Real Madrid star Arda Guler has just scored an outrageous freekick to restore the lead for the visitors at the Allianz Arena.
Having already scored one from long range inside one minute following a howler from Manuel Neuer, the young Turk was at it again, this time curling an-inch perfect free-kick straight into the top left corner.
The goal was as good as it gets, with Neuer trying his best to get to it but it was so well placed that he could only get his finger tips to it as it curled straight into the top right corner.
A night of high-stakes Champions League drama at the Allianz Arena began with a moment of pure disbelief as Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer committed a catastrophic error to gift Real Madrid a lead inside the opening 35 seconds.
The veteran German, so often the gold standard, saw his legendary composure desert him in the most hostile of atmospheres.
Receiving a routine pass back, Neuer appeared to experience a momentary lapse in concentration.
Instead of clearing his lines, he played a casual, lateral pass directly across the edge of his own penalty area.
Incredible finish from Arda Güler
Real Madrid’s teenage sensation Arda Güler was the quickest to react, reading the situation with a maturity far beyond his 21 years.
The young Turk intercepted the stray pass, took one touch to set himself, and unleashed a curling strike from 25 yards.
The ball sailed over Neuer and into the empty net, giving Real Madrid the perfect start to the second-leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
Steve McManaman was left stunned by the mistake from the German.
He said on TNT Sports (via BBC Sport): “The best goalkeeper in the world has come up with the most horrendous mistake in the first minute, but what a finish by the young Turk.
“It’s a simple pass back, what is he thinking? I’ve no idea what Neuer was looking at. He was superb last week, but that is an unbelievable error.”
Arda Güler scores from range just 45 seconds into the game after Neuer’s mistake ?
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 15, 2026
Bayern equalise instantly
While Neuer’s howler threatened to derail Bayern’s European ambitions before the game had even settled, the Bavarian giants showed remarkable resilience.
Refusing to let the early setback define their evening, Vincent Kompany’s side pushed forward immediately and found a way back into the contest just five minutes later.
In the 6th minute, Bayern won a corner following a deflected strike from Harry Kane. Joshua Kimmich’s pinpoint delivery found Aleksandar Pavlović, who rose highest in a crowded box to thunder a header past Andriy Lunin.
Bayern make it 1-1 inside just six minutes, and regain their lead on aggregate ?
Jose Mourinho has emerged as a “genuine contender” for a sensational return to the Premier League, with the Portuguese icon reportedly identified as the leading candidate to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.
According to the latest from talkSPORT, the Newcastle hierarchy are seriously considering a change in leadership following a string of poor results that has seen the Magpies slump to 14th in the table.
The club’s Saudi owners are believed to be increasingly attracted to the idea of a “big-name” appointment to spearhead the next phase of their project at St James’ Park.
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The report suggests that Mourinho, currently managing Benfica, has significant admirers within the Newcastle boardroom.
While Eddie Howe has credit in the bank after delivering the League Cup last season, recent defeats, including a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace where Newcastle surrendered a first-half lead, have put his position under immense scrutiny.
As per talkSPORT, if Howe leaves this summer, Mourinho is the main target, though he is also expected to be a top candidate for the Portugal national team after the World Cup should Roberto Martinez step down.
Jose Mourinho’s Premier League record
A move to Tyneside would mark Mourinho’s fifth stint in English football, having previously managed Chelsea (twice), Manchester United, and Tottenham.
His track record in the Premier League remains one of the most decorated in history:
Premier League Titles: 3 (2004/05, 2005/06, 2014/15)
Total PL Wins: 217
Win Percentage: ~60%
Major English Trophies: 3 Premier Leagues, 1 FA Cup, 4 League Cups
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While his pragmatic style may not go down well with the Newcastle faithful, his history of delivering immediate silverware is precisely what the PIF-backed ownership desires.
Mourinho has previously teased a return to London, which he considers home, but the temptation of the “elite support and financial backing” at Newcastle may prove impossible to resist.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces a defensive crisis ahead of Saturday’s clash against Chelsea, with both Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez confirmed to miss the trip to Stamford Bridge.
The news would come as a significant blow to United’s pursuit of a top-four finish, as Carrick will be forced to field a makeshift backline against a Chelsea side currently sitting just seven points behind them in the table.
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Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez out of Chelsea clash
The 33-year-old was penalised for his aggressive reaction toward fourth official Matt Donohue following a red card in United’s recent 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
Although Maguire had already served a suspension for the initial dismissal, the FA ruled that his “improper manner and abusive words” warranted further punishment.
Adding to Carrick’s woes, Lisandro Martínez will also be absent. The Argentine defender is starting a three-match ban for violent conduct after he was caught pulling the hair of Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin during Monday’s 2-1 defeat.
With Matthijs de Ligt still sidelined through injury, United are expected to rely on 20-year-old Leny Yoro and teenage prospect Ayden Heaven to anchor the defense against the Blues.
??? Harry Maguire set to be banned for +1 game as “FA uphold charge of misconduct”, reports @lauriewhitwell.
Man United could be without Maguire and Lisandro Martínez against Chelsea. ?? pic.twitter.com/sQVZhqc9vy
Liverpool fans have been hit with the worst possible news as their season continues to spiral, with star forward Hugo Ekitike confirmed to miss up to nine months after suffering a devastating injury during Tuesday night’s Champions League exit to PSG.
The atmosphere at the club, already described as being at an all-time low, has plummeted further with the confirmation of a ruptured right Achilles tendon.
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“Hugo Ekitike faces several months out with an Achilles tendon injury sustained in the Champions League quarter-final defeat. The French international will miss the World Cup and could be sidelined for up to nine months.”
Ekitike, who has been Liverpool’s top scorer this season with 17 goals, might not return to training until 2027.
Manager Arne Slot, who had already seen his side dumped out of the FA Cup and Champions League in a matter of days, admitted the situation looks really bad.
Liverpool’s mounting attacking crisis
The timing of Ekitike’s injury creates a catastrophic vacuum in Liverpool’s frontline.
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With Mohamed Salah officially confirmed to be leaving Anfield this summer and club-record signing Alexander Isak still struggling to find his rhythm after returning from a broken leg, the Reds are facing a total offensive rebuild.
Slot’s “star signings” from last summer have rarely been able to play together due to a persistent injury curse.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has provided a massive boost to the Old Trafford faithful by confirming the club is nearing a breakthrough in contract negotiations with “phenomenal” midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
The 20-year-old sensation, who has become the undisputed heartbeat of the United engine room, is expected to sign a lucrative long-term extension that will cement his status as the cornerstone of the club’s future.
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Carrick says new Kobbie Mainoo deal now ‘closer’
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Monday morning, Carrick addressed the growing speculation surrounding the England international’s future.
With several of Europe’s elite reportedly monitoring the situation, the United boss was keen to project a sense of stability and confidence regarding the ongoing talks.
Carrick said (as quoted by Fabrizio Romano):
“It’s getting CLOSER, so you know we’re positive with that.
“We’re calm with it, but we’re positive with it, and time will tell how it goes, but at the moment we’re in a good place with that.”
? Michael Carrick on new deal for Kobbie Mainoo: “It’s getting CLOSER, so you know we’re positive with that”.
“We’re calm with it, but we’re positive with it, and time will tell how it goes, but at the moment we’re in a good place with that”. pic.twitter.com/gbowiKc3PR
The new agreement is expected to significantly increase Mainoo’s salary, reflecting his meteoric rise over the last twelve months and his importance to the tactical system Carrick has implemented since taking the reins.
Mainoo has turned career around at Man United under Carrick
While Mainoo’s talent has never been in doubt, his trajectory under Carrick’s direct mentorship has been extraordinary.
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Manchester City’s 3-0 demolition of Chelsea was highlighted by a moment of individual brilliance that has already been seen as one of the assist of the season.
Rayan Cherki, the French playmaker who has taken the Premier League by storm since his arrival at the Etihad, provided a breathtaking piece of skill to set up defender Marc Guehi for City’s second goal of the afternoon.
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The goal came in the 57th minute when Cherki took a short corner passing it to Doku and the continued his run towards the edge of the box.
Receiving the ball back, he glided past couple of Chelsea players with ease including Caicedo before executing a stunning through pass for Guehi, who finished with the composure of a veteran striker.
While the official broadcast angles captured the scale of the run, it was the fan footage from the Etihad stands that truly set social media alight. Clips filmed by supporters show the sheer skill of Cherki.
From the stands, the vision required to spot Guehi’s run, who had stayed up following a corner, looks even more impossible.
Rayan Cherki has been a fantastic signing for Man City
Since his £45 million move from Lyon, Cherki has been a revelation for Pep Guardiola.
Tasked with filling the creative void left by aging stars, the 22-year-old has adapted to the physical demands of English football with surprising ease.
With this latest contribution, Cherki has now recorded 14 goal involvements in his debut season.
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Man City close gap on Arsenal in Premier League title race
The victory sees Manchester City move to within six points of Arsenal in the Premier League table, with a crucial game in hand still to play.
Pep Guardiola’s side are also yet to host Arsenal at the Etihad, a fixture that could prove decisive in the title race.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has delivered a stinging assessment of Tottenham Hotspur following his side’s victory at the Stadium of Light, admitting he was “never worried” about the threat posed by the North London giants.
The result has further compounded the misery for Spurs, who saw their winless streak stretch to a staggering 14 matches in what was supposed to be a hopeful debut for new boss Roberto De Zerbi.
Despite the hype surrounding De Zerbi’s arrival, Sunderland appeared comfortable throughout the contest, exploiting a Tottenham side that looked devoid of confidence and tactical cohesion.
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What Régis Le Bris said about Tottenham
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Le Bris was brutally honest about the ease with which his side handled the visitors.
While most managers offer diplomatic praise for their opponents, the Frenchman suggested that Spurs simply didn’t have the tools to hurt them.
“The opponent wasn’t strong enough to beat us. So, I wasn’t too worried,” Le Bris stated.
“We knew that if we remained disciplined and hit them on the break, the opportunities would come.
They have good individual players, but as a collective, they are struggling to find a rhythm. Today, we felt in control from the first whistle.”
Le Bris’s comments highlight a growing sentiment in the Premier League that Tottenham have become an easier side to beat for mid-table opposition.
"The opponent wasn't strong enough to beat us. So, I wasn't too worried."
Manchester City’s dominant 3-0 victory over Chelsea was more than just a statement on the pitch; it provided a platform for the Etihad faithful to launch a “brutal” and highly visual taunt toward their primary title rivals, Arsenal.
While Pep Guardiola’s side dismantled a struggling Chelsea outfit, a specific moment captured by the television cameras in the stands quickly became the talking point of the weekend.
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Man City fans troll Arsenal during 3-0 win vs Chelsea
As the match drew to a close and City’s three points were secured, cameras panned to a jubilant supporter holding a water bottle prominently featuring the Arsenal club crest.
In a deliberate and mocking gesture, the fan mimicked drinking from the bottle while laughing toward the cameras, a clear nod to the growing “drinking Arsenal tears” meme circulating online.
The footage went viral across social media platforms within minutes. Rival fans interpreted the stunt as a direct jab at Arsenal’s perceived reputation as “bottlers”, a tag that has followed Mikel Arteta’s side since their late-season collapse in previous campaigns.
With City now moving within striking distance of the top spot, the psychological warfare in the stands is beginning to mirror the relentless pressure on the field.
But this wasn’t the end of trolling. City fans were also very direct as they started chanting “Are you watching Arsenal?” towards the end of the game.
While City fans may have started the trolling and celebrations a bit early, Pep Guardiola has the experience and the quality to turn this title race around from here, fully capitalising on Arsenal’s dip in form.
Arsenal at the risk of potentially bottling another Premier League title
The trolling comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Gunners. Despite leading the Premier League table for the majority of the 2025/26 season, the wheels have threatened to come off in recent weeks.
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Arsenal have already been dumped out of the FA Cup and the League Cup, leaving the Premier League as their final hope for major silverware this year.
However, recent stumbles against lower-table opposition have allowed Manchester City to close the gap.
The narrative of “bottling” is once again haunting North London, as fans and pundits alike question whether Arteta’s squad possesses the mental fortitude to withstand City’s traditional end-of-season “win-streak” machine.
As the race enters the final seven fixtures, the pressure on Arsenal to avoid another historical collapse is immense.
For the City supporters, the message is clear: they believe the title is returning to Manchester, and they are enjoying every drop of the drama along the way.
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