La Liga champions Barcelona celebrated a successful season with a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao on S...

La Liga champions Barcelona celebrated a successful season with a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday in their final match, with Robert Lewandowski netting twice to pass his 100-goal milestone for the club.The veteran Polish forward, 36, reached 27 league goals for the season, although he finished behind Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe on 31.Barcelona wrapped up a domestic treble with Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cups wins, while fourth-place Athletic also had a fine season and returned to the Champions League for the first time in 11 years.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Athletic defender Oscar de Marcos made his 570th and final appearance for the club, behind only Jose Angel Iribar, a goalkeeper who played 614 times in the 1960s and 70s, in the club's history.Even Iribar might not have saved Lewandowski's opener after the striker was fed by Fermin Lopez, brilliantly scooping over current Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon to put Barca ahead and rack up the Catalans' 100th league goal of the season.It also brought up a century of goals for Lewandowski in a Barcelona shirt since joining in 2022 from Bayern Munich, and another was soon to follow.Three minutes later Lewandowski nodded in at the back post after a corner was flicked into his path."I am very happy, very proud to be part of this team, this club, it's been something amazing," Lewandowski told Barca One."I try to do my best, not only with goals but my attitude on and off the pitch. And there are so many young players. We have to take care of them."We did something great (this season) but we know we can still do a lot (more) things."Lewandowski missed two good chances in the second half as Barca tried to stretch their lead.In the Barcelona goal, Inaki Pena showed sharp reactions to tip a ball against the bar as a Pau Cubarsi deflection headed towards his own goal.Barcelona's 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal forced a smart save at his near post from Simon. The Catalans got their third when Dani Olmo won and then converted a penalty in stoppage time.After the game De Marcos gave a speech to fans at the San Mames and was thrown into the air by his team-mates."I just want to thank everyone who has been there on (my) path," said the 36-year-old defender, who played 16 seasons at the club."Next season I will be in the stands as just another Athletic fan."

Barcelona's Polish forward #09 Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring his second goal during the Spanish league football match between Athletic Club Bilbao and FC Barcelona at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, on May 25, 2025.

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Juventus qualified for the Champions League on Sunday, beating relegated Venezia 3-2 to pip Roma,...

Juventus qualified for the Champions League on Sunday, beating relegated Venezia 3-2 to pip Roma, 2-0 winners at Torino, to Serie A's final spot by a single point.Manuel Locatelli's penalty in the 73rd minute won a exciting contest on the Venice Lagoon and secured Juve fourth place on the final day of an eventful season."It wasn't easy with three matches away from home against direct rivals in the final few weeks. It's a good achievement. I'm happy," said Juve coach Igor Tudor, who, Italian media have reported, is to be replaced by Antonio Conte this summer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tudor, who took over from sacked Thiago Motta in March, said his fate would be made public before the upcoming Club World Cup which starts next month."Before, before. We'll know soon and that's the right way to do it," said Tudor. "If someone goes there but has no future at the club it's not right that they go there. But not for me, for the club."Juve looked set for a straightforward win when quickfire goals from Kenan Yildiz and Randal Kolo Muani put them ahead on the half-hour, after they had fallen behind to Daniel Fila's strike in the second minute.But Ridgeciano Haps gave Venezia, who had to win to have any chance of staying up, hope of survival nine minutes after the break and put Roma briefly fourth.Claudio Ranieri's Roma were two goals ahead at that point through a Leandro Paredes penalty in the 18th minute and Alexis Saelemaekers' header seven minutes after the break, with fans of the capital club hoping Venezia would hold out.However, Locatelli calmly stroked Juve back into the lead and into Europe's top club competition after Francisco Conceicao was clumsily brought down in the penalty area by Hans Nicolussi Caviglia.Ranieri ended his coaching career just missing out on giving Roma their first Champions League qualification since 2018, after dragging his boyhood club up from near the relegation spots following his second return in November."We're sorry for the fans, but we gave everything and when you give everything you can only be satisfied," said Ranieri, who retires for the second time in the space of a year.Ranieri remained coy on who would replace him for next season, only saying that "the president will decide when to announce his appointment".Como's Cesc Fabregas and Gian Piero Gasperini, whose third-placed Atalanta lost 3-2 at home to Parma, are the most commonly reported names cited as Ranieri's successor.A Europa League place is still some achievement for Roma given where they were when Ranieri arrived, especially with local rivals Lazio not having any European football next season after losing 1-0 at home to Lecce, who stayed up.Lazio dropped out of the European places with their defeat at the Stadio Olimpico and Fiorentina claimed the UEFA Conference League spot with a 3-2 victory over Udinese.Venezia meanwhile join bottom club Monza and Empoli, 2-1 losers at home to relegation rivals Verona, in Serie B.

Juventus's ANDAL KOLO MUANI celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A Enilive soccer championship football match between Venezia FC and Juventus FC at Pierluigi Penzo Stadium in Venezia, Italy, on May 25, 2025.

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Alexander Sorloth showed once again why he is such a dangerous option off the bench for Atletico ...

Alexander Sorloth showed once again why he is such a dangerous option off the bench for Atletico Madrid as he came on to score a hat-trick in under half-an-hour in a 4-0 win at Girona on Sunday in La Liga.Diego Simeone's side continued their Club World Cup preparations in a dead rubber league match at Montilivi, with Atletico locked into third place and Girona safe from relegation.Introduced in the 62nd minute for Antoine Griezmann, Sorloth broke the deadlock after 68 minutes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Clement Lenglet extended Atletico's lead before Sorloth struck two more late on to reach 20 La Liga goals, 12 of those as a substitute.Sorloth hit four goals earlier this month against Real Sociedad, with the first three of those scored by the 11th minute, making it the earliest hat-trick in La Liga history.

Atletico Madrid's Norwegian forward #09 Alexander Sorloth (R) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Spanish league football match between Girona FC and Club Athletic de Madrid at Montilivi Stadium in Girona, on May 25, 2025.

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Stuttgart withstood a late fightback from underdogs Arminia Bielefeld to claim the German Cup in ...

Stuttgart withstood a late fightback from underdogs Arminia Bielefeld to claim the German Cup in Berlin on Saturday, holding on for a 4-2 victory despite conceding twice in the final 10 minutes.Goals from Nick Woltemade, Enzo Millot and Deniz Undav had Stuttgart three up inside 28 minutes and cruising against Bielefeld, just the fourth third division side to make the final in the competition's 82-year history.Millot added a second with 66 minutes and Stuttgart looked to have the job done, but a Julian Kania strike and a Josha Vagnoman own goal with the clock ticking down made Stuttgart sweat.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>They however held on to claim their fourth German Cup and their first since 1997, when the then Joachim Loew-coached side again triumphed against third-flight opponents Energie Cottbus.The win means Stuttgart, who finished ninth in the regular season, will join Freiburg in next season's Europa League. Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller shone in the middle of the park, setting up goals for his Germany teammates Woltemade and Undav, showing the passing prowess that has him earmarked as Toni Kroos' replacement.The trophy is also just rewards for Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness, who took over with the club sitting dead last in April 2023 before guiding them to second place and a return to the Champions League last season.Bielefeld rode an underdog wave into the German capital, having beaten four first division sides on their way to the final including defending champions Bayer Leverkusen in the semis. Bielefeld however spurned a golden chance to open the scoring with 11 minutes played when unmarked Sarenren Bazee blasted his shot against the crossbar with an open goal beckoning. Stuttgart made Bazee and Bielefeld pay just four minutes later. Stiller threaded the ball to Woltemade, who shed his defender and guided it home.The goal rattled Bielefeld and Stuttgart took advantage, scoring again in the 22nd minute through Millot. Stiller kickstarted a counter in his own half and Undav took advantage of a defensive mishap, collecting the ball on the halfway line and marching goalwards before finding Millot to tap into an empty net. Stiller again created Stuttgart's third, sliding a ball to the feet of the onrushing Undav, who placed the ball in the bottom corner.With the red and white half of the 74,000-strong Olympic Stadium already celebrating a pending cup victory, Stuttgart took their foot off the pedal as Bielefeld tried to limit the damage. When Millot scored his second with 66 minutes played, the France midfielder removed his shirt, jumped a fence and ran towards the crowd at the Stuttgart end, knowing victory was surely theirs.Bielefeld gave their supporters something to celebrate when Kania scored with 82 minutes gone; the goal was the first scored by a third-flight side in a German Cup final. Three minutes later, Bielefeld pressed Vagnoman into an own goal, which silenced the Stuttgart fans. Bielefeld pressed and won repeat corners deep in injury time but were unable to cut the gap further and Stuttgart held on. Stuttgart now have four German Cups. Only five sides -- Bayern Munich, Werder Bremen, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke -- have won more.

dpatop - 24 May 2025, Berlin: Soccer: DFB Cup, Arminia Bielefeld - VfB Stuttgart, Final, Olympiastadion. Stuttgart's Deniz Undav (l) and Maximilian Mittelstädt celebrate in front of the fans after Millot's goal to make it 0:4. IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to exploit or have exploited photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. Photo: Bernd Weißbrod/dpa

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Celta Vigo great Iago Aspas netted the winner as his team qualified for the Europa League for the...

Celta Vigo great Iago Aspas netted the winner as his team qualified for the Europa League for the first time since 2017 with a 2-1 win at Getafe on Saturday in their final match to finish seventh.Rayo Vallecano, eighth, also qualified for the Conference League with a 0-0 draw against Mallorca to return to continental competition for the first time since 2001.Osasuna, ninth, missed out on Europe with a worse head-to-head than Rayo as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Alaves -- who knocked Rayo out of the 2001-2001 UEFA Cup.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Elsewhere Leganes were relegated from La Liga on Saturday despite a 3-0 win over Valladolid, as Espanyol beat Las Palmas 2-0 to survive, in their final league matches.Javi Hernandez, Yan Diomande and Juan Cruz all scored at Butarque as the Madrid side triumphed against relegated Valladolid, but it was in vain.Javi Puado's 65th minute penalty and Pere Milla's goal helped the Catalan side stay two points clear of Leganes, locked into 18th place above Las Palmas and Valladolid.Leganes were promoted last season after relegation from the top tier in 2020, but now return to the second division.

GETAFE, SPAIN - MAY 24: Iago Aspas of Celta Vigo celebrates with team mates after qualifying for the UEFA Europa League following victory in the LaLiga match between Getafe CF and RC Celta de Vigo at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on May 24, 2025 in Getafe, Spain.

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Arsenal produced a shock 1-0 victory over Barcelona to win the Women's Champions League on Saturd...

Arsenal produced a shock 1-0 victory over Barcelona to win the Women's Champions League on Saturday in Lisbon, with Stina Blackstenius' goal earning the Gunners their second European crown against the odds.The Swedish striker's drilled effort in the 74th minute allowed Renee Slegers' team to dethrone a feted Barcelona side that had won the trophy three times in the previous four seasons.Arsenal, back in the final for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2007, outplayed Barca in the first half and staved them off in the second, before Blackstenius struck on the counterattack.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The only British Champions League winners showed their mettle in a superb victory over record eight-time winners Lyon in the semifinal and they stopped Pere Romeu's Barca from claiming the trophy for a third consecutive season."It will take a moment to be like 'we actually won', it's such a big moment and it hasn't sunk in yet," Blackstenius told DAZN. "I'm so happy with (the goal) but this is a team performance ... I'm so proud of everyone, they made it possible for me."Spanish champions Barcelona probed in the opening stages under a fierce Lisbon sun, with Arsenal struggling to track two-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati's darting movement. Arsenal coach Sleger brought Dutch compatriot Daphne van Domselaar back in goal and she scrambled away crosses to keep her team afloat early on.The Gunners struck midway through the first half when Irene Paredes tried to cut out a cross and diverted the ball into her own net, but it was disallowed for offside against Frida Maanum in the buildup.It rattled the normally composed Catalans and filled Sleger's team with belief.Maanum came close with a drive which Cata Coll tipped over the crossbar and veteran Scot Kim Little smashed high over the bar when a corner broke invitingly to her.At the back Leah Williamson was at her best for Arsenal, battling well with Polish striker Ewa Pajor and doing well to stifle her run as she surged into the box from the left.Arsenal kept Alexia Putellas, another Barcelona star with two Ballon d'or wins, silent, with Mariona Caldentey, formerly of the Catalan giants, superior in midfield."We have to congratulate Arsenal, they set up well, but we were not at our level, and we couldn't find it," Putellas told DAZN. "It hurts a lot, above all for the fans who did not deserve a final like this. We're hurting, right now I only feel pain. Tomorrow we'll get back up and start trying again for next year." Romeu's side have faced criticism this season, lacking some of the shine of the team that won the quadruple last year, and their first-half display against Arsenal was not one of a team that has dominated European football over the past few years.They came out with more purpose in the second half and a typically slick passing move ended up with the competition's top scorer Pina's deflected shot looping up against the crossbar with Van Domselaar frozen in place.<h3>Famous victory</h3>Barca put 10 goals past Wolfsburg and then eight past Chelsea in the previous two rounds so it was no surprise they began to click going forward, with Ona Batlle firing narrowly wide.Van Domselaar denied Bonmati at the near post as Barcelona clicked into a higher gear, and Batlle whistled a strike narrowly over. Finally escaping the confines of their own half, Arsenal forged a golden chance to take the lead.Capitalising on some slack defending by Mapi Leon, substitute Blackstenius bundled her way through but Coll brilliantly blocked her low effort with her leg.Barcelona did not heed the warning and a few minutes later the English side took the lead.Beth Mead, another substitute, played a clever reverse pass to Swedish striker Blackstenius, who drilled through Batlle's legs into the bottom far corner with 15 minutes remaining.The expected Barcelona onslaught never came in the final stages and Arsenal, who defeated them in their first-ever European match in 2012, completed a famous victory."I'm trying not to swear or cry!" said Arsenal coach Slegers, who added she was proud of her team's fighting spirit to hold off the Catalans in the second half."There are signs that when you are a winning team, you struggle together, you suffer together, you find ways to win," she told DAZN. "In critical, high-pressure moments, we've done that this season."

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 24: Kim Little and Leah Williamson of Arsenal lift the UEFA Women's Champions League trophy after their team's victory in the UEFA Women's Champions League final match between Arsenal WFC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Jose Alvalade on May 24, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.

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Kylian Mbappe virtually wrapped up the European Golden Shoe award with a brace as Real Madrid bea...

Kylian Mbappe virtually wrapped up the European Golden Shoe award with a brace as Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 2-0 on Saturday, on an emotional home farewell to Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric.The Italian is leaving to coach the Brazilian national team, drawing a curtain on his second spell at the club where he won 15 trophies during a total of six years in charge."It has been an honour and a pleasure to coach this club, this team," Ancelotti told fans at the end of game. "I want to thank, first of all, my dear president Florentino (Perez). It has been fantastic to coach this group of footballers of extraordinary quality. It has been fantastic to share all these moments with you."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I also can't forget every day I've spent here," he added. "I love you very much."Croatian midfielder Modric will play at the Club World Cup for Madrid but this was his final game at the Santiago Bernabeu. He was given a guard of honour when replaced late on.The Croatian midfielder also returned to the pitch to address fans after the game."The moment I never wanted to come has arrived," he said. "It has been a long journey, but a wonderful one.""I have won many trophies, but the biggest one is the love and affection you have given me over all these years. There are no words to thank you for everything you've given me over the years. I want to say a phrase that I like a lot: 'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened'."Madrid fans displayed banners showing their affection for Modric and Ancelotti and sang both names on an emotional afternoon for Los Blancos.It was a profitable one too for Mbappe, who scored twice to take the lead in the Golden Shoe standings from Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres.Liverpool's Mohamed Salah could yet claim the prize, if he scores four goals against Crystal Palace on Sunday in the final round of Premier League matches.Mbappe was denied early on by Unai Marrero and then fired another decent opportunity over.Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made a good save from Sergio Gomez, who should have scored as he ran clean through but his effort was tame.Pablo Marin handled as Arda Guler tried to flick the ball past him and Madrid were awarded a penalty after a VAR review.Mbappe's poor penalty was saved by Marrero but the French superstar turned home the rebound for his 30th league goal.Ancelotti brought on Vinicius Junior after an injury to Brahim Diaz, who picked up a knock as Madrid looked to sign off a disappointing season, without winning a major trophy, in style ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States.Madrid wide man Lucas Vazquez, out of contract this summer after spending his whole career at the club, bar one season on loan at Espanyol, was given an ovation as he was substituted.Mbappe netted his second after Vinicius teed him up to move six goals clear of Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski in the battle to be La Liga top scorer.Many at the Bernabeu were in tears when Modric departed late on, embraced by former Madrid midfield partner Toni Kroos on the touchline.Madrid finish the season second in La Liga, behind champions Barcelona, who also beat them in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals. The champions face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday in their last La Liga game.

MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 24: Luka Modric of Real Madrid is lifted in the air by his teammates following his final appearance for the team after the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 24, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Sunderland clinched promotion to the Premier League after eight years away as Tommy Watson's stop...

Sunderland clinched promotion to the Premier League after eight years away as Tommy Watson's stoppage-time strike sealed a 2-1 win against Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final on Saturday.Regis Le Bris' side trailed to Tyrese Campbell's first-half goal at Wembley, but Eliezer Mayenda equalised in the closing stages before Watson delivered the priceless last-gasp winner.It was an astonishing twist to the single richest match in world football as Sunderland recovered from a sluggish start to hit the jackpot with a promotion worth an estimated £200 million ($270 million) in increased revenue.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Watson's moment ensured Sunderland fans can look forward to renewing hostilities with bitter rivals Newcastle next season."This win represents the way we played this season, with resilience and discipline to get back into the game. We tried different options and finally we found the solution," Le Bris said.Sunderland's return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 comes after a dark period that included a four-season spell in the third tier.The Black Cats suffered five successive defeats coming into the playoffs, but they dug deep to reach the top-flight in the most remarkable style.With a penalty shoot-out just seconds away, Dan Ballard's last-gasp extra-time header sealed a 3-2 aggregate success in the semifinal second leg against Coventry.They looked down and out with only 14 minutes left at Wembley before the stunning denouement.Promotion completed an impressive rise for Le Bris, a 49-year-old Frenchman who arrived at the Stadium of Light last year after suffering relegation from Ligue 1 with Lorient.Sheffield United are still without a win at Wembley in 100 years and have now endured four Championship final defeats among 10 failed attempts to win promotion via the playoffs.United had finished in third place in the table, 14 points clear of fourth-placed Sunderland in the regular season, but that gap proved irrelevant.<h3>Farewell gift</h3>Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson made a brilliant save in the second minute, diving to his left to claw Kieffer Moore's header off the line.Patterson's stop conjured memories of Jim Montgomery's incredible save to help Sunderland shock Leeds in the 1973 FA Cup final.Injured trying to stop Moore's header, Sunderland captain Luke O'Nien was forced off with a dislocated shoulder that left him writhing in pain.United deservedly took the lead in the 25th minute.Ben Hamer showed why he was voted Championship Player of the Year with a perfectly weighted pass to Campbell, who guided a composed finish over Patterson from 12 yards.It was a poignant moment for the 25-year-old approaching the first anniversary of the death of his father -- former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell.Harrison Burrows thought he had doubled United's lead nine minutes later, but his strike was disallowed for offside against Vini Souza after a VAR check.United substitute Andre Brooks barged through on goal after the interval, but Patterson stuck out his foot to make a superb save.It proved a costly miss, as Mayenda hauled Sunderland level with only their second shot on target in the 76th minute.Patrick Roberts' pinpoint pass reached Mayenda just inside the area and he punished United's sloppy marking with a fierce finish into the roof of the net.O'Nien, his shoulder in a sling, sprinted off the bench to embrace Mayenda, waving his one healthy arm in jubilation.That celebration was only the precursor to the ecstatic scenes sparked by Watson five minutes into stoppage-time.Seizing on Moore's loose pass, Watson drove towards the edge of the United area and curled a low shot into the bottom corner past Michael Cooper's fatally slow dive.Watson is due to join Brighton in the summer and his thrilling winner was the perfect farewell gift, ensuring Sunderland will join the 19-year-old among English football's elite."It's unbelievable. The story was written when I came off the bench. I couldn't have pictured it any better," Watson said."We'll see each other next year, in the big time!"

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland lifts The Sky Bet Championship Play-Off trophy after his team's victory in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final match between Sheffield United and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium on May 24, 2025 in London, England. This weekend's EFL play-off matches at Wembley will all kick-off one minute late, to raise awareness for the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign, which aims to encourage people to learn CPR.

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Scott McTominay has moved from the sidelines at Manchester United to centre stage for Napoli afte...

Scott McTominay has moved from the sidelines at Manchester United to centre stage for Napoli after winning his first league title in a superb debut season in Serie A.The Scotland midfielder won player of the season in Italy after becoming the linchpin of Napoli's midfield under Antonio Conte, who has given him the seniority and the position he never had at United since coming through the youth set-up with.A seasoned international footballer, McTominay had to leave one of the biggest clubs in the world not just to taste true success, but to become the driving force behind it, after winning one FA Cup and a League Cup in eight seasons as a first-team player at Old Trafford.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Thirteen goals and four assists in all competitions are a testament to how quickly McTominay adapted to life in Naples, a city he has taken to with relish, and Italian football."It's a beautiful country, it's actually somewhere where I've not been throughout my life, which is surprising because I love the culture here, I love the food, I love the way the people are, they're so welcoming," McTominay said in a recent interview with DAZN."It's got so many amazing different cities, obviously, Naples for me being the number one. Being able to experience all that with the people here is incredible. "Hopefully the people can see that I'm giving my all every time I go on the pitch. That's all you can do as a football player."McTominay has been dubbed "McFratm", which means "McBrother" or "McBro" in Neapolitan, by local boy Pasquale Mazzocchi, a nickname he rates even higher than "McTerminator" and "MacGyver".<h3>'Braveheart'</h3>Those nicknames are a testament to the level of affection McTominay has had from the Napoli faithful more or less from the moment he stepped off the airplane at Naples' Capodichino airport to complete his deadline-day move from United last summer.Hundreds of fans waited for and then mobbed him at arrivals in a traditional Naples welcome for the 28-year-old.But few people, possibly beyond Conte, could have imagined such a big impact back in August when Napoli rushed to sign players to placate their famously fiery manager.Napoli had already been walloped 3-0 at Verona in their opening league match of the campaign when McTominay arrived alongside Romelu Lukaku and another Scotsman Billy Gilmour with the season already underway.The spectre of the disastrous defence of their 2023 Scudetto was still hanging around the Castel Volturno training ground. But by the end of October Napoli were top of the division and involved in a three-way title battle with Inter Milan and Atalanta, and McTominay was at the heart of almost everything good they did.Fans had already renamed McTominay "Braveheart" by that point, and he was soon immortalised in a mural of the sort Napoli supporters reserve for their favourite players, most famously for Diego Maradona.And now McTominay has emulated possibly the greatest ever footballer by bringing Scudetto joy to Naples, while becoming the player he was never given the chance to be at United.

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 23: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates a goal during the Serie match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy.

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Napoli climbed back to the top of Italian football after sealing the Serie A title on Friday, bou...

Napoli climbed back to the top of Italian football after sealing the Serie A title on Friday, bouncing back from disaster to win the Italian championship for the fourth time.Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku netted in a 2-0 win over Cagliari at a packed and wild Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as Napoli secured their second league crown in three years on the final day of the season.Napoli finished the season a point ahead of closest rivals Inter Milan who won 2-0 at Como, the outgoing champions' opponents having to play half the match with 10 men after goalkeeper Pepe Reina was sent off just before half-time of his last ever match.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Friday's triumph crowned a season which started with few thinking Napoli could challenge Inter after finishing 10th as reigning champions last term."It's happened again and it's fantastic... we've had a really great season and it's all thanks to the boys who wanted to put themselves out there, especially those who won the league two years ago," said coach Antonio Conte.Conte has taken Napoli by the scruff of the neck but did nothing to squash rumours that he will leave in the summer after one season in Naples due to his frustrations at a lack of investment from owner Aurelio De Laurentiis."I have a good relationship with the president and his family," said Conte when pressed on his future by DAZN. "I've had the opportunity to get to know him and him me, we're celebrating together and we're two winners. Maybe we're a bit different, but we're two winners."Inter's win meant nothing as another Scudetto party was kicked off in Naples by the fans' new heroes McTominay and Lukaku, with fans lighting flares and setting off fireworks in the streets in celebration.Scotland midfielder McTominay, named player of the season, signed with the league campaign already underway in August and immediately made an impact on a team still reeling last season's disaster. <h3>Speechless McTominay</h3>His 12th goal of his first Serie A season, three minutes before half-time, was a fitting way for Napoli to break the deadlock as he has been the symbol of the team's renewal under Conte."I'm lost for words. It's incredible you know, the sacrifice that every single player in the group has put forward to the cause," said McTominay. "And the people deserve it because they've been behind us from day one, and for me to come and experience this is a dream." McTominay's acrobatic volley from Matteo Politano's cross broke the ice in a tense stadium, as supporters watched a clutch of good chances come and go while Inter took the lead through Stefan de Vrij in the 21st minute in Como and briefly moved top of the division.And Lukaku made sure that Napoli would secure title glory five minutes after the break when he collected Amir Rrahmani's long pass and held off Yerry Mina before ramming home the goal which sealed the deal.Joaquin Correa doubled Inter's lead just as Lukaku scored, cutting inside Ivan Smolcic before confidently sliding home his second goal of the season.But Inter now turn their attentions to the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Munich, where Simone Inzaghi's team will try to win club football's biggest prize after conceding the Scudetto to Napoli.Twelve points lost from winning positions played their part in Inter losing the title and the second-string team sent out at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia suggested that Inzaghi was already thinking ahead to next weekend. Inter had been gunning to repeat the treble won under Jose Mourinho in 2010 earlier in the season but the Champions League is now their only chance for a trophy from a long, and draining campaign which they could end with nothing.

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 23: Romelu Lukaku and David Neres of Napoli celebrates at the end of the Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy.

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McTominay, Lukaku fire Napoli to 2nd Serie A title in 3 years

Seven years after taking over Real Valladolid, Brazil great Ronaldo's venture into La Liga's boar...

Seven years after taking over Real Valladolid, Brazil great Ronaldo's venture into La Liga's boardrooms has ended in fiasco with three relegations and a fan revolt against their absentee president."Everything has been lies and negligence from almost the first day," fumed Valladolid fan Daniel Mozo, a 53-year-old electrician."Better for him to leave, carry on with his life and leave us in peace," he told AFP outside the club's Jose Zorrilla stadium before its final La Liga game for at least a year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Former striker Ronaldo, 48, became majority shareholder at Valladolid in 2018, vowing to take the modest club to Europe within five years.A stellar playing career -- crowned by two Ballon d'Or trophies, two World Cups and silverware at Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan -- had fans dreaming of glory.But far from sprinkling stardust, his tenure saw the team yo-yo between La Liga and Spain's second tier before he finally agreed to relinquish control.After relegations in 2021 and 2023, this season Valladolid have endured one of the most abject campaigns in Spanish top-flight history, bottom with 29 defeats and 87 goals conceded with one game to play."This year has been a disgrace... we thought he would be the president to do something for us, and what he has done is make a fool of himself," said supporter Sergio Gutierrez."He thought that, because he was Ronaldo, this would go upwards. He believed that without doing anything he would win everything -- but in the end, nothing," added Gutierrez, a 44-year-old driver.According to an indignant Maria del Carmen de las Fuentes, a 66-year-old retiree, Ronaldo "has done nothing -- not even fix the toilets"."I have never seen Real Valladolid as I have this year... We have seen games that made you feel like going onto the pitch and giving them all (the players) a kick in the balls."<h3>'Ronaldo, go home!'</h3>Beyond the dire results, Ronaldo became a toxic figure among fans for rarely attending games and involving himself little in day-to-day affairs.Their frustration was exacerbated by recent images published in Spanish media of a seemingly tipsy Ronaldo stumbling out of a Madrid restaurant late at night and slumping into a car.Earlier this month, the federation of supporters' clubs submitted a petition to Valladolid town hall demanding that Ronaldo be symbolically declared persona non grata in the city northwest of Madrid.At a home game against Barcelona on May 3, fans protested the relegation by tossing around the stands fake banknotes bearing his face and the words "Ronaldo go home".The fury had not relented in the final home match of the season -- a 1-0 defeat against struggling Alaves on May 18.Dozens of spectators unfurled "Ronaldo Go Home" banners on the many empty seats and the entire ground bellowed the slogan during a hydration break.<h3>Sale agreed</h3>Ronaldo's chequered record in football administration saw him become in 2021 the majority shareholder of his first club, Cruzeiro, which then achieved promotion to the Brazilian top flight.But he has since sold his stake and launched an unsuccessful bid to head the Brazilian football confederation.Valladolid announced on Friday that Ronaldo was transferring his shares to a North American investment group with the financial backing of a European fund.For Valladolid supporter Andrea Merino, "anything about Ronaldo leaving is good news, all the empty words he sold when he came have ended up being empty words".Fans want someone "who gets down to work, feels the club and does not leave us in the lurch like Ronaldo", the 25-year-old journalist told AFP.Rocio Mozo, a 40-year-old technical assistant, agreed Ronaldo had lost everyone's confidence and hoped for a new owner "committed to the city, the club, someone who is interested, who is here".Responding to a question by AFP after the Alaves loss, manager Alvaro Rubio -- Valladolid's third this campaign -- preferred not to discuss the administrative upheaval."The ultimate responsibility is mine" for the failure on the pitch, he said.

VALLADOLID, SPAIN - APRIL 20: A Real Valladolid CF fan holds up a sign in protest of the clubs president Ronaldo Nazário de Lima (not pictured), which reads "Ronaldo Go Home" prior to the LaLiga match between Real Valladolid CF and CA Osasuna at Jose Zorrilla on April 20, 2025 in Valladolid, Spain.

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How Ronaldo's Valladolid project turned sour

Heidenheim came from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw at home to Elversberg in the first leg of...

Heidenheim came from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw at home to Elversberg in the first leg of their Bundesliga relegation playoff on Thursday.Elversberg, who have never played in the top flight and are in just their second Bundesliga 2 campaign, ran out to a 2-0 half-time lead thanks to goals from Lukas Petkov and Fisnik Asllani. Heidenheim fought their way back into the match and the tie with two goals in four second-half minutes through Tim Siersleben and Mathias Honsak.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"A brutal game," Heidenheim coach Frank Schmidt told Sky Germany."We're in a good situation to go to Elversberg next week. Everything is open for the return leg."Elversberg coach Horst Steffen was not too discouraged despite watching his team surrender a two-goal lead. "At the end it's alright, we wanted to avoid defeat. We'll have to get it done at home," said Steffen.The winners of the playoff, between the side third last in the Bundesliga and the third-placed Bundesliga 2 team, will play in the top flight next season. Elversberg, from a town of just 13,000 people, are bidding to become the smallest club to play in the top flight. They took the lead after 18 minutes when Petkov finished off a fluid team move. Asllani doubled the visitors' advantage just before half-time, cutting the ball in from just inside the box. Heidenheim reacted by bringing Bayern loanee Paul Wanner, who spent last season on loan at Elversberg, off the bench for the second half. Siersleben gave Heidenheim hope when he tapped in a rebound from a Leo Scienza free-kick on 62 minutes. Wanner then linked up with Scienza whose low shot was saved but bounced into the path of Honsak. He tapped home to give his side hope ahead of Monday's second leg in Elversberg.Since the Bundesliga playoff was reintroduced at the end of the 2008-09 campaign, the top-flight team has won over two legs in 13 of 16 seasons. The most recent second-division side to win promotion via the playoff was Union Berlin, who came through on away goals against Stuttgart in 2019.

HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY - MAY 22: Mathias Honsak of Heidenheim shoots past Nicolas Kristof of Elvesberg to score his team's second goal during the Bundesliga playoffs first leg match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and SV Elversberg at Voith-Arena on May 22, 2025 in Heidenheim, Germany.

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Barcelona winger Raphinha signed a contract extension until 2028 on Thursday after a spectacular ...

Barcelona winger Raphinha signed a contract extension until 2028 on Thursday after a spectacular season.The Brazilian, whose previous deal was set to expire in 2027, was vital as Barcelona won a domestic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup."Barcelona and Raphinha have reached an agreement for the renewal of his contract, which will link him to the club until June 30, 2028," said the Catalan giants in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Raphinha, a candidate to win the Ballon d'Or, has scored 34 goals and provided 25 assists in 56 matches across all competitions.The 28-year-old is the joint top goalscorer in the Champions League with 13, but Barcelona were knocked out in a thrilling semi-final tie against Inter Milan.He netted a hat-trick in Barca's group stage win over Bayern Munich and a brace in the recent Clasico win over Real Madrid which took Barca to the verge of their La Liga conquest.Raphinha's contract renewal follows coach Hansi Flick's on Wednesday, with the German penning a new deal until 2027.Teenage winger Lamine Yamal, 17, is also expected to sign a new contract in the coming weeks.His agent Jorge Mendes told reporters "he will renew (his deal) soon", after having lunch with Yamal on the outskirts of Barcelona on Thursday.Raphinha and Yamal have been devastating on the flanks for Barcelona, either side of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.The Catalans have scored 99 goals in 37 La Liga matches and are hoping to pass a century on Sunday when they visit Athletic Bilbao in the last match of the season.Raphinha arrived in 2022 from Leeds United for around £55 million ($74 million) and helped Barcelona win La Liga in his first season.However he came close to leaving the club after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, but was convinced to stay by Flick.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 18: Raphinha of FC Barcelona lifts the La Liga EA Sports title trophy following the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 18, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Ballon d'Or candidate Raphinha signs Barcelona contract until 2028

Paris Saint-Germain sports adviser Luis Campos has extended his contract with the French giants i...

Paris Saint-Germain sports adviser Luis Campos has extended his contract with the French giants in a boost to the club ahead of the upcoming Champions League final.In a statement issued on Thursday, PSG's owners Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) announced that Campos had renewed his contract "for an additional five years until 2030".Campos, who is from Portugal and began working with PSG in an official role of football adviser in 2022, "will oversee the sports strategy of the whole QSI group".<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>That includes Braga, who finished fourth in this season's Portuguese league and in whom QSI holds a minority stake.Campos's existing deal was due to expire at the end of this season and the announcement is welcome news for PSG as they prepare for the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Munich on May 31.Before that they face Reims in the French Cup final on Saturday as they bid to complete a clean sweep of the domestic honours in France for the second season running.Campos previously worked at Monaco and at Lille and has overseen the successful squad rebuild at PSG following the shift away from the superstar approach that led to the signings of Neymar and Lionel Messi.

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 07: Luis Campos of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates the victory after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France.

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PSG sports adviser Luis Campos extends contract until 2030

Manchester United's Europa League final defeat by Tottenham leaves them in a dark place, contempl...

Manchester United's Europa League final defeat by Tottenham leaves them in a dark place, contemplating their worst league finish in five decades and with no European football next season.Ruben Amorim's men travelled to Bilbao hoping to salvage something from the wreckage of their season but left empty-handed as Spurs beat them for the fourth time in the current campaign.Brennan Johnson scored the only goal of the game shortly before half-time at the San Mames and United lacked the cutting edge to respond.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In some ways the match was a snapshot of the Red Devils' season -- highlighting their inability to take their chances and uncertainty at the back.Defeat is a bitter -- and costly -- blow for a club who are unrecognisable from the force that rose to the pinnacle of English and European football under Alex Ferguson.Next season will be their first without European competition since the 2014-15 campaign, while six of their Premier League rivals strut their stuff on Europe's biggest club stage.<h3>Amorim slump</h3>Amorim took over as manager from Erik ten Hag in November with a brief to impose his own blueprint on a struggling side, arriving highly rated after success at Sporting CP.But he has been unable to halt United's slide, winning just six Premier League games as his side slipped to 16th in the table, with a mere 39 points to their name.United have now suffered 21 defeats in all competitions this season -- their most in a campaign since losing 22 in 1973-74, when they were relegated from the top division.As the season progressed it became clear that Amorim was prioritising the Europa League and United, until Wednesday, were the only unbeaten side in Europe.They summoned up the ghosts of United teams past in producing a staggering comeback to beat Lyon in the quarter-finals and overcame Athletic Bilbao comfortably in the last four.But the return to northern Spain for the final was a step too far for United as their shortcomings returned to haunt them.A relaxed Amorim had tried to play down the importance of the game on the eve of the match but the mood music was that it mattered hugely -- both to United's sense of worth as a club and to the bottom line.Football finance expert Kieran Maguire said ahead of the game that, in monetary terms, the final was "the most important match in the club's history".Reaching the Champions League means a financial windfall worth potentially upwards of £100 million ($134 million).That would have been a major boost for United, who are struggling to balance the books, providing vital funds for a squad rebuild and making Old Trafford more attractive as a destination for top players.Now Amorim must embark on his rebuild with no midweek European football.The Portuguese manager arrived with a clear game plan, determined to deploy his 3-4-3 formation, and has stuck rigidly to his guns despite United's cratering form.The club's hierarchy have indicated they will be patient with their man and there appears no sign that they will change their minds.But now they must decide whether they go all in and back Amorim in the transfer market.The problem for the manager is that United cannot go out and splash the cash and will almost certainly have to sell to reshape their squad.Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has been on a crusade to cut costs since buying a stake in the club last year, announcing hundreds of job cuts in a bid to stem losses.Despite their troubles United remain a big draw but they will now have to work harder in the transfer market to attract the players they want, especially with their rivals dangling the prospect of Champions League football.It is back to the drawing board for United. Again.

BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Co-owner of Manchester United, shakes hands with Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, as he walks to the podium to collect his runners-up medal after the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.

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Man United face harsh truths after missing out on Champions League ticket

Brennan Johnson said Tottenham had shrugged off their tag of serial losers by beating Manchester ...

Brennan Johnson said Tottenham had shrugged off their tag of serial losers by beating Manchester United 1-0 to win the Europa League on Wednesday.The Welsh winger's scrappy goal just before half-time edged a tense final short on quality as Spurs ended a 17-year wait to win a trophy.Both sides are languishing at the bottom end of the Premier League after dismal domestic seasons, but Johnson said that counted for little now as Tottenham can look forward to Champions League football next season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"This season hasn't been good at all, but I swear, not one of us players right now care about that," Johnson told TNT Sports."This club hasn't won a trophy for 17 years, this is what it means -- it means so much!"All the fans get battered, we get battered, not winning a trophy, not winning anything, but getting to get the first one in a while today, I'm so happy."Ever since I came here it's been, 'Tottenham are a good team, but they never get it done' -- we got it done!"Doubts still surround the future of Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.But the Australian has delivered on his promise early on this season to maintain his record of winning silverware in his second season at various clubs."He's done his job, he said he wins in his second year and he has," added Johnson."I'll be looking forward to his interview, but I can't thank the manager enough for how much trust he's had in us because some of the performances this season, as I say, haven't been good enough."But especially in the Europa League, he had a really good way of getting everyone up for it and today it shows."

BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: Brennan Johnson of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates at full time during the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at San Mames Stadium on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.

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Johnson says Spurs changed narrative with final triumph: 'We got it done'

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has blamed a combination of off-field distractions and fitn...

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has blamed a combination of off-field distractions and fitness problems for a hugely disappointing season.The England international was crowned the Premier League's player of the year last season as he led City's charge to an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.However, Foden has been a peripheral figure despite City's struggles this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pep Guardiola's men will finish the campaign without a major trophy for the first time since 2016-17 and still need a point on the final day of the Premier League to secure a place in next season's Champions League.Foden was left on the bench for City's FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Palace on Saturday."Obviously it's been a frustrating season for me," said Foden. "I've had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally."Sometimes there's things in life that's bigger than football and this season I've struggled a little bit, but hopefully next year I can get my head mentally right and get back where I left the season before, because I know what I am capable of doing."Earlier this year, the 24-year-old conceded that "my body and my mental state was low".Guardiola came out in defence of his player after Foden was targeted in a recent match at rivals Manchester United with taunts about his mother."I know if everything was OK I would definitely be a bit better on the field, but like I said, sometimes things happen, and you've just got to deal with it and try to move on," Foden added."I've had a difficult season, but I'm just improving, getting back to my best. I know my standards and what I can be, so I'm just looking forward to getting back."After City's final Premier League game of the season they are set to fly off to participate in an expanded version of the Club World Cup.However, Foden is unsure whether he will play a part in that competition or England's June internationals due to his recovery from an ankle injury."I have to speak with the club and the international team to see if maybe it's better to rest to get my ankle fully 100 percent how I want it."

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Phil Foden of Manchester City applauds the fans at the end of the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2025 in London, England.

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Man City's Foden blames fitness, personal issues for 'frustrating season'

Son Heung-min was left out of the starting line-up for Tottenham's Europa League final against Ma...

Son Heung-min was left out of the starting line-up for Tottenham's Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao on Wednesday.The South Korean was expected to start despite only recently returning from injury but Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has opted to keep his captain on the bench.He has named a front three of Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison as he aims to break a 17-year trophy drought for Spurs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Lucas Bergvall is missing from the squad as expected, along with fellow midfielders James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.United manager Ruben Amorim has included Mason Mount and Amad Diallo in his forward line alongside Rasmus Hojlund, while there is no starting spot for Alejandro Garnacho.Mount has been a bit-part player for United this season but caught the eye by scoring twice against Athletic Bilbao in the semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.Leny Yoro comes back into defence after missing the 1-0 defeat by Chelsea last week.United are led by Bruno Fernandes, the joint top-scorer in the Europa League this season.Starting line-ups for the Europa League final (kick-off 1900 GMT):<h3>Tottenham (4-3-3)</h3>Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero (capt), Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie; Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma; Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, RicharlisonCoach: Ange Postecoglou (AUS)<h3>Manchester United (3-4-3)</h3>Andre Onana; Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro; Noussair Mazraoui, Bruno Fernandes (capt), Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu; Amad Diallo, Mason Mount, Rasmus HojlundCoach: Ruben Amorim (POR)Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)

BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.

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Europa League final lineups: Son on Spurs bench, Yoro starts for Man United

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has extended his contract until June 2027, the Spanish champions said...

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has extended his contract until June 2027, the Spanish champions said Wednesday.The German led Barca to a domestic treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup in his first year at the helm."Barcelona and Hansi Flick have reached an agreement for the renewal of his contract which will tie him to the club until 30 June 2027," said Barcelona in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Flick replaced Xavi Hernandez after Barcelona finished last season without a trophy and has made a quick impact in Catalonia.The former Bayern Munich and German national team coach originally signed a deal until 2026.Flick's Barca have thrilled both in Spain and in the Champions League, where they reached the semi-finals but were knocked out by Inter Milan in a blockbuster tie.The Catalans have scored 99 goals in 37 La Liga matches on the way to winning the title, with the final game of the season on Sunday at Athletic Bilbao.A young Barca side, led by a swashbuckling attacking trio of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and veteran Robert Lewandowski, have restored their reputation on the European stage after years of struggle.Flick continued his own strong record in finals, with victories over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals extending his record to seven won from seven played, five of those with Bayern."The excitement that the German has brought to the club in his first year in charge has made Barcelona a feared opponent once again in Europe," continued the club in their statement."Flick has won 43 of the 54 games he has been in charge, a win rate of 73 percent, the best in a first season since Luis Enrique recorded 83 percent."Barcelona were not widely considered favourites to win the league after last year's La Liga and Champions League winners Real Madrid signed French superstar Kylian Mbappe.However although the former Paris Saint-Germain forward has netted 41 goals, Madrid finish the season without a major trophy.

SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 26: Head coach Hansi Flick (L) of Barcelona celebrates their victory at the end of the Copa del Rey 2025 final match between Barcelona and Real Madrid in Seville, Spain on April 26, 2025.

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Flick rewarded with Barca contract until 2027 after domestic treble

Five Real Valladolid fans were punished with a one-year suspended prison sentence on Wednesday fo...

Five Real Valladolid fans were punished with a one-year suspended prison sentence on Wednesday for aiming racist insults at Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior in 2022, La Liga said Wednesday.The fans were also banned from stadiums for three years and must pay fines of up to 1,620 euros ($1,836), but will avoid going to jail if they do not offend again within three years."This court ruling represents an unprecedented milestone in the fight against racism in sport in Spain," said La Liga in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>La Liga said previous sentences regarding racist incidents had been to punish "conduct against moral integrity" but that the court's verdict said this incident was a "hate crime".The 24-year-old Madrid winger was abused by the five fans at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in a league match in December 2022.Vinicius has been the victim of racist abuse many times at away matches in La Liga.In June 2024 three Valencia fans were handed eight-month jail terms for racially abusing the forward in 2023, in an incident which provoked global outrage.Vinicius appeared via video link on Monday in another court case against Atletico Madrid fans accused of hanging an effigy of the player from a bridge near Real Madrid's training ground.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 11: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF reacts during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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5 Valladolid fans issued suspended prison sentences for Vini 'hate crimes'

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