<p>Still celebrating Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, Real Madrid fans will have even more to cheer Tuesday as French superstar Kylian Mbappe is officially presented to a packed-out Santiago Bernabeu stadium.</p>

<p>With an expected attendance of 85,000, the stadium will be packed to the rafters for Mbappe's first appearance before fans in what should beat the record set 15 years ago by Cristiano Ronaldo.</p>

<p>Although the tickets are free, they were snapped up rapidly with some fans reportedly trying to resell them to take advantage of the hype surrounding the arrival of the world's best striker.</p>

<p>During the morning, Mbappe will sign his new five-season contract with Real president Florentino Perez before entering the stadium at midday (1000 GMT) to greet fans after which he will hold a press conference.</p>

<p>Although his new teammates began training on Monday, the striker, who captained France during the Euros, will have a few more days off before kicking off his season in the Spanish capital.</p>

<p>Club medics will want to examine his nose which was broken during France's 1-0 win over Austria on June 18 during the group stage, although France were later knocked out in the semi-finals by Spain.</p>

<p>For Mbappe and Real Madrid, it is the culmination of a long-awaited liaison.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 25-year-old -- who says he has always been a fan of Los Blancos and of Ronaldo -- will wear the number 9 shirt which went on sale last Thursday in Real's shops which are covered with his image.</p>

<h2>Excitement and humility</h2>

<p>Coming from Paris Saint-Germain, who he joined in 2017, Mbappe arrives after a disappointing Euros campaign for him personally where his star image was overshadowed by that of Spain's new teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.</p>

<p>And it comes after a difficult season with PSG following his decision not to renew his contract, with the striker -- who was the Paris club's all-time top scorer -- admitting he felt "liberated, relieved" by his transfer to Real.</p>

<p>"It's an immense pleasure and a dream come true. This is the club I've always dreamed of being at," he said in June.</p>

<p>"I'm going there with a lot of excitement and a lot of humility."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-olympics-2024-india-bharat-hindustan-virat-kohlis-special-message-to-indian-athletes-watch-741158">Paris Olympics 2024: 'India, Bharat, Hindustan,' Virat Kohli's special message to Indian athletes | WATCH</a></p>

<p>At Real, he will form part of a new offensive trio alongside England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Brazil attacker Vinicius Junior under the watch of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.</p>

<p>And the prospect is already exciting fans of the club who won their 15th Champions League title in June.</p>

<p>Also the current title-holders of Spain's La Liga, Los Blancos begin their campaign with a match against Real Mallorca when the season kicks off on the weekend of August 17-18.</p>

<p>Even so, Mbappe's debut might have to wait until the following week when Real Madrid face Real Valladolid who were recently promoted from the second division.</p>

<p>The club is hoping to offset the costs -- a 15-million-euro salary per season and signing bonus of more than 100 million euros -- through sponsorship deals and ticket and merchandise sales, among other things.</p>

<p>And Mbappe is hoping the move will finally see him win a Champions League and the Ballon d'Or, two of his lifelong objectives.</p>


Still celebrating Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, Real Madrid fans will have even more to cheer Tuesday as French superstar Kylian Mbappe is officially presented to a packed-out Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Still celebrating Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, Real Madrid fans will have even more to cheer Tuesday as French superstar Kylian Mbappe is officially presented to a packed-out Santiago Bernabeu stadium. With an expected attendance of 85,000, the stadium will be packed to the rafters for Mbappe's first appearance before fans in what should beat the record set 15 years ago by Cristiano Ronaldo. Although the tickets are free, they were snapped up rapidly with some fans reportedly trying to resell them to take advantage of the hype surrounding the arrival of the world's best striker. During the morning, Mbappe will sign his new five-season contract with Real president Florentino Perez before entering the stadium at midday (1000 GMT) to greet fans after which he will hold a press conference. Although his new teammates began training on Monday, the striker, who captained France during the Euros, will have a few more days off before kicking off his season in the Spanish capital. Club medics will want to examine his nose which was broken during France's 1-0 win over Austria on June 18 during the group stage, although France were later knocked out in the semi-finals by Spain. For Mbappe and Real Madrid, it is the culmination of a long-awaited liaison. The 25-year-old -- who says he has always been a fan of Los Blancos and of Ronaldo -- will wear the number 9 shirt which went on sale last Thursday in Real's shops which are covered with his image. Excitement and humility Coming from Paris Saint-Germain, who he joined in 2017, Mbappe arrives after a disappointing Euros campaign for him personally where his star image was overshadowed by that of Spain's new teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. And it comes after a difficult season with PSG following his decision not to renew his contract, with the striker -- who was the Paris club's all-time top scorer -- admitting he felt "liberated, relieved" by his transfer to Real. "It's an immense pleasure and a dream come true. This is the club I've always dreamed of being at," he said in June. "I'm going there with a lot of excitement and a lot of humility." ALSO READ | Paris Olympics 2024: 'India, Bharat, Hindustan,' Virat Kohli's special message to Indian athletes | WATCH At Real, he will form part of a new offensive trio alongside England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Brazil attacker Vinicius Junior under the watch of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. And the prospect is already exciting fans of the club who won their 15th Champions League title in June. Also the current title-holders of Spain's La Liga, Los Blancos begin their campaign with a match against Real Mallorca when the season kicks off on the weekend of August 17-18. Even so, Mbappe's debut might have to wait until the following week when Real Madrid face Real Valladolid who were recently promoted from the second division. The club is hoping to offset the costs -- a 15-million-euro salary per season and signing bonus of more than 100 million euros -- through sponsorship deals and ticket and merchandise sales, among other things. And Mbappe is hoping the move will finally see him win a Champions League and the Ballon d'Or, two of his lifelong objectives.

Real Madrid set to unveil latest 'Galáctico' Kylian Mbappe as fans get ready to throng Santiago Bernebau

<p>Kylian Mbappe’s dream of being a Real Madrid player was finally made official on Monday (June 3) as the star Frenchman completed his move on a free transfer. Mabppe, who idolises Cristiano Ronaldo will follow the footsteps of the Portugal great and will don the whites of Real Madrid from the 2024-25 season. After the move, Ronaldo took to his social media and greeted the French forward with a text that caught the attention of the internet.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7wzCIWiZxM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Kylian Mbappé (@k.mbappe)</a></p>
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<h2><strong>Ronaldo&nbsp;greets Mbappe</strong></h2>

<p>After the move was announced, the 39-year-old commented on Mbappe’s Instagram post which stated – “My turn to be excited to see you light up the Bernabeu.”</p>

<p>Although a free transfer, it is reported that Real Madrid will pay a signing-on amount of $100 million to the Frenchman. The deal is the most expensive signing-on fee as the Los Blancos prepare for a new era of Galacticos.</p>

<p>Mbappe has idolised Ronaldo since his teenage days and even posed with him during a meeting. However, he will be the next generation of stars in the Spanish capital carrying the baton with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and others.</p>

<p>Like Ronaldo in his first season with Real Madrid, Mbappe will also wear No. 9 as the player’s first choice No. 10 kit is not available. Ronaldo took the No. 9 shirt during the 2009-10 season when Raul Gonzalez was still at the club wearing No.7.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/real-madrid-announce-kylian-mbappes-move-to-spanish-giants-on-a-five-year-deal-728429">Kylian Mbappe joins Real Madrid on five-year deal after dramatic transfer saga</a></p>

<p>Luka Modric is reported to have signed a new deal and will continue wearing the No.10 at least till the end of the 2024-25 season. He is expected to announce his club retirement at the end of the next season.</p>

<p>Since the 2009-10 season, Karim Benzema took the No. 9 kit until he left the club in 2022 for the Saudi Pro League. Other famous names to wear the No. 9 include Alfredo di Stéfano, Davor Suker and Vicente del Bosque.</p>

<p>As things stand, Vinicius Jr will wear No.7, Rodrygo No.11, Federico Valverde No.15 while Jude Bellingham will have his number 5.</p>

<h2><strong>Real Madrid continue dominance</strong></h2>

<p>The current European champions will also add Brazilian attacker Endrick to their ranks in the coming days after completing his transfer in the January transfer window. They will only get stronger as their squad age will be a big factor in the years to come. Real Madrid will be expected to be the favourites to win the Champions League in the 2024-25 season with the firepower they will have at their disposal.</p>


Kylian Mbappe’s dream of being a Real Madrid player was finally made official on Monday (June 3) as the star Frenchman completed his move on a free transfer. Mabppe, who idolises Cristiano Ronaldo will follow the footsteps of the Portugal great and will don the whites of Real Madrid from the 2024-25 season.

Kylian Mbappe’s dream of being a Real Madrid player was finally made official on Monday (June 3) as the star Frenchman completed his move on a free transfer. Mabppe, who idolises Cristiano Ronaldo will follow the footsteps of the Portugal great and will don the whites of Real Madrid from the 2024-25 season. After the move, Ronaldo took to his social media and greeted the French forward with a text that caught the attention of the internet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kylian Mbappé (@k.mbappe) × Ronaldo greets Mbappe After the move was announced, the 39-year-old commented on Mbappe’s Instagram post which stated – “My turn to be excited to see you light up the Bernabeu.” Although a free transfer, it is reported that Real Madrid will pay a signing-on amount of $100 million to the Frenchman. The deal is the most expensive signing-on fee as the Los Blancos prepare for a new era of Galacticos. Mbappe has idolised Ronaldo since his teenage days and even posed with him during a meeting. However, he will be the next generation of stars in the Spanish capital carrying the baton with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and others. Like Ronaldo in his first season with Real Madrid, Mbappe will also wear No. 9 as the player’s first choice No. 10 kit is not available. Ronaldo took the No. 9 shirt during the 2009-10 season when Raul Gonzalez was still at the club wearing No.7. ALSO READ | Kylian Mbappe joins Real Madrid on five-year deal after dramatic transfer saga Luka Modric is reported to have signed a new deal and will continue wearing the No.10 at least till the end of the 2024-25 season. He is expected to announce his club retirement at the end of the next season. Since the 2009-10 season, Karim Benzema took the No. 9 kit until he left the club in 2022 for the Saudi Pro League. Other famous names to wear the No. 9 include Alfredo di Stéfano, Davor Suker and Vicente del Bosque. As things stand, Vinicius Jr will wear No.7, Rodrygo No.11, Federico Valverde No.15 while Jude Bellingham will have his number 5. Real Madrid continue dominance The current European champions will also add Brazilian attacker Endrick to their ranks in the coming days after completing his transfer in the January transfer window. They will only get stronger as their squad age will be a big factor in the years to come. Real Madrid will be expected to be the favourites to win the Champions League in the 2024-25 season with the firepower they will have at their disposal.

Cristiano Ronaldo greets Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid switch, texts 'excited to see you light up Bernabeu'

<p>The NFL will stage its first ever regular season game in Spain during the 2025 season with a fixture at Real Madrid's newly refurbished Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as the league continues its expansion into overseas markets, officials confirmed on Friday.</p>

<p>Days after confirming the NFL will host a game in Brazil next season, the league announced that the Bernabeu will be the venue for a Spanish fixture next year.</p>

<p>"Playing a game in Madrid in 2025&nbsp;highlights the continued expansion of the league's global footprint and&nbsp;the&nbsp;accelerated ambitions to take our game to more fans around the world,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;NFL Commissioner&nbsp;Roger&nbsp;Goodell in a statement.</p>

<p>"We are proud to partner&nbsp;with&nbsp;Real Madrid&nbsp;C.F., a global brand, together with the City of Madrid and&nbsp;Comunidad&nbsp;de&nbsp;Madrid,&nbsp;to bring&nbsp;a spectacular&nbsp;regular season game to&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;at the world-class&nbsp;Santiago Bernabeu Stadium," he added.</p>

<p>Fifty regular season NFL games have been played internationally through the league's history, with London, Munich, Frankfurt, Mexico City and Toronto all hosting games to date.</p>

<p>Sao Paulo, Brazil, will stage a game in 2024 at the Corinthians Arena — home to Brazilian football team Corinthians — the first NFL game in South America.</p>

<p>The iconic Bernabeu has undergone a significant redevelopment and now has a retractable roof.</p>

<p>Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hailed the move as a win for both his club and the NFL.</p>

<p>"The National Football League's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu is a major event in sport history. This strategic alliance between Real Madrid and an organization of the NFL's prestige will boost our brands globally. It will be enthusiastically welcomed by millions of people on all continents, and it is an honor to embark on this journey together."</p>

<p>The announcement came ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl in Las Vegas between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.</p>

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<p>NFL officials said Spain was home to some 13 million NFL fans, noting that "fan passion" in the country had influenced the 2025 decision.</p>

<p>"We're committed to Spain for the long term," NFL International executive vice president Peter O'Reilly said. "There's 13 million NFL fans in Spain so you know there is a pent-up demand and you have the fan base."</p>

<p>O'Reilly said France was among new markets the NFL was looking at for future international games, but said there was "nothing imminent" in terms of taking the sport further afield to Asia and Australia.</p>

<p>The expansion of overseas games follows a decision taken by NFL clubs to increase international fixtures from four to eight games per season from 2025.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-bosses-unconvinced-by-blue-card-plan-after-ifab-sets-for-trail-688782">Premier League: Bosses unconvinced by 'blue card' plan after IFAB sets for trail</a></p>

<p>O'Reilly said international fixtures -- rather than the long-discussed possibility of basing a team permanently overseas -- was the NFL's preferred route.</p>

<p>"That is something that is certainly not imminent," O'Reilly said of an overseas franchise. "The structure of the league with 32 clubs is working well. Our focus at the moment right now is around what we can learn from the increase of international games each year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm sure there are interested markets around the world, but our focus on the moment is our expansion of our game inventory, and creating the opportunity of bringing our game to more fans, and not necessarily on team expansion."</p>


The NFL will stage its first ever regular season game in Spain during the 2025 season with a fixture at Real Madrid's newly refurbished Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as the league continues its expansion into overseas markets, officials confirmed on Friday.

The NFL will stage its first ever regular season game in Spain during the 2025 season with a fixture at Real Madrid's newly refurbished Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as the league continues its expansion into overseas markets, officials confirmed on Friday. Days after confirming the NFL will host a game in Brazil next season, the league announced that the Bernabeu will be the venue for a Spanish fixture next year. "Playing a game in Madrid in 2025 highlights the continued expansion of the league's global footprint and the accelerated ambitions to take our game to more fans around the world," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. "We are proud to partner with Real Madrid C.F., a global brand, together with the City of Madrid and Comunidad de Madrid, to bring a spectacular regular season game to Spain at the world-class Santiago Bernabeu Stadium," he added. Fifty regular season NFL games have been played internationally through the league's history, with London, Munich, Frankfurt, Mexico City and Toronto all hosting games to date. Sao Paulo, Brazil, will stage a game in 2024 at the Corinthians Arena — home to Brazilian football team Corinthians — the first NFL game in South America. The iconic Bernabeu has undergone a significant redevelopment and now has a retractable roof. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hailed the move as a win for both his club and the NFL. "The National Football League's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu is a major event in sport history. This strategic alliance between Real Madrid and an organization of the NFL's prestige will boost our brands globally. It will be enthusiastically welcomed by millions of people on all continents, and it is an honor to embark on this journey together." The announcement came ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl in Las Vegas between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs. × NFL officials said Spain was home to some 13 million NFL fans, noting that "fan passion" in the country had influenced the 2025 decision. "We're committed to Spain for the long term," NFL International executive vice president Peter O'Reilly said. "There's 13 million NFL fans in Spain so you know there is a pent-up demand and you have the fan base." O'Reilly said France was among new markets the NFL was looking at for future international games, but said there was "nothing imminent" in terms of taking the sport further afield to Asia and Australia. The expansion of overseas games follows a decision taken by NFL clubs to increase international fixtures from four to eight games per season from 2025. ALSO READ | Premier League: Bosses unconvinced by 'blue card' plan after IFAB sets for trail O'Reilly said international fixtures -- rather than the long-discussed possibility of basing a team permanently overseas -- was the NFL's preferred route. "That is something that is certainly not imminent," O'Reilly said of an overseas franchise. "The structure of the league with 32 clubs is working well. Our focus at the moment right now is around what we can learn from the increase of international games each year. "I'm sure there are interested markets around the world, but our focus on the moment is our expansion of our game inventory, and creating the opportunity of bringing our game to more fans, and not necessarily on team expansion."

Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu to hold NFL game in 2025 season

Holders Real Madrid and Manchester City played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. Has Kevin De Bruyne's stunning equaliser handed the English Champions the advantage heading into the second leg in Manchester?

Advantage Man City in UCL semi-final vs real? | WION Sports Extra

<p>Zinedine Zidane has heaped praise on Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos. The previous Los Blancos manager's message followed Sergio Ramos affirming his exit from the club he joined as a 19-year-old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zinedine Zidane took to Instagram to send a salutary message to Sergio Ramos following an incredible vocation for both Real Madrid and Spain's public group. In his post, the Frenchman viewed Ramos as perhaps the best skipper in the game.</p>

<p>He wrote: "LEGEND. It was a great pleasure and honor to have you as a partner and player! A great Captain for history! Thank you so much for everything."</p>

<p>Zinedine Zidane was a Real Madrid player when Sergio Ramos joined Real Madrid back in 2005. Nonetheless, the pair partook in more achievement together during Zinedine Zidane's administrative vocation at Real Madrid. In his two spells as Los Blancos, manager, the Frenchman, and club skipper Sergio Ramos won three sequential Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It hasn't been the best beginning to the late spring for Real Madrid. The club has now lost two legends in no time. Zidane was the first to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the wake of completing second in La Liga, behind city-rivals Atletico Madrid. Zidane has been supplanted by another returning chief in Italian Carlo Ancelotti for the 2021-22 season.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This week, the club bid farewell to their skipper Sergio Ramos. The 35-year-old safeguard couldn't go to a concurrence with the Real Madrid chain of command over another arrangement and now leaves the club as a free specialist in the wake of expenditure 16 seasons in the Spanish capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Real Madrid could likewise lose their other productive center-back this mid-year. Raphael Varane is as of now connected with a transition to Manchester United and has only one year staying on his agreement. Be that as it may, Real Madrid is supposedly set to propose a drawn-out bargain for Raphael Varane.</p>


Zinedine Zidane has heaped praise on Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos. The previous Los Blancos manager's message followed Sergio Ramos affirming his exit from the club he joined as a 19-year-old.

Zinedine Zidane has heaped praise on Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos. The previous Los Blancos manager's message followed Sergio Ramos affirming his exit from the club he joined as a 19-year-old. Zinedine Zidane took to Instagram to send a salutary message to Sergio Ramos following an incredible vocation for both Real Madrid and Spain's public group. In his post, the Frenchman viewed Ramos as perhaps the best skipper in the game. He wrote: "LEGEND. It was a great pleasure and honor to have you as a partner and player! A great Captain for history! Thank you so much for everything." Zinedine Zidane was a Real Madrid player when Sergio Ramos joined Real Madrid back in 2005. Nonetheless, the pair partook in more achievement together during Zinedine Zidane's administrative vocation at Real Madrid. In his two spells as Los Blancos, manager, the Frenchman, and club skipper Sergio Ramos won three sequential Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups. It hasn't been the best beginning to the late spring for Real Madrid. The club has now lost two legends in no time. Zidane was the first to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the wake of completing second in La Liga, behind city-rivals Atletico Madrid. Zidane has been supplanted by another returning chief in Italian Carlo Ancelotti for the 2021-22 season. This week, the club bid farewell to their skipper Sergio Ramos. The 35-year-old safeguard couldn't go to a concurrence with the Real Madrid chain of command over another arrangement and now leaves the club as a free specialist in the wake of expenditure 16 seasons in the Spanish capital. Real Madrid could likewise lose their other productive center-back this mid-year. Raphael Varane is as of now connected with a transition to Manchester United and has only one year staying on his agreement. Be that as it may, Real Madrid is supposedly set to propose a drawn-out bargain for Raphael Varane.

Football: It was an honour to work with 'great captain' Sergio Ramos, says Zinedine Zidane

<p>Antonio Cassano trusts Italian manager Antonio Conte will be employed as Zinedine Zidane's substitution by Los Blancos this late spring. The striker likewise accepts the French legend could be the ideal decision for Paris-Saint Germain if Mauricio Pochettino chooses to leave the Ligue 1 colossus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Antonio Conte stunned fans and savants everywhere in the world when he headed out in different directions from Inter Milan by mutual break-up in the wake of driving the club to its first Scudetto in quite a while.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Italian manager has demonstrated himself to be a chronic victor lately and constructed himself standing for creating groups that proceed to win prizes several years since his appointment.</p>

<p>Conte has won four Serie A titles, a Premier League, and an FA Cup during his fifteen years as a football manager.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Various top clubs in Europe are presently on the lookout for another manager. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris-Saint Germain, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are for the most part apparently searching for another manager this late spring.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Conte is probably going to be at the highest point of the list of things to get for the vast majority of these clubs because of his experience of overseeing top-quality football teams and winning trophies.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-final-how-pep-guardiolas-manchester-city-imploded-on-their-biggest-night-388380" hreflang="en">Champions League Final: How Pep Guardiola's Manchester City imploded on their biggest night</a></strong></p>

<p>Antonio Cassano trusts Antonio Conte could wind up at the Santiago Bernabeu.</p>

<p>"For me, Conte's only option is Real Madrid. His time at Inter was positive, with a good first year and winning the Scudetto in his second, playing his way. I don't think he can go to PSG because they don't have the right players for his game or share his football mentality, Zidane is perfect for PSG" - he said</p>

<p>Real Madrid is presently in danger of being prohibited from the Champions League for up to two seasons on the off chance that they neglect to separate themselves from the European Super League. Los Blancos are likewise prone to confront a fine worth up to €100 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-pupil-beats-the-master-as-chelseas-tuchel-gets-the-better-of-guardiola-388363" hreflang="en">Football: Pupil beats the master as Chelsea's Tuchel gets the better of Guardiola</a></strong></p>

<p>This could risk their odds of marking Antonio Conte and marking their top exchange focuses on this mid-year.</p>


Antonio Cassano trusts Italian manager Antonio Conte will be employed as Zinedine Zidane's substitution by Los Blancos this late spring. The striker likewise accepts the French legend could be the ideal decision for Paris-Saint Germain if Mauricio Pochettino chooses to leave the Ligue 1 colossus.

Antonio Cassano trusts Italian manager Antonio Conte will be employed as Zinedine Zidane's substitution by Los Blancos this late spring. The striker likewise accepts the French legend could be the ideal decision for Paris-Saint Germain if Mauricio Pochettino chooses to leave the Ligue 1 colossus. Antonio Conte stunned fans and savants everywhere in the world when he headed out in different directions from Inter Milan by mutual break-up in the wake of driving the club to its first Scudetto in quite a while. The Italian manager has demonstrated himself to be a chronic victor lately and constructed himself standing for creating groups that proceed to win prizes several years since his appointment. Conte has won four Serie A titles, a Premier League, and an FA Cup during his fifteen years as a football manager. Various top clubs in Europe are presently on the lookout for another manager. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris-Saint Germain, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are for the most part apparently searching for another manager this late spring. Conte is probably going to be at the highest point of the list of things to get for the vast majority of these clubs because of his experience of overseeing top-quality football teams and winning trophies. ALSO READ: Champions League Final: How Pep Guardiola's Manchester City imploded on their biggest night Antonio Cassano trusts Antonio Conte could wind up at the Santiago Bernabeu. "For me, Conte's only option is Real Madrid. His time at Inter was positive, with a good first year and winning the Scudetto in his second, playing his way. I don't think he can go to PSG because they don't have the right players for his game or share his football mentality, Zidane is perfect for PSG" - he said Real Madrid is presently in danger of being prohibited from the Champions League for up to two seasons on the off chance that they neglect to separate themselves from the European Super League. Los Blancos are likewise prone to confront a fine worth up to €100 million. ALSO READ: Football: Pupil beats the master as Chelsea's Tuchel gets the better of Guardiola This could risk their odds of marking Antonio Conte and marking their top exchange focuses on this mid-year.

Football: 'Antonio Conte's only option is Real Madrid': Antonio Cassano

<p>Pep Guardiola's masterclass on Spanish grounds ensures Manchester City's emphatic victory over Real Madrid in Santiago Bernabeu.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-lyon-stun-cristiano-ronaldos-juventus-in-the-first-leg-fixture-282987" hreflang="en">Champions League: Lyon stun Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus in the first leg fixture</a></p>

<p>Kevin De Bruyne's penalty sealed off a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League.</p>

<p>Manchester City was the better team on pitch during the match and missed a big chance in the 21st minute after Kevin De Bruyne, and Jesus failed to go past Courtois but conceded a goal struck by Isco in the 60th Minute.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🔵 Manchester City have beaten Real Madrid for the first time in their history 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/cw0eVart0E">pic.twitter.com/cw0eVart0E</a></p>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1232807221022593024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gabriel Jesus scored an equaliser in the 78th minute after hitting the ball from 12 yards after Carvajal brought down substitute Raheem Sterling.</p>

<p>Kevin De Bruyne's 83rd-minute penalty sealed a comeback win for Manchester City.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🔵 Comeback! Gabriel Jesus &amp; Kevin De Bruyne inspire turnaround in Madrid ⚽️⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/0AFdGk9dxv">pic.twitter.com/0AFdGk9dxv</a></p>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1232784084100960261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Manchester City is probably playing their final European Cup before being banned for two years and they are making the most of it.</p>

<p>Guardiola, with just one year remaining on his contract, will look forward to winning the Champions League with the English side.</p>

<p>Real Madrid was on the back foot right from the beginning. They hit 9 shots (3 on target), whereas, Man City struck 16 shots out of which they had 8 on target.</p>

<p>Manchester held 52 per cent of the possession whereas 48 was held by Real Madrid. Sergio Ramos was sent off after a desperate attempt on Gabriel by the Madrid captain to avoid another goal.</p>

<p>Sergio Ramos' red card has Real Madrid worried for the reverse fixture.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pep Guardiola's masterclass on Spanish grounds ensures Manchester City's emphatic victory over Real Madrid in Santiago Bernabeu. Also read: Champions League: Lyon stun Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus in the first leg fixture Kevin De Bruyne's penalty sealed off a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola's masterclass on Spanish grounds ensures Manchester City's emphatic victory over Real Madrid in Santiago Bernabeu. Also read: Champions League: Lyon stun Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus in the first leg fixture Kevin De Bruyne's penalty sealed off a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League. Manchester City was the better team on pitch during the match and missed a big chance in the 21st minute after Kevin De Bruyne, and Jesus failed to go past Courtois but conceded a goal struck by Isco in the 60th Minute. 🔵 Manchester City have beaten Real Madrid for the first time in their history 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/cw0eVart0E — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 26, 2020 × Gabriel Jesus scored an equaliser in the 78th minute after hitting the ball from 12 yards after Carvajal brought down substitute Raheem Sterling. Kevin De Bruyne's 83rd-minute penalty sealed a comeback win for Manchester City. 🔵 Comeback! Gabriel Jesus & Kevin De Bruyne inspire turnaround in Madrid ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/0AFdGk9dxv — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 26, 2020 × Manchester City is probably playing their final European Cup before being banned for two years and they are making the most of it. Guardiola, with just one year remaining on his contract, will look forward to winning the Champions League with the English side. Real Madrid was on the back foot right from the beginning. They hit 9 shots (3 on target), whereas, Man City struck 16 shots out of which they had 8 on target. Manchester held 52 per cent of the possession whereas 48 was held by Real Madrid. Sergio Ramos was sent off after a desperate attempt on Gabriel by the Madrid captain to avoid another goal. Sergio Ramos' red card has Real Madrid worried for the reverse fixture.

Champions League: Guardiola's masterclass ensures Man City comeback against Real Madrid

<p>After the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/can-el-clasico-sans-lionel-messi-cristiano-ronaldo-light-up-camp-nou-173983">El Clasico</a> match between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-crash-to-defeat-at-levante-after-second-half-collapse-259630">Barcelona</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-keep-pace-with-barca-as-bale-suffers-hostile-reception-264159">Real Madrid</a> ended as a goalless draw, protesters clashed with police outside the Camp Nou.</p>

<p>Clashes began between police and protesters outside the ground as demonstrations continued surrounding the Catalan separatist movement, with several arrests and reports of injuries, Goal.com reported.</p>

<p>Nine people have been arrested for throwing objects at law enforcement officials.</p>

<p>The match between the two rivals was originally set for October 26, but the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-back-out-of-next-months-la-liga-miami-match-183117"> Spanish FA </a>decided to push back kick-off by two months after fierce protests in Barcelona regarding prison sentences handed down to several key figures in the Catalan separatist movement.</p>

<p>As the game neared its conclusion, an announcement was made over the Camp Nou loudspeaker for fans to avoid certain exits, as fires had already been set by demonstrators outside the ground.</p>

<p>When the final whistle was blown, clashes between protesters and police intensified. Reports stated that masked protesters set trash bins on fire and threw rocks and glass bottles at police.</p>

<p>The second Clasico of the season is scheduled for March 1 and will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.</p>


After the El Clasico match between Barcelona and Real Madrid ended as a goalless draw, protesters clashed with police outside the Camp Nou. Clashes began between police and protesters outside the ground as demonstrations continued surrounding the Catalan separatist movement, with several arrests and reports of injuries, Goal.

After the El Clasico match between Barcelona and Real Madrid ended as a goalless draw, protesters clashed with police outside the Camp Nou. Clashes began between police and protesters outside the ground as demonstrations continued surrounding the Catalan separatist movement, with several arrests and reports of injuries, Goal.com reported. Nine people have been arrested for throwing objects at law enforcement officials. The match between the two rivals was originally set for October 26, but the Spanish FA decided to push back kick-off by two months after fierce protests in Barcelona regarding prison sentences handed down to several key figures in the Catalan separatist movement. As the game neared its conclusion, an announcement was made over the Camp Nou loudspeaker for fans to avoid certain exits, as fires had already been set by demonstrators outside the ground. When the final whistle was blown, clashes between protesters and police intensified. Reports stated that masked protesters set trash bins on fire and threw rocks and glass bottles at police. The second Clasico of the season is scheduled for March 1 and will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid.

El Clasico turns voilent as police and fans clash outside Camp Nou

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidsRTtNF10Z3ZT" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Real Madrid overcame an early howler from Sergio Ramos to beat Real Sociedad 3-1 at home on an eventful Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Gareth Bale was loudly booed by his own supporters and Luka Modric returned to his very best form.</p>

<p>The victory allowed second-placed Real to stay in touch with leaders Barcelona, who also have 28 points after 13 games but top the standings due to their superior goal difference.</p>

<p>Real captain Ramos made a calamitous backpass within the first two minutes, allowing Willian Jose to calmly round keeper Thibaut Courtois and pass the ball into the empty net to put the visitors ahead and stun the home fans into silence.</p>

<p>Real, however, were back on level terms thanks to Karim Benzema after 37 minutes before running out winners with second-half goals from Federico Valverde and Luka Modric.</p>

<p>The hosts took a while to find their composure after the nightmare start but equalised when Benzema met a free kick from Modric and guided the ball into the net with his chest.</p>

<p>Zinedine Zidane's side took the lead early in the second half with a deflected shot from distance by midfielder Valverde and extended their advantage in the 67th minute when Modric thrashed a bouncing ball home from inside the area.</p>

<p>The Croatian's goal came from a cross by substitute Bale, who was initially greeted with a chorus of boos after celebrating Wales' qualification for Euro 2020 with a flag showing the words 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order'.</p>

<p>Bale seemed unaffected by the hostile reception, however, and began to win the crowd over with an energetic display, nearly scoring in stoppage time with a shot from a tight angle after a thrilling run down the wing.</p>

<p>Real coach Zidane urged the real fans to refrain from booing their joint-record signing again.</p>

<p>"It's not about whether I understand the boos or not, we need our fans on our side and so does Gareth, just like every other player," he said.</p>

<p>"If that happens we can move on from this. We want the fans to applaud him, like they did after the goal."</p>

<p>The Frenchman was also pleased with how his side responded to their awful start to the game.</p>

<p>"What I liked most was our attitude. We made a bad start to the game and gave the ball away a lot, we struggled for the first half an hour but then we produced an excellent performance against a top side."</p>


Real Madrid overcame an early howler from Sergio Ramos to beat Real Sociedad 3-1 at home on an eventful Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Gareth Bale was loudly booed by his own supporters and Luka Modric returned to his very best form.

Real Madrid overcame an early howler from Sergio Ramos to beat Real Sociedad 3-1 at home on an eventful Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Gareth Bale was loudly booed by his own supporters and Luka Modric returned to his very best form. The victory allowed second-placed Real to stay in touch with leaders Barcelona, who also have 28 points after 13 games but top the standings due to their superior goal difference. Real captain Ramos made a calamitous backpass within the first two minutes, allowing Willian Jose to calmly round keeper Thibaut Courtois and pass the ball into the empty net to put the visitors ahead and stun the home fans into silence. Real, however, were back on level terms thanks to Karim Benzema after 37 minutes before running out winners with second-half goals from Federico Valverde and Luka Modric. The hosts took a while to find their composure after the nightmare start but equalised when Benzema met a free kick from Modric and guided the ball into the net with his chest. Zinedine Zidane's side took the lead early in the second half with a deflected shot from distance by midfielder Valverde and extended their advantage in the 67th minute when Modric thrashed a bouncing ball home from inside the area. The Croatian's goal came from a cross by substitute Bale, who was initially greeted with a chorus of boos after celebrating Wales' qualification for Euro 2020 with a flag showing the words 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order'. Bale seemed unaffected by the hostile reception, however, and began to win the crowd over with an energetic display, nearly scoring in stoppage time with a shot from a tight angle after a thrilling run down the wing. Real coach Zidane urged the real fans to refrain from booing their joint-record signing again. "It's not about whether I understand the boos or not, we need our fans on our side and so does Gareth, just like every other player," he said. "If that happens we can move on from this. We want the fans to applaud him, like they did after the goal." The Frenchman was also pleased with how his side responded to their awful start to the game. "What I liked most was our attitude. We made a bad start to the game and gave the ball away a lot, we struggled for the first half an hour but then we produced an excellent performance against a top side."

Real Madrid keep pace with Barca as Bale suffers hostile reception

<p>Eden Hazard was unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday as around 50,000 supporters turned out to welcome the player they hope will launch a glorious <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/eden-hazard-could-be-catalyst-for-new-real-madrid-era-says-belgium-coach-roberto-martinez-226154&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjkxNG6rejiAhVOnY8KHaqnD0AQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tvAhvIBmiDziPMMNbW-lv">new era</a> under Zinedine Zidane.</p>

<p>The 28-year-old Hazard was presented with the home shirt, which was without a number, by club president Florentino Perez, moments after the Belgian had delivered a brief statement to his expectant fans.</p>

<p>"Hello everyone," Hazard started in Spanish, to huge cheers, before continuing in French. "It was my dream since I was small to play for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/eden-hazard-joins-real-madrid-on-five-year-contract-for-zidanes-re-build-225379&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjkxNG6rejiAhVOnY8KHaqnD0AQFjABegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3nvWTldibpo0WqoPRj8_iW">Real Madrid</a> and now I am here."</p>

<p>"You are one of the best players in the world. We know Real Madrid was where you wanted to be and now you're here," added Perez.</p>

<p>Madrid confirmed the much-anticipated transfer of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-think-its-a-goodbye-says-eden-hazard-after-winning-europa-league-for-chelsea-222654&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjkxNG6rejiAhVOnY8KHaqnD0AQFjAEegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2IyRIa1vcV6PXJj3NaYz97">Hazard </a>from Chelsea on Friday for an initial 100 million euros ($113 million), with another 45 million in potential add-ons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The full amount would trump the 101 million euros Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale and the 91 million euros they spent to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ronaldo attracted almost 80,000 for his presentation in 2009 and while the attendance for Hazard was not as large, this was still an impressive turnout.</p>

<p>Even three hours before, long queues snaked around the stadium while some supporters were seen running towards entrances they heard had suddenly been opened.</p>

<p>Inside, they roared as Hazard's best goals were shown on a big screen and then again when he struck a penalty into an open net.</p>

<p>Hazard juggled with one ball in front of the cameras and then booted dozens of them into the stands, waving and applauding as he walked around the edge of the pitch.</p>

<p>Before he emerged, there had been chants of "We want Mbappe!" and a scattering of whistles for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-hope-eden-hazard-comes-to-madrid-this-year-says-president-florentino-perez-222178&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjkxNG6rejiAhVOnY8KHaqnD0AQFjAHegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1RyWM40Tuvoy1_SXHFBvYN">Perez</a>, who has been tasked with rebuilding a Madrid squad that woefully underperformed last season.</p>

<p>Perez has admitted to being interested in Kylian Mbappe but the club's transfers this summer already amount to around 300 million euros after the arrivals of Luka Jovic, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy.</p>

<p>There will surely have to be sales before the French striker could be prized from Paris Saint-Germain.</p>

<p>Without Mbappe, it will be Hazard, who scored 110 goals in seven seasons at Chelsea, who may be the star of Zidane's renovated team, with the winger's arrival bolstering an already-bloated list of attacking options.</p>

<p>Scrapping for the spots in support of Karim Benzema are currently Vinicius Junior, Bale, Isco, Brahim Diaz, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez and even James Rodriguez, who has returned from a loan spell at Bayern Munich.</p>

<p>Hazard's place is all-but guaranteed and he will be expected to at least help in plugging the gap left by Ronaldo's departure to Juventus.</p>

<p>They are big shoes to fill.</p>


Eden Hazard was unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday as around 50,000 supporters turned out to welcome the player they hope will launch a glorious new era under Zinedine Zidane.

Eden Hazard was unveiled at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday as around 50,000 supporters turned out to welcome the player they hope will launch a glorious new era under Zinedine Zidane. The 28-year-old Hazard was presented with the home shirt, which was without a number, by club president Florentino Perez, moments after the Belgian had delivered a brief statement to his expectant fans. "Hello everyone," Hazard started in Spanish, to huge cheers, before continuing in French. "It was my dream since I was small to play for Real Madrid and now I am here." "You are one of the best players in the world. We know Real Madrid was where you wanted to be and now you're here," added Perez. Madrid confirmed the much-anticipated transfer of Hazard from Chelsea on Friday for an initial 100 million euros ($113 million), with another 45 million in potential add-ons. The full amount would trump the 101 million euros Madrid paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale and the 91 million euros they spent to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Ronaldo attracted almost 80,000 for his presentation in 2009 and while the attendance for Hazard was not as large, this was still an impressive turnout. Even three hours before, long queues snaked around the stadium while some supporters were seen running towards entrances they heard had suddenly been opened. Inside, they roared as Hazard's best goals were shown on a big screen and then again when he struck a penalty into an open net. Hazard juggled with one ball in front of the cameras and then booted dozens of them into the stands, waving and applauding as he walked around the edge of the pitch. Before he emerged, there had been chants of "We want Mbappe!" and a scattering of whistles for Perez, who has been tasked with rebuilding a Madrid squad that woefully underperformed last season. Perez has admitted to being interested in Kylian Mbappe but the club's transfers this summer already amount to around 300 million euros after the arrivals of Luka Jovic, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy. There will surely have to be sales before the French striker could be prized from Paris Saint-Germain. Without Mbappe, it will be Hazard, who scored 110 goals in seven seasons at Chelsea, who may be the star of Zidane's renovated team, with the winger's arrival bolstering an already-bloated list of attacking options. Scrapping for the spots in support of Karim Benzema are currently Vinicius Junior, Bale, Isco, Brahim Diaz, Marco Asensio, Lucas Vazquez and even James Rodriguez, who has returned from a loan spell at Bayern Munich. Hazard's place is all-but guaranteed and he will be expected to at least help in plugging the gap left by Ronaldo's departure to Juventus. They are big shoes to fill.

It was my dream to play for Real Madrid, says Eden Hazard at Santiago Bernabeu unveiling

<p>Holders Real Madrid reached the Champions League final for a third year in a row after taking advantage of Bayern Munich’s carelessness in attack and defence to draw 2-2 in their semi-final second leg on Tuesday, winning 4-3 on aggregate.</p>

<p>Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich put them in front in the third minute at the Santiago Bernabeu but Karim Benzema levelled with a free header in the 11th. A goalkeeping howler from Bayern’s Sven Ulreich then allowed Benzema to tap in Madrid’s second at the start of the second half.</p>

<p>James Rodriguez, on loan from Madrid, hit a deserved equaliser for Bayern in the 63rd to set up a gripping finale but the Spaniards clung on despite waves of pressure from the visitors to become the first team since Juventus in 1998 to reach the final for three years in succession.</p>

<p>They will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final in Kiev on May 26, where they will bid to become the first side since Bayern in 1976 to win the competition three years in a row.</p>

<p>Madrid had ridden their luck to win the first leg in Munich 2-1 after Bayern had missed a slew of chances and Zinedine Zidane`s side made the most of their few opportunities.</p>

<p>Madrid fans unfurled a giant banner before kickoff stating "We will defend the throne, we will capture glory", but Bayern launched an early assault on their kingdom as David Alaba came rushing forward only to pass into the hands of keeper Keylor Navas.</p>

<p>Bayern came back down the other flank and landed their first punch when Sergio Ramos failed to clear a cross and Kimmich gleefully knocked home from close range.</p>

<p>It was the third consecutive home game in the knockout stages that Madrid had fallen behind, but they kept their composure and soon found an equaliser.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A superb crossfield ball from Luka Modric was controlled by Marcelo who delivered the perfect cross for Benzema to nod calmly in at the back post.</p>

<p>An end-to-end game ensued, with midfield frequently being bypassed by long balls up to the forwards. Bayern could have re-taken the lead when striker Robert Lewandowski was foiled by Madrid goalkeeper Navas and Rodriguez sent the rebound flying over the bar from close range.</p>

<p>Bayern finished the half strongly but were left fuming at a failed penalty appeal when a shot from Kimmich struck Marcelo’s arm.<br />
They sealed their own demise, though, when Ulreich lost his footing as he tried to control a backpass from Corentin Tolisso, allowing Madrid`s much-maligned striker Benzema to tap in what proved to be the killer blow.</p>

<p>Bayern still created chances before and after Rodriguez`s goal.<br />
Navas denied the Colombian and Mats Hummels headed wide from a corner in stoppage time, sealing Bayern’s fifth consecutive Champions League exit to a Spanish side, and their third to Madrid in that time.</p>


Real Madrid will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final in Kiev on May 26

Holders Real Madrid reached the Champions League final for a third year in a row after taking advantage of Bayern Munich’s carelessness in attack and defence to draw 2-2 in their semi-final second leg on Tuesday, winning 4-3 on aggregate. Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich put them in front in the third minute at the Santiago Bernabeu but Karim Benzema levelled with a free header in the 11th. A goalkeeping howler from Bayern’s Sven Ulreich then allowed Benzema to tap in Madrid’s second at the start of the second half. James Rodriguez, on loan from Madrid, hit a deserved equaliser for Bayern in the 63rd to set up a gripping finale but the Spaniards clung on despite waves of pressure from the visitors to become the first team since Juventus in 1998 to reach the final for three years in succession. They will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final in Kiev on May 26, where they will bid to become the first side since Bayern in 1976 to win the competition three years in a row. Madrid had ridden their luck to win the first leg in Munich 2-1 after Bayern had missed a slew of chances and Zinedine Zidane`s side made the most of their few opportunities. Madrid fans unfurled a giant banner before kickoff stating "We will defend the throne, we will capture glory", but Bayern launched an early assault on their kingdom as David Alaba came rushing forward only to pass into the hands of keeper Keylor Navas. Bayern came back down the other flank and landed their first punch when Sergio Ramos failed to clear a cross and Kimmich gleefully knocked home from close range. It was the third consecutive home game in the knockout stages that Madrid had fallen behind, but they kept their composure and soon found an equaliser. A superb crossfield ball from Luka Modric was controlled by Marcelo who delivered the perfect cross for Benzema to nod calmly in at the back post. An end-to-end game ensued, with midfield frequently being bypassed by long balls up to the forwards. Bayern could have re-taken the lead when striker Robert Lewandowski was foiled by Madrid goalkeeper Navas and Rodriguez sent the rebound flying over the bar from close range. Bayern finished the half strongly but were left fuming at a failed penalty appeal when a shot from Kimmich struck Marcelo’s arm. They sealed their own demise, though, when Ulreich lost his footing as he tried to control a backpass from Corentin Tolisso, allowing Madrid`s much-maligned striker Benzema to tap in what proved to be the killer blow. Bayern still created chances before and after Rodriguez`s goal. Navas denied the Colombian and Mats Hummels headed wide from a corner in stoppage time, sealing Bayern’s fifth consecutive Champions League exit to a Spanish side, and their third to Madrid in that time.

Champions League: Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich to reach final for third year in a row

<p>Though Real Madrid started the&nbsp;season on a high, the La Liga giant have&nbsp;struggled of late with the&nbsp;gap between them and Barcelona has widened so much so&nbsp;it&#39;s&nbsp;really tough to catch up with Catalan giant as the title rate is anything but over.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Villarreal registered their first victory ever at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid. Pablo Fornals of Villarreal struck with 3 minutes remaining to escape with a 1-0 win on Saturday.</p>

<p>Real Madrid got 11 corners and had 28 shots on target but could not convert any of them as their accuracy was below par.</p>

<p>&quot;We didn&#39;t deserve to lose. We had the better chances but the ball did not want to go in,&quot; said Zidane after Real&#39;s second straight home league defeat.</p>

<p>&quot;There is no explanation for this, I think we did everything we could. We had a lot of chances to score a goal. It&#39;s a bad result, it will last for some time. I can say nothing more to my players about what they have done. The only thing I can say is we are having a bad moment, we are struggling a bit. It&#39;s a loss that is difficult to digest,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>A few days back Real Madrid saw their team draw with a second-division club Numancia 2-2 in the Copa del Rey.</p>

<p>Madrid also drew at Celta Vigo 2-2 a week ago and lost to Barcelona 3-0 at the Bernabeu at the end of 2017.</p>

<p>Real is playing without their captain&nbsp;Sergio Ramos, as he is out due to&nbsp;an injury.&nbsp;He has been diagnosed with a muscular tear in the left soleus muscle.</p>

<p>Recently, Sergio posted his training&nbsp;video on social media which shows he is recovering fast.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd2khTwHe1j/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Al final el trabajo tiene su recompensa siempre. &iexcl;Vamos! In the end, hard work always pays off. #HalaMadrid</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sergioramos/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Sergio Ramos</a> (@sergioramos) on <time datetime="2018-01-12T14:25:19+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 12, 2018 at 6:25am PST</time></p>
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<p>It is expected that he will be back&nbsp;before the first leg of the Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain on February 14.</p>

<p>Madrid&#39;s coach Zidane is definitely under the immense pressure of losing his job.</p>

<p>Also, the club is going through the crisis&nbsp;situation of having the worst season in past 20 years. Last season, they were unstoppable and reigning the Spanish&nbsp;leagues.</p>

<p>On one hand, Villarreal created history but on the other Real Madrid faced a devastating loss at their home ground.&nbsp;Villarreal moved to fifth place with the victory on the table.</p>

<p>The defending La Liga champions are currently fourth in the table. Now, the rival club FC Barcelona sits 16 points clear of Real Madrid. No club in history has ever covered such huge margin of points.</p>

<p><strong>LaLiga Table:</strong></p>

<p><b>Club&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Points</b></p>

<p>Barcelona&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 48</p>

<p>Atletico Madrid&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 42</p>

<p>Valencia&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 40</p>

<p>Real Madrid&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 32</p>

<p>Villarreal&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 31</p>

<p>Sevilla&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;29</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


After losing 0-1 against Villarreal, Real Madrid is going through the crisis situation of having the worst season in past 20 years

Though Real Madrid started the season on a high, the La Liga giant have struggled of late with the gap between them and Barcelona has widened so much so it's really tough to catch up with Catalan giant as the title rate is anything but over. On Saturday, Villarreal registered their first victory ever at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid. Pablo Fornals of Villarreal struck with 3 minutes remaining to escape with a 1-0 win on Saturday. Real Madrid got 11 corners and had 28 shots on target but could not convert any of them as their accuracy was below par. "We didn't deserve to lose. We had the better chances but the ball did not want to go in," said Zidane after Real's second straight home league defeat. "There is no explanation for this, I think we did everything we could. We had a lot of chances to score a goal. It's a bad result, it will last for some time. I can say nothing more to my players about what they have done. The only thing I can say is we are having a bad moment, we are struggling a bit. It's a loss that is difficult to digest," he added. A few days back Real Madrid saw their team draw with a second-division club Numancia 2-2 in the Copa del Rey. Madrid also drew at Celta Vigo 2-2 a week ago and lost to Barcelona 3-0 at the Bernabeu at the end of 2017. Real is playing without their captain Sergio Ramos, as he is out due to an injury. He has been diagnosed with a muscular tear in the left soleus muscle. Recently, Sergio posted his training video on social media which shows he is recovering fast. Al final el trabajo tiene su recompensa siempre. ¡Vamos! In the end, hard work always pays off. #HalaMadrid A post shared by Sergio Ramos (@sergioramos) on Jan 12, 2018 at 6:25am PST × It is expected that he will be back before the first leg of the Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain on February 14. Madrid's coach Zidane is definitely under the immense pressure of losing his job. Also, the club is going through the crisis situation of having the worst season in past 20 years. Last season, they were unstoppable and reigning the Spanish leagues. On one hand, Villarreal created history but on the other Real Madrid faced a devastating loss at their home ground. Villarreal moved to fifth place with the victory on the table. The defending La Liga champions are currently fourth in the table. Now, the rival club FC Barcelona sits 16 points clear of Real Madrid. No club in history has ever covered such huge margin of points. LaLiga Table: Club Points Barcelona 48 Atletico Madrid 42 Valencia 40 Real Madrid 32 Villarreal 31 Sevilla 29

Zinedine Zidane laments, Real Madrid struggles