Rio Ferdinand shares his prediction for the crucial Champions League match between Arsenal and ‘mystic’ Real Madrid

By Damerex -
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Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has shared his forecast as Arsenal takes on Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.  The Gunners’ hopes of winning the Premier League are nearly finished as Mikel Arteta’s team trails 13 points behind leaders Liverpool before their last six games of the season.  Arsenal is now focused entirely on securing the Champions League, with Arteta's team creating an excellent opportunity to make it to the semi-finals.  Two stunning free-kicks from Declan Rice and a goal from Mikel Merino resulted in Arsenal defeating Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg as they travel to the Bernabeu on Wednesday.  Ferdinand remarked on his YouTube channel: “If Madrid gets the first goal and there’s about thirty minutes left… rah! My backside will be voicing for you all [Arsenal]!  “I believe Arsenal will advance, believe me.” I do. I believe it will be excessive. I believe Arsenal will advance. I believe they have excessive...
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Ex-Leeds player is now the obvious frontrunner for the Ballon d'Or, surpassing Mbappe

By Damerex -

In a year lacking a prominent international championship, securing the Champions League is undoubtedly essential for clinching the Ballon d’Or. Thus, Mo Salah is unavailable. Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior must be feeling nervous. 

Here are the leading 10 contenders for the award, as per the bookmakers… 

Contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or victory 

9. Harry Kane [Bayern Múnich]

If Bayern claims the Champions League title, there’s a possibility for Kane. At the very least, he ought to secure a trophy this season, as Bayern is ahead of defending champions Bayer Leverkusen. 

9. Jude Bellingham [Real Madrid]


Came in third place in last year's Ballon d’Or voting but did not attend the ceremony following Real Madrid's wild response to Rodri's win.

9.Vinicius Junior [Real Madrid] 


All expectations were for Vini Jr to grasp the trophy, but it didn't happen. At the very least, Real Madrid responded with poise and a great deal of decorum, coming together to commend Rodri on his triumph with a sense of quiet dignity. 

In truth, their protesting actions were immature and quite unsportsmanlike. Rather than congratulating Rodri, Vini shared on social media: ‘I’ll do it 10 times if necessary. They aren’t prepared. Oooooooh. 

He started and continues to be favored in the betting as long as Real Madrid remains in the Champions League and competes for the La Liga title. 

8. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia [Paris Saint-Germain]

Outstanding since his move from Napoli in January, contributing to the French club's unbeaten streak in Ligue Un and likely advancing to the Champions League semi-finals. 

7. Pedri [FC Barcelona]

“Pedri deserves the Ballon D’Or more than anyone, everyone recognizes his talent,” Gavi states. However, if Barcelona triumph in everything, the award will undoubtedly be given to one of the three exceptional offensive players… 

6. Robert Lewandowski [Barcelona]

He is worthy of it following his robbery in 2020. 

Lewandowski has been in sensational form this season, enjoying one of the most fruitful seasons of his career at the remarkable age of 36. 

5. Lamine Yamal [Barcelona]

Rodri envisions a Ballon d'Or victory in the future for the 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy. Seventeen, just so you know. The winner of the Kopa Trophy is already an elite player. 

4). Mohamed Salah [Liverpool]


There has been plenty of ridiculous chatter about Salah securing the Ballon, but clinching the Premier League was never expected to suffice. Not scoring in both matches against PSG essentially eliminated his opportunities. 

It’s reasonable to assert that the PFA award will be simpler to obtain… 
Ousmane Dembélé [Paris Saint-Germain]

We anticipated that the bookmakers would realize Dembele has netted more goals than anyone in 2025 and might accomplish what Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe couldn't: secure the Champions League title with PSG. 

2. Kylian Mbappé [Real Madrid]


“Personal awards matter as well, such as the Ballon d’Or.” I understand what I need to do to achieve victory, both on the field and off. “I will win it when I complete all the necessary tasks,” declares the Frenchman. And we believe that clinching the Champions League and La Liga will effectively offer the trophy to a true superstar. 

Individuals will continue to whine and complain that Real has been rewarded for their public blunders regarding Vini in 2024, yet it is undeniable that Mbappe possesses star quality. 

Now to single-handedly reverse the outcome of the Champions League quarter-final after an Arsenal disgrace. 

1. Raphinha [Barcelona]


Enjoying a remarkable season with a Barcelona team that might clinch both the Champions League and La Liga. It is worthwhile merely to witness him crawling around the auditorium on his knees. 

The ex-Leeds United player's stats this season are remarkable, especially in Europe's top tournament. He has a ridiculous 19 goal contributions (12 goals, seven assists) in 11 games and has also netted an impressive 13 and provided eight assists in 28 La Liga games. He is currently in expectational form



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