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• Spanish media raise big concerns about Real Madrid vs Man City referee hours before match

  Spanish commentators have expressed significant concern regarding the appointment of Italian official Maurizio Mariani for tonight’s Champions League clash, citing his restrictive officiating style and historic statistics. ​Spanish media outlets have voiced grave concerns over referee Maurizio Mariani ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League visit to Real Madrid. Former official Iturralde Gonzalez criticized the 44-year-old’s tendency to control the flow of the match, stating: “He doesn’t let the game flow, he prefers to steer it where he wants, and I don’t like that kind of refereeing.” Gonzalez further warned: “Instead of letting the game unfold, he takes the game where he wants.” ​Mariani, who has a career record of 1,848 yellow cards, is perceived as a “no-nonsense” official who does not typically favor home sides. This adds pressure to a historic fixture marking the fifth consecutive season these giants have met in the knockout stages. Real Madrid, aiming for a 16th European title, face a City side that recently secured a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu during the league phase in December.

• Arsenal hailed as ‘perhaps best team in Europe’ ahead of Bayer Leverkusen clash

  Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand has described Arsenal as potentially the greatest team in Europe as the Bundesliga side prepares to host the red-hot Premier League leaders in the Champions League tonight.

  ​Bayer Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand believes his side faces the ultimate test tonight against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

  The Gunners arrive in Germany following a flawless group stage where they secured eight consecutive victories.

  Hjulmand expressed deep respect for the visitors’ current form, noting, “Arsenal are perhaps the best team in Europe at the moment,” while emphasizing his players must maintain self-belief to secure a result.

  ​The fixture marks an emotional homecoming for Kai Havertz, who returns to the club where he spent a decade.

  Havertz, recently back from injury, acknowledged the difficulty of the task but remains focused on an away win.

  Mikel Arteta, whose side sits seven points clear in the Premier League, dismissed favorites’ tags during his press conference, urging his squad to “live in the present.”

• Michael Carrick faces first true test of authority at Man Utd after angry Sesko message

  Michael Carrick is weighing whether to hand Benjamin Sesko a starting spot against Crystal Palace following the striker’s crucial goal-scoring run and pointed celebration at Everton.

  Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces a critical decision regarding Benjamin Sesko ahead of Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace.

  Despite a stellar record of five wins in six games, the “good vibes” at Carrington are being tested by the Slovenian striker’s undeniable form.

  Sesko has netted six goals in seven matches, with his latest strike against Everton sparking an “angry” celebration interpreted as a message.

  Carrick must decide whether to start the £73.7million signing or stick with Bryan Mbeumo as the central attacker.

  While the manager claims to have “a really good relationship with Ben,” the pressure to start the 22-year-old is mounting.

  “It’s one of those decisions that we got to try and get right,” Carrick admitted, acknowledging the difficulty of managing high-profile egos during United’s Champions League push.

• Dayot Upamecano has high praise for his Bayern Munich teammate Manuel Neuer

  Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano has expressed profound gratitude for playing alongside Manuel Neuer, describing the veteran goalkeeper as a global legend whose presence provides the backline with immense confidence.

  ​Dayot Upamecano has lauded Manuel Neuer as a pillar of Bayern Munich’s defense, highlighting the goalkeeper’s worldwide influence.

  The French international, now considered one of the sport’s premier defenders, noted that having the veteran behind him has been crucial to his recent consistency.

  “Manu is a legend, not just in Germany, but also worldwide. When I was a kid, I already watched Manuel Neuer play,” Upamecano stated.

  ​The defender emphasized the surreal experience of playing with a childhood idol, noting, “I am very grateful to be able to play with Manuel. It gives you confidence when you know that Manuel is behind you.”

  While Jonas Urbig currently covers for the sidelined Neuer, the rapport between Upamecano and the captain remains central to a Bayern backline that finally looks ready to challenge Europe’s elite.

• Premier League striker caught up in chilling blackmail and friend’s near-fatal shooting

  Sunderland star Brian Brobbey was the target of a violent extortion ring in Amsterdam that included arson, explosives, and the shooting of a close friend before his move to England.

  Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey was the victim of a harrowing blackmail and extortion campaign during his time at Ajax, according to an extensive report from The Athletic and Het Parool.

  The plot, orchestrated by Amsterdam criminal Jeymon A, involved demands for €150,000 and escalated into violent attacks against Brobbey’s family property and vehicle.

  The striker has been confirmed as completely innocent of any wrongdoing throughout the ordeal.

  The situation turned near-fatal in July 2023 when a childhood friend of Brobbey’s, who attempted to intervene on the player’s behalf, was shot three times by the extortionist.

  The perpetrator was sentenced in November 2024 to 10 years for attempted manslaughter and drug offenses.

  Brobbey’s lawyer, Leon van Kleef, stated that the footballer does “not wish to cooperate with this publication in any way” regarding the trauma.