Monday, 26 May 2014

Gareth Bale joins the exalted company of Ferenc Puskas and Raul... the Cardiff boy is already a Real Madrid legend

Last August Gareth Bale was in Cardiff on international duty, dodging Spanish journalists on his way to meet up with his Wales team-mates, and still uncertain of his £86million transfer to Real Madrid.
One year on, he will be back in Cardiff to play in the European Super Cup for Real against Sevilla and he will do so with 22 goals, the Spanish Cup and the Champions League. It’s hard to recall a record signing who has had a greater impact in his first year.
Bale is only the third player in Real Madrid’s history to score in the final of both the European Cup and the Spanish Cup in the same season. Only Ferenc Puskas and Raul have done it before.
Legend: Gareth Bale was instrumental in landing Real Madrid their much-wanted tenth European Cup
Legend: Gareth Bale was instrumental in landing Real Madrid their much-wanted tenth European Cup

La Decima: The Bernabeu was full of supporters as the club paraded their newly won trophy through Madrid
La Decima: The Bernabeu was full of supporters as the club paraded their newly won trophy through Madrid

THE YEAR THAT WAS

Sept 1, 2013: Signs for Real Madrid for a world record £86million.
Sept 14: Scores on debut in 2-2 draw against Villarreal.
Oct 30: Scores two in 7-3 victory against Sevilla. Dubbed Cañonito — little cannon — by local media.
Nov 30: A perfect hat-trick — header and goal with each foot — in 4-0 win over Real Valladolid.
April 16, 2014: Brilliant solo effort in victory over Barcelona in Copa del Rey final is his 20th of the season.
May 24: His goal sets up Real’s 10th European Cup triumph.
No wonder Spanish sports daily Marca claimed: ‘He has turned out to be a bargain; he is already a Real Madrid legend’ and Diario AS added: ‘Bale’s was the winner; it was game over after that.’
Bale has already outdone all previous Brits abroad. Laurie Cunningham played in the 1981 European Cup final that Real Madrid lost to Liverpool and Steve McManaman was a goalscoring, man-of-the-match, winner in 2000 when Real Madrid beat Valencia 3-0.
David Beckham managed just one Champions League quarter-final appearance in his four years at Real Madrid.
Paul Lambert and Owen Hargreaves both won European Cups with foreign clubs and Kevin Keegan won European Footballer of the Year at Hamburg but never the European Cup with them.
Bale has often also outshone the man he came to aid and abet last summer, Cristiano Ronaldo. He has delivered more than the Portuguese in the finals, although he was at pains to point out both halves of the dynamic duo have taken Real Madrid to glory this season.
Big moment: This header earned Bale infamy in Real Madrid's long history
Big moment: This header earned Bale infamy in Real Madrid's long history

Inside the Estadio da Luz with his medal around his neck, before the players were whisked back to Lisbon airport for their 6am date at Madrid’s Cibeles fountain, he said: ‘We work well together and we enjoy playing alongside each other. Whoever scores we are all happy as long as we are winning.’
The 24-year-old’s favourite post-match phrase is ‘It’s a dream come true’ and when he was a teenage fan of the Spanish side he will have imagined such heroics as only a wide-eyed wannabe can.
‘The reason I joined Real Madrid was to play in these amazing matches. It’s hard to describe how I felt when the ball went in. It was an incredible feeling seeing all the fans behind that goal and all the players run towards me to celebrate.’
Upstaged: Bale outshone the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo
Upstaged: Bale outshone the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo

Even Zinedine Zidane had joined in as the player he pushed the club to sign last summer delivered one of the most famous goals in their history.
‘When we got the equaliser it seemed that we had the momentum going into extra time. We looked fresher than them. They had a few players who had cramp and we showed what physical condition we were in,’ said Bale.
Stories about Bale needing an operation this summer to cure a hernia were rubbished by his agent and there looked very little wrong as he leapt to head home after Thibaut Courtois had only managed to deflect a shot from Angel di Maria.
Best ever: Bale has now proven himself as Britain's best ever footballing export
Best ever: Bale has now proven himself as Britain's best ever footballing export

There had been tension earlier in the season, with the Argentine unhappy at being usurped by the new signing from Tottenham, especially as he was playing well.
But problem solver Carlo Ancelotti made room for both and Bale’s team-mates have been completely won over by the shy boy from Cardiff, who will be going home this August having established himself as Britain’s best ever footballing export.
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Simeone will fight to keep Courtois and Costa despite Chelsea interest

Atletico Madrid will fight to keep their best players this summer and hope their allegiance to the team and to their coach Diego Simeone will help ensure they stay.
Chelsea loanee Thibaut Courtois spoke as if he wants to stay after the defeat by Real Madrid but it  is largely out of Atletico’s hands.
‘I don’t have an emotional link to Chelsea,’ said Courtois, 22. ‘I have nothing against them. It is just that I have this bond with Atletico after all I have lived through with the club these last three seasons.
Emotional: Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he has no 'emotional link' to his parent club Chelsea
Emotional: Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he has no 'emotional link' to his parent club Chelsea

Target: The Blues are also chasing Diego Costa but Atletico are hoping the pair stay loyal to Diego Simeone
Target: The Blues are also chasing Diego Costa but Atletico are hoping the pair stay loyal to Diego Simeone

Leader: The Atletico players are hugely fond of their fiery Argentine manager Diego Simeone
Leader: The Atletico players are hugely fond of their fiery Argentine manager Diego Simeone
‘If I have to go back to Chelsea just to play FA Cup and League Cup games, I will have to look for a solution.’
Atletico’s chief executive, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, has meanwhile told striker Diego Costa the club will only sell him if he wants to leave. Gil said: ‘We’ll try and make sure that all of the relevant players stay here. We’ve made a very aggressive approach for Diego to stay and we want to keep this dream going but it all depends on him.
‘Our intention is not to sell anyone unless the player asks to be sold. Because of our run in the Champions League we have the money to mean we don’t have to sell.’
Wanted: Koke (above) and Filipe Luis (below) are also attracting interest from the Premier League
Wanted: Koke (above) and Filipe Luis (below) are also attracting interest from the Premier League

Atletico defender Filipe Luis



Midfielder Koke and left back Filipe Luis will be other Premier League targets. But Koke’s allegiance to the club he has always supported and Filipe Luis’s loyalty to Simeone could see both stay.
Simeone said: ‘We will rest a bit, watch the World Cup and then we will be back to defend our league title.’
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Sunday, 25 May 2014

Who Arsenal could face in Champions League play-off

UEFA Champions LeagueHaving finished fourth in the Premier League, Arsenal will face a qualifying tie to reach next season's Champions League.
The Gunners will enter the competition in the play-off round. This is what we know about who they could face:
  • Arsenal will be one of the 10 teams in the 'non-champions' section of the draw
  • Ten teams play in this round: five teams which enter at this stage, and the five winners from the third qualifying round for non-champions
  • Arsenal will be seeded and will face a non-seeded team in a two-legged tie
  • The other confirmed seeded teams are: Porto, Napoli and Bayer Leverkusen
  • The only confirmed unseeded team so far is Athletic Bilbao (but they will be seeded if Zenit St Petersburg do not qualify for the play-off round)
We will update this page as soon as further information becomes available.
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Justin 'bullies' Michael McIntyre and hit on girls with inappropriate 'whipped cream and cherries' pickup line at AIDS research gala

Poor Michael McIntyre. Britain’s favourite comedian – at least, in terms of the lorryloads of DVDs  and concert tickets he sells – didn’t see the funny side when he was given less than star treatment by  the celebrity juggernaut that is Justin Bieber.
At the AIDS-research amfAR gala, Bieber ‘the diva’ bullied him terribly – as Michael told me at the dinner: ‘We are seated back-to-back and he keeps leaning his chair on mine and sticking his elbow in my face.’
Later, girls who walked with me to the after-party said Justin, 20, flirted with them by dropping the vomit-inducing line: ‘You girls don’t  know how to party. I’d like to get some whipped cream up in here.  And some cherries.’
Michael McIntyre complained about Justin Bieber's inability to behave himself at the table during amfAR's 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cannes on Thursday
Michael McIntyre complained about Justin Bieber's inability to behave himself at the table during amfAR's 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cannes on Thursday
Not so funny: British comedian Michael McIntyre complained about Justin Bieber's inability to behave himself at the table during amfAR's 21st Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cannes on Thursday
Ladies man: Bieber got very hands on with Heidi Klum at the gala, where he later tried to pick up girls saying: 'You girls don't know how to party. I'd like to get some whipped cream up in here'
Ladies man: Bieber got very hands on with Heidi Klum at the gala, where he later tried to pick up girls saying: 'You girls don't know how to party. I'd like to get some whipped cream up in here'

And when he arrived at the after-party, he had the gall to have his ‘people’ summon Heidi Klum for a photo.
The model, who is twice his age and stature, graciously agreed. And how did he repay her? With wandering hands!
So now I know why the fashion guru’s frocks are  so expensive... actress Milla Jovovich told me she had ‘skinned Karl Lagerfeld’ to make the feathered Chanel dress she wore to the amfAR gala, supported by Pirelli.
But the Kiev-born star was in no mood for jokes when it came to the Ukraine crisis. We had an in-depth conversation about it and she was surprisingly well informed.
But Milla, 38, concluded: ‘There’s nothing more annoying than people like me trying to get all, like, grounded.’ I disagree, Milla!

You won't BELIEVE what they tell me!

International politics: Paris has been hit hard by the Ukraine crisis
International politics: Paris has been hit hard by the Ukraine crisis
'The Ukraine crisis has really affected me. I’ve had to cancel a lot of visits over there – that’s where the rich men are who can afford me.'
– Hotel heiress  Paris Hilton, 33, reveals to me her deep international awareness and  self-absorption. The question is – rich men can afford WHAT exactly, Paris?
'I have bought two pairs of pink baby ear defenders especially for my daughter’s first Grand Prix, and I have had them both customised with crystals.
'It would be such a good idea to try to get a picture of her in a race car driver’s seat... Not moving, of course.'
– Socialite Tamara Ecclestone, 29, who gave birth to baby Sophia in March, tells me how hard life is when your father is Formula 1 boss Bernie.
'There’s no way I’m going into space. I don’t want to go up there with him, I’m seriously too scared. Anyway, for  Leo that trip is work and we keep those things separate.'
– Leonardo DiCaprio’s Victoria’s Secret model girlfriend Toni Garrn, 21, confesses to me that she’s probably the only woman on the planet determined to turn down a free Virgin Galactic ticket to space.
'I do have to gain 15lb  to play Marilyn. I already gained 15lb for The Help, so I guess it will be a pleasure to do it again. Bring on the burgers  and the doughnuts.'
– Actress of the moment, size zero Jessica Chastain, 37, right, lets me in on the secret pleasures of  playing  Marilyn Monroe in the new movie Blonde. She will also be turning her famous red  hair platinum for the role.
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'I've seen Kanye with other women...but never like he is with you!' John Legend gives touching tribute to newlyweds Kim and Kanye...#Kanye

He's the king of the romantic ballad so it's no great surprise that when John Legend took to the stage at Kimye's wedding reception he began with a speech that would move the hardest heart.
The smooth singer addressed the guests: 'To Kim and Kanye. It's really inspired me to be here. All these wonderful people here - it's a celebration of your love.
'I've seen Kanye with other women. I'm serious..this is a bad speech....but I have never seen him as in to someone as he is in to you.'
Inside the party! John Legend tweeted a photo booth snap of him and Chrissy Teigen with the caption 'Love, love, love'
Inside the party! John Legend tweeted a photo booth snap of him and Chrissy Teigen with the caption 'Love, love, love'
  
Giving their best pout: The happy couple were seen posing in a photo booth at the wedding reception with Black Chyna and T-Raww
Giving their best pout: The happy couple were seen posing in a photo booth at the wedding reception with Black Chyna and T-Raww


He continued: 'Kim. He was so in to you before he was even with you. He is in love with you. '
'I am so happy to see you two together.'
Then to the strains of 'At Last' made famous by Etta James, the couple took to the floor for their first dance as man and wife.
And as the party got started, Legend dedicated his hit 'All of Me' to the couple which he first  wrote for his wife Chrissy Teigen.
The tempo then picked up with his performance of 'Ordinary People' when he got the audience singing along.
The big day: the first glimpse of the ce;celebrity wedding of the year in Florence, Italy
The big day: the first glimpse of the ce;celebrity wedding of the year in Florence, Italy
He also gave a shout out to Kris Jenner, 'the mother of the bride.'
At one point the thrilled groom halted proceedings.
Kanye said: 'I just wanna stop the music a second 'cos my baby's coming back with a new dress on. Here she is - Kim Kardashian West'
The bride had changed out of her Givenchy gown and into another look.
She and Kanye were seen pouting and posing in a photo booth at the reception with pals Black Chyna and T-Raww.
And a picture was posted to Instagram allegedly showing the interior table settings, consisting of opulent crystal and bouquets of white flowers hanging overhead.

Smouldering: Kim and Kanye posed for more pictures with friends during the reception
Smouldering: Kim and Kanye posed for more pictures with friends during the reception

'Mr and Mrs Kanye West': The menu included homemade pasta, fish, beef and strawberry sorbet
'Mr and Mrs Kanye West': The menu included homemade pasta, fish, beef and strawberry sorbet 
And as Kim finally relaxed her strict low carb diet, they feasted on traditional Italian food with an 'innovative' twist.

The menu included monkfish, steak, homemade pasta and strawberry sorbet and both rose and gold Armand de Brignac champagne.

The food was color-coordinated with pink being the theme. And the meal culminated with a towering seven-foot wedding cake of white sponge and white icing with fruit layers, reports People.com.

Man in black: John played All of Me to the guests, a song he originally wrote for his wife Chrissy Teigen
Man in black: John played All of Me to the guests, a song he originally wrote for his wife Chrissy Teigen
And although she was conspicuous by her absence, Beyonce made her presence felt from afar when a remix of Drunk in Love was played.
Guests hit the dance floor at Forte di Belvedere with Michael Jackson's 'Rock With You' and Journey's 'Don't Stop Believing.'
But biggest hit of the night by far was when Kanye's  2011 track, 'All of the Lights' was blasted out. The crowd went wild with lots of enthusiastic singing along.
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Kieran Hayler admits to having unprotected sex in Jane Pountney’s car 25 TIMES while married to pregnant Katie Price

Katie Price's cheating husband Kieran Hayler has revealed that he had unprotected sex with her best friend, Jane Pountney, because ‘it added to the risk’.
The 27-year old plasterer, who married Katie in a beach wedding after just six weeks of dating, said that he and Jane had 25 sexual trysts before Price caught them in the act on a family holiday in Cape Verde.
‘Jane said she was falling in love with me and wanted to have kids,’ Hayler told The Sun on Sunday’s Sharon Hendry. ‘I said it too because as long as I told her what she wanted to hear, I was getting what I wanted.’
Love rat: Kieran Hayler has admitted to having unprotected sex with his wife Katie Price's best friend Jane Pountney
Love rat: Kieran Hayler has admitted to having unprotected sex with his wife Katie Price's best friend Jane Pountney
Love rat: Kieran Hayler has admitted to having unprotected sex with his wife Katie Price's best friend Jane Pountney

The affair began in May 2013, when Keiran and Jane began texting each other, which eventually led to a meeting in the car park of a local pub where they kissed for the first time.
From kissing to oral sex, the meetings between the two married people carried on behind their spouses’ backs for months.
‘The routine was usually the same,’ Kieran revealed. ‘I would get into the passenger seat of Jane’s car, she would jump on top of me and we would have sex. I didn’t wear a condom because it added to the risk and my heart was always racing.’
The part-time male stripper says that he found it hard to bond with his son Jett after his birth, and instead of working on his relationship with his wife and child, he continued to see Jane who was looking more and more like Katie every day.
Better times: Katie Price and husband Kieran Hayler at the gala film screening, prior to their spat.
Better times: Katie Price and husband Kieran Hayler at the gala film screening, prior to the affair

Hayler says that as well as trysts in Pountney’s car, they twice romped in Katie’s stables, the first time being on New Year’s Eve before he went to bed with Katie.
The affair was finally discovered in April, after Katie had invited Jane and her husband Derrick’s family to Cape Verde for a family holiday, but soon enough the former Glamour model found her young husband and best friend kissing and fondling each other on a sunbed.
‘Jane put her hands down by trousers and Kate came from nowhere,’ Kieran remembered. ‘All I heard was Kate calling her a slut and a whore.’
Hayler has turned to Twitter to try and get his wife back, but Price doesn't seem to be accepting any of his pleas.
Tough times: Keiran Hayler has begged to be forgiven for his behaviour
Tough times: Keiran Hayler has begged to be forgiven for his behaviour


The 27-year old took to Twitter on Thursday, her 36th birthday, to plead with Katie, who is pregnant with their second child together, to forgive him after it was revealed he had been sleeping with the her married best friend Jane Pountney.
He posted: 'Happy birthday to my beautiful wife @MissKatiePrice I love you with all my heart forever and always.
He added: 'I will repair your heart and I am looking for the light at the end of the tunnel for our fairy tale ending! Believe in me xx'
The 36-year-old model, who is pregnant with her second child with Kieran, sent three coded retorts via her Twitter and YouSay pages on Friday, referring to her spouse's begs for redemption on her birthday the previous day.
Breaking his silence: The builder and part-time stripper took to Twitter on Thursday, her 36th birthday, to plead with Katie to forgive him after it was revealed he had been sleeping with the her married best friend Jane Pountney
Breaking his silence: The builder and part-time stripper took to Twitter on Thursday, her 36th birthday, to plead with Katie to forgive him after it was revealed he had been sleeping with the her married best friend Jane Pountney
Writing a series of three, rather cryptic messages, the mother-of-four said: 'My thought - Defeat your enemies with success', before adding: 'This has been the case - The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.'
She then posted a third message, which said: 'Trust takes years to build, seconds to break and forever to repair.'


Katie has nine-month-old son Jett with Kieran and is six months pregnant with his second child.
She revealed her husband's 'full blown sexual affair' with Jane on Twitter recently, which was later confirmed by Jane and her husband Derrick.
Kieran's tweets come after messages on the social networking site posted by pregnant Katie suggested reconciliation could be on the cards.
'To my beautiful wife': Kieran also wished Katie a happy 36th birthday and insisted he loves her with 'all my heart'
'To my beautiful wife': Kieran also wished Katie a happy 36th birthday and insisted he loves her with 'all my heart'


Appearing to foreshadow Katie’s messages, Pountney still wore her gold wedding band as she ventured out close to the home she shares with businessman husband Derrick on Tuesday.
The 49-year-old, whose friendship with the media personality stretches back 20-years, kept her eyes hidden behind a pair of sunglasses while making her way towards her car.
Pountney looked casual in a patterned grey sweater, black leggings and fleece lined boots, but looked reflective following a tumultuous two week period.
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Arsenal send delegates to Madrid to negotiate with mystery player

The Gunners are hoping to thrash out a deal for the marquee attacking player, with both Ivan Gazidis and contract negotiator Dicky Law included in the delegation

Arsene Wenger Arsenal Training Session 05142014 MYSTERY SHROUDS SECRET ARSENAL TARGET

Arsenal have sent a delegation to Madrid to hold talks with a mystery star player, The Insider can reveal.

The Gunners are closely pursuing a wide forward who Arsene Wenger and his scouts believe can be developed into a centre-forward.

It is understood that the player is regarded as a marquee talent and would cost a considerable chunk of the €123 million-plus transfer warchest available to Wenger this summer. If a deal can be agreed, the plan is for him to go straight into the first team next season.

Chief executive Ivan Gazidis and contract negotiator Dicky Law are both believed to have been involved in the talks, which demonstrates the seriousness of Arsenal's pursuit of the forward.

Although discussions have taken place in Madrid, the player is not necessarily affiliated to either of the capital-based clubs who competed in Saturday's all-Spanish Champions League final.

Arsenal's top priority this summer is to clinch the signing of an elite forward who can provide competition next season for Olivier Giroud, the only senior striker at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners tried to sign Julian Draxler in a €37m deal in January and failed with moves for Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain and Wayne Rooney last summer as well as a last-ditch loan bid for Demba Ba.
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Champions League Team of the Season: Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic lead all-star cast of 2013-14

Marco Reus, Branislav Ivanovic and Philipp Lahm gatecrash a side dominated by the Madrid clubs as Goal selects the standout performers from Europe's top competition this term

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid Atletico Madrid Champions League final 05242014 Real Madrid's dramatic 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid sealed the fabled Decima triumph as the 2013-14 Champions League drew to a thrilling close on Saturday in Lisbon.

There were records broken, upsets pulled off and dramatic comebacks aplenty in an enthralling competition, and the standout stars of the tournament this term have been rewarded with a place in Goal's Team of the Season.

In goal is Atletico's on-loan star Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian, who is yet to reach a decision on whether he will return full-time to parent club Chelsea for next term, secured five clean sheets in 12 matches in the tournament and was a model of consistency in Atleti's surprise march to the final.

Our back four begins with Branislav Ivanovic, who was part of an exemplary Blues defence which kept seven clean sheets prior to their 3-1 semi-final second leg loss to Atletico. The Serbian was a crucial cog in Jose Mourinho's solid side and even managed to create six goalscoring chances from full-back.

In central defence, Sergio Ramos earns a place after some colossal performances in the latter stages of the tournament. The Spaniard was a rock at the back for Madrid, particularly in the semi-final against Bayern Munich, against whom he scored an impressive double in Germany. After a shaky start in the final, Ramos became a vital springboard for Madrid's efforts to get back into the game and his last-gasp header was fully deserved following his Lisbon showing.

Alongside Ramos is Atletico stalwart Miranda. The Brazilian was a rock for Simeone's side, particularly in the wins over Barcelona and Chelsea, and his tremendous efforts in keeping Madrid's attackers quiet for much of the first 100 minutes in Lisbon meant he certainly did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Miranda's team-mate Filipe Luis completes our back four, with the left-back notching a goal and an assist to cap a hugely impressive campaign for the beaten finalists.

First up in our three-man midfield is Luka Modric. The Croatian has established himself as one of Madrid's best players under Carlo Ancelotti, creating close to 20 goalscoring chances and maintaining a pass completion rate of more than 92 per cent throughout the tournament.
In the middle, Philipp Lahm just about earns the spot after a remarkable season playing in two different roles for Bayern. Lahm, shifted into central midfield for much of the campaign under Pep Guardiola, was exemplary on the ball and in screening the defence against Manchester City in the group stage and was at his brilliant best in switching between midfield and full-back against Arsenal and Manchester United in the knockout rounds.

Finally, Angel Di Maria completes the midfield trio, with the Argentine adapting to a central role in fine style this season as he notched three goals and six assists in the competition and put in a man-of-the-match showing in the final in Lisbon with his electric bursts forward.

Our three-man attack begins with Marco Reus. The Borussia Dortmund star enjoyed another impressive campaign in Europe, notching five goals and three assists before Jurgen Klopp's side were edged out by eventual winners Madrid in the quarter-finals. Reus scored a double in the second leg to inflict the only defeat on the Spanish side in this season's tournament.

The central striker is none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who lit up the first two rounds of the tournament with 10 goals in just eight appearances for Paris Saint-Germain. The Sweden star was sidelined for the return trip to Chelsea due to a hamstring injury, with the French champions ultimately crashing out in his absence.

Finally, this season's top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo secures the final spot in our XI after a quite remarkable campaign. The Portugal captain broke the record for goals in the group stages with a total of nine strikes following on from his opening-day hat-trick before he went on to surpass Lionel Messi's best of 14 in one campaign with his double against Bayern. A late penalty in Saturday's final took Ronaldo to a record-setting 17 for one Champions League tournament as he inspired Madrid - finally - to La Decima.
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Keep it chic with a black box clutch like Rachel Roy


It was the most highly anticipated wedding of the year and the vows have finally been spoken. That’s right, the lavish Kimye wedding ceremony set behind a flower-clad wall on a hilltop overlooking Florence is over.
But first thing’s first, we obviously need to know what all the A-list celebs were wearing to such a high-profile event. And first up is Rachel Roy and for a fashion designer, we would expect great things and she didn’t disappoint. Despite not donning a dress, Rachel did it like a dude in a fab tailored suit. But the bag glistening in the Italian sun was what caught our eye and rightly so being none other than Bottega Veneta.
The good news is, this chic clutch is available to buy (click right,) but sadly it is out of reach for most of us at over a grand! But do not fear, we have highlighted some much more affordable box-clutches to get Rachel’s look without breaking the bank.
We love the Dune pick – it really nails the woven look of the Bottega Veneta bag albeit in a different colour and it’s only £65 – a bargain compared!
But if you were looking to keep it safe in black, both the Carvela and New Look options will ensure you’re looking sophisticated and the latter is an absolute steal. Go on, treat yourself!
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Keep things simple and effective in a LBD like Debbie

On-screen in Corrie, Debbie Rush has had a really tough time of late, playing character Anna Windass. Her character has had to deal with blow after blow, from bankruptcy to selling her body, you would think that even faux story lines would begin to grind you down.
But evidently, her tough times on the cobbles haven’t taken their toll on Debbie. Striking a pose here at the British Soap Awards, the actress looked fresh as a daisy in her classic LBD. The dress is from The Pretty Dress Company (click right to buy) but it has been clearly lengthened for Debbie, perhaps more suited to the actress’ age than a mini-skirt.
And we think you can’t beat a LBD for a posh do, particularly when teamed with glitzy accessories like Debbie’s done with those metallic heels. A big thumbs up from us!
But if you’re looking for your own take on the look, then we’ve found some other fab options below. If you’re looking to treat yourself, then the Forever Unique dress is very similar to Debbie’s and it’s half price in the sale. But our faves is the Boohoo lulu number. We adore the sweetheart neckline and the lace puff skater skirt – oh so very pretty!
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Earn your style stripes in a stylish blazer like Michelle


She's announced her collaboration with high street fashion chain Lipsy is to launch in July.
So it's of no surprise that Michelle Keegan opted to wear her favourite Lipsy heels for Saturday night's Soap Awards. Living and breathing the brand we see!
While Michelle might have opted for high street heels, the Corrie actress upped the fashion ante with the rest of her look, teaming her chic tailored trousers with a chunky stripe blazer from designer label BCBGMAXAZRIA, who counts Michelle Obama and Heidi Klum as fans. Someone's going up in the world...
Our trusty Breton stripes have made a welcome return to the catwalks this season (as if they ever went away) but while in previous season's we've seen narrow Nautical stripes, for Spring 2014 it's all about chunky candy cane styles thanks to Hermes, Ralph Lauren Collection and Marni.
Michelle Keegan has nailed the look as ever in her designer blazer, and you can get the look too with our edit of the high street's best stripey blazers.
Shop the look below with styles new in at Topshop, Asos, Jules B and Zara. Scroll through the carousel and you can even complete the look with her Lipsy heels.
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Trend up your technology with a kitsch case

Remember the days when it was trendy for phones to be so small you could barely make out what was on the screen and lost them on an hourly basis?
Well, those days are long gone, because there's a new wave of technology hitting the mainstream for 2014. And loud and proud is putting it mildly.
Brooke Vincent was spotted arriving in London, and while we were taken back by her dedication to the leather trend (with a jacket and trousers we presumed she'd come on a Harley, but evidence shows she just got the train), it was her phone case that really caught our attention.
Brooke's phone case is notable for many reasons. Firstly, it's by Moschino. Secondly, the McDonald's inspired design marks the first time any fashion type has associated themselves with fast food chains. Thirdly, it condones deep fried foods AND carbohydrates - swear words in fashion circles. Let's be honest, can you imagine Anna Wintour tucking into a Happy Meal after one too many Chardonnays at Fashion Week? We think not.
While opting for a stand-out phone case will leave you running the risk of advertising your phone to any prospective thieves - and making said thieves hungry in the process - they will at least make your technology look super cool.
You can snap up Brooke's phone case for yourself at FarFetch by clicking to the right, but don't forget to check out our edit below - where we've carefully selected the high street's most kitsch cases from Bershka, Asos and Tesco.
I'm lovin' it!
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Block it like it's hot in Jasmin's Beach Bunny bikini


They can go anywhere in the world and the Essex ladies look just as glamorous as they do back home. Jasmin Walia is always striking, but in her neon orange and pink colour block bikini, she must have really stood out by the pool in Ibiza. Well, it was her birthday!
Her neoprene neon number is by Beach Bunny, an American brand whose risqué designs are loved by the likes of Rihanna, the Kardashians and Coleen Rooney.
Jasmin has managed to hit on two huge trends in one. We'll let you into an insider tip - that zip detailing around the halterneck strap perfectly taps in to the sports luxe look that is set to be big news this summer. Plus, taking a cue from designers like Marc Jacobs, clever colour blocking is high on our agenda for the coming months.
Her bikini is available to have shipped over from the States just by clicking (right) now. But if you'd rather stay closer to home, we've got your holiday suitcase sorted in the edit below. Find a real bargain at Boohoo, or go luxe in N.L.P, one of Kim Kardashian's new favourite brands.
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Make them green with envy in Emma's Agent Provocateur bikini


It's a tough life for model and Made In Chelsea star Emma Miller. She's swapped the streets of SW3 for the shores of the South of France to sip on Champagne and soak up the sun. Luckily there's no sign of Spencer Matthews... yet!
She looked incredible in her colour pop bikini, with its flattering ruched back bottoms and super cute berry details. And if you think it looks familiar, it's because Helen Flanagan wore it only yesterday on the beach in Dubai. Twinsies!
It's by Agent Provocateur, a label you might associate more with super sensuous lingerie. But their iconic designs also translate perfectly into swimwear and are worth the extra investment. Click (right) to get yours now.
But if you'd rather splash a little less cash, we've got everything you need to channel Emma's beach chic. There's an Asos bikini to suit every size and body shape, or we love the shade of s.Oliver's emerald style. Just team yours with tousled hair (and plenty of SPF 20 à la Emma!) for true off-duty model vibes.
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Get suited and booted in a blazer like Danielle's


Move over Kim Kardashian and Kanye West! They might be getting wed in Florence today, but back in Essex, Danielle Armstrong and James Lock look even more loved-up than the soon-to-be married couple. Get a room guys...
And Danielle has clearly been taking cues from Kim when it comes to her wardrobe. Wearing a nude vest top, ripped skinny jeans and pointed pumps, this ensemble is straight out of the Kardashian style bible. Just add some huge sunglasses and she would fit in perfectly with the wedding party in Paris!
But the whole thing was sharpened up by her bright white blazer, which is by Topshop. The slim fit, cropped back and collarless shape makes it look tailored to perfection and transforms this otherwise simple ensemble.
A blazer is always a good investment, particularly in white. The list of looks it would go with is endless! So although Danielle's is now sold out, shop the white hot options we've found for you in the edit below. Then perhaps steer clear of the red wine and black coffee!
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