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Thomas Frank makes prediction for Real Madrid vs Arsenal Champions League showdown

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Brentford manager Thomas Frank has shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final second leg between Arsenal and Real Madrid.

With the Gunners carrying a commanding 3-0 lead into the Bernabeu, many are backing Mikel Arteta’s side to complete the job.

Frank is among them, expressing confidence that Arsenal will handle the challenge despite the pressure of playing away at one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums.

The Gunners delivered a stunning performance in the first leg, dismantling the reigning La Liga champions at the Emirates. Goals from Declan Rice and others ensured Arsenal took full control of the tie, putting them with.

However, Real Madrid are no strangers to dramatic comebacks and still pose a serious threat, especially with players like Jude Bellingham warning that “anything can happen” in the return leg.

Bellingham’s comments reflect the belief that Real Madrid never give up, particularly in the Champions League.

The Spanish giants have lifted the trophy a record 15 times and are the current holders. But Frank, speaking after Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, is optimistic about the Premier League side’s chances.

While he joked that he’s not the one going to the Bernabeu with a three-goal cushion, the Danish coach praised Arteta’s tactical maturity and believes the team will manage the occasion well.

Frank highlighted how far Arsenal have come under Arteta, crediting the Spaniard for making the club highly competitive over the past three seasons.

He pointed to Arsenal’s defensive organization, work ethic, and strength on set-pieces as key reasons why they are well positioned to see out the tie.

He said that from the outside looking in, it’s clear that Arsenal are disciplined and prepared, which should give them the edge in Madrid.

As for Arteta, he is fully focused on what he’s calling “the most beautiful game of the season.” While there are still important Premier League fixtures to play, all attention for now is on the Champions League showdown.

Arteta emphasized the need for proper recovery and preparation, acknowledging the high stakes and the level of performance required against a team coached by Carlo Ancelotti.

The Arsenal boss also dismissed any suggestions that players were distracted during the Brentford match by the looming clash in Spain.

According to him, the team understood the demands of the Premier League and were fully concentrated on the task at hand. That kind of mindset will be crucial as they enter the cauldron of the Bernabeu.

Injury concerns remain part of the build-up, with Arteta providing updates on key players like Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Ben White.

The fitness of these players could influence Arsenal’s approach on Wednesday night, especially in such a physically and mentally demanding environment.

With Arsenal just 90 minutes away from a historic moment in their Champions League campaign, all eyes now turn to Madrid, where history, pride, and a spot in the semi-finals are on the line.

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Ruben Amorim ‘could QUIT’ Man Utd as Sir Jim Ratcliffe fears revealed in shock report

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Ruben Amorim 'could QUIT' Man Utd as Sir Jim Ratcliffe fears revealed in shock report
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.

After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.

Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.

Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.

Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”

According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”

The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.

Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.

After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.

So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.

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Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen

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Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
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Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.

The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.

Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”

Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.

Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.

Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.

In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.

He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.

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Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool ‘leaving party’ as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk attend

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Liverpool recently held a summer celebration to honor Trent Alexander-Arnold as he prepares to leave Anfield after the 2024-25 season. The 26-year-old fullback, who has been with the club since he was just six, confirmed his departure earlier this month.

Despite spending two decades with Liverpool and making over 350 appearances, the news has divided fans—some even booed him during the recent 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

The event, which appeared to take place at Liverpool’s training base in Kirkby, featured teammates, family, and festive touches including food vendors, games, and a “Summer of 66” theme—referencing Alexander-Arnold’s shirt number.

TikTok user Nevada Linton shared footage from the event with a heartfelt message encouraging the defender to chase his dreams.

Key players including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Luiz Diaz were spotted enjoying the gathering.

The party served as an internal gesture of appreciation despite the tension from parts of the fanbase.

Throughout the season, Liverpool pushed to secure contract extensions for Alexander-Arnold, Salah, and Van Dijk. While the latter two signed new deals, Alexander-Arnold opted to move on, with Real Madrid widely expected to be his next destination.

His farewell statement emphasized how difficult the decision had been, citing the need to step outside his comfort zone for new personal and professional challenges.

The backlash from some supporters has sparked reactions from fellow players. Salah voiced disappointment over the treatment Alexander-Arnold received, saying fans should recognize the defender’s loyalty and contributions over the years.

Van Dijk echoed the sentiment, stating that the team aims to win their final matches and celebrate together, including honoring Alexander-Arnold’s legacy.

Liverpool’s final fixtures of the season include a clash with Brighton and a home finale against Crystal Palace at Anfield, where the hope remains for a more appreciative farewell from the stands.

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