, and Guardiola is not thinking about the previous 12 months. Instead, he is focused on the game at hand.

    The City manager said: “It was tough but we made an exceptional first game in Manchester and played a really good game here.

    “In general it was a good performance but it was not enough. You congratulate them and accept it and now one year later we are here.

    “We are not here for revenge. It is another opportunity. One day we will get it. We will get to the final and win it.

    “It didn’t happen last season as we played Real Madrid and in this competition they know exactly what they have to do.”

    Guardiola admitted, however, last season’s loss was hard to stomach at the time.

    City controlled the tie in the second leg and looked on course for the final, leading 1-0 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate heading into injury time.

    Yet they dramatically capitulated, conceding twice in quick succession and going on to lose in extra time.

    It added to the catalogue of near misses experienced by the club since Guardiola took charge in 2016, which includes defeat in the 2021 final.

    Guardiola said: “Seven years ago we wanted to win the Champions League. Last season it was (like) the end of the world but here we are again.

    “Being stable is the most important thing. The important thing is we are trying to get better every year.

    “We were prepared last year too. We are the same manager, mainly the same players but completely different games.

    “The difference is the second leg is at home and everything will be decided in Manchester.”

    Unlike Guardiola, midfielder Rodri admitted revenge was on his mind.

    The Spain midfielder said: “Football gives you the option to have revenge.

    “We have the philosophy you can always learn from past experiences. We did a great two games but football is like this and we didn’t go through.

    “We will fight again. We will try to learn from what we did bad in that moment.”

    City are without defender Nathan Ake after the Netherlands international suffered a calf injury in Saturday’s Premier League victory over Leeds.

  • Best player in the world: Real Madrid boss chooses Vinicius and Rodrygo

    Best player in the world: Real Madrid boss chooses Vinicius and Rodrygo

    Following their victory in the Copa del Rey, Florentino Perez has praised Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, two players from Real Madrid, for their outstanding performance.

    The Brazilian pair worked together to great effect, leading Real Madrid to a 2-1 win over Osasuna in the Spanish FA Cup on Saturday night.

    Throughout the season, Vinicius and Rodrygo have been key players for Los Blancos, and they demonstrated their skill early on in the game by scoring the first goal in just 109 seconds.

    Los Blancos took an early lead following a brilliant play down the left flank by Vini Jr, who danced along the byline past a couple of defenders before putting the ball on the plate for his compatriot, who made no mistake to prod home, Sportskeeda reports.

    Lucas Torro pulled parity for Osasuna after halftime but Rodrygo, who has carved a niche for himself as the man for the big occasion, restored the lead for Carlo Ancelotti’s men slotting home from close range after Toni Kroos’ deflected effort fell kindly to him.

    And speaking after the match, Perez was full of praise for his star forward and said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter:

    “Vinicius Junior is the best player in the world in his position. We should defend players who produce something special like him.

    “Rodrygo is a very, very good player. And he’s still so young. He’s gonna give Madrid fans a lot of fantastic years.

    This season, Vini has registered 22 goals and 21 assists, surpassing his tally of 42 goal contributions last season.

    Rodrygo equals Messi’s record

    Meanwhile, Rodrygo continues to etch his name in the annals of Real Madrid and Spanish football history with his latest goal-scoring heroics in the final of the Copa del Rey.

    The Brazilian forward scored on either side of half-time to help Los Blancos win their first Spanish Cup title since 2014 at the expense of Osasuna on Saturday evening.

    Rodrygo also became the first player since Lionel Messi to score multiple goals in the Copa del Rey final with his brace against Osasuna, according to ESPN.

    Vini destroys Villarreal defenders

    In a related Publication, Vinicius Junior channelled his inner Ronaldinho to score a sublime goal to continue his purple patch of form this season.

    The Brazil international put in another assured performance from the left flank. However, his efforts proved futile as Real Madrid suffered a shock 3-2 defeat against Villarreal on Holy Saturday.

    Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Vinicius left an indelible impression on the game with a goal akin to Ronaldinho’s stunning goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2005.

  • Madrid setting up game against ‘unstoppable’ City, not only ‘dangerous’ Haaland – Ancelotti

    Madrid setting up game against ‘unstoppable’ City, not only ‘dangerous’ Haaland – Ancelotti

    Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, has emphasized the importance of stopping Manchester City as a team and not just their star striker, Erling Haaland, in their upcoming Champions League semi-final match on Tuesday.

    The 14-time champions will be hosting the hungry visitors led by the Norwegian hitman who has scored 51 goals in 45 games across all competitions, including 12 in eight Champions League matches.

    However, Ancelotti believes that City is an unstoppable force as a team, and his strategy is to try and foil their entire squad.

    “Obviously Haaland is a very dangerous player. He’s showing impressive qualities, above all in goalscoring. He’s a threat obviously,” Ancelotti told a news conference Monday.

    “Just talking about Haaland means not talking about a complete team that plays good football, defends well, attacks, that has ideas.

    “We’re not setting up for a game to stop Haaland, but to stop a team that seems unstoppable, but I think we can have chances to have an equal game, one that we can win.”

    City have been foiled time and time again in their quest to win the Champions League, but Haaland’s lethal edge gives them a strong chance of beating Madrid and reaching the final.

    Ancelotti said he thought Manchester City have more avenues to cause danger with Haaland in the side.

    “It’s a more complete team than last year. They had a very good forward in Gabriel Jesus, but he has different characteristics to Haaland,” continued the Italian coach.

    “Today, they can take advantage more of long balls, because they have a very tall striker, and behind him is (Kevin) De Bruyne, so they can win balls in the air.

    “They have not changed their style, they are very well organised at the back and a team that handles the ball very well.”

    Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney recently suggested City would “blow away” Madrid in the tie, a comment which Los Blancos midfielder Toni Kroos laughed off.

    Madrid beat Manchester City in last season’s semi-finals despite losing in the first leg, and the German was quick to recall it.

    “It was the same a year ago, no? That Madrid were out, and we did it,” Kroos told reporters.

    “I remember words from last year, not Rooney’s — who is a guy I like a lot, apart from what he said — but it doesn’t affect us.

    “It doesn’t motivate us more either, because it’s impossible to be more motivated than we are.”

    Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney recently suggested City would “blow away” Madrid in the tie, a comment which Los Blancos midfielder Toni Kroos laughed off.

    Madrid beat Manchester City in last season’s semi-finals despite losing in the first leg, and the German was quick to recall it.

    “It was the same a year ago, no? That Madrid were out, and we did it,” Kroos told reporters.

    “I remember words from last year, not Rooney’s — who is a guy I like a lot, apart from what he said — but it doesn’t affect us.

    “It doesn’t motivate us more either, because it’s impossible to be more motivated than we are.”

  • Possible Man City line up vs Real Madrid

    Possible Man City line up vs Real Madrid

    The next eight days will see Manchester City play Real Madrid in a two-game semifinal of the Champions League, providing fans of football with a mouthwatering matchup.

    Pep Guardiola will be attempting to reach just his second final as City’s manager, but in order to do so, he must defeat a team who eliminated him at the same point last year.

    The Los Blancos late comeback won’t happen again this season, which is something the Premier League’s defending champions will be hoping for.

    They enter the match having had a fantastic league run, but history has shown that Madrid always has a surprise in store for them when it comes to Europe’s top competition.

    Stocked with Erling Haaland and a near impossible-to-beat formation of 3-2-4-1, Guardiola will fancy his chances in the Spanish capital and in Manchester.

    As MEN reports, his latest game against Leeds United might have provided subtle indications of who will start on Tuesday night.

    City survived a late scare from Sam Allardyce’s men to take another step to winning a fifth league title in six years.

    Haaland surprisingly lasted the entire duration of the game alongside Julian Alvarez. Kevin De Bruyne was also given a full 90 minutes after missing the last two games through injury. Haaland and De Bruyne are sure starters on May 9.

    City’s lineup vs Real Madrid

    Jack Grealish, John Stones, Ruben Dias and Rodri were also given rest, but the Spanish holding midfielder came in the latter stages as Leeds threatened to cause an upset. The quartet is also in line to start from the word go against the record Champions League winners.

    First-choice goalkeeper Ederson is among the starting eleven despite giving way in midweek.

    Nathan Ake’s resurgence this season could have seen him become a sure starter, but the Dutch centre-half picked up an injury on Saturday. His involvement remains in doubt, paving way for Kyle Walker.

    Vinicius Junior plan

    Last season, Walker managed to keep Vinicius Junior silent, with the Brazilian only finding space after Walker went off injured. Manuel Akanji similarly did well against the pacy Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry and could be called upon to deal with Vinicius.

    Bernardo Silva was also rested, and he could play either in the right wing or alongside De Bruyne should Guardiola choose to drop Gundogan. The Spanish manager wasn’t too impressed that his captain missed a penalty against Leeds and clearly ignored him after he took him off, per Sky Sports.

    Should Gundogan be dropped, that will open a chance for Riyad Mahrez to slot in.

  • Hazard appears unhappy even after Madrid’s Copa Del Rey victory and celebrations

    Hazard appears unhappy even after Madrid’s Copa Del Rey victory and celebrations

    Real Madrid claimed their first Copa del Rey trophy since 2014 after defeating Osasuna 2-1 in the final held in Seville.

    Brazilian forward Rodrygo scored twice, once in each half, to secure the victory and Real Madrid’s 20th title in the competition.

    The opening goal came just two minutes into the game when Vinicius created an opportunity for Rodrygo to score with a well-placed shot.

    This was Osasuna’s second appearance in the final and they were unable to mount a comeback against the reigning champions. The result was reported by BBC.

    Lucas Torro will draw parity for the underdogs however Rodrygo was on hand to deliver Real Madrid their first Copa triumph in almost a decade when he slotted home from close range after Toni Kroos’ shot deflected into his path.

    After the blast of the whistle, the playing body switched into a jubilant mood following their triumph and gleefully posed for a team photo on the podium.

    But one player, Eden Hazard, did not seem happy, perhaps with himself, despite adding another title to his growing trophy cabinet during his stint with Madrid.

    Hazard has endured a bittersweet time with the La Liga giants, winning every possible trophy with Real Madrid but has seen game time being few and far between, especially under Carlo Ancelotti.

    According to Transfermarkt, the ex-Belgian skipper is in his final year and looks likely to exit the Bernabeu when his current contract expires in the summer.

    Rodrygo, Vinicius inspire Madrid’s Copa triumph

    Rodrygo Goes fired Real Madrid to Copa del Rey glory with a clinical double in a 2-1 victory over Osasuna in Seville on Saturday, with Brazilian compatriot Vinicius Junior playing a part in both goals, Sports Brief reported.

    Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid earned their 20th Spanish Cup at La Cartuja in their 40th final, ending a nine-year wait to lift the trophy again.

    Madrid have now won all six of the trophies available to them during Ancelotti’s second reign at the club after the Italian returned in 2021.

    Barcelona congratulates Real Madrid

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that following the end of the game, Real Madrid’s El Clasico nemesis put aside their age-old rivalry to congratulate the Spanish capital club on their most recent feat.

    The Catalan giants took to the micro-blogging App, Twitter, to send a classy message to Los Blancos, which read: “Congrats to Real Madrid, the Copa del Rey Champions!”

    Madrid remains the second most successful club in the Copa del Rey, only behind Barcelona, who boast a staggering 31 trophies.

  • ‘French prince’ Mbappe allegedly readies to ditch PSG for Real Madrid

    ‘French prince’ Mbappe allegedly readies to ditch PSG for Real Madrid

    Following its unsuccessful 2022–23 season, Paris Saint–Germain will likely have one of its toughest summers since being bought by Qatari Sports Investments in June 2011.

    After a split with the Argentine superstar, PSG is reportedly planning to part company with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi at the end of the current campaign. Kylian Mbappe may be the next player to leave Parc des Princes.

    Former football agent Francois Gallardo reportedly told Sportskeeda that the French star is considering leaving the Ligue 1 winners at the end of the current campaign.

    “Mbappé is looking forward to finishing the season to announce his departure from PSG to Real Madrid… the situation in the Parisian club is very delicate, the worst is yet to come, and he wants to leave now.”

    Mbappe penned a three-year contract extension with PSG at the start of the season, but the France forward is said to be keen on quitting the club to join Real Madrid this summer.

    Mbappe wanted at Manchester United

    Meanwhile, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani will reportedly attempt to sign PSG star, Mbappe if he successfully completes a takeover of Manchester United, Sports Mole reports.

    Sheikh Jassim is widely regarded as the favourite to buy the 20-time English League champions, with the Qatari banker seeking to acquire 100 percent ownership of the club.

    He would almost certainly make significant transfer funds available if he were to complete a takeover from the Glazers, with Mbappe a top target for the club if he succeeds.

    Mbappe slams PSG over image

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Mbappe being displeased with PSG over ‘excessive use’ of his image, following the club’s new campaign to promote ticket sales for the 2023/24 season.

    The 24-year-old Frenchman has revealed he was not asked for his input before the Ligue 1 champions released a video to advertise the sale of next season’s Ligue 1 tickets online.

    Mbappe, who is the club’s top scorer this season with 31 goals and eight assists in 34 appearances, has since released a statement condemning PSG for overusing his apperance.

  • Copa del Rey: ‘Dribble god’ Vinicius dribbles Madrid to the top

    Copa del Rey: ‘Dribble god’ Vinicius dribbles Madrid to the top

    In the Copa del Rey final on Saturday night against Osasuna, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo worked in sync to devastating effect to help Real Madrid break the tie.

    For Los Blancos, the Brazilian duo has been outstanding all season. They scored the game’s opening goal in just 109 seconds.

    Madrid took an early lead in the match, which was played at the neutral Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, thanks to a brilliant play down the left flank by Vini Jr. Vini Jr danced along the byline past a few defenders before putting the ball on the plate for his compatriot, who made no mistake to prod home.

    Rodrygo restored Madrid’s lead with 20 minutes left on the clock after Lucas Torro had drawn Osasuna parity shortly after the break.

    Vini destroys Villarreal defenders

    Vinicius Junior channelled his inner Ronaldinho to score a sublime goal to continue his purple patch of form this season, Sports Brief reported.

    The Brazil international put in another assured performance from the left flank. However, his efforts proved futile as Real Madrid suffered a shock 3-2 defeat against Villarreal on Holy Saturday.

    Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Vinicius left an indelible impression on the game with a goal akin to Ronaldinho’s stunning goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2005.

    Rodrygo produces sublime skill

    In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that Rodrygo Goes produced a sublime piece of skill to set up Karim Benzema’s second goal in Real Madrid’s game against Almeria.

    The 22-year-old Brazil prodigy proceeded to use an amazing technique to utterly bamboozle his opponent on the byline.

    Rodrygo then stood up and sent the ball back to Benzema, who scored from about eight yards out with no mistake.

  • Real Madrid wants Ancelotti to end losing spree ahead of Copa Del Rey final

    Real Madrid wants Ancelotti to end losing spree ahead of Copa Del Rey final

    Following President Florentino Perez’s alleged emergency meeting with Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s most recent defeat is starting to cause the club’s management some concern.

    After being well outplayed by Real Sociedad in Tuesday night’s 2-0 setback at the Reale Seguros Stadium, Los Blancos dropped their seventh La Liga match of the year.

    Before Real Madrid’s critical games in the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League, Ancelotti has been told to halt the unsightly trend of losses, according to Football Espana.

    The La Liga giants are facing a season-defining few days including the Spanish cup culmination against Osasuna on Saturday, May 6.

    Ancelotti will lead his squad against Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final a few days later, as Los Blancos continue the defence of the title they won last season.

    Madrid: No Ancelotti replacement plan

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid has yet to make plans to replace veteran Italian manager, Ancelotti at the end of the season, Madrid Universal reports.

    The 2022/23 season has been up and down, with the La Liga champions failing to defend their title despite reaching the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semi-finals.

    As of now, everything for the upcoming season is being planned with Ancelotti in charge of Real Madrid, despite reports linking the veteran manager to the vacant Brazil national position.

    Brazil gives Ancelotti deadline

    Meanwhile, Sports Brief reported on Brazil losing patience with Ancelotti, giving the Real Madrid manager an ultimatum to either accept or reject their offer to become their national team coach.

    The five-time world champions have identified the Italian as their preferred option to take over from Tite, who resigned from his position following the Selecao’s ousting from the 2022 World Cup.

    Ancelotti has publicly stated the Brazilian FA has contacted him about the national job but remains coy about committing his future to the South American giants when the 2022/23 season ends.

  • Sociedad’s Kubo brings former club, Madrid, to their knees

    Sociedad’s Kubo brings former club, Madrid, to their knees

    Takefusa Kubo, who scored in Real Sociedad’s 2-0 victory over Real Madrid, haunted his former team, causing a 10-man Real Madrid to stumble once more in the LaLiga title race.

    Barcelona snatched a 1-0 victory over Osasuna prior to Tuesday’s kick-off at Reale Arena, where Madrid offered little without the suspended Vinicius Junior or the rested Karim Benzema.

    Kubo – who joined La Real from Los Blancos last July – scored just past half-time and, after Dani Carvajal received his marching orders for two cautions, Ander Barrenetxea made sure of victory for the hosts.

    Next week’s Champions League semi-final clash at Manchester City appears the priority for Madrid now over LaLiga, where they trail leaders Barca by 14 points with five games to play.

    Alex Remiro made an expert stop to deny Eder Militao with a sixth-minute header bound for the top-right corner before La Real steadied their early nerves.

    Martin Zubimendi turned Alexander Sorloth’s near-post flick-on onto the crossbar from point-blank range, while Thibaut Courtois repelled a glorious David Silva chance with his feet.

    Mikel Oyarzabal saw a penalty appeal for a foul by Militao rejected as the hosts continued in the ascendancy, albeit without a first-half reward arriving.

    Yet their dominance told immediately after the interval when Kubo capitalised on a stray Militao pass back to Courtois and poked into an empty net.

    Matters worsened for Madrid as Carvajal was sent off for a second needless lunge on Aihen Munoz, before Barrenetxea sealed the deal in the 85th minute when he smashed a low finish into the bottom-left corner.

    What does it mean? Immaculate Imanol plan has Madrid reeling…again

    La Real coach Imanol Alguacil has taken more points off Madrid in LaLiga than any other manager in the competition’s history, moving past Paco Lopez (10) after making it 12 in 10 games (W3 D3 L4).

    While the visitors were without star winger Vinicius, Los Blancos had won all three fixtures this season when he had not featured and avoided conceding in those outings.

    Then there was Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to rest Benzema, displaying the Italian’s obvious priority – Alguacil may have Madrid’s number but Los Blancos’ calling card remains firmly with the Champions League.

    King Kubo

    Loan spells at Mallorca, Villarreal and Getafe marked an unsuccessful spell in Kubo’s Madrid career, with Los Blancos showing little interest in keeping him.

    But the La Real forward made his former side pay here, scoring his eighth goal in 30 LaLiga games for Alguacil’s side – two more than in his previous four seasons combined (six goals in 94 outings).

    More needed from Militao

    Miliato went close in the opening stages to scoring his sixth headed goal this season in Europe’s top-five leagues – no player can match his current mark of five either.

    Yet the Brazil centre-back’s momentary lapse in concentration in the second period, crumbling under the pressure of Sorloth before rolling in Kubo, will be what this performance is remembered for.

    Key Opta facts

    – Real Sociedad won their first game against Real Madrid in LaLiga since May 2019, ending a seven-game winless run against them in the competition (D3 L4).

    – Real Madrid have now lost six of their last 11 away games in LaLiga (W4 D1), the same number of away defeats as in their previous 58 top-flight matches combined (W40 D12 L6).

    – Real Sociedad have taken 16 points from their last eight LaLiga games (W5 D1 L2), after picking up just seven in their previous seven league games (W1 D4 L2).

    – At 37 years and 114 days, David Silva is the oldest player this century to provide an assist against Real Madrid in LaLiga, surpassing the record set by Eusebio with Real Valladolid in June 2001 (37 years and 65 days).

    – Ander Barrenetxea has now scored three goals in 18 LaLiga games this term, matching his single-season record in the competition (three goals in 31 games in 2020-21).

    What’s next?

    Madrid face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, a week before La Real host Girona in LaLiga.

  • Ancelotti upset, demands ‘justice’ for Vini Jnr as opponents target him for ‘nasty’ attacks

    Ancelotti upset, demands ‘justice’ for Vini Jnr as opponents target him for ‘nasty’ attacks

    Carlo Ancelotti has urged authorities to administer “justice” in order to shield Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior from hostile opponents.

    During another strong LaLiga season, Vinicius has contributed 18 goal involvements (10 goals, 8 assists), but the Brazilian has frequently faced harsh treatment from rival defenders.

    The winger was once again the target of attention during Tuesday’s 4-2 loss at Girona, receiving a booking for his enraged reaction to Santiago Bueno’s harsh ball-kicking.

    Vinicius has drawn 113 fouls in LaLiga this season, comfortably the highest tally in the competition – Rayo Vallecano’s Isi Palazon is second with 87.

    Vinicius has also been targeted by racist chants from opposing supporters on multiple occasions this term, causing LaLiga to release several statements in support of the 22-year-old.

    Speaking ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Almeria, Ancelotti repeated his calls for Vinicius to receive more protection on and off the pitch, saying: “He’s a player that dribbles one-on-one. In order to stop these players, people stop them with fouls.

    “We are concerned for our player, and the only way to preserve these players is justice. Only this can prevent injuries from happening.

    “It’s true that Vinicius suffers a lot of nasty tackles. In the past there were other players, like Diego Maradona and Pele, who also suffered a lot from these challenges.

    “We have been very lucky that Vinicius has a strong physique and is capable of enduring them. He has not had any injuries.

    “There are two topics – one inside the pitch and one outside the pitch. One of them, on the outside, is bad for society. A modern society cannot be like that.”

  • Galtier eulogises youngsters ‘idol’ Ramos as PSG prepare for Lorient showdown

    Galtier eulogises youngsters ‘idol’ Ramos as PSG prepare for Lorient showdown

    As Paris Saint-Germain prepares to play Lorient in an attempt to clinch the Ligue 1 championship, Christophe Galtier has lauded the contribution Sergio Ramos has made this season.

    The former Real Madrid defender joined the team before the 2021–22 season, although his injury-plagued season saw him struggle for playing time.

    However, after a successful preseason and a medical clean-up, the former Spain star has been one of PSG’s top players in 2022–2023.

    Ahead of his side’s clash with Lorient, where they can help maintain their eight-point gap at the summit, Galtier has highlighted the impact made by Ramos.

    “Sergio had a difficult season last year linked to calf injuries,” he said. “[This time,] he had complete preparation. He is a hyper-professional player.

    “When you have such a record at this age, it is because you put all the chances on your side. He brings his experience [and] he is an important player in the locker room.

    “There have been exchanges between the sports management and him. I am very satisfied with his season and with what he brings on matchdays but also in everyday life.

    “He is an example, which all our young players must follow.”

    Ramos was integral to helping arrest PSG’s slide earlier this month, netting in their 2-0 win over Nice to bring a two-game wobble to a close.

    He was overlooked by Spain for the Qatar 2022 World Cup and confirmed his retirement from the international game following discussions with new coach Luis de la Fuente.

  • Modric’s miss in Real Madrid-Copa del Rey clash ‘hurt’ the Madridstas

    Modric’s miss in Real Madrid-Copa del Rey clash ‘hurt’ the Madridstas

    Due to a thigh injury, Luka Modric may miss Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey final match against Osasuna as well as the first leg of the Champions League semifinal versus Manchester City.

    During Madrid’s unexpected 4-2 loss to Girona on Tuesday, which kept them 11 points behind LaLiga’s top team Barcelona, Modric suffered an injury to his left leg.

    The setback comes at a bad moment for Los Blancos as they prepare to visit City three days after trying to break a nine-year drought by winning the Copa del Rey on May 6.

    Asked about Modric’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Almeria, Ancelotti acknowledged losing the Croatian’s experience would be a big setback.

    “He got an injury in the game against Girona. We will see how he progresses in the next few days,” Ancelotti said.

    “He will be doubtful for the Copa final. We must evaluate him, we are hurt, but it can happen. I hope he recovers for the important matches.

    “We have very important midfielders like Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni. We have many resources.

    “But to replace Luka… you cannot replace his experience in these kinds of games.”

    Madrid have won just four of their past nine league games (D2 L3) to allow Barca to pull clear at the summit. 

    Pushed on why Madrid had failed to replicate their cup heroics in LaLiga this term, Ancelotti said: “I don’t know, it’s a matter of concentration, it’s normal, not always being able to be at the top. 

    “The schedule is very demanding and I see many coaches complaining about this. We are human and it’s the truth, sometimes I can’t prepare all the games in the same way either. 

    “In some games you concentrate better, and in others it’s worse. It happens to everyone, good days and bad ones.

    “You have to trust the players. I see the group in great shape. What happened last season was unforgettable and we want to repeat it.”

  • Real Madrid seem to want a Zinedine Zidane return, what happens with Carlo Ancelotti?

    Real Madrid seem to want a Zinedine Zidane return, what happens with Carlo Ancelotti?

    Two years after leaving Real Madrid as manager once more, Zinedine Zidane might be ready for a shock return this summer.

    Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu is uncertain in light of Los Blancos’ shaky defence of their La Liga championship this year and the interest shown in him by Brazil’s national squad.

    If Ancelotti were to depart, the Spanish powerhouses would require a new head coach, and it appears like Zidane would be a leading contender to replace the former Chelsea boss.

    According to Foot Mercato, Real Madrid are in contact with Zidane over possibly returning for a third spell as head coach. The Frenchman has been out of work since leaving in 2021, but that could be about to change.

    Zizou resigned from his post in 2018 but following Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari’s brief disappointing spells in charge of Madrid, the three-time FIFA Player of the Year returned to the club less a year later.

    Zidane’s managerial career

    The 50-year-old enjoyed two special stints as manager of Real Madrid, leading the club to a hat-trick of Champions League triumphs in his first spell, along with several other titles and won the La Liga title in his second stint.

    Zidane led Real Madrid to as many as 11 trophies across two spells before stepping away in 2021, per Madrid Universal.

    Since then, he has been unattached and has been waiting for the France national team job. But with Didier Deschamps renewing his contract, that is no longer an option.

    Ancelotti apologises to Real Madrid fans

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid saw any hope of them retaining their La Liga title disappear after they were embarrassingly thrashed 4-2 by Girona on Tuesday night.

    Despite having 72% possession, Los Blancos, who had not conceded a goal in La Liga in their previous six games, were outplayed by the Catalans and created far fewer chances than the hosts.

    Carlo Ancelotti has now apologised to the Real Madrid fans following the embarrassing defeat. He has vowed that the team will bounce back in its remaining competitions.

  • Ancelotti has till May to accept or decline Brazil national team role

    Ancelotti has till May to accept or decline Brazil national team role

    Brazil has no intention of waiting forever for Carlo Ancelotti and have given the Real Madrid manager an ultimatum to accept or reject their offer to become their national team coach.

    The five-time World champions have identified Ancelotti as their preferred option to take over from Tite, who resigned from his position following Brazil’s ouster from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    Ancelotti has publicly revealed that the Brazilian FA has contacted him but remains coy about committing his future to the South American giants when the 2022/23 season ends.

    Brazilian authorities have now given Ancelotti until May 25th to respond to their offer as they seek to quickly fill the post that has been vacant since December 2022.

    If Ancelotti accepts the Brazil job, it will become the Italian’s first national team job after successes in club football with top teams like AC Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

    Real Madrid line up Ancelotti replacement

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has identified club legend Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement for manager Carlo Ancelotti if the Italian leaves this summer, Sportskeeda reports.

    Ancelotti is currently under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2024, but the Italian could leave the club early to take over as coach of the Brazil national team.

    Perez is interested in bringing Alonso back to Real Madrid as coach, as the Spaniard has done wonders in his brief managerial career with Bayer Leverkusen, which he joined in October 2022.

    Ancelotti apologises to Real Madrid fans

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid saw any hope of them retaining their La Liga title disappear after they were embarrassingly thrashed 4-2 by Girona on Tuesday night.

    Despite having 72% possession, Los Blancos, who had not conceded a goal in La Liga in their previous six games, were outplayed by the Catalans and created far fewer chances than the hosts.

    Carlo Ancelotti has now apologised to the Real Madrid fans following the embarrassing defeat. He has vowed that the team will bounce back in its remaining competitions.

  • Ancelotti disappointed at humiliating loss to Girona over poor ‘defensive commitment’

    Ancelotti disappointed at humiliating loss to Girona over poor ‘defensive commitment’

    Real Madrid’s humiliating 4-2 loss to Girona away on Tuesday is intended to act as a wake-up call, according to Carlo Ancelotti.

    Taty Castellanos scored twice for Madrid against Montilivi, giving them a 2-0 deficit after 24 minutes. Madrid never held the lead.

    Vinicius Junior scored a goal to restore parity, but Castellanos scored two more goals in the second half before Lucas Vazquez scored a late consolation.

    Castellanos became the first player this century to score four goals in one LaLiga game against Madrid, and the defeat means Barcelona could extend their lead at the summit to 14 points on Wednesday.

    While Madrid’s LaLiga hopes are all but over, they are into the Champions League semi-finals and final of the Copa del Rey – they still have much to play for this term, and Ancelotti hopes this defeat jolts them back into life.

    Asked if the loss could be a wake-up call, Ancelotti said: “Yes, it can be, although a loss is never good.

    “I reiterate the importance of defensive commitment: if we have that, we will always win, and if not, it will cost us. That is the key, our key, and today we didn’t have it.

    “Of the last seven games, we kept six clean sheets, and in this game, [we conceded] four goals. I hope my players have understood. If not, I will repeat it to them every day.”

    But it was not just the defence Ancelotti was frustrated by.

    He found the individual level lacking across the team and felt they did not work collectively after finding themselves in trouble

    “It’s tough, because when you lose it has to be tough,” he added. “The game was bad in defence and that has been the key, because we did well with the ball, especially at the beginning.

    “But we weren’t forceful in duels, they caught us on two counters… and from there, everything became more difficult.

    “We tried to come back individually, not as a team, because today the team has not played. The individual level was also below normal, but not just for some, rather in general. The level was very low.”

  • Benzema and Camavinga will not go with Madrid to Girona – Ancelotti

    Benzema and Camavinga will not go with Madrid to Girona – Ancelotti

    Karim Benzema and Eduardo Camavinga will not travel with Real Madrid on Tuesday’s LaLiga trip to Girona, according to head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

    Ancelotti anticipates that the two will be ready again for Los Blancos’ home match against Almeria on Saturday, before they play Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final and Manchester City in their Champions League semifinal.

    David Alaba is also expected to return for the Osasuna match on May 6 after missing the 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday.

    Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ancelotti ran through the players he will have missing as his team attempts to close ground on leaders Barcelona.

    “Benzema and Camavinga will miss out and [Dani] Ceballos has got accumulated cards,”he said. “Camavinga lasted the game [v Celta] but then he felt some discomfort from a knock. I think they should be available for Almeria. 

    “[Ferland] Mendy and Alaba won’t be there either. Alaba is recovering well and I don’t think he should be a problem for the Copa del Rey final.”

    Elaborating on Benzema’s situation, Ancelotti added: “If he recovers from his knock, he’ll play against Almeria.

    “He’s hugely important for us. He’s shown a fantastic level in recent games and you keep that up by playing, not by resting. If he’s fit, he wants to play and that’s what we want as well.”

    The gap at the top of LaLiga remains 11 points with eight games to play after Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 on Sunday, and Ancelotti is keen to close that to better reflect what he believes is a true representation of how close the Clasico rivals are.

    “If we’re talking about the quality of the two teams, there’s no way there should be 11 points between us, and that’s been clear in the games we’ve played against each other,” he said. “We’re two evenly matched sides and the deficit has come about through small details. We want to cut it down.”

    Despite their victory against Celta, there were more concerns about the surface at the Santiago Bernabeu, which has been affected by the ongoing renovations at the famous stadium.

    Marco Asensio scored and assisted in the game, but also hit a wayward shot in the second half that appeared to bobble up off the surface, and Ancelotti previously confirmed it will be replaced before they play City on May 9.

    “Every team wants to play on a beautiful pitch,” Ancelotti said. “We are aware of the problems we have at the Bernabeu and we won’t complain.

    “We’re talking about something which is clear to see, our playing surface is suffering due to the ongoing works and they will fix that as soon as possible.”

  • ‘Real Madrid is Real Madrid’ – Rudiger on why he shun PSG for Madrid

    ‘Real Madrid is Real Madrid’ – Rudiger on why he shun PSG for Madrid

    Antonio Rudiger has given an explanation for why, despite strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain, he decided to sign with Real Madrid last summer.

    When it became clear that Rudiger would not be extending his five-year contract with Chelsea last summer, most European teams, notably Real Madrid and PSG, started to show interest in him.

    The 30-year-old was surrounded by French powerhouses, but he already knew which club he would be joining next.

    Fast forward, the German defender inked a four-year deal with Los Blancos in June last year, rejecting PSG in the process. When quizzed on his decision to join Madrid amid links to PSG, Rudiger told Canal+Afrique, as quoted by Tribuna:

    “There were a lot of rumours when PSG came, it was something I was not looking for.

    He continued: “It’s nothing against PSG. It’s a beautiful club. But Real Madrid is Real Madrid. If you want to be on the winning side, you join Real Madrid.”

    Since moving to Madrid, Rudiger has already added the UEFA Super Cup to his collection of trophies and could add the Champions League and the Copa del Rey this season after becoming a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti’s set-up, racking up over 40 appearances under his belt, per Transfermarkt.

    Why Rudiger chose Real Madrid

    Rudiger also shed light on how Real Madrid president Florentino Perez convinced him to join the Spanish side with a heartwarming gesture seven years ago.

    Rudiger suffered an ACL injury in 2016 while at Italian Serie A outfit AS Roma. But while he was recuperating from the injury setback, the unthinkable unfolded right before his eyes when he received a surprise letter from Perez wishing him a speedy recovery.

    The heartwarming gesture by Perez startled the former Chelsea centre-half, leaving him convinced he will don the all-white outfit of Los Blancos in the future.

    How Rudiger deals with pressure at Madrid

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported on how Antonio Rudiger deals with pressure at Real Madrid.

    The hard-tackling central defender swapped Chelsea for Madrid last summer, and despite struggling to secure a permanent berth in Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup at the start of the season, he has grown in leaps and bounds.

    When quizzed on how he has managed to deal with the ever-demanding nature of the club’s fanbase, the 30-year-old suggested he devised a mechanism that helps him.

  • ‘Until it is mathematically impossible’ , Real Madrid fights on – Courtois

    ‘Until it is mathematically impossible’ , Real Madrid fights on – Courtois

    Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois said that they are still holding out hope that they may catch LaLiga leaders Barcelona and narrowly hold onto their title.

    The scenario at the top of the Spanish top flight could only change if Barcelona lost and Madrid kept winning.

    Barcelona’s lead was cut to eight points by Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday, but the Catalans still had a home match against Atletico Madrid scheduled for the following day.

    Were Barcelona to win that, their lead would be back to 11 points with eight rounds of games remaining. Even if Barcelona were to lose, their lead would still be such that they would remain firm title favourites.

    Still, Madrid see no reason to give up hope, with goalkeeper Courtois telling broadcaster DAZN: “We are going to fight until the last game, until it is mathematically impossible.”

    He said it was “a pity” Madrid had dropped points at times this season but signalled that Champions League commitments can impact on domestic results.

    Last season saw Madrid pull off a Champions League and LaLiga double, and they are through to the semi-finals in Europe once again this term, with home and away games against Manchester City coming up in May, plus a Copa del Rey final against Osasuna.

    That cup showdown comes on May 6, and Courtois said: “We want to win on the next three matchdays and when the time comes for the cup final, we’ll see how far away we are.

    “We want to keep winning and have a good feeling ahead of the Champions League. It’s key that we’re all well. Hopefully we end the season well.”

    Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti made five changes to his starting XI, four days on from his team’s 2-0 win at Chelsea that clinched a 4-0 aggregate quarter-final win against his former club in the Champions League.

    Marco Asensio, one of those brought in, rifled the opening goal, and his corner set up Eder Militao to head the second.

    “Making an XI is complicated, because we are lucky to have a plugged in dressing room,” Ancelotti said. “We must rotate, because this part of the season is very demanding.”

    The veteran coach was concerned about the playing surface and said the Santiago Bernabeu pitch “has to improve”, while Ancelotti also paid tribute to the all-action Eduardo Camavinga, thriving at left-back after the 20-year-old was recently switched from midfield.

    Camavinga had a team-high 113 touches and completed six of seven dribbles, with both aspects being the most he has achieved in a LaLiga game for Madrid.

    “He has extraordinary quality. He has energy and is complete,” said Ancelotti. “As such, he can play any position successfully.”

  • Madrid’s Rodrigo takes criticisms with cool head because even ‘Ronaldo got criticized here’

    Madrid’s Rodrigo takes criticisms with cool head because even ‘Ronaldo got criticized here’

    Antonio Rudiger has shared his strategy for dealing with stress at Real Madrid.

    The aggressive central defender made the move from Chelsea to Real Madrid last summer, and despite his early-season struggles to earn a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting lineup, he has improved greatly.

    According to Transfermarkt, Rudiger has played 42 times for Los Blancos in all competitions and is still a vital member of the team as the season comes to a close.

    When quizzed on how he has managed to deal with the ever-demanding nature of the club’s fanbase, the 30-year-old suggested he has devised a mechanism which helps him.

    He cited Madrid’s record goal scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, current club captain Karim Benzema and mercurial midfielder Luka Modric as his source of inspiration when dealing with pressure.

    For me, it’s very simple. Because Cristiano got criticized here, Benzema got criticized here, Luka Modrić, all of them” Rudiger said as quoted by MadridXtra.

    He added: “Who am I not to get criticized?”

    Why Rudiger deliberately makes mistakes

    Meanwhile, Rudiger has disclosed he deliberately made mistakes in games last season in order to get the crowd charged, Sports Brief reported.

    The 29-year-old was a key figure in Chelsea’s backline under Thomas Tuchel and produced a number of masterclass performances as the Blues advanced to two domestic cup finals.

    Rudiger, who was a fan favourite with the Chelsea faithful, has admitted that he sometimes deliberately made mistakes to wake up the “quiet” crowd.

    Fans hurl objects at Rudiger

    It was earlier reported that supporters of Cadiz did not make life easy for Real Madrid following their La Liga encounter last week.

    German defender Antonio Rudiger, in particular, found himself in the bad books of the fans, despite gifting one of their own with his shirt after the game.

    Cadiz supporters threw objects at the Madrid star after the game, while he went to give one of the fans his match shirt. They also swore at him.

  • Erling Haaland: City’s ‘goal machine’ misses penalty, but vindicates himself with a goal

    Erling Haaland: City’s ‘goal machine’ misses penalty, but vindicates himself with a goal

    Erling Haaland missed his first penalty in a Manchester City shirt during Bayern Munich’s clash.

    Since moving from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, the Norwegian has been a threat for the Cityzens, scoring an incredible 48 goals in 41 appearances.

    He reenacted Lionel Messi’s move against Jerome Boateng on Wednesday, seating Dayot Upamecano before scoring against Bayern Munich, according to Sportstar. 

    He then scored his 12th Champions League goal.

    His goal will be neutralized by a spot kick from Joshua Kimmich, but it proved to be a case of much ado about nothing as City ran out 4-1 winners across two legs, advancing to the Champions League semifinal.

    But before his sublime skill and then a goal in the 57th minute, Haaland failed to put away a penalty, Fan Nation reports.

    The 22-year-old has been flawless from 12 yards for Man City but proved he is human after all, ballooning his effort – which was his first penalty miss in eight attempts.

    Since moving to the Etihad, he has found the net seven times from the penalty spot.

    Haaland sits Upamecano down

    Erling Haaland picked Dayot Upamecano apart before notching his 12th Champions League goal as Manchester City advanced to the semifinal of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, Sports Brief reported.

    The Norwegian’s goal helped City reach the last four with an aggregate scoreline of 4-1, booking a tantalizing date with record holders Real Madrid, who bundled Chelsea out of the competition the previous day.

  • Karim Benzema injury may cost him as Real forges into UCL semis

    Karim Benzema injury may cost him as Real forges into UCL semis

    Following Karim Benzema’s injury, Real Madrid’s victory over Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League has come at a significant cost to the Spanish powerhouses.

    After an easy 4-0 aggregate victory over Frank Lampard’s team, Los Blancos eliminated the Blues from the Champions League quarterfinals for the second consecutive year.

    Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly acknowledged that he replaced Benzema in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory at Chelsea because the French forward sustained an injury.

    “Karim had a blow, a stomp on his foot, it started to bother him at the end and we changed him.”

    Benzema has been a thorn in Real Madrid’s side this season, picking up various knocks in a hectic campaign which has seen him already miss 13 games due to injury.

    Chelsea mascot excited to meet Benzema

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema was quick to meet an outstretched hand of an excited Chelsea mascot with his own before their Champions League game at Stamford Bridge, Daily Star reports.

    A huge smile spread across the face of the youngster before a delighted shocked face that looked like disbelief after Benzema had shook his hands

    Benzema’s gesture towards the mascot has provided a heartwarming reaction across England following the backlash Arsenal stars faced after refusing to talk to the mascots in their Premier League game against West Ham.

    Chelsea crash out of Champions League

    Earlier, it was reported Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge as poor finishing cost them any chance of turning the quarter-final first-leg result around.

    A brace from Brazilian sensation, Rodrygo de Goes dumped the West Londoners out of the Champions League, compounding what has been a catastrophic campaign, to say the least.

    Wednesday night’s result means the Londoners’ woes in front of the goal continue unabated, scoring just once in four games under Frank Lampard.

  • Didier Drogba ‘no longer recognize club’, calls out owners to revisit principles

    Didier Drogba ‘no longer recognize club’, calls out owners to revisit principles

    In light of Chelsea’s dismal season, Didier Drogba has launched a stinging attack on the club’s current management.

    With a 4-0 aggregate score, Real Madrid eliminated Chelsea from the Champions League on Tuesday night.

    With the departure, Chelsea’s final opportunity to win a trophy and find redemption this year also vanished.

    The possibility of playing in any capacity in Europe next season is currently a long shot given their current 11th-place standing.

    They are currently languishing in 11th position, with any form of European football next season a far cry at moment.

    Drogba has now waded into the discussion, seemingly taking issue with the Todd Boehly owned club.

    Boehly led the Clearlake consortium in acquiring the West London club last summer following the decision of Roman Abramovich to sell.

    Despite pumping an excess of 600 million euros in their first two transfer windows, Chelsea are yet to find a winning formula. Four managers have already been contracted this season.

    What Drogba thinks

    Whilst the search for a new permanent boss continues, Drogba has questioned the lack of class at the club under the new owners.

    “I knew this club with a certain class during the Abramovich era, but today I find it lacking. It’s very hard for me to see how they got rid of certain people.

    They should go back to the principles and values they had. I no longer recognise my club,” as quoted by the Guardian.

    Boehly undertook a major revamp of the technical staff with longstanding chairman Bruce Buck, director of football Marina Granovsakia and legendary goalkeeper and technical director Petr Cech all exiting the club.

    The club has struggled to maintain its high standards as the American continues to juggle his way around owning a football club.

    Drogba scored the winning penalty when Chelsea first won the Champions League in 2012 against Bayern Munich.

    Lampard, who captained the squad on that night, declined to respond to Drogba’s stinging remarks.

  • Carlo lauds keeper Courtois intrepid display in seeing Madrid to the semis

    Carlo lauds keeper Courtois intrepid display in seeing Madrid to the semis

    Thibaut Courtois’ performance against Chelsea in the Champions League, according to Carlo Ancelotti, was crucial for Real Madrid.

    The former Blues custodian played admirably in Tuesday’s second leg, which Madrid won 2-0 and 4-0 overall thanks to two goals from Rodrygo in the second half.

    Prior to the Brazilian scoring, Courtois was crucial in keeping Chelsea from having a chance to get back into the game with an outstanding save on Marc Cucurella.

    Speaking afterwards, Ancelotti lauded his goalkeeper’s contribution while paying tribute to his side for how they soaked up the pressure at Stamford Bridge.

    “They were ahead on the scoreboard [mentally],” he told Movistar. “The save was very important. In the second half, we managed better, we had more space.

    “We knew that we had to suffer in this type of game. [Chelsea] tried everything, they created problems for us. It has been a complete game, and a deserving tie.”

    Rodrygo echoed his coach’s comments, lauding Courtois while touching on the pressures of ensuring Madrid live up to expectations with a semi-final appearance.

    “We suffered today at the beginning, but there [Courtois] was again to save us,” he added. “We have the obligation to reach the semi-finals every year.

    “We’ve achieved it every year since I’ve been here. I don’t know what happens to me with this competition, but it is very special, and I am very happy.”

    Madrid will face either Manchester City or Bayern Munich in the last four, with the Premier League side favourites to join them after a hefty 3-0 first-leg win.

  • Rodrygo strikes the celebratory “sui” stance of his idol Ronaldo

    Rodrygo strikes the celebratory “sui” stance of his idol Ronaldo

    After ending Chelsea’s chances of winning the Champions League, Real Madrid goal hero Rodrygo celebrated like Cristiano Ronaldo.

    He subsequently admitted that he did so more for self-preservation than for inspiration.

    The Brazilian forward scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Chelsea 2-0 on Tuesday to go to the semifinals under Carlo Ancelotti.

    The 22-year-old Santos-born superstar increased his total to 15 goals in 37 games played in the tournament, only 19 of which were starts.

    It was after his first goal that Rodrygo performed the signature Ronaldo ‘siu’ celebration, with a jump and twist followed by a pose reminiscent of Madrid’s all-time record scorer.

    However, the youngster admitted he did it to spare a problematic knee any further aggravation — as well as in tribute to the Champions League’s 140-goal leading marksman.

    Rodrygo told Movistar: “First I thought about sliding on my knee, but I have inflammation. 

    “Then my idol, Cristiano, came to my mind and I did it.

    “I hope to continue like this, scoring more goals and giving assists and winning the Champions League more times.”

    Madrid await the winner of the tie between Manchester City and Bayern Munich, with the reigning English champions 3-0 ahead in that tie ahead of Wednesday’s second leg in Germany.

    It could therefore be a repeat of last season’s semi-final, when Madrid came back from a 5-3 deficit in the dying stages of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu to win in extra time.

    On that occasion, Rodrygo’s late double — scoring in the 90th minute and then in stoppage time — sensationally kept the LaLiga giants in the tie before Karim Benzema’s penalty left City crestfallen.

    A rematch would be an occasion to cherish, but Rodrygo said: “We don’t know if it’s against City yet.

    “The Champions League is very difficult. We can no longer choose opponents and they are all difficult.”

  • Absolutely nothing wrong to have club owners speak with players – Ancelotti

    Absolutely nothing wrong to have club owners speak with players – Ancelotti

    There is nothing wrong with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly addressing the Chelsea players in the dressing room.

    Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Real Madrid, does not see anything wrong with Todd Boehly, a co-owner of Chelsea, speaking to the Blues players in the locker room.

    Boehly frequently communicates with the team, according to Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard, who said he is okay with that.

    According to former Blues manager Ancelotti, if Lampard is okay with it, he does not see a problem.

    Chelsea’s 2-1 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday was their third loss in a row, and they are without a win in six (D2 L4), sitting in 11th place in the Premier League.

    Speaking at a press conference ahead of Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea, Ancelotti said: “To have a speech from the owner could be an important thing for the players. The Chelsea moment is not a good moment… if the owner wants to talk to the players, absolutely.”

    However, he stopped short of signing off on the idea of Madrid president Florentino Perez doing the same in his dressing room.

    “If [Perez] wants to talk to me every game, I would be happy to do that,” he said. “The owner[/president] has the right to know what the decisions of the manager are.”

    Los Blancos take a 2-0 lead into the second leg at Stamford Bridge, and Ancelotti knows the job is not yet done, with his team almost throwing away a two-goal advantage at the same stage against the same opposition in last year’s competition.

    After winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, Madrid were 3-0 down in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, only for a Rodrygo goal to send it to extra-time before Karim Benzema scored the winner.

    “[We have] plenty of motivation,” he said. “It’s a big game, and we know we have to put in a good performance.

    “There are still at least 90 minutes to play, and anything can happen, but we will be ready.”

    The Italian would not be drawn on links with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, with reports suggesting Madrid and Manchester City are at the front of the queue for the England international after Liverpool allegedly withdrew their interest due to finances.

    “Unfortunately, Bellingham is a Dortmund player, and I don’t like to talk about players of other teams. Sorry,” Ancelotti said.

  • Real responds to Laporta’s club of the regime allegations

    Real responds to Laporta’s club of the regime allegations

    Following Joan Laporta’s “club of the regime, claims ” Real Madrid has responded with a four-and-a-half-minute video criticising their rivals.

    At a press conference on Monday, Barcelona president Laporta defended his team against claims that they gave money to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of the referee technical committee.

    While prosecutors in Spain pursue accusations for alleged corruption, UEFA is looking into the Blaugrana.

    Barca is charged with paying more than €7 million to a Negreira-owned company.

    Laporta opted to turn the spotlight on Madrid when claiming his club have no case to answer, suggesting Real have “historically and currently” been favoured by arbitration decisions, attaching it to former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.

    That led Los Blancos to respond with an extraordinary and lengthy video which was broadcast on social media and Real Madrid TV, detailing Barcelona’s links to Franco.

    The video initially asked “which is the team of the regime?” in clear response to Laporta’s comments before compiling its case.

    “The Camp Nou was inaugurated by Franco’s general minister, Jose Solis Ruiz,” the video stated.

    “Barcelona made Franco an honorary member in 1965… presented him with awards on three occasions.”

    The video also pointed out Barcelona’s success in comparison to Madrid during the initial Franco era, 1939 until his death in 1975, along with that his administration helped save the club from bankruptcy three times.

  • Disheartened Chilwell sorry for getting angry at the Bernabeu

    Disheartened Chilwell sorry for getting angry at the Bernabeu

    Ben Chilwell has expressed regret for receiving a red card in Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Real Madrid.

    British left-back Last night, just before the hour, Chilwell was handed his marching orders for hauling back Rodrygo as he was running through on goal.

    At the Bernabeu, the Blues were already down a goal as a result of Karim Benzema’s first-half tap-in.

    And Chilwell’s dismissal was followed by sub Marco Asensio’s 74th-minute drive to leave Frank Lampard’s men with an uphill task going into the second leg of their quarter-final clash on Tuesday. 

    Writing on Instagram, the 26-year-old defender said: “Slept on it and just want to apologise to my team-mates and the fans. 

    “I made a decision in a split second last night and it was a mistake.

    “I always give everything for the team and I will continue to do so. Thank you for the support.”

    Ben Chilwell was red-carded for tugging back Rodrygo

    Ben Chilwell was red-carded for tugging back Rodrygo

    With Chilwell ruled out of the return match at Stamford Bridge, Lampard is likely to deploy Marc Cucurella at left-back or left wing-back, depending on the formation he opts for. 

    Summer signing Cucurella came on for the injured Kalidou Koulibaly as Chelsea chased the game in Spain.