Robert Lewandowski will start on the bench for Barcelona's Champions League semi-final decider wi...

Robert Lewandowski will start on the bench for Barcelona's Champions League semi-final decider with Inter Milan after recovering from a hamstring injury, coach Hansi Flick said on Monday.Poland captain Lewandowski missed last week's thrilling first leg in Catalonia after picking up the injury against Celta Vigo last month but will be available as a substitute at the San Siro, where the teams will line-up level at 3-3."Everything goes in the right way and he is good, much better than we expected, and he is ready for the bench. So maybe when we need him, he can come in," Flick told reporters.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Lewandowski's return is a huge boost for Flick as the veteran striker has scored 40 goals this season in all competitions for Barca, who need to win at the San Siro to reach the final.Barca are gunning for a quadruple of major trophies in Flick's first season as coach, after beating Real Madrid to both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey.Flick's team lead Madrid by four points at the top of La Liga with four matches remaining in the Spanish league season."I did imagine it (a quadruple bid)," said Dani Olmo."I want to win everything. At Barca we have the team to be at this stage of the season with all of the trophies still to play for... We know what we what to do and we're committed to that with the way we play."We've got energy and motivation, and we're going to go for it."Olmo added that Inter's plan to double up on Lamine Yamal won't stop Barca's teen wing wizard from causing the same havoc as he did last week.The 17-year-old ran Inter's defence ragged at the Olympic Stadium, scoring a wonderful goal and twice striking the woodwork, and Inter coach Simone Inzaghi admitted that he would be subjected to "special attention" from his defenders on Tuesday."That just means we'll have a player free. Lamine has shown that can play against one, two or three defenders," said Olmo."We'll help him if that is the case. Our ideas won't change, if he has two or three markers on him that means there will be other players free for us."Tuesday's winner will contest the Champions League final in Munich later this month against either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain.

DORTMUND - Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona during the quarterfinal Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at Signal Iduna Park stadium on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. ANP | Hollandse Hoogte | GERRIT VAN KEULEN

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Lewandowski set for bench role in Barca's UCL showdown with Inter

Juventus clung onto their place in Serie A's Champions league positions on Sunday after being hel...

Juventus clung onto their place in Serie A's Champions league positions on Sunday after being held to a 1-1 draw at rivals Bologna.Remo Freuler's deflected strike in the 54th minute cancelled out Khephren Thuram's early opener and gave Bologna a deserved home draw at a packed Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.Juve are in fourth on goal difference ahead of Roma, in fifth after beating Fiorentina 1-0, and sixth-placed Lazio with the trio all locked on 63 points.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bologna might sit seventh but are only a point behind Juve and the Rome clubs and are also in with a chance of their first major trophy since 1974 with the Italian Cup final against AC Milan coming up a week from next Wednesday.The draw also created a even more crowded battle for a place in next season's Champions League with another round of crucial match-ups coming up next weekend.Juve, without a host of starters at Bologna, are at Lazio, while Roma head to Atalanta, who were this weekend's big winners in the tussle for the top four with a 4-0 thumping of relegated Monza.Atalanta are five points ahead of Juve, Roma and Lazio with three matches remaining in the season and are now big favourites to claim one of two remaining spots in Europe's elite club competition.Charles De Ketelaere netted his first league goals since before Christmas in the first half, before Ademola Lookman and Marco Brescianini completed the rout for Atalanta with well-taken strikes after the break.Rock-bottom Monza will play in Serie B next season, ending a three-season run in the top flight for the team owned by the Berlusconi family.Assured of promotion are Sassuolo and Pisa, the latter club securing automatic promotion on Sunday even though they lost 1-0 to Bari as their closest rivals Spezia were beaten 2-1 at Reggiana.Roma briefly held fourth place by beating Fiorentina, Artem Dovbyk nodding home the only goal of the game in stoppage time at the end of the first half to extend his team's unbeaten league run to 19 matches.Edoardo Bove had an emotional reunion with Roma fans after the game, the Rome-born midfielder and Romanista openly bawling in front of supporters who paid tribute to the 22-year-old whose footballing future is in the balance.On loan at Fiorentina until the end of the season, Bove suffered a harrowing on-pitch heart attack in December and hasn't played since being discharged from hospital with a defibrillator installed.Bove will have to try his hand abroad if the defibrillator, which ensures a regular heartbeat, has to remain permanently due to the stringent health regulations which govern sport in Italy.

BOLOGNA, ITALY - MAY 4: Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates 0-1 goal during the Serie A match between Bologna and Juventus at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on May 4, 2025 in Bologna, Italy.

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Serie A roundup: Atalanta send Monza down, Juve narrowly stay in 4th

Kylian Mbappe struck twice as Real Madrid held off Celta Vigo with a thrilling 3-2 win to stay wi...

Kylian Mbappe struck twice as Real Madrid held off Celta Vigo with a thrilling 3-2 win to stay within sight of La Liga leaders Barcelona.After the Catalans scraped a comeback win at Valladolid on Saturday, Madrid survived a late Celta fightback to maintain the four-point gap ahead of next Sunday's Clasico.Defending champions Madrid, second, took a three-goal lead but were left clinging on at the Santiago Bernabeu against a Celta side seventh and hoping to qualify for European football next season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The game seemed finished ... you have to remember we're without six defenders and we're not always capable of solving these things," said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti."Yes, it could have been dealt with better, we suffered a bit, but it's a nice victory."Madrid's Champions League defence crumbled and Los Blancos were also beaten in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona last week, but Los Blancos are still hopeful of overhauling Hansi Flick's side in La Liga."We had a very good first half (but) ... we fell apart, these things can't happen, it's happened to us a lot," admitted Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde on the club's television channel."We left a lot minutes for them to get comfortable and they are a great team and they put us in a tough spot."Ancelotti's side came into the game with a spate of defensive injuries but took control after riding out an early wave of Celta chances, with Turkish 20-year-old Arda Guler pulling the strings.With Rodrygo Goes out with illness, the youngster started in his stead and took full advantage.Guler directed a spectacular overhead effort wide of goal in the opening stages, showing his ambition has no limits.Former Barcelona defender Marcos Alonso headed just over and then forced a fine save from Thibaut Courtois, as Celta threatened.Aurelien Tchouameni headed over when well-placed at the other end, as Madrid stifled the visitors.<h3>'Last chance'</h3>Madrid opened the scoring through Guler after 33 minutes, when the playmaker cleverly worked some space in the box and then brilliantly curled a strike past the reach of Vicente Guaita.Mbappe doubled Madrid's lead after 39 minutes at the sharp end of a rapid breakaway.Courtois saved well from Borja Iglesias and immediately Madrid thrust forward, with Bellingham setting Mbappe free down the right.The French superstar ruthlessly lashed past Guaita from just inside the area.Just three minutes into the second half, Mbappe struck again for his 24th league goal of the season, putting him one behind the top scorer, Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski.Guler was the creator, playing in the striker with a perfectly weighted ball and Mbappe finished low with a stroke of his left boot.It seemed the game was won for Madrid but Javier Rodriguez pulled Celta back into it with a finish from close range after a corner was wrongly awarded to Celta.Lucas Vazquez blocked Pablo Duran's backheeled effort on the line but Rodriguez was on hand to pounce.Iago Aspas' introduction off the bench for the Galicians immediately gave them more attacking impetus and he produced a superb pass for Williot Swedberg to slot a second past Courtois.The Belgian goalkeeper had his heart in his mouth a few minutes later as Duran's shot slipped out of his hands and could have squirmed across the line behind him if it had not slowed to a stop on the grass.If Madrid had dropped points it would have allowed Barcelona to lift the title next weekend with a Clasico victory."It's the game of the year for us, the last chance for us to win La Liga," said Valverde."We will try our best to take the three points."

Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid his team's third goal during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Celta Vigo at Santiago Bernabéu on May 5, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Mbappe maintains Real Madrid's La Liga title dream in Celta thriller

Chelsea bolstered their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a 3-1 win as Liverpool suffe...

Chelsea bolstered their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a 3-1 win as Liverpool suffered a Premier League title hangover at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.Enzo Maresca's side took the lead through Enzo Fernandez's early strike at Stamford Bridge.Jarell Quansah's second-half own goal was followed by Virgil van Dijk's late reply for Liverpool.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cole Palmer's stoppage-time penalty condemned the champions to only their third league defeat this season.While lacklustre Liverpool had little to play for after winning a record-equalling 20th English crown with a 5-1 rout of Tottenham last weekend, Chelsea had every incentive to secure a priceless three points."Very important, especially at this stage in the season. I'm very impressed with the players," Maresca said."We didn't plan to wait and defend deep but they forced us to do this and this showed why they won the Premier League because they are a top side."Hoping to return to the Champions League via a top-five finish, the Blues sit in fifth, level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle, who drew 1-1 at Brighton earlier on Sunday.Sixth-placed Nottingham Forest will join Chelsea and Newcastle on 63 points if they beat Crystal Palace on Monday.Third-placed Manchester City are only one point clear of Chelsea and, with three games left, the top five battle is set for a thrilling finale."For sure, Chelsea has to fight for Champions League and hopefully in the future we can fight for something more important," Maresca said."In this moment we are there and hopefully we can finish there."Chelsea are back in action in the UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg against Djurgardens on Thursday. The Blues hold a 4-1 lead that should be enough to send them to the first final of Maresca's reign.Liverpool's only other league losses in a triumphant campaign came against Nottingham Forest in September and at Fulham in April.On another fruitless trip to west London, Arne Slot's men played as though the title party had left them groggy."A wise man once said, 'Nothing good comes from winning a football game,' and I have to agree with him. The way we lost is more positive, I think," Slot said."If you look at how we reacted after being 2-0 down, we came back and we never gave up."It was against a great Chelsea team. Maybe we missed that little bit which we usually have."Chelsea's players lined up to give Liverpool a guard of honour when the Reds walked onto the pitch before kick-off.<h3>Lethargic Liverpool</h3>The gesture of respect didn't go down so well with large sections of the Chelsea fanbase, who booed as Liverpool made their entrance.It was a much-changed line-up that paraded through the divisive welcome after Slot rested Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate in a move that won't have gone down well with Chelsea's top-five rivals.Liverpool supporters in one corner of Stamford Bridge revelled in their new status, chanting "champions" and waving banners with references to their 20 titles.But it took just three minutes for Chelsea to take the lead as Pedro Neto's cross picked out Fernandez and the unmarked Argentine midfielder slotted home from eight yards with Liverpool's defence in disarray.Noni Madueke was inches away from doubling Chelsea's advantage moments later, the winger scuffing his shot just wide of the far post after dancing through the Reds back four.Maresca's men struck again in bizarre fashion in the 56th minute. Palmer muscled his way past Kostas Tsimikas into the Liverpool area for a low cross that Madueke couldn't convert.In the scramble that followed, Van Dijk made a hurried clearance that smacked into Quansah and rebounded into the net.Van Dijk made partial amends when he thumped a header past Robert Sanchez from Mac Allister's 85th-minute corner.But it was too late to save Liverpool from a rare defeat as Quansah tripped Moises Caicedo and Palmer converted the penalty for his first goal since January.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 4: Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring the third goal with Noni Madueke and Levi Colwill during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on May 4, 2025 in London, England.

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Chelsea beat champions Liverpool to boost top-5 push

Barcelona survived a scare as they came from behind to beat already-relegated Real Valladolid 2-1...

Barcelona survived a scare as they came from behind to beat already-relegated Real Valladolid 2-1 on Saturday to extend their La Liga lead and move one step closer to the title.The Catalan giants heavily rotated with Tuesday's Champions League semi-final clash at Inter Milan in mind and fell behind to Ivan Sanchez's early deflected goal.However, second-half strikes by Raphinha and Fermin Lopez helped Barca climb seven points clear of second-place champions Real Madrid, who host Celta Vigo on Sunday ahead of El Clasico on May 11.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barca coach Hansi Flick kept just two players who started the blockbuster 3-3 first-leg draw with Inter on Wednesday in his side: Pedri Gonzalez and Gerard Martin.Flick brought in his German compatriot Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal, after a long injury lay-off, for his first appearance since September."I was really looking forward to playing this game and it's always better with a win for the team," Ter Stegen told DAZN."We stayed in the same dynamic, which was super important, and we're excited for the weeks ahead of us with spectacular games."It did not start in dream fashion for the goalkeeper: Within six minutes, Ter Stegen was picking the ball out of his net.Martin's shot from the right of the area deflected off Ronald Araujo and looped past Ter Stegen into the far top corner.Despite going ahead against the league leaders, home fans protested against Valladolid majority owner and president Ronaldo, the former Brazil great, by throwing around fake banknotes with his face on them and chanting for him to leave.Valladolid goalkeeper Andre Ferreira tipped over Pau Victor's header after Fermin Lopez picked out the forward with a curling cross and saved well from Ansu Fati.Ter Stegen made a fine save to deny Raul Moro, who broke in down the left and might have doubled the hosts' lead.Barca debutant Dani Rodriguez suffered a shoulder injury which needed heavy bandaging, and Flick took the midfielder off for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.The 17-year-old shone against Inter in midweek, and despite the coach initially hoping he could rest at the Jose Zorilla stadium, with Barca behind Flick was glad to bring him on.The coach also took off Pedri and Ansu at half-time, sending on Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong to shake up his side.After Yamal was fouled early in the second half, Raphinha tested Ferreira with a free-kick from a wide angle which he pushed behind.<h3>'Satisfied and happy'</h3>Barca's two wingers were involved again as the Catalans levelled, with Yamal's dangerous cross pushed to the edge of the box by Ferreira.Raphinha picked up the loose ball and slid home his 16th league goal of the campaign.Seven minutes later Barca took the lead, with Martin sliding the ball across for Lopez to finish from just inside the area.Hector Fort came close to netting the third after Yamal found him with a backheel, turning skillfully in the box before firing against the post.Ferreira pushed out a Dani Olmo free-kick in the final stages, with Barca unable to add to their lead.Araujo made a vital interception in his area in stoppage time to keep the bottom side at bay, with Barca relieved to clinch a vital victory."Three points was our goal and we got it, so I am satisfied and happy," Flick told DAZN.For Valladolid, despite their considerable efforts it became another disappointing night."In the first half we held them off well, until they scored, the team was doing very good defensive work," said Valladolid goalscorer Sanchez."It's what's happened to us this season, you let in a goal and then the team sinks, makes mistakes."

VALLADOLID, SPAIN - MAY 03: Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates Hector Fort (L) and Pau Victor (R) during the LaLiga match between Real Valladolid CF and FC Barcelona at Jose Zorrilla on May 03, 2025 in Valladolid, Spain.

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Barca avoid huge upset at relegated Valladolid to close in on La Liga title

Napoli remained three points clear at the top of Serie A on Saturday after a hard-fought 1-0 win ...

Napoli remained three points clear at the top of Serie A on Saturday after a hard-fought 1-0 win at Lecce, while title rivals Inter Milan beat Verona by the same score ahead of their Champions League semi-final showdown with Barcelona.Antonio Conte's team are one step closer to a second league title in three seasons thanks to Giacomo Raspadori's well-struck free-kick in the 24th minute of a match which was briefly stopped by home fans' fiery protest against the league following the death of a beloved club physio.Napoli need seven points from their final three games of the season against Genoa, Parma and Cagliari to guarantee a fourth league crown after their fourth straight win without conceding a goal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>And that's assuming reigning champions Inter win all three of their concluding league matches at Torino, against Lazio and at 10th-placed Como, who earlier secured a fifth consecutive win in Serie A for the first time in their history with a 1-0 success at Parma."I can't deny that it was a big step (towards the title)," said Conte told DAZN."I was worried about this match against a tough team and in a particular atmosphere. I have a team which can find a way to win in all sorts of situations ... but we can't get complacent."Lecce, meanwhile, stay one place and point above the relegation zone and will drop into the bottom three if Empoli beat Lazio on Sunday.<h3>Lecce anger</h3>The match briefly looked like being called off early on when supporters launched a barrage of flares and firecrackers towards the pitch, forcing the match to be stopped for seven minutes.Fans were protesting Serie A's reaction to their long-time physio Graziano Fiorita dying suddenly last week at the age of 47.Fiorita's death hit Lecce hard and the club were enraged at the league deciding to only push back last weekend's fixture at Atalanta by one day rather than to a later date to help grieving players and club staff.Serie A's anthem was booed and whistled by the crowd of 29,000, and after a tense minute's silence for Fiorita, fans loudly called the league "sons of bitches."Lecce were clearly fired up by the atmosphere and gave Napoli a game, even if they were given a let-off in the second minute when Romelu Lukaku was found to be millimetres offside after turning home Matteo Politano's shot.But neither team had many chances beyond that, with Kialonda Gaspar heading off the bar in the 38th minute as Lecce pushed for a leveller and Raspadori flashing wide shortly before half-time.<h3>Inter ease past Verona</h3>Kristjan Asllani's ninth-minute penalty ended up deciding Inter's low-key win over Verona, who offered little even against a second-string lineup selected by Simone Inzaghi.Inter give the impression of knowing that their Scudetto defence is likely to end in failure and Inzaghi made 10 changes from the team which drew 3-3 at Barca midweek, with the second leg of their last-four clash coming up on Tuesday.And his gamble paid off with three points at a subdued San Siro and all of his key players, beyond already-injured captain Lautaro Martinez and France defender Benjamin Pavard, ready to face the Catalan giants.Inzaghi's assistant Massimiliano Farris hinted, however, that Martinez could yet be available to face Barca as his hamstring injury picked up in the thrilling first leg may not be as bad as feared."I wouldn't say we are optimistic or not optimistic ... we'll have to see how our captain recovers," said Farris, who led Inter on Saturday with Inzaghi suspended.On Thursday, both Inzaghi and Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu plea-bargained one-match suspensions for having contact with Inter's ultras, which is banned by the Italian FA.That ruling came due to evidence uncovered from a wide-ranging criminal investigation into Inter and AC Milan ultras which led to 19 arrests in September.

LECCE, ITALY - MAY 03: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli celebrates at the end of the match of the Serie A match between Lecce and Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on May 03, 2025 in Lecce, Italy.

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Napoli and Inter win 1-0 to stay 3 points apart in Serie A title race

Borussia Dortmund continued their late season top-four march on Saturday, beating Wolfsburg 4-0 a...

Borussia Dortmund continued their late season top-four march on Saturday, beating Wolfsburg 4-0 at home thanks to braces from Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi.Guirassy gave Dortmund the lead after just three minutes and added a second on the 58th-minute mark, slashing in from close range after some deceptive lead-up work from Pascal Gross.Adeyemi then scored two goals in four second-half minutes to put Dortmund on track for their fifth win in their past six games. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dortmund, as low as 11th this season, went up to fourth with the victory and will stay there if Leverkusen beat Freiburg on Sunday. Guirassy, who joined Dortmund in the summer, now has 19 games this season, with only Kane having more, with 24 strikes in his lead. The 29-year-old told Sky Germany: "We're Dortmund, we have to play the Champions League next year, it's not a question. Now we've had some good results, we have to go for it."Elsewhere, Union Berlin came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home against Werder Bremen, denting the visitors hopes of European football this season. Bremen, hoping to return to Europe for the first time in 15 years, were two goals up after a quarter of an hour thanks to a Jens Stage brace. Union's Tom Rothe pulled one back with a header late in the first half and Laszlo Benes scored with six minutes remaining. Borussia Monchengladbach's European hopes also took a hit with a wild 4-4 home draw against Hoffenheim, leaving them three points off the Europa League placings with two games remaining.Nick Woltemade scored with two minutes remaining to send Stuttgart to a 1-0 win at Stuttgart.

SINSHEIM, GERMANY - APRIL 26: Serhou Guirassy (L) celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Emre Can (R) of Dortmund during the Bundesliga match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund at PreZero-Arena on April 26, 2025 in Sinsheim, Germany.

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Dortmund back into UCL conversation after 5th win in 6 league matches

Mikel Arteta challenged Arsenal to use the "rage and anger" from Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Bo...

Mikel Arteta challenged Arsenal to use the "rage and anger" from Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth as motivation for their Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.Arteta's side took the lead through Declan Rice's opener on his 100th appearance for the club.But Dean Huijsen equalised in the second half and Evanilson completed the comeback to give Bournemouth their first ever away win over Arsenal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Beaten 1-0 by PSG in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday, Arsenal will need a much-improved performance in the second leg in Paris on Wednesday."We should have killed the game and we didn't. On top of that if you defend your box in two set-pieces in the way we have done you're in big trouble," Arteta said."It was nowhere near the standards that we are used to. We wanted to generate the momentum and a really positive vibe today and we haven't."What we have created is frustration, rage and anger. Make sure we use that on Wednesday."The second-placed Gunners also still require six points to guarantee Champions League qualification for next season via a top five finish in the Premier League.Arteta admitted this week that it was "very painful" to watch Liverpool celebrate winning the Premier League title last weekend.The Gunners finished as runners-up behind Manchester City for the last two seasons and the Champions League is their last hope of a trophy this term.Arteta is still waiting to win the second trophy of his six-year Arsenal reign, with his last silverware coming in the 2020 FA Cup.Arsenal last reached the Champions League final in 2006 and have never won the tournament.With so much at stake in the Parc des Princes next week, it was intriguing to see Arteta select a full strength side for a relatively meaningless game against Bournemouth.Instead of resting, key stars Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba were all in Arsenal's starting line-up.Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino were the notable absentees for Arsenal, with Arteta revealing the former will need a fitness test to determine his availability for the PSG game.<h3>Sucker punch</h3>Bournemouth arrived in north London with an outside chance of qualifying for Europe and had already beaten Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium in October.Evanilson started for Bournemouth after his red card against Manchester United was overturned.The Brazilian forward wasted a golden opportunity when he headed over after Jakub Kiwior slipped while trying to clear Milos Kerkez's cross.Leandro Trossard went close to the opener as the Arsenal forward stooped to meet Martinelli's cross with a header that forced a good save from Kepa Arrizabalaga.Rice made the breakthrough in the 34th minute, running onto Odegaard's precise pass and rounding Kepa to slot into the empty net before celebrating with a bow to the crowd.Evanilson nearly caught out David Raya with a lob from 40 yards after the Arsenal keeper miscued a pass to the striker.Saka should have done better than head tamely at Kepa from Martinelli's cross immediately after the interval.Saka went closer moments later, nimbly cutting inside for a curler that fizzed past the far post.Arsenal had failed to win nine league games in which they held the lead this season, a failing that played a major role in their title race surrender.And once again Arteta's side were rocked by a sucker punch as Bournemouth levelled with their first effort on target in the 67th minute.Antoine Semenyo launched a long throw into the Arsenal area and Huijsen eluded Rice as he climbed to loop a header over Raya into the far corner from six yards.The Gunners had lost their way and Evanilson made them pay in the 75th minute.Marcus Tavernier flicked the ball towards the far post and Evanilson poked home, with Bournemouth finally able to celebrate after a VAR check for a potential handball.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Evanilson celebrates after scoring to make it 2-1 during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on May 03, 2025 in London, England.

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Arsenal lose at home to Bournemouth ahead of PSG showdown

Strasbourg kept alive their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League with a 2-1 win...

Strasbourg kept alive their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League with a 2-1 win Saturday against a Paris Saint-Germain side showing 10 changes from their midweek victory away to Arsenal.A Lucas Hernandez own goal put Strasbourg ahead on 20 minutes and Felix Lemarechal doubled the home side's lead in first-half stoppage time in Alsace, although Bradley Barcola pulled one back for PSG just after the break.Liam Rosenior's in-form Strasbourg are now unbeaten in 12 games going back to early February and this victory lifts them up to fourth in the table ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Despite all the changes, PSG still put out a strong team," said Englishman Rosenior."We had to fight for every ball in the heat. The players ran for each other, celebrated winning tackles and headers."We have shown that courage all season. We are the second-best team in 2025 behind PSG."The progress my players have made is superb. You have to suffer to the maximum to beat a team like Paris, but it was worth it."PSG have already wrapped up a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title and saw their unbeaten record domestically this season come to an end last weekend.Coach Luis Enrique therefore rested all of those who started the 1-0 win away to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, with the exception of Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves.<h3>Dembele missing</h3>Ousmane Dembele, who scored the winning goal against the Gunners, was missing from the squad altogether after coming off hurt in the second half of that game.It remains to be seen if Dembele, PSG's leading scorer with 33 goals this season in all competitions, will be fit for the return leg in Paris on Wednesday.Luis Enrique gave a top-flight debut at the Stade de la Meinau to 17-year-old centre-back Axel Tape and just a third start in Ligue 1 to winger Ibrahim Mbaye, also just 17."We finished with five academy players on the pitch, all very young, but I am satisfied with what I saw," said Luis Enrique."Now we have to be ready and immerse ourselves in what we have coming up this week."Strasbourg took advantage of their visitors' inexperience as they went ahead on 20 minutes when Mamadou Sarr helped on a corner and the ball went into the net off the unfortunate Hernandez.Goncalo Ramos had a couple of chances for the visitors in the first half but Strasbourg scored again just before the interval.Habib Diarra advanced down the right before teeing up Lemarechal to score with a fine first-time strike from the edge of the area, high into the far corner.Hernandez and Lee Kang-in, who had been struggling with a knock, were both replaced at the restart as another teenager, 18-year-old defender Noham Kamara, came on for his Ligue 1 bow. PSG got a goal back less than a minute into the second half as Barcola ran over half the length of the field before stabbing in his 19th goal of the campaign in all competitions.However, Strasbourg held on for the rest of the game, including through eight minutes of stoppage time.They are now just a point behind second-placed Marseille, who go to Lille on Sunday, and sit only goal difference behind third-placed Nice, 1-0 winners against Reims on Friday.If Strasbourg can hold their place in the top four, they will qualify for next season's Champions League, having not graced Europe's elite club competition since 1979/80.However Lille, Monaco and Lyon are all within three points ahead of their fixtures this weekend, with the principality side away to Saint-Etienne later on Saturday.Meanwhile Norwegian international Aron Donnum's late goal gave Toulouse a 2-1 win over Rennes which confirmed their top-flight survival.

STRASBOURG, FRANCE - MAY 3: Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint Germain (R) battles for the ball with Guela Doue of Strasbourg (L) during the France Ligue 1 match between RC Strasbourg Alsace and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Stade de la Meinau on May 3, 2025 in Strasbourg, France.

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PSG's B team loses to UCL hopefuls Strasbourg before Arsenal decider

Southampton wasted a chance to avoid a share of the lowest points total in Premier League history...

Southampton wasted a chance to avoid a share of the lowest points total in Premier League history as Jamie Vardy's 199th Leicester goal inspired a 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium.Simon Rusk's bottom of the table team are trying to avoid finishing with just 11 points - which would match Derby's low mark set in 2007-08.But Southampton's hopes of getting a 12th point quickly faded against fellow relegated side Leicester.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After announcing last week that he will leave the club at the end of the season, the 38-year-old Vardy bagged a farewell goal as he put second-bottom Leicester ahead in the 17th minute.The game was delayed for 11 minutes when referee David Webb was forced off with a head injury after colliding with Leicester's Jordan Ayew.Vardy cheekily blew the referee's whistle while he was being treated.Leicester finally won for the first time since January as Ayew grabbed the second goal in the 44th minute.Southampton have now lost 28 of their 35 league games and have three matches left to avoid sharing the low points record with Derby.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Ryan Manning, Cameron Archer, Tyler Dibling and Jay Robinson of Southampton look dejected after the team's 2-0 defeat following the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on May 03, 2025 in Leicester, England.

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Southampton still at risk of tying record for lowest EPL points total

Atletico Madrid were held to a dull 0-0 draw at relegation-battling Alaves on Saturday in La Liga...

Atletico Madrid were held to a dull 0-0 draw at relegation-battling Alaves on Saturday in La Liga.Diego Simeone's side have little to play for in the final weeks of the season, sitting third with Champions League qualification virtually assured and leaders Barcelona nine points ahead of them.Alaves, however, moved provisionally 16th, three points clear of the relegation zone with an important point against their illustrious visitors.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Julian Alvarez was sent off in the only moment to get pulses racing in the first half when he connected high on Argentine compatriot Facundo Garces' leg, but the referee downgraded his red card to yellow after a VAR review.Simeone took off his son Giuliano and Antoine Griezmann as he looked for more energy, bringing on Samuel Lino and regular super-sub Alexander Sorloth.Antonio Sivera saved a Lino long-range effort, Atletico's first shot on target, with around 20 minutes remaining as what had been a soporific battle burst belatedly into life.Jan Oblak made a superb low stop to thwart Kike Garcia from close range as Eduardo Caudet's hosts almost found a way through.Sivera clawed out a Clement Lenglet effort and Angel Correa could not convert at the end of a swift counter-attack as Atletico threatened but could not find a winner."Neither side could get the upper hand, either in possession or in attack, there were no shots in the first half - the game was played in the middle of the pitch without any danger," admitted Simeone, who turned his attention to the Club World Cup this summer."We've earned (qualification) on our merit... the Club World Cup, a significant milestone for the last four years of work."

Atletico Madrid's Argentine forward #10 Angel Correa (C) fights for the ball with Alaves' Uruguayan defender #12 Santiago Mourino and Alaves' Spanish midfielder #24 Joan Jordan Moreno during the Spanish league football match between Deportivo Alaves and Club Atletico de Madrid at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria on May 3, 2025.

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Atletico have less and less to play for after goalless draw with lowly Alaves

Aston Villa climbed back into the race to qualify for the Champions League as Youri Tielemans sea...

Aston Villa climbed back into the race to qualify for the Champions League as Youri Tielemans sealed a crucial 1-0 win against Fulham on Saturday.Unai Emery's side couldn't afford anything less than a victory at Villa Park as the battle for a top five finish in the Premier League approaches a dramatic climax.Belgian midfielder Tielemans kept them in the hunt with a first half winner that moved seventh-placed Villa level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea and sixth-placed Nottingham Forest.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Villa have just three matches left, while Chelsea and Forest each have a game in hand. Manchester City's win over Wolves on Friday had increased the pressure on Villa to get a result against Marco Silva's men and they rose to the challenge.Villa produced a dismal display in their 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend.But following their memorable run to the Champions League quarter-finals, Emery is desperate to lead Villa back into Europe's elite club competition next season.Villa were without Marcus Rashford after he flew to Dubai to start his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury that is likely to rule him out for the rest of the season.Ollie Watkins regained his place as Villa's centre-forward in Rashford's absence.Watkins had admitted he was angry to be reduced to a substitute role in both legs of Villa's Champions League quarter-final loss against Paris Saint-Germain.Watkins had an early chance to make his point to Emery, but couldn't keep his header on target.There was no need for Villa to regret that miss as they took the lead in the seventh minute.John McGinn whipped over a corner and Tielemans rose highest to power a header beyond Bern Leno.Villa appealed in vain for a penalty after Watkins tumbled under Antonee Robinson's shoulder barge.Raul Jimenez couldn't get the finishing touch on Sasa Lukic's free-kick as Fulham threatened for the first time.Jimenez went close again with a curler from distance just before the interval.Watkins miscued a golden opportunity from Matty Cash's early ball in the second half.Ryan Sessegnon thought he had equalised with a close-range effort but VAR intervened to disallow it for offside.Harry Wilson lost his composure, frittering away a chance with just Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez to beat.Leno denied Watkins with a smart save from the striker's snap-shot.Villa were never comfortable however and Cash made a superb goal-line clearance to keep out Joachim Andersen's close-range effort.Donyell Malen drilled against the crossbar in stoppage-time, but Villa had done just enough to remain in the Champions League chase.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Fulham FC at Villa Park on May 03, 2025 in Birmingham, England.

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Aston Villa down Fulham to stay in chase for Champions League place

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has been heavily linked with the Brazil post, said Saturda...

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has been heavily linked with the Brazil post, said Saturday he will reveal his future plans on May 25 after their final La Liga game.The immediate goal for the 65-year-old Italian, who has one year left on his Madrid contract, is with five matches remaining to overhaul bitter rivals Barcelona's four point lead and retain the La Liga title.Achieving that would make up somewhat for losing to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, and the defence of their Champions League crown ended by Arsenal in the quarter-finals. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I have a lot of affection for my club, my players and our fans, and also a lot of respect," Ancelotti told reporters ahead of Madrid's La Liga clash against Celta Vigo on Sunday."So I will speak about my future on the 25th (of May) and not before."Real Madrid host Real Sociedad on May 25 in their final La Liga match of the season -- they then leave for the United States and the Club World Cup which starts on June 14.Ancelotti said the day he leaves Madrid will be a "beautiful" one and he has never had a single problem with the club across two spells at the helm."It will be a fantastic goodbye, because I have a lot of affection for the club and it does for me too, I will never fight or argue with the club," said the veteran coach."Never have I done so in six years and I never will, I won't let myself, until the last day, which could be the 25th, which could be in 2025, or it could be the 25th of May 2026, or 2030."That I don't know, but whichever day it is, it will be a very beautiful day."Ancelotti, who coached Madrid between 2013-15 and then again since 2021, has won three Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles with the club.Ancelotti, though, faces a defensive crisis in the run-in to the season.Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba were all ruled out for the rest of the season this week, adding to long-term problems for Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao."We're thinking about the upcoming games, we're thinking about what we can fight for -- La Liga until the last second," said Ancelotti."We've had a lot of injuries in this week but we're convinced we can put out a good team and win tomorrow's game."

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is present during the 2024/25 Copa del Rey final match between Real Madrid and Barcelona at Cartuja Stadium in Sevilla, Spain, on April 26.

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Real Madrid boss Ancelotti says he'll reveal future plans on May 25

Manchester City moved closer to qualifying for the Champions League as Kevin De Bruyne sealed a v...

Manchester City moved closer to qualifying for the Champions League as Kevin De Bruyne sealed a vital 1-0 win against Wolves on Friday.Pep Guardiola's side are embroiled in a tense battle for a top five finish in the Premier League and De Bruyne lifted them to third place with his first half strike at the Etihad Stadium.For just the second time in a turbulent campaign, City have reeled off five successive wins in all competitions.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It was a major boost to City's hopes of securing a place in Europe's elite club competition.Sixth-placed Nottingham Forest's loss against Brentford on Thursday had provided further impetus to City's top five chase and they took full advantage thanks to De Bruyne's farewell tour.After 10 years at the club, it was De Bruyne's penultimate appearance at the Etihad after the midfielder was told he will not get a new contract when his present deal expires at the end of the season.It was only the sixth goal this season for the 33-year-old Belgian, underlining why Guardiola has decided to release him after an injury-plagued decline over the last two years.But De Bruyne's contribution could be crucial for City, who have three matches left and hold a four-point advantage over Forest, who play their game in hand against Crystal Palace on Monday.Fourth-placed Newcastle and fifth-placed Chelsea also have a game in hand over City heading into the weekend's fixtures.Even qualifying for the Champions League and winning the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace will not salvage the season in Guardiola's eyes after their four-year reign as English champions came to a limp end.Surrendering the title to Liverpool was bad enough, but missing out on a place in the Champions League for the first time since 2010-11 would be a complete catastrophe and this result kept them on course to avoid that fate.Guardiola sprang a surprise by naming Erling Haaland among his substitutes as the Norway striker returned ahead of schedule from the ankle injury he suffered at Bournemouth in March.- De Bruyne makes his point -Having insisted on Thursday that Haaland wasn't ready to feature following his return to full training this week, it was intriguing that Guardiola opted to bring him back into the fold so quickly.As Haaland watch on, City started on the front foot, with De Bruyne's cross cleared to the edge of the Wolves area, where Omar Marmoush blasted over.Wolves arrived buoyed by six successive top-flight victories for the first time since 1970-71 and their confidence was clear after such a successful streak.They should have taken the lead when Andre's pass sent Jean-Ricner Bellegarde sprinting clear, but the forward strangely opted to aim for Marshall Munetsi instead of shooting and made a hash of the pass.Not for the first time this season, City were creaking at the back.They rode their luck to escape as Rayan Ait-Nouri fired against the post from close-range before his effort from the rebound was cleared off the line by Josko Gvardiol.Guardiola's men recovered their composure and the breakthrough came in the 35th minute with the kind of flowing move that has been City's trademark in De Bruyne's decade in Manchester.Ilkay Gundogan made a break from midfield and slipped his pass to Jeremy Doku, who deftly eluded his marker before pulled the ball back to the unmarked De Bruyne.Having cleverly found space just inside the Wolves area, De Bruyne held his nerve to slot past Jose Sa, a finish that showed City what they will miss next season.Wolves still carried a threat and Matheus Cunha rattled the post with a stinging strike from the edge of the area in the second half.City struggled to find their rhythm in the second half, but Guardiola kept Haaland on the bench, instead sending on Phil Foden and James McAtee as the hosts clung to their lead.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Etihad Stadium on May 02, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Man City climb to 3rd as De Bruyne sinks Wolves

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez is expected to miss the second leg of their Champions League...

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez is expected to miss the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona next week after picking up a hamstring injury.The Argentina striker was replaced at half-time of Wednesday's 3-3 draw in the first leg in Spain, after which coach Simone Inzaghi said he doubted Martinez would be fit for the return clash next Tuesday at the San Siro.Inter on Friday confirmed Martinez had suffered a hamstring strain but did not say how long he would be sidelined.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Reports in Italy suggest that he faces at least a week out, meaning he would miss Saturday's game at home to Verona in Serie A and the visit of Barcelona.Martinez is Inter's leading scorer this season with 21 goals in all competitions, eight of which have come in the Champions League.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 30: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Inter's Martinez expected to miss key Barca clash with hamstring issue

Pep Guardiola sprang a surprise as Erling Haaland returned from injury to feature among Mancheste...

Pep Guardiola sprang a surprise as Erling Haaland returned from injury to feature among Manchester City's substitutes for Friday's Premier League clash against Wolves.Guardiola had said on Thursday that Haaland was not ready to return to action despite stepping up his recovery from the ankle injury he suffered against Bournemouth in March.The Norway striker resumed full training this week, but Guardiola had said only that he would play in the "next games", rather than the Wolves match specifically.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Haaland had missed City's last six games since sustaining the injury during the FA Cup quarter-final win at the Vitality Stadium.With 30 goals in all competitions this season, Haaland's presence is a huge boost for City as they look to salvage a dismal season by qualifying for the Champions League via a top five finish in the Premier League.Haaland will also be in contention to feature in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace at Wembley on May 17."He's getting better. The injury was for six weeks and now he's between weeks four and five," Guardiola had said on Thursday."The injury is not easy. Syndesmosis (problems) are tricky, tricky injuries but he's making partial training and on Wednesday he was almost fully training."So, he's getting better. Hopefully in the next games he can be there."

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Erling Haaland of Manchester City acknowledges the fans, as he warms up during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Etihad Stadium on May 02, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Haaland watched from the bench as Man City beat Wolves

After crushing defeats by Arsenal in the Champions League and Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, Real...

After crushing defeats by Arsenal in the Champions League and Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid have one remaining ambition - defending their La Liga title.Los Blancos host Celta Vigo on Sunday aiming to stay hot on league leaders Barcelona's tail, despite bruises from the cup final fallout this week.Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was banned for six matches for throwing an object at the referee, and also chose to undergo a knee operation, meaning he is out until the end of the season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ferland Mendy and David Alaba were also ruled out injured for the rest of the campaign, joining long-term absentees Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao on the sidelines.Carlo Ancelotti's defence, one of the team's weak points in general this season, is in tatters as a Celta side hoping to secure European football next season visit the Santiago Bernabeu.Madrid, second and trailing Barcelona by four points, have lost five matches in La Liga this season after stumbling just once in their previous campaign, as they lifted the title.Coach Carlo Ancelotti, poised to leave the club at the end of the season, still believes his team can defend their crown.Out of the Champions League, Madrid have had a week to rest and recover from the Copa final defeat on Saturday."We have time to prepare the games against Celta and Barcelona, we have to continue competing until the end," insisted the Italian coach.After Celta, Madrid visit the Catalan giants at the Olympic Stadium in a clash which could go a long way to deciding the fate of the title race.Madrid need to arrive at that match without the four-point gap growing, with Barcelona in action at Real Valladolid on Saturday, between the two legs of their Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan.Madrid beat Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey last 16 on the way to the final, although it was a controversial night after the Galician side were not awarded what looked a likely penalty."All of Spain saw it," said Celta striker Iago Aspas this week ahead of his team's return to the Bernabeu.Despite Madrid's struggles, Aspas said he would not rule them out of the title race."In football you can never rule out anything, sometimes it seems a team might lose but then they win," added Aspas."We'll try to be the protagonists, have the ball, attack... and after that, it could go well or not for us."<h3>Player to watch: Ayoze Perez</h3>As Villarreal close in on a Champions League spot for next season, striker Ayoze Perez is also hoping to finish the season as the top Spanish scorer in La Liga. The Villarreal forward has 14 goals, one behind Athletic Bilbao's Oihan Sancet, who is currently recovering from injury. Perez could add to his tally as Osasuna visit on Saturday.  <h3>Key stats</h3>7 - Outfield players who have taken part in each of their club's 33 league matches so far this season69 - Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe has the most shots on target this season100 - Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, who made his debut two years ago, reached a century of games for the club this week against Inter Milan<h3>Fixtures</h3>Friday<ul><li>Rayo Vallecano vs. Getafe</li></ul>Saturday<ul>
<li>Alaves vs. Atletico Madrid</li>
<li>Villarreal vs. Osasuna</li>
<li>Las Palmas vs. Valencia</li>
<li>Valladolid vs. Barcelona</li>
</ul>Sunday<ul>
<li>Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo</li>
<li>Sevilla vs. Leganes</li>
<li>Espanyol vs. Real Betis</li>
<li>Real Sociedad vs. Athletic Bilbao</li>
</ul>Monday<ul><li>Girona vs. Mallorca</li></ul>

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 09: Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Ancelotti head coach of Real Madrid salutes during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Rayo Vallecano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 09, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Bruised Real Madrid must find inner resolve to stay in title fight

Tottenham closed in on a place in the Europa League final after Brennan Johnson struck just 38 se...

Tottenham closed in on a place in the Europa League final after Brennan Johnson struck just 38 seconds into their 3-1 win against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.Johnson's quick-fire opener was followed by James Maddison's strike before the interval in the semi-final first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Dominic Solanke's second-half penalty should have been the end of the tie.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But a late goal from Ulrik Saltnes ensured the second leg on May 8 will be a nervous occasion for beleaguered Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Postecoglou will also have to sweat on the fitness of Solanke and Maddison after both limped off with injuries.If Tottenham can get the job done in Norway, they will face Manchester United or Athletic Bilbao in the final on May 21, with the tournament winners qualifying for the Champions League next season.United are on course for the final after winning 3-0 in Bilbao in the first leg."We're in a good position. I thought the players were outstanding. They were everything they needed to be, really calm going forward and maintained the pressure," Postecoglou said."Bodo/Glimt scored a late goal, so the scoreline didn't totally reflect our dominance. "We have to accept that but if we repeat that performance next week it will be enough for us to get through."An all-Premier League clash in the final would present a fascinating duel between two clubs enduring miserable domestic campaigns.Languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, Tottenham's woeful 5-1 thrashing at Liverpool on Sunday was a club record-equalling 19th defeat in the top flight this season.They have not suffered so many losses in a Premier League campaign since 2004.Despite their abysmal top-flight form, Tottenham should reach their first European final since the 2019 Champions League as they bid to end a 17-year trophy drought.Tottenham, whose last trophy was the League Cup, haven't won a major European prize since lifting the UEFA Cup in 1984.Postecoglou believes the "general sentiment" around football is he will be sacked even if he wins the Europa League to fulfil his boast that he always lifts a trophy in his second season.The verdict is not yet in on Postecoglou, but this was an important moment in his bid to save his job.An unheralded team from a tiny town north of the Arctic Circle, Bodo/Glimt's fairytale run is not over just yet, but they have a huge task in the second leg."The goal was really important. You saw when Tottenham conceded they were really disappointed and lost energy," Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen said. "It is totally different in the second game. We still have a good opportunity. We are not the favourites but we will go for it."They are the first Norwegian team to play in the semi-finals of a major European competition.<h3>Maddison stars</h3>It was a stunning achievement for a side from a fishing town with a population of barely 50,000.Postecoglou had no intention of underestimating Bodo/Glimt after losing against them as Celtic boss in the 2021-22 UEFA Conference League.Bodo/Glimt coach Knutsen was in charge for that shock win and had masterminded an even more impressive run this season, taking the underdogs past Lazio in the quarter-finals and Olympiakos in the last 16.However, Postecoglou's decision to recall Richarlison paid instant dividends as Tottenham took the lead in the first minute.Pedro Porro's cross reached Richarlison inside the Bodo/Glimt area and the Brazilian cleverly headed across to the unmarked Johnson, who nodded home from close range.Johnson's 17th goal in all competitions this season was the fastest scored in the Europa League this season.Maddison admitted this week that Tottenham's dismal display at Liverpool was "embarrassing", but the midfielder insisted the team still backed their boss.And he did his bit to help Postecoglou's cause in the 34th minute.Porro's superb long pass dropped into Maddison's path on the edge of the area and he took a touch before drilling a fine finish past Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin.Rodrigo Bentancur's blistering drive was brilliantly pushed over by Haikin moments later.Tottenham struck again in the 61st minute when Fredrik Sjovold's rash challenge on Cristian Romero was ruled a penalty after VAR intervened. Solanke stepped up to send Haikin the wrong way from the spot.But in typical Tottenham fashion, they faltered in the 83rd minute.Bodo/Glimt's only shot on target climaxed with Saltnes being gifted too much space for a strike that deflected in off Bentancur to give the Norwegians a lifeline.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 1: Dominic Solanke of Tottenham Hotspur FC celebrates with Destiny Udogie and Yves Bissouma after scoring goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and FK Bodo/Glimt at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 1, 2025 in London, England.

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Early goal helps Spurs handle Bodo/Glimt in 1st leg of UEL semifinal

Chelsea strolled to a comfortable 4-1 win at Djurgarden in the first leg of their UEFA Conference...

Chelsea strolled to a comfortable 4-1 win at Djurgarden in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final on Thursday to all but book their spot in the final.In the other semi-final, Spain's Real Betis take a 2-1 lead into the return fixture against two-time runners-up Fiorentina.First-half goals from Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke put Chelsea in control in Sweden, before Nicolas Jackson grabbed a brace midway through the second period.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was (a perfect night), an important semi-final," Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca told TNT Sports."It's a good result, but we have the experience from the Legia Warsaw game, where we won 3-0 there and we struggled a little bit (Chelsea's only loss in the tournament came at home in the return fixture), so we need to be focused on the second leg."Maresca's side have one foot in the final of the Conference League in their debut campaign in the third-tier European competition.Lifting the trophy in the Polish city of Wroclaw on May 28 would add another continental title to the London club's haul of two Champions Leagues, a pair of Europa Leagues and two UEFA Cup Winners' Cups.Their opponents, on the other hand, don't quite boast the same European pedigree, and in making the last four became the first Swedish side to play a semi-final in Europe since 1986/87.To further add to Djurgarden's underdog status, coach Jani Honkavaara only had 14 senior players fit to call upon for the visit of the Premier League giants.Chelsea took the lead via Sancho on 12 minutes as the winger collected a lofted pass in the box and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper before the retreating Marcus Danielson sliced his attempted clearance against his own arm and into the goal.The goal settled Chelsea, who slowly got more accustomed to the artificial surface in Stockholm and began to dominate Djurgarden.Madueke made that dominance pay two minutes prior to half-time when he opened up his body to feint a cross-goal shot with his left foot, before sweeping a first-time finish inside the near post.<h3>Jackson at the double</h3>As the interval loomed, Djurgarden nearly caught Chelsea with a sucker-punch, only for the English club's Swedish-born 'keeper Filip Jorgensen to readjust brilliantly and tip Tokmac Nguen's deflected strike behind for a corner.Jackson put Chelsea three goals to the good one minute before the hour as he tapped in from close range following a defensive mix-up.The Senegalese striker doubled up six minutes later, unleashing a fizzing shot with his left foot from the edge of the box. Teenager Isak Alemayehu Mulugeta snatched a consolation for Djurgarden in the 68th minute with a powerful downward header for his first senior goal.In Andalusia, Betis had a dream start when Abde Ezzalzouli smashed the ball in off the crossbar on six minutes following battling centre-forward play by the in-form Cedric Bakambu.Fiorentina came within a whisker of equalising midway through the first half, but Rolando Mandragora's powerful header zipped inches wide of goalkeeper Fran Vieites' upright.Former Barcelona centre-half Marc Bartra had a chance to double Betis' lead at the end of the first period but blasted over from a corner.Manchester United loanee Antony then did get a second for the hosts with a fierce right-footed effort from outside the box which flew beyond David de Gea's reach and into the top corner in the 64th minute.Fiorentina halved the lead against the run of play with 17 minutes remaining as Luca Ranieri slotted home after being teed up by Robin Gosens.The second leg ties will take place next Thursday.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - MAY 01: Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with team mates during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Djurgarden and Chelsea FC at Stockholm Arena on May 01, 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden.

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Chelsea on verge of Conference League final after win over Djurgarden

Bruno Fernandes struck twice as Manchester United put one foot in the Europa League final with a ...

Bruno Fernandes struck twice as Manchester United put one foot in the Europa League final with a clinical away performance to beat 10-man Athletic Bilbao 3-0 on Thursday.The fervent home fans were enraged when Athletic defender Daniel Vivian was sent off for pulling back Rasmus Hojlund and Fernandes slotted home the resulting penalty, after Casemiro had opened the scoring against the run of play in the semi-final first leg.Fernandes rolled in a third before half-time as Ruben Amorim's side moved a step closer to the final, to be held at Athletic's San Mames stadium.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The hosts have been dreaming of winning a first European trophy on their own soil but their hopes were demolished by United's professional display in the north of Spain -- and, as Athletic supporters would argue, the refereeing."I think it's the best result (of my tenure) because nobody expected this result -- but you saw two games today," Amorim told reporters."The first 25 mins, then (another one) after the goal and the sending-off."Languishing in 14th in the Premier League, Champions League qualification for United is only possible with a Europa League triumph, as is access to the £100 million ($133 million) honeypot it entails.Despite regularly crumbling under pressure this season, the Red Devils -- who produced a stunning comeback against Lyon in the quarter-finals -- first survived and then thrived in a hostile environment."We looked a little bit nervous at times in the first 20 minutes... we weathered the storm and we knew we'd get our chance," Man United's Harry Maguire told TNT Sports."It was a clinical first half, professional second half... It's a great victory in the end but there's another big game next week."With May 1 a bank holiday in Spain the streets of Bilbao were filled with red-and-white striped shirts from the morning onwards, with thousands of fans turning up at their team's hotel to see the Athletic bus set off for the stadium.The San Mames was rocking, with fans raising red and white cards around the stadium ahead of the game to welcome the players, all of them born or raised in the Basque country, as per the club's century-long policy."This is not the theatre of dreams, this is The Cathedral of football," it read on the back, a reference to the stadium's nickname.Alejandro Garnacho's early strike gave the hosts a scare but the forward was offside.Beyond that the early stages of the match for United were about gritting their teeth and holding off the Basque side and their raucous supporters.<h3>Red card rocks hosts</h3>Alex Berenguer forced a smart low save from Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, and Inaki Williams headed narrowly over.Victor Lindelof made a vital block to thwart Berenguer after Nico Williams fed his brother Inaki, who was given too much space on the right wing.The hosts were ascendant and when former Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro opened the scoring for United it came as a shock.Just as much of a surprise was the way United created the goal, with centre-back Harry Maguire dribbling down the right flank as Mikel Jaureguizar floundered in his wake.The defender fizzed a cross into the area which Manuel Ugarte flicked on to the back host for Casemiro to nod home from close range.It seemed like a smash-and-grab but soon United had a second, when Vivian was penalised for pulling back Hojlund as he tried to connect with a cross.It was a key moment. The defender was sent off to add insult to injury, as Athletic fans howled in anger.Fernandes rolled the penalty into the bottom right corner, sending Julen Agirrezabala the wrong way. Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde made a double substitution, trying to stem the bleeding, but his team shipped a third before half-time.Ugarte's clever backheel played Fernandes through on goal and he stroked home with ease.Noussair Mazraoui crashed a shot off the crossbar from the edge of the box as United almost grabbed a fourth before the break.Norwegian referee Espen Eskas and his colleagues were barracked by the home fans, seeing their aspirations to glory evaporate before their eyes.They were further enraged, waving the white cards from the pre-match tifo to show their disgust, when Maroan Sannadi tumbled under pressure from Maguire as he ran towards goal but no foul was awarded."The penalty and the red card... conditioned the game. At 11 against 11, we were doing well," said Athletic coach Valverde.United largely controlled the game in the second half, with Casemiro and Fernandes making life hard for the 10-man hosts, but they could not add a fourth despite probing.The second leg takes place next Thursday at Old Trafford, ahead of the final on May 21 against Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt."At the slightest contact (Hojlund) let himself fall and the bad luck is that the penalty was given," said Inaki Williams."We weren't particularly great, so we shouldn't make excuses -- we're three goals down but we're capable of mounting a comeback."

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg match at the San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, Spain. Picture date: Thursday May 1, 2025.

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Man United beat 10-man Bilbao to close in on Europa League final 

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Robert Lewandowski (UEFA, BUND, CHLG, EURC, GERDFBP, EURCQ, INTFR, WCQUEFA, WORLDCUP, NATLEAGUEA, LIGA, ESPCR, NATLEAGUEB, NATLEAGUEC, NATLEAGUED, NATLEAGUEFNL)