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West Ham know an away draw will be enough for them to progress to the Europa Conference League final as they visit AZ Alkmaar. The London club take a 2-1 advantage through to the second half of the tie, fighting back from behind to emerge on top in a relatively even first leg. With Premier League safety almost certain, David Moyes elected to rest some of his first-choice side in the weekend defeat to Brentford to afford them fuller focus on this encounter. But the veteran Scottish manager will be wary of a good AZ team who showed their scoring prowess with a 5-1 victory in the Eredivise between the two legs. Here’s everything you need to know. When is AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham? The second leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final is due to kick-off at 8pm BST on Thursday 18 May at the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BT Sport 1, with coverage on the channel from 7.15pm BST. Subscribers can also stream the action via the BT Sport app or online player. Confirmed line-ups AZ XI: Ryan; Sugawara, Beukema, Hatzidiakos, Kerkez; Reijnders, Mijnans, Clasie; Odgaard, Pavlidis, Van Brederode. West Ham XI: Areola; Kehrer, Zouma, Aguerd, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Paqueta, Benrahma; Antonio. Odds AZ win 32/19 Draw 28/11 West Ham win 17/10 Prediction This one could go all the way to penalties - and end in another European semi-final exit for West Ham. AZ 2-1 West Ham (3-3 agg. - AZ advance on penalties) Read More Luton Town one game from the Premier League after comeback win over Sunderland Inter Milan have already made it clear how they’ll aim to win Champions League final Lioness Leah Williamson invests in Toca to inspire women’s football West Ham boss David Moyes looking to conquer AZ Alkmaar again West Ham won’t consider any Declan Rice bids until season is over Man City brush aside Everton to close in on title as Brighton stun Arsenal

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is “optimistic” his side’s charge for European football next season will prove successful. Villa’s 2-1 win against Tottenham last week lifted them level with the Londoners, who sit seventh in the Europa Conference League play-off place, and to within a point of Brighton, who occupy the last Europa League spot. Emery, whose side play at Liverpool on Saturday, told a press conference: “After the match against Tottenham, I am optimistic. It’s not in our hands, but we are going to play and try to win.” Villa responded to recent back-to-back league defeats with victory against struggling Tottenham, their 14th top-flight win in 23 games since Emery took charge last October. That run has seen the former Arsenal boss nominated for Premier League manager of the season. Two games remain for Emery’s side – they are at home to Brighton on the final day – and their transformation under the Spaniard has brought a possible top-seven finish into sharp focus. “I love Europe,” Emery said: “I really want to play Europe because after 15 years, spending a lot of time playing amazing matches, amazing performances and amazing matches, I am here to try and do the same with Aston Villa.” The 51-year-old is the Europa League’s most successful manager, winning the competition three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal, while he was a runner-up with Arsenal when they lost to Chelsea in the 2019 final. “My focus, my passion, is to play here feeling strong emotions together, firstly in the Premier League, secondly trying to be close to trophies and then playing in Europe,” Emery said. “That is my motivation every day. It’s the reason we have to be focused and, involving the people around us, thinking about football and the possibilities in our life.” Emery revealed midfielder Philippe Coutinho will play no part in Villa’s last two games after sustaining an unspecified injury in training before the Tottenham match. Emery added: “I talked with him this week. He’s a little bit unlucky with his month because I didn’t see him play matches like I want. “But, of course, with the injuries coming, we have to be patient as well, now we are going to wait for his recovery. “This year, he’s not going to play again until the end of this season because we are finishing in two weeks.” Defender Calum Chambers missed training on Thursday due to illness, but is expected to be included in the squad for the trip to Anfield. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live My heart will always be here – Lucas Moura says goodbye to Tottenham Rory McIlroy struggles to make gains in US PGA Championship first round Iga Swiatek hoping to defend her French Open title despite thigh issue

Lucas Moura will leave Tottenham at the end of the season. The Brazilian forward has struggled for fitness and form this campaign with no goals in his 17 appearances. Moura missed a large chunk of the first half of the campaign with a tendon injury and since his return after the World Cup has been involved in several difficult moments for Spurs, being sent off in a 1-1 draw at Everton before his error resulted in Liverpool scoring a stoppage-time winner last month. Arguably his best moment in a Spurs shirt was when he netted a hat-trick in 2019 at Ajax that sent Tottenham through to a first Champions League final in the most dramatic fashion. Spurs have now confirmed this term will be Moura’s last and he will get the chance to bid farewell to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful in Saturday’s home match with Brentford. “Wherever I am, my heart will always be here. You are my club,” Moura said on Tottenham’s official Twitter feed. “It has been the greatest honour to defend this badge. Every flick, every tackle, every leap, every goal. “From the highest of highs to the lowest lows, from the beginning to the end, you sung my name. This has been my dream. “This will always be my home. Some nights we will never forget, writing history together. I will always love you no matter where I go. We will meet again.” Moura has scored 38 goals in 219 appearances since he moved to Tottenham in the winter transfer window of 2018. “We would like to thank Lucas for his tremendous service to our club and wish him the very best for the future,” an official club statement read. “We shall provide a further update on our wider released and retained player list following the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Aaron Ramsdale committed his future to Arsenal and shared an emotional and honest message with the fans after signing a new long-term contract. The goalkeeper, who has already made 76 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, has inked improved terms after an impressive season that has seen the club challenge for the Premier League title. When Ramsdale first signed for the club in 2021 from Sheffield United, he joined on a reported four-year deal with the option of adding a fifth. Arsenal’s announcement does not state how long the new contract is for, although reports suggest it is until 2026 with the option of a further year once again. “I know you guys (Arsenal fans) probably weren’t the most overexcited for the signing of myself, and I totally get it; I don’t have any right to come here and expect you all to rate me from the get-go,” Ramsdale told the club’s social media. “This is a huge club, and it’s had some top-class goalkeepers along the way, but fair play: Once I got into the team and I got my chance, I felt like we understood each other a lot more. “I feel your love, and I feel like you feel mine as well. Hopefully you get the idea that I give everything out there. It doesn’t matter how it happens, I take responsibility for keeping that ball out the back of the net. I’ll do anything in my power to get that clean sheet. “Never doubt, when a result is going against us, we are all hurting inside the dressing room – players and staff equally. “I know I’m not from around here, but you lot make me feel feel like I am. I get messages and love from people all around the world, so I know how big the club is. You guys have took my family in, making my dad feel like a superstar. It really gives a family feel to the football club. “You make matchdays so special, and I can’t imagine anywhere else for my home stadium to be – or my home. I feel honoured that you guys have welcomed me in, and I feel honoured that the staff want me to stay. “So, it was the easiest decision in the world to commit my future to ‘the Arsenal’. Let’s keep moving forward as a club and make some more special memories.” His performances for the Gunners earned him an England call-up ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and Ramsdale has made three appearances for the national side. “We’re all so happy that Aaron has signed a new contract,” head coach Mikel Arteta said. “The way Aaron has developed over the past two years has been exceptional, with his performances, contribution and overall adaptation to the club. “It’s great that we’re continuing to build our future with our biggest talents in our young squad. We’re all looking forward to enjoying many more years of Aaron the player and the person at the football club.” Read More Mikel Arteta knows why Arsenal suffered title agony – here’s what must come next Title race over: Arsenal’s season ends with painful submission Mikel Arteta apologises for Arsenal’s Brighton disaster - ‘You cannot do what we did’ It’s in our hands – Steve Cooper urges Forest to take advantage of good position Dean Smith defends under-fire Leicester players as Foxes fight for their lives Man Utd rise has helped make WSL the best in the world – Man City’s Laura Coombs

Jurgen Klopp’s poor disciplinary record and his failure to heed previous conduct warnings were aggravating factors which led to the Liverpool manager receiving a two-match touchline ban for implying bias by referee Paul Tierney. Klopp was fined £75,000 and will not be in the technical area for their final Premier League home game of the campaign against Aston Villa on Saturday but the second match of his punishment has been suspended until the end of next season. The German admitted a charge of improper conduct in that his comments about Tierney implied bias, questioned the integrity of the referee and brought the game into disrepute. Klopp, who was booked for celebrating in the face of fourth official John Brooks after Diogo Jota’s added-time goal in the 4-3 win over Tottenham last month, suggested in post-match interviews what Tierney had said to him in issuing the caution was “not OK” and went on to add “we have our story, history, with Mr Tierney. I really don’t know what this man has with us”. The independent disciplinary commission, in its written reasons, said the Professional Game Match Officials Limited viewed Klopp’s comments as an “unwarranted attack on Mr Tierney’s integrity” and so immediately issued a statement in defence of the official. Klopp later apologised, clarifying his words and denying he had questioned Tierney’s integrity and while that, and his letter to the commission, were deemed “considerable mitigation” it was his history which counted against him. “Mr Klopp has a poor record for disciplinary offences, having appeared before commissions on three occasions in the past five years,” said the commission in its written reasons. “In November 2022 in an appeal in which two members of the present commission sat, Mr Klopp received a touchline ban, a fine and a warning. “Those sanctions plainly failed to deter Mr Klopp from committing nine similar breaches of the rules. Mr Klopp is a high-profile individual in the football world. He must have known that what he said would attract widespread publicity. “He should have realised that it was incumbent on him to restrain himself and to behave properly. “The statements that Mr Klopp made/adopted were not limited to comments on the immediate match, but extended to allegations of persistent bias against a blameless referee. “The intense media interest that followed Mr Klopp’s remarks was highly damaging.” Klopp created a problem for himself when he charged down the touchline following Jota’s goal after Tottenham’s 90th-minute equaliser had cancelled out Liverpool’s earlier 3-0 lead. From evidence obtained from the officials’ audio, Brooks told Tierney “Jurgen Klopp has just run and celebrated in my face. I think it’s a yellow card mate, minimum”. To be absolutely clear, I know that Mr Tierney, along with all other officials, do their work without any pre-conceived bias or prejudice Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on referee Paul Tierney VAR backed up Brooks’ opinion and in booking Klopp, Tierney said: “I have to show you yellow… it could be red, but I am going to show you yellow. We will give you the benefit of the doubt, don’t do anything more.” Those were the comments Klopp deemed “not OK” but it was not his behaviour on the pitch which produced the disciplinary charge but the aspersions he cast at Tierney, which he subsequently withdrew in a press conference a couple of days later and in a letter of apology to the commission. Liverpool, in their own letter, stressed Klopp may have misunderstood Tierney and “they do not believe that Mr Tierney purposely gives decisions against LFC and that any suggestion that Mr Tierney was biased or not wholly impartial was totally unintended. “Mr Klopp did not wish to suggest that Mr Tierney was dishonest, just that there were a long list of key decisions which he felt aggrieved by that have involved Mr Tierney. “Both LFC and Jurgen Klopp regret that his comments have become a story in themselves and that there has been any question mark cast over Mr Tierney’s impartiality – that was not intended.” Klopp spelled out his regret in his own letter, saying: “Although it was not my intention I accept now it appears that I was questioning Mr Tierney’s integrity. I take ownership of this. On reflection, the words I used were inappropriate. “To be absolutely clear, I know that Mr Tierney, along with all other officials, do their work without any pre-conceived bias or prejudice. “Although not an excuse, I believe we have made up a high percentage of Mr Tierney’s matches this season? Something in the region of 20 per cent of the matches he has officiated have involved my team. “I do not offer this as a defence, rather it is an observation and could be a reason for both the build-up of frustration governed by an inadvertent accumulation of incidents over an extended period.”

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has signed a new contract with the club. The England international has established himself as a key figure at the Emirates since he joined from Sheffield United in 2021. Ramsdale’s previous terms were due to expire in 2025 and this new deal is set to run until 2026 with Arsenal holding the option to extend it by a further year, the PA news agency understands. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “We’re all so happy that Aaron has signed a new contract. “The way Aaron has developed over the past two years has been exceptional, with his performances, contribution and overall adaptation to the club. “It’s great that we’re continuing to build our future with our biggest talents in our young squad. We’re all looking forward to enjoying many more years of Aaron the player and the person at the football club.” Ramsdale has made 39 appearances for Arsenal this season and kept 15 clean sheets in all competitions. Sporting Director Edu added: “It’s great that we’ve agreed and completed a new contract with Aaron. “We have enjoyed so many positive moments from Aaron’s performances in his two years with us and are looking forward to many more. “We must also remember that Aaron is still very young, so there is still a lot more to come from him, as we continue to build with our young foundations.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Bradford boss Mark Hughes insists his side are full of confidence and under no pressure as they prepare for their Sky Bet League Two play-off semi final second leg against Carlisle on Saturday. The Bantams hold a 1-0 lead heading into the all-important deciding leg at Brunton Park thanks to Jamie Walker’s strike. It is the first time Bradford have reached the play-offs since being relegated to the fourth tier in 2019 and is also Hughes’ first-time being involved in the post-season. Hughes claims his side are in the preferred position and are confident based on form heading into the play-offs. He told a press conference: “I would much rather be in our position than Carlisle’s. “Going there with a win under our belt, not only the scoreline but the confidence that winning a football match brings. If you look at the last 10 games, we’ve had more wins than Carlisle have and we are coming off the back of a win. “In terms of confidence, we are in a better place and there is absolutely no pressure on us because we are on the front foot and looking forward to the game and we are in a good frame of mind heading into it. “I don’t know if there are mind games going on, might be from Carlisle’s point of view but certainly not from us, we are just confident in our own ability.” Hughes is enjoying his first experience of the play-offs and whilst he has not been involved in the post-season before, he has drawn comparisons of the atmosphere at the University of Bradford Stadium to European nights at his previous clubs, and insists the big-game atmosphere on Saturday will not surprise his team. He continued: “I’ve enjoyed the occasion and atmosphere around the game. “It reminded me of the European nights and there’s a certain atmosphere and noise to a big crowd when there’s something on a game and to experience that again is something I enjoyed. “It’s been enjoyable in the play-offs, no different really to games at the top end of the Premier League or semi-finals I’ve been involved in. “They were very nervous in the opening period, which was a consequence of the stage and the atmosphere which will be replicated, not to the same extent, but they will have a big crowd and will have to deal with that. That’s what we are used to, every weekend basically. The teams have met three times already this season and have only produced two goals, both sides winning 1-0 sandwiched between a goalless draw in March and the Bradford boss is not falling for any mind games being played from the opposition camp. He said: “It’s part and parcel of the game, they will try and psych us out but we are in a good place in terms of where we are at and what we are about and we just want to get the job done. “We are ready for it, the game itself will be a challenge and everything surrounding it but I think we will deal with it well enough.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Rafael Nadal sights set on 2024 farewell tour after pulling out of French Open Khaled El-Ahmad hoping Barnsley help ‘young girls and women achieve their dream’ Manchester United’s Charlie Savage wants to make his own name in the game

Barnsley chief executive Khaled El-Ahmad hopes the club can make dreams come true after launching their first professional women’s team. The Sky Bet League One club will take Barnsley Ladies, recently promoted from the sixth tier of women’s football, in-house at Oakwell from next season and rebrand them as Barnsley FC. El-Ahmad said the move was part of his vision for the Yorkshire club after he became the first Swedish chief executive in British football in July 2021. He told the PA news agency: “It’s not necessarily the timing of it, it’s just the right thing to do as a club with a 136-year history. “We’re sure there’s the talent pool in and around Barnsley and we can play a big role in helping young girls and women achieve their dream.” Barnsley aim to be “a leading club in the promotion of women’s football” and plan for Barnsley FC to play some of their games at Oakwell. It's not necessarily the timing of it, it's just the right thing to do as a club with a 136-year history Barnsley CEO Khaled El-Ahmad The club said in a statement: “The professionalisation of the women’s team will see Barnsley FC invest in a number of areas, including but not limited to increased matchday support, access to sport science, training and physio teams, increased marketing and promotion and much more.” El-Ahmad, who oversaw a restructuring of Barnsley’s board of directors just over a year ago, said: “We asked was why does Barnsley Football Club not have a women’s team? “So we started our due diligence, speaking to the Council, Barnsley Ladies, I had a meeting with another Barnsley women’s team, a meeting with a Premier League club and the FA. “We decided to make the decision and took Barnsley Ladies first team into our organisation as the best step forward for us as a club and hopefully for the borough. We’re proud and very excited.” Barnsley hope to celebrate Thursday’s announcement by taking another big step towards promotion back to the Sky Bet Championship at the first attempt. Michael Duff’s side play the second leg of their play-off semi-final against Bolton at Oakwell on Friday after drawing 1-1 in last Saturday’s first leg. The Reds finished fourth in League One in Duff’s first campaign in charge, winning 26 of their fixtures during the regular season. “Hopefully, with a bit of luck and skill and support we can win another game,” El-Ahmad added. “Then we can speak again.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Manchester United’s Charlie Savage wants to make his own name in the game It’s in our hands – Steve Cooper urges Forest to take advantage of good position England seamer Kate Cross laid low by ongoing battle against tropical disease

Charlie Savage is determined to make his own mark on the game as the Manchester United youngster follows in the footsteps of famous father Robbie. It is 32 years since Savage Sr pitched up at Old Trafford, going on to play in the FA Youth Cup-winning Class of 92 before joining Crewe without making a first-team appearance. Another Savage is now in the United youth set-up and Charlie fulfilled a lifelong dream by making his senior debut as a substitute against Young Boys in the Champions League in late 2021. The 20-year-old regularly jokes with his dad that has the edge on him as a result, but Robbie’s humorous retort reminds him there is a long way to go. “I say it all the time to him,” Charlie Savage told the PA news agency. “He played 346 games in the Prem and he says come back to me when you’ve played 347! “I’d have to play every game in a row for 10 years to do that!” You could feel the respect as Charlie spoke about his dad’s career, which saw him represent Leicester, Birmingham, Blackburn and Derby in the Premier League as well as play 39 times for Wales. That impressive CV and subsequent media career piques interest and leads to comparisons when the 20-year-old comes into focus, but he brushes such talk aside. “With the industry that we’re in, it’s fair that people say about my dad and stuff,” Savage said. “But I definitely am my own player. “I think we’re quite different as players. It’s hard to compare me and him because we’re from two different eras. “Obviously if I go and have the career that he had, I’d be very happy – playing for your country and playing more than 340 times in the Premier League. “My aim is to be my own man but, like I say, it doesn’t really bother me that people compare me to my dad because I am proud that he is my dad.” That pride is reciprocated by his father, who was emotional on co-commentary duties when Charlie came on against Young Boys. A clip then went viral of the ex-Wales international expressing his joy after seeing his son had netted his first senior goal during his loan at Forest Green in the second half of last season. It is a time Savage junior took a lot from, embracing life in Gloucestershire and building a bond with staff beyond the field in a season that ultimately ended in relegation from League One. Savage says playing for a club built on sustainability has made him “more environmentally conscious” and has backed them to bounce straight back under Everton great Duncan Ferguson. “He’s been fantastic with me,” Savage said of the Forest Green boss. “He’s not who everyone makes him out to be in terms of the hardman persona. He’s honestly really caring. “I’m forever grateful for him giving me a chance and sticking with me.” Savage is now looking forward to the next step in his career for club and country. He is taking part in a Wales training camp later this month and plans to work throughout the summer to give himself the best chance of impressing back at United. “I think it’s tough to say at the minute,” he said of his ambitions for the 2023-24 campaign. “Obviously it’s everyone’s dream to make it at United when you’ve come through here as a boy, so I have to work as hard as I can and see where it takes me.” United technical director Darren Fletcher kept in frequent contact during his time at Forest Green, as did loan managers Les Parry and Danny Keough. Savage said that hands-on approach “sticks with you”, so too the chance to work so frequently with United boss Erik ten Hag after he arrived last summer. “I went on the tour in pre-season to Thailand and Australia,” said the midfielder, who came on at half-time in the 4-0 win against Liverpool in Bangkok before getting further minutes Down Under. “I spent the first two, three months of the season with them every day, so it was a really, really good experience learning from him and taking knowledge from him. “I think United have had a really good season, winning the Carabao Cup and potentially winning an FA Cup, so I’d say he’s done a really good job.” Savage would love to have another chance to impress this pre-season and is staying open-minded about his future. “I’d have liked to make my debut for Wales,” he said when asked where he sees himself in a year. “I think that’s the next one, not to tick off as such but that’s my next aim along with just playing at the highest level I can. “Whether that be on a better loan, at United or whatever it is. Football works in weird ways. you never know where you’re going to be until maybe a week before.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live It’s in our hands – Steve Cooper urges Forest to take advantage of good position England seamer Kate Cross laid low by ongoing battle against tropical disease Dean Smith defends under-fire Leicester players as Foxes fight for their lives

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been handed a two-match touchline suspension for comments made about referee Paul Tierney, during the win over Tottenham in April. The Reds won a chaotic fixture 4-3, Diogo Jota scoring the last-ditch winner after Klopp’s team had initially given up a three-goal lead. But after the game, the German manager gave a television interview in which the Football Association suggested Klopp had implied “bias” or questioned “the integrity” of Tierney. As a result, Klopp will not be allowed in the dugout for the Reds’ weekend Premier League game, with the second match of his ban suspended until the end of next season. A statement from the FA read: “The first match of the manager’s touchline ban is effective immediately and the second is suspended until the end of the 2023/24 season on the condition that he does not commit any further breaches of FA Rule E3 in the meantime.” Liverpool play Aston Villa at the weekend and must continue their recent winning streak to maintain pressure on Newcastle United and Manchester United above them, in the race for the top four. Read More Rumours: Man Utd ‘agree terms’ with Napoli defender, PSG target Silva On this day 2016 – Liverpool lose to Sevilla in Europa League final James Milner came to Liverpool and won the lot - an era ends with his departure

Carlo Ancelotti has seen a heavier defeat for Real Madrid in a European Cup semi-final. Indeed, he has scored in one. Their record continental loss came at San Siro, to Arrigo Sacchi’s AC Milan in 1989, with the first of the Rossoneri’s five goals scored by Ancelotti. That Milan side were perhaps the greatest the club game has ever seen; until, many would argue, Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. The Real team of the late 1980s, however, was less distinguished than the class of 2023 who were destroyed 4-0 by Guardiola’s Manchester City. But, in the time between Guardiola’s Barcelona triumphing in 2011 and the Catalan perhaps securing his third Champions League in Istanbul next month, Real were kings of Europe five times. The club with the indelible association with winning left the stylistic awards to others. They simply won. Their greatness was proved in the trophy cabinet. They played by their own rules. The unique dynamics at the Bernabeu are such that ending a campaign with neither La Liga nor the Champions League somehow compels them to sack the manager, whether or not it is actually the right decision or if the replacement will be an upgrade. Until now? Ancelotti insisted so. “Next season I will be here, to fight to win another Champions League,” he said. “No one doubts me. The president has been quite clear two weeks ago: there are no doubts about my staying on.” Often the amiable realist, the most decorated manager in the history of the European Cup may benefit from the inside track. But, for once, he sounded like a man in denial. “I don’t think we have to make a drama out of it,” Ancelotti added. “These things happen in football. They were better than us today. It has been a good season; to get to the semi-final of the Champions League is a success.” All of which would have sounded perfectly reasonable sentiments if expressed by the manager of many another club. But this is Real. It is a club where every Champions League exit is a drama, where the manager is the prime target for a symbolic sacrifice, where a seismic setback demands change. The last time they lost 4-0 in England, to Liverpool in 2009, they responded with a record spending spree, on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso and Karim Benzema. Fourteen years, 645 games and 352 goals later, Benzema is still there. Real have turned experience into an asset; at times, it has seemed their trump card. They could outmanoeuvre opponents; until, suddenly, City made Real look old by outrunning them. Maybe it was summed up by the sight of Luka Modric trudging off with half an hour remaining, replaced by a defender, in Antonio Rudiger, so the more youthful legs of Eduardo Camavinga could be unleashed in midfield. Seven minutes later, his long-time sidekick followed, with Toni Kroos also replaced; he had hit the bar and so even in an emphatic defeat, Real could wonder what might have been, but those are emotions they have invoked in others over the years. Jude Bellingham may have been Real’s marquee signing this summer anyway, but if it felt a piece of future planning, it was tempting to wonder if the future arrived as a 37-year-old and a 33-year-old finally showed their age. The end of an era or a lone bad night against the side who are probably the best in Europe now? “I don’t think it is the end of a chapter at Madrid,” Guardiola said. Real have a team of two generations; in Camavinga, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, they have champions who were born in the 21st century. They have evolved. They have lost to City before and responded: eliminated by Guardiola’s side in 2020, they won the competition again in 2022. The Champions League, Ancelotti argued before this game, was their “special power”; until it deserted them amid a 90-minute demonstration of City’s running power. If it spoke to the Premier League’s greater physicality and intensity, it feels as though Real have been defending mainland Europe against the English invasion in recent years. They have used their history, their pedigree, their ability to trail in games and win major moments, the seeming timelessness of Modric and Benzema and the explosiveness of Vinicius. They saw off Chelsea, City and Liverpool last season, repeated the feat to eliminate Liverpool and Chelsea this. And then they were blown away at the Etihad, in such a manner that it was not just the scoreline that brought back memories of Anfield in 2009. “They are an extraordinary team,” Guardiola insisted. “It doesn’t mean they are a bad team or Carlo is a bad manager.” If that is transparently true, Ancelotti appears inimitable, his Zen calm rendering him best suited to this competition’s rhythms. But it is always the case that he looks in effortless control when his sides win and passive and powerless when they lose. When Bernardo Silva scored his second goal of the first half, the manager drummed his fingers against his top lip in impotence. He could take off Modric and Kroos but Real, last season’s comeback kings, instead conceded two more. He has four games left but, at perhaps the only club that could sack a quadruple Champions League winner, it felt like the endgame.

Dean Smith defended his under-fire Leicester players as they fight for their Premier League lives. The Foxes go to Newcastle on Monday knowing their top-flight future hangs in the balance as they sit two points from safety with two games left. If Everton win at Wolves and Nottingham Forest avoid defeat against Arsenal over the weekend Leicester will need to win at St James’ Park or they will go down. The squad – with one win in their last 14 games – has been accused of lacking fight in their relegation battle but Smith has given them his support. “I don’t need to pay homage to the players, I’ve inherited a squad and not brought any of them in,” said the boss, who saw the Foxes limply lose 3-0 to Liverpool on Monday. “I can openly criticise them if I need to, I don’t think I need to and I choose not to because the work ethic I see is there. “The numbers I get from my performance department prove to me it’s there. The thing which is missing is keeping clean sheets and making fewer mistakes in the defensive third. “It’s out of our hands because if other teams get the results there’s nothing we can do. We just have to concentrate on Newcastle and get the win. “If we get the performance we are capable of and minimise mistakes, not a problem. “We are in a position we don’t want to be in. Our job is to get out of it. Our job hasn’t changed from eight games (when he came in) to two games. “If you look at it realistically it was going to be tough to get points from Manchester City and Liverpool. Other games we would have expected to get points.” Kelechi Iheanacho (groin) and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (ankle) are expected to resume training on Saturday after missing the Liverpool defeat while Caglar Soyuncu (hamstring) and Danny Ward (dislocated finger) remain out. It is a fourth straight Monday game – meaning Leicester will know all the results before they play – but Smith insisted other scorelines will not impact his approach. He added: “We’re preparing for Newcastle now, I don’t want to suddenly change tactics with what we’ve been working on for four or five days.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live A look at how Pep Guardiola has fared previously against Inter Milan Dominic Calvert-Lewin set for Everton return ahead of crunch clash with Wolves Manuel Akanji wants three trophies to make it an ‘unbelievable’ debut season