List of All Articles with Tag 'sport'

England Deaf Women defender Claire Stancliffe says it “really hits me deep” that her “hero” Steven Gerrard has donated £5,000 to the fundraising effort aiming to get the team to September’s World Cup in Malaysia. The campaign has been launched after the Football Association last month announced it was switching focus and funding for the national deaf women’s team from the 11-a-side format to futsal. The overall target is £100,000, with half of that required by the end of June. A fundraising page has been set up by the Deaf Sports and Football Foundation and more than £13,000 has been raised so far, including donations of £5,000 each from ex-England and Liverpool captain Gerrard and his former international team-mate, Manchester United defender Gary Neville. Stancliffe, who grew up a Reds fan, told the PA news agency: “Steven Gerrard is my hero. When I was younger I just wanted to watch Liverpool play, and Steven Gerrard was the player I wanted to be. “I had the same boots as him, I was central midfielder back then and I used to score goals like him. So from a very young age, I’ve watched him, I’ve wanted to be like him. I’ve always wanted to meet him – I haven’t quite managed that yet! And knowing he’s donated, it really hits me deep. “That was quite an emotional message to receive (when she was told about Gerrard’s donation).” Neville is involved again, having previously donated £20,000 towards getting a Great Britain side to the 2017 Deaflympics in Turkey. Stancliffe, a world, European and Deaflympic bronze medallist, was part of that team, and said of Neville: “I just messaged him saying, ‘Is there any chance you could share our fundraising page?’ “He came back and said, ‘I’ll share it and I’ll give you £5,000 as well’. That was lovely of him. What he’s done for us, I’m really grateful for that.” The 34-year-old said she was feeling “positive” about the £50,000 target, adding: “We have the fundraising page, that’s our main focus, but at the same time we’re working hard behind the scenes to secure a sponsorship deal with someone.” Regarding the FA’s announcement, Stancliffe said: “Obviously as a player I’m disappointed with the decision the FA have made but I totally respect what they’ve done and for me the big focus now has to be on getting that squad to Malaysia.” The FA said in its announcement that the change followed “consultation with existing players and staff within the England Deaf Women’s squad and the wider performance programme, alongside key conversations with stakeholders representing the deaf football community”. It said the decision addressed “the need for a new approach for the pathway, and to ensure there are regular international opportunities for players to perform on the world stage”, adding it “mirrors the decisions made by other nations who are respected in deaf international football and futsal provision, with deaf female futsal being the preferred format of the game for an increasing number of nations”. Catherine Gilby, the FA’s head of para performance, told PA there had been concern over the potential competitiveness of an 11-a-side England team and the depth of international competition. Gilby added: “At the moment, it’s a grassroots challenge that we need to work with our partners in the FA to address, and we’re committed to do that. We’ve still got a role to play in making sure that, if 11-a-side is what some female deaf players want to play, there’s an avenue to do that.” Following the FA’s April announcement, Great Britain Deaf Football said it was now supporting England Deaf Women to send a team to Malaysia, adding: “(A) recent deaf women 11-a-side survey that GBDF conducted indicated that there was plenty of interest and commitment to compete at the 2023 World Cup, 2024 Euros and Deaflympics in 2025 where possible.” GBDF on Sunday announced Lauren Asquith, who formerly worked in the FA’s para football set-up, as head coach of the team for the World Cup and Euros. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Cricket Scotland hands out first professional women’s deals in ‘landmark moment’ Real Madrid have ‘nothing to fear’ against Man City, Dani Carvajal claims Arsenal to increase number of Women’s Super League games at Emirates Stadium

YouTube star KSI returns to the ring on Saturday, fighting boxer and businessman Joe Fournier at the O2 Arena. KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) has taken on Logan Paul twice in the past and most recently fought another YouTuber in FaZe Temperrr, winning via knockout in January. Meanwhile, fellow Briton Fournier has a 9-0 professional record and lost an exhibition bout with former world champion David Haye on points in 2021. The 40-year-old got his start in the fitness industry before moving into nightclub business. KSI, 29, is facing his most credible opponent by far this weekend. Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is it? The event will take place on Saturday 13 May at the O2 Arena in London. The main card is scheduled to begin at 7.15pm BST (11.15am PT, 1.15pm CT, 2.15pm ET), with the main event due at approximately 9.40pm BST (1.40pm PT, 3.40pm CT, 4.40pm ET). How can I watch it? The event will be available on Dazn pay-per-view, priced at £19 for existing subscribers. New customers can purchase the event for £19, too, while receiving one month’s access to the streaming platform. Full card (subject to change) KSI vs Joe Fournier Deji vs Swarmz Salt Papi vs Anthony Taylor Tennessee Thresh vs Paigey Cakey Viruzz vs DK Money Little Bellsy vs Lil Kymchii Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Jake Paul threatens to ‘fire’ employee for bothering Nate Diaz at press conference Conor McGregor shoves Michael Chandler in trailer for The Ultimate Fighter Mark Zuckerberg wins first jiu-jitsu tournament, takes home multiple medals

YouTube star KSI returns to the ring on Saturday, fighting boxer and businessman Joe Fournier at the O2 Arena. KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) has taken on Logan Paul twice in the past and most recently fought another YouTuber in FaZe Temperrr, winning via knockout in January. Meanwhile, fellow Briton Fournier has a 9-0 professional record and lost an exhibition bout with former world champion David Haye on points in 2021. The 40-year-old got his start in the fitness industry before moving into nightclub business. KSI, 29, is facing his most credible opponent by far this weekend. Here’s all you need to know. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is it? The event will take place on Saturday 13 May at the O2 Arena in London. The main card is scheduled to begin at 7.15pm BST (11.15am PT, 1.15pm CT, 2.15pm ET), with the main event due at approximately 9.40pm BST (1.40pm PT, 3.40pm CT, 4.40pm ET). How can I watch it? The event will be available on Dazn pay-per-view, priced at £19 for existing subscribers. New customers can purchase the event for £19, too, while receiving one month’s access to the streaming platform. Full card (subject to change) KSI vs Joe Fournier Deji vs Swarmz Salt Papi vs Anthony Taylor Tennessee Thresh vs Paigey Cakey Viruzz vs DK Money Little Bellsy vs Lil Kymchii Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Jake Paul threatens to ‘fire’ employee for bothering Nate Diaz at press conference Conor McGregor shoves Michael Chandler in trailer for The Ultimate Fighter Mark Zuckerberg wins first jiu-jitsu tournament, takes home multiple medals What time does KSI vs Fournier start this weekend? Jake Paul threatens to ‘fire’ employee for bothering Nate Diaz Joyce vs Zhang rematch set to thwart Tyson Fury fight

Dani Carvajal insists Real Madrid have nothing to fear heading to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week. The tie is delicately poised at 1-1 after a pulsating draw in the first meeting between the sides at the Bernabeu on Tuesday. Vinicius Junior fired holders Real into the lead with a stunning strike in the first half but Kevin De Bruyne levelled with an equally brilliant effort in the second period. Real right-back Carvajal said: “They have world-class players, they move the ball very well, they’re tactically very well worked – but I don’t think we saw a City side that are superior to Madrid. “The team goes home knowing that we played well and that if we get things right, if we take our chances in Manchester, we have a chance of going through. “We go there with nothing to fear. We have to go there to win, to play our game, and the team believes in it.” City dominated early on at the Bernabeu but it was Real that took the lead against the run of play when Vinicius lashed home from 25 yards on 36 minutes. From then on the hosts did their best to disrupt City’s flow by employing some rough tactics. Carvajal particularly pushed things to the limit and was involved in a running battle with Jack Grealish. At one point he barged the England midfielder into the advertising hoardings and then fell to the ground theatrically when Grealish reacted angrily. “It’s a semi-final, everyone is playing to the limit, every challenge is a war,” the Spain international said. City drew level on 67 minutes, during a period when Real had been dominating, when De Bruyne connected with a fierce drive from a similar range to Vinicius. The draw was the least the Premier League leaders deserved but Real did have a gripe over the equaliser, with suggestions the ball may have gone out of play in the build-up. Real manager Carlo Ancelotti was booked for his protestations as De Bruyne celebrated. Carvajal said: “In general I think the referee (Portugal’s Artur Dias) was good, he controlled it pretty well. It’s complicated to referee a Champions League semi-final. “We have to congratulate him for that but if the ball did go out then that’s an error that could cost us the tie.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Arsenal to increase number of Women’s Super League games at Emirates Stadium Katie Zelem keen to do club and family proud with Manchester United triumph Sale out to ‘enjoy and embrace’ Premiership play-off challenge – Alex Sanderson

Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars will become the first NFL team to play two international games in the same season when they spend back-to-back weeks in London this year

Manchester City and Real Madrid fought out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday. They now head to the Etihad next week with all to play for. Here, the PA news agency looks at what lies in store in the return clash. Does home advantage now give City the edge? City will certainly feel confident heading back to the Etihad with the tie level. They have won all their Champions League games there this season, including beating RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich 7-0 and 3-0 respectively in the knockout stages, and have lost just once in the Premier League. Manager Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday that City “feel comfortable with our people” and midfielder Jack Grealish went as far as to say the team feel “unstoppable” at home. Yet the tie could still go either way couldn’t it? Of course it could. City played very well at the Bernabeu and the draw was the least they deserved, but they still gave up chances. Both goalkeepers made excellent saves at various points and the scoreline could easily have been different. City will be well aware Real, with the likes of Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in the side, are more than good enough to take chances next time. How much will Real’s big-game experience matter? As 14-time champions and holders, Real showed last year, when they were not favourites in any of their knockout ties prior to the final, the weight of their reputation can be a huge factor, as City discovered first hand. After coming away from the intimidating Bernabeu – the scene of last year’s capitulation – with a share of the spoils this time, however, City will hope to have negated this. They can now look back on 12 months ago positively, when they beat Real in the first leg of their semi-final at home. They also saw off Real in 2020 and will believe they can do so again. What possible changes to the line-ups could there be? As both sides have had a good look at each other now, either manager could try to alter things to make a difference. City had some good options on the bench at the Bernabeu that could give them some variety next time, notably in the attacking threat of Julian Alvarez and Riyad Mahrez and playmaker Phil Foden, all of whom have impressed at different stages this season. Real’s tactics bordered on the rough at times and they could toughen up further and really try to disrupt City’s flow with Eder Militao available again after suspension. Aurelien Tchouameni is another defensive option. Could games this weekend affect the picture? In City’s case, possibly so. They have to travel to Everton on Sunday for what is likely to be a tense occasion. That game carries huge significance at both ends of the table. City need to press home their advantage in the title race, while Everton are scrapping for survival. Easing off could cost City as they look to maintain their challenge on three fronts. Real, by contrast, are out of contention for the LaLiga title and could rest a number of players for their clash with Getafe on Saturday. They will also have an extra day’s recovery before the game. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Vincent Kompany planning ‘smart’ recruitment and ‘healthy decisions’ for Burnley Look back at Gothenburg Greats as Aberdeen mark 40th anniversary of European win Arsenal to play five Women’s Super League games at Emirates Stadium next season

Manchester United captain Katie Zelem is keenly aware both club and family bragging rights will be on the line when she leads out her side at Wembley for Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup final. The midfielder’s Women’s Super League-leading Red Devils will look to unseat FA Cup holders Chelsea and claim a first major domestic trophy when they meet at the home of English football, which has sold out for the first time in the competition’s history. It was at the old Wembley where, 34 years ago, Zelem’s dad Alan likes to remind his daughter he was between the posts for Macclesfield when they lost 1-0 to Telford in the FA Trophy final – a milestone the 27-year-old hopes to overtake with a win this weekend. “He tells me this all the time. That was my dad’s career highlight for sure,” said Zelem. “If you ever get the chance to meet him I’m sure he’ll tell you he played at Wembley in a cup final and unfortunately they got beat. So hopefully it will be a different outcome for us. “But as soon as we made it to Wembley he texts me saying, ‘you’re always copying me’. Hopefully I’ll be able to dig out a photo of him there and me there.” Football runs in Zelem’s blood. Alan’s twin brother Peter was also a professional footballer with spells at clubs including Burnley and Wolves, but it was his niece who would, in November 2021, become the Zelem who could boast she played for England. Manchester native Katie started playing on boys’ teams with Failsworth Dynamos before she was scouted by Manchester United aged eight, and she remained in their youth system before joining Liverpool in 2013 – five years before United would form their current women’s side. A spell at Juventus followed before Zelem returned to her girlhood club, where her 11 goals from 23 appearances helped earn United promotion to the WSL in their debut season. Four years later her side remain on course for double silverware, with Chelsea – four points back in the WSL but with two games in hand – their main challengers in both competitions. A maiden Women’s Champions League berth is also tantalisingly close after three consecutive fourth-placed finishes. Zelem, who at eight was a men’s Champions League flagbearer at Old Trafford, said: “Whenever anybody asks me, Manchester United always lives firmly in my heart and captaining Manchester United, making my United debut and certainly this moment will be up there with my highlights. “It’s a club that I’ve been at for a really long time now and supported my whole life and I think that’s what childhood dreams are made of. “It’s crazy, really. I think even just from joining the women’s team, it’s been five years and it feels like it’s been forever, it literally feels like the only club I’ve been at. “And although it feels like forever it’s flown by. I think if you look back to where we were then to where we are now it’s a crazy journey. It’s been a real roller coaster with ups and downs. “We’ve certainly come on leaps and bounds to be honest, from being with some girls that have never played full-time or never had professional contracts to now being at this stage of the season, competing for the double, I think it’s almost immeasurable. “If in another five years we’re that far advanced then Manchester United will certainly be one of the biggest teams in Europe. I’m so proud to have been a part of the whole journey.”

The organizers of a women's running race in Spain have apologized after they were accused of sexism for giving the winner a food processor as a prize.

Hilariously, the certainty came amid the confusion. “What age am I?” Erin Cuthbert asks, turning to Chelsea’s baffled media officer. “Get it on Wikipedia. I actually don’t know.” After a quick check, the answer turned out to be 24. “Aye,” Cuthbert accepted. “I turn 25 this year, in a couple of months.” So, as the question before put, are you coming into your prime? The reply was quick and decisive. “No. I haven’t yet,” Cuthbert says. “I know there’s more to give.” Yet open up Chelsea’s trophy-winning machine under Emma Hayes and at its heart you will likely find the Scotland international, whirring away along with the cogs and gears and various parts. After last season’s FA Cup final win against Manchester City, Hayes declared her wish to have a squad of twenty Erin Cuthberts. The versatile midfielder had been awarded player of the match at Wembley, as much for her relentless drive to push Chelsea on in extra time than her strike to light up the final. “What a moment that was,” Cuthbert grins, and what a goal it was too, “especially when it comes down off the crossbar.” Chelsea return to Wembley on Sunday to face a new opponent in Manchester United - as well as what is expected to be a record crowd of almost 90,000, the highest ever for a women’s club match in England. Often with Cuthbert, the biggest contributions are saved for the biggest moments. “I would love to be the difference-maker,” she says, too humble to add “again”. Chelsea too hope to find themselves in a familiar position. Last year, Hayes’s side won their final 12 games of the season to win the Women’s Super League and FA Cup double. They were perfect over the run-in, and needed to be in order to beat Arsenal to the title and edge City at Wembley. Now Chelsea face the same opponent on both fronts, Manchester United, as well as the same task. With the finish line in sight, the objective is clear: beat United on Sunday and they’ll claim a third FA Cup in a row. Carry that on and win their remaining league games (starting tonight against Leicester) and they will add a fourth consecutive WSL crown. The challenge is both a physical and mental one. With games every three to four days and a squad hit by injuries, including to key players like Fran Kirby and Millie Bright, the demands have been heightened, the stakes too. Yet Chelsea have been here before. “Last year I didn’t sleep a wink in the final weeks of the season,” Cuthbert recalls. “I’m sleeping like a baby this time.” That isn’t to say the pressure is less, though. A requirement of playing under Hayes is fuelling the fire to go again, even as the competition for trophies gets tougher. “It feels like the first time,” Cuthbert adds. ”I’m driven as ever, motivated as ever. If I didn’t have the same drive and determination I wouldn’t be at this football club any more.” Cuthbert helps to set the standard. If Hayes was to create a team in a laboratory you would likely find Cuthbert’s DNA running through the side, but the Scotland international needed to be patient to get her chance - first with a regular run in the team, and now with a regular run in the same position. “I put my head down, worked hard and waited for the opportunities,” Cuthbert says. After spells as a forward and at wing-back, where Cuthbert was praised for her versatility as well as her application, she has nailed down her preferred role in the centre of midfield. It was still relatively new at the end of last season, when Cuthbert produced her standout performance in the FA Cup final, but there is no doubt that it is the area of the pitch where she can excel and exert the greatest influence. It is there where Cuthbert typifies Chelsea. Or perhaps it’s vice versa. After all, they share a number of dogged qualities, which can be traced back to Curthbert’s journey from Crosshouse Boys Club. Cuthbert’s fierce introduction to 11-a-side made it clear that football is as much about having the right attitude than ability. “There are certain players you want in battle and being from Scotland, a young girl from Ayrshire who has had to work for everything, I understand and I get it,” she says. “I want to be on that battlefield fighting for everyone else. We are all good football players, but it’s who wants to win the battle, who has the mentality, who has the mettle to give everything when you can’t give anything more.” Last year’s FA Cup final epitomised Chelsea’s grit - “I think just resilience, we never gave up” - but then came something that was arguably even greater. When Chelsea salvaged a miracle escape to stun Lyon and defeat the Champions League holders on penalties at Stamford Bridge, Cuthbert burst into tears, taking big, sobbing gulps at the drama her team had produced. “Nothing comes close to that feeling,” Cuthbert says. “This dressing room, we always seem to find a way. Even if we don’t have the answers, we go out and find them.” The Lyon victory gave Chelsea a lift. Their season needed one, following defeats to Arsenal in March’s Continental Cup final and then Manchester City in the WSL, but knocking out Lyon in the manner in which they did gave Chelsea a reminder of who they are. Even after their exit to Barcelona, Chelsea’s performance in the Nou Camp offered belief and injected energy ahead of the run-in. “It was a turning point,” Cuthbert said. “We haven’t let the Champions League exit derail our league season, or the Conti Cup. Everyone thought, ‘That’s it, Chelsea are falling apart, here we go’. Everyone wants to see us fail but the greatest thing about this team is we bounce back and show ourselves in big moments.” Cuthbert is increasingly decisive in those situations. The 24-year-old does not score often, but her goal contributions tend to frequently arrive at crucial times. Chelsea’s approach to big games plays into it. Hayes will often ask her side to sit deep and absorb pressure before striking on the counter-attack, where Cuthbert - as a ferocious presser - can help to make the difference. Her stunning assist for Guro Reiten to break the deadlock in Lyon came from such a position, as did last season’s screamer against City at Wembley. Now Chelsea must go again, and against a United team under Mark Skinner who are hungry to lift the club’s first major title. For Chelsea, having the right attitude to match United’s on their historic occasion will be as important as their tactical plans. The holders have a target on their backs. “It’s our job to prove we are still at the top,” Cuthbert says. “Trying to remain there is probably the hardest thing. It requires you to adapt and change the way you play a little bit - because everyone starts to figure you out. It’s hard and requires a lot of training and mental toughness.” And in the middle of the Wembley battlefield on Sunday, it will be Cuthbert who reinforces that message. Read More Chelsea keep pressure on leaders Manchester United with huge win over Everton Emma Hayes feels Chelsea must be perfect in WSL run-in to win the title Manchester City v Real Madrid – The key questions after first leg of semi-final Vincent Kompany planning ‘smart’ recruitment and ‘healthy decisions’ for Burnley Look back at Gothenburg Greats as Aberdeen mark 40th anniversary of European win

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Vincent Kompany insists Burnley must be “smart” in the summer transfer window as they gear up for their return to the Premier League. In his first season in charge, Kompany has guided the Clarets back to the top flight 12 months after relegation, winning the Sky Bet Championship title and reaching 101 points with a 3-0 victory over Cardiff in Monday’s final game of the season. The success came after Kompany oversaw a major overhaul of the squad last summer, when 13 senior players left and 16 arrived to replace them. There will be nothing on that scale this time, but Kompany knows further investment is needed to try to ensure Burnley can re-establish themselves in the Premier League. “We’ve been planning for comfortably six months for this scenario,” Kompany told the PA news agency. “We’re going to have to be smart but, because we’ve been planning for a long time, I feel confident we can improve the squad without losing what has been good for us this season. “At the same time we have to make sure we don’t go and bankrupt the club. It’s about healthy decisions, protecting the club, but at the same time trying to be competitive.” Last week Kompany signed a new five-year Burnley contract, designed to end speculation linking him to Tottenham and Chelsea so that prospective new signings know who they will be playing for. Kompany said the contract reflected how happy he is with his Turf Moor set-up. “I’ve been in football for 20 years and I know how difficult it is to find a healthy environment in football,” the former Manchester City captain said. “We’ve achieved something together now and that will count towards the future. “It’s a good environment with good people and that is special. I hope everyday fans will be proud of the work we do and even when it doesn’t work out they know we work hard, we work our socks off for this club. “I choose not to participate in the speculation. Everything I need to discuss I discuss openly with the chairman (Alan Pace). Other than that it’s business as usual. “Whatever happens needs to be something that makes sense. I speak with the chairman very openly. I protect the working environment more than anything else.” After a season of hard work, Kompany enjoyed the rewards on Tuesday night as the Clarets paraded the Championship trophy through the streets of Burnley. A four-time Premier League champion as a player, Kompany is no stranger to an open-top bus but said it was different as a manager. “I feel like I am more wanting to share this moment with many people, wanting to make sure many people enjoy this moment,” he said. “As a player you feel like it is your moment. As a manager you feel like it is everybody’s moment and you want to make sure everyone enjoys it. “Only a chosen few get to experience what we are experiencing.” Kompany picked out home and away victories over rivals Blackburn as the highlights of the season, particularly the 1-0 victory at Ewood Park on April 25 that sealed the title. But he also said the reaction to the 5-2 loss to promotion rivals Sheffield United in November was vital. “We got spanked, but after that we went on to win every game for 10 games (in the league) and that showed the character of this team,” he said. Kompany was part of the Manchester City side that racked up 100 points in the Premier League in the 2017-18 season, and now he has a triple-digit tally as a manager in the Championship. Such records are often downplayed by managers in the moment, but Kompany said he could appreciate it now. “When it’s achieved you realise what it means,” he said. “I’m happy for everyone we’ve been able to achieve this tremendous amount of points.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Look back at Gothenburg Greats as Aberdeen mark 40th anniversary of European win Arsenal to play five Women’s Super League games at Emirates Stadium next season Sergio Busquets calls time on ‘unforgettable’ Barcelona career

Jack Grealish feels like Kevin De Bruyne was made for the Champions League after the Belgian’s vital semi-final strike for Manchester City at Real Madrid. De Bruyne netted a stunning equaliser as the Premier League leaders claimed a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their last-four tie against the holders at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night. Despite dominating a lot of the early play, City were trailing to an equally brilliant Vinicius Junior goal when De Bruyne rifled home from distance after 67 minutes. His screamer left the tie delicately poised ahead of next Wednesday’s return leg at the Etihad Stadium. Grealish said: “We all know what a guy Kevin is and what a brilliant player he has been for this football club. Nights like this are just made for him and sum him up really. “City fans can’t count how many times he’s scored important goals, got important assists. “It must have meant a lot to him and obviously I’m buzzing for him.” City outplayed Real, who are bidding to win the European Cup for a record-extending 15th time, as they dominated possession in the opening half-hour but they were caught out by Vinicius’ wonder strike after 36 minutes. The Brazilian let fly from from 25 yards after good work by Eduardo Camavinga and City needed to retain their composure in a difficult atmosphere to get back into the game. They were rewarded when De Bruyne replicated Vinicius’ heroics but Real also had their moments of dominance in a hard-fought second half. With both goalkeepers making good saves, the outcome remains very much in the balance. “Everyone knows what the Champions League is like,” Grealish said. “It’s a brilliant competition – brilliant players, brilliant stadiums and brilliant teams. “That was their first attempt, when they scored the goal. It was a great strike, there probably wasn’t much we could do about it, but we hung in there. “It was great mental strength from everyone to carry on playing, carry on trying and in the end Kev came up with an absolute worldie. “We came here to win the game, that’s what we wanted to do, but in the end I think the draw was probably was a fair result.” Treble-chasing City can ill-afford to ease up ahead of the return encounter, with a testing trip to relegation-threatened Everton at the weekend. With the Toffees fighting for survival, it is likely to be a different type of encounter and the Premier League leaders will be determined to pick up points to hold off Arsenal in the title race. It is a challenge Grealish is relishing. “I feel unstoppable at the moment,” the 27-year-old said: “You’re looking around, playing with these guys that are unbelievable. “And the fans are brilliant, every home and away game. I’m sure we’ll need them at Goodison Park at the weekend and, of course, the Etihad next Wednesday, which we’re all buzzing for already.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Sergio Busquets calls time on ‘unforgettable’ Barcelona career Manchester United ‘eye double swoop’ for Goncalo Ramos and Declan Rice ‘We feel unstoppable’: Jack Grealish bullish ahead of Champions League ‘final’