Wednesday’s briefing: Vinicius not crying his heart out as Real beat Man City

Real Madrid took one step into the Champions League last 16 when they scored in stoppage time to beat Manchester City 3-2 in the first leg of their play-off tie at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea and Australia striker Sam Kerr was found not guilty of causing racially aggravated harassment at Kingston-on-Thames Crown Court, while Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman left Chloe Kelly out when she named her squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Former Manchester United player Denis Law’s funeral took place with Sir Alex Ferguson leading the tributes. The former United captain died in January.

Vinicius has last laugh

The holders fought from behind on two occasions as Carlo Ancelotti’s men stole victory through Jude Bellingham’s late goal.

Erling Haaland scored twice but City – whose fans displayed a banner before the game mocking Real’s boycott of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where Rodri beat Vinicius Junior to the top award – failed to keep Kylian Mbappe quiet as the Frenchman and former City player Brahim Diaz got in on the act before Bellingham capitalised on a defensive mistake.

Vinicius told Movistar afterwards: “I saw it, I saw the banner. Whenever the opposing fans do things like that they give me more strength to have a great game and here I have done it.”

Kerr’s not guilty

The Blues forward was cleared over an incident which took place in January 2023 when she called a Metropolitan Police officer “stupid and white”.

It took a jury four hours of deliberation to reach a verdict.

“While I apologise for expressing myself poorly on what was a traumatic evening, I have always maintained that I did not intend to insult or harm anyone and I am thankful that the jury unanimously agreed,” said Kerr in a statement after the verdict.

“I am fully focused on getting back on to the pitch and look forward to an exciting year ahead for me and my family.”

No room for Kelly

Wiegman blamed a lack of game time for Kelly as a reason behind her being left out of the Lionesses squad for Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain later this month.

The winger, who played just six times for Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City in the Women’s Super League this season, made a deadline-day loan move to Arsenal.

“She hasn’t played enough, in my opinion,” Wiegman said.

“She’s moved clubs now, but last autumn she hardly played. She got some credit but over that time, she played so few minutes. That’s first now: get started at Arsenal, get some minutes in, start playing and showing what you’re about and then we can revisit that again.”

Law is laid to rest in Manchester

More than 1,000 fans gathered outside Old Trafford to applaud Law’s hearse on its way to Manchester Cathedral.

The former United forward died at age 84 last month following a battle with dementia.

Speaking at the service, former United boss Ferguson said: “Trying to place Denis in the pantheon of all time greats is a challenge. But it is made easier by Pele.

“He was asked if there was a British player who could get in the Brazil team. He said Denis Law – which is a fantastic tribute.”

What’s on today?

On Wednesday, Everton host Liverpool in what will be the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.

The match, which was postponed in December due to Storm Darragh, will also see the return of Toffees manager David Moyes to the fixture after he rejoined the club for a second spell earlier this year.

A victory for Arne Slot’s Liverpool would extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League to nine points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.