The Premier League's 15th and 16th best teams will battle to save their seasons in the Europa Lea...

<p>The Premier League's 15th and 16th best teams will battle to save their seasons in the Europa League final on May 21.</p><p>Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur scored lopsided aggregate victories over Athletic Bilbao and Bodo/Glimt on Thursday to give themselves a chance of winning silverware at the end of a deflating campaign that £350 million worth of signings has otherwise done little to prevent.</p><p>United manager Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, famously called his group the "worst" United team in Premier League history, while Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou dealt with scathing criticism as he navigated a severe injury crisis. But the Europa League was always an escape hatch for both managers.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A win at Bilbao's San Mames not only promises a major trophy - which Tottenham haven't won in 17 years - but a place in next season's Champions League and tens of millions of pounds in additional revenue.</p><p>United and Spurs will wage the sixth all-English final in UEFA competition history and the first since Chelsea beat Manchester City to win the Champions League in 2021.</p><p>United showed particular swagger Thursday at Old Trafford, running away 7-1 on aggregate thanks to a 4-1 home win. All the while, Tottenham shut out Bodo/Glimt 2-0 to ensure a 5-1 aggregate triumph and eliminate the competition's first semifinalist from the Nordic circle.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/205008" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/205008">Mikel Jauregizar</a>'s 31st-minute drive from distance gave Athletic some hope they could overturn their 3-0 first-leg deficit, but it only coaxed an even stronger reaction from the hosts. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/96214" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/96214">Mason Mount</a>, who's missed dozens of games due to injury since joining United from Chelsea in July 2023 for a reported £55 million, scored twice off the bench. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/17430" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/17430">Casemiro</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/187791" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/187791">Rasmus Hojlund</a> also tallied.</p><p>"It's the least we can do for these fans, for all the support they have given us in this tough season," Amorim told <a href="https://x.com/footballontnt/status/1920587653730214003">TNT Sports</a>. "I'm stressed already because of the final. Because if you don't win it, in the end, it (means) nothing. But we're happy to be there, so let's see."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/34985" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/34985">Dominic Solanke</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/98395" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/98395">Pedro Porro</a> netted in the second half in Norway as Postecoglou inched closer to a trophy in his second season in charge of Tottenham.</p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Mason Mount of Manchester United (obscured) celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Harry Maguire during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester United and Athletic Club at Old Trafford on May 08, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Man United to face Tottenham in season-saving Europa League final

The matchup is set for this season's Champions League final, with Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Ger...

<p><em>The matchup is set for this season's Champions League final, with Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain set to meet at the Allianz Arena. Much can change between now and the kickoff May 31, but it's never too early to get excited about the biggest game on the European club calendar. Here are four questions that'll determine who wins the famous big-eared trophy.</em></p><h3>Will banged-up Inter survive final stretch?</h3><p>Lautaro Martinez had less than a week to recover from a hamstring injury and "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3281782" href="https://thescore.com/news/3281782">sat at home crying</a>" over the prospect of missing Tuesday's pivotal Champions League semifinal second leg. Somehow, he made it back, scoring the first goal of Inter's whirlwind 4-3 win over Barcelona that sent them to the final.</p><p>He's hardly the only Inter player on the mend. Marcus Thuram is still struggling with a thigh injury that hasn't fully healed and clearly hindered his movement halfway through Tuesday's game. Denzel Dumfries returned last week and had a hand in five of the seven goals Inter scored against Barcelona. Piotr Zielinski, one of Inter's heroic substitutes, only recently recovered from a calf injury, and Benjamin Pavard, who missed the game entirely with an ankle issue, was in civvies as he celebrated Inter's passage to the final.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780940/cropped_GettyImages-2210614213.jpg?ts=1744836653" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780940/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210614213.jpg?ts=1744836653 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780940/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210614213.jpg?ts=1744836653 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780940/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210614213.jpg?ts=1744836653 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780940/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210614213.jpg?ts=1744836653 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780940/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210614213.jpg?ts=1744836653 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Marco Luzzani / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>This team is banged and bruised and tired. Inter are 55 games deep already and will end up playing at least 62 matches through the FIFA Club World Cup. That's the toll they're paying for going far in every competition available to them. Even players who've remained relatively healthy this season - including standout defender Alessandro Bastoni, who leads the team with 50 appearances - are certain to feel fatigue as Inter chase a Serie A and Champions League double.</p><p>Head coach Simone Inzaghi has done his best to rotate his squad, but he can't afford a drop-off in quality in any of Inter's remaining games. They're trailing Napoli by three points with just three matches to go in the Serie A season and are away for two of them. Inzaghi will have to find a way to keep his starters fresh over the next three weeks, or face the prospect of finishing such a promising season without any silverware.</p><h3>Will Donnarumma play the hero again?</h3><p>Paris Saint-Germain may have folded if Gianluigi Donnarumma hadn't produced two early saves in Wednesday's second leg at the Parc des Princes. Few goalkeepers even have the reach to attempt the strong-arm save that stopped Martin Odegaard's eighth-minute thunderbolt of a shot. But Donnarumma has made a career of such physically improbable last-ditch efforts. It's his thing.</p><p>If Arsenal had gained a 1-0 lead within the first 15 minutes of the game, as PSG did at Emirates Stadium, the tie could've exploded into the kind of heavyweight exchange that brought Inter and Barcelona to their knees. When Bukayo Saka unfurled a curling left-footed shot toward the top left corner, Donnarumma was again there to preserve PSG's aggregate lead. Saka could only shake his head. He was beaten.</p><p>Donnarumma denied Arsenal eight times across two legs and conceded only once. That's some achievement given Thibaut Courtois, who leads all Champions League goalkeepers this season with 51 saves in 12 matches, couldn't stop the Gunners from scoring five goals against him.</p><p>Arsenal may have been missing a true center-forward, neither Leandro Trossard nor midfielder Mikel Merino could muster much of a threat in the absence of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, but they still created more genuine chances than PSG. Arsenal were expected to score 4.79 goals to PSG's 2.95, according to stats provider <a href="https://theanalyst.com/na/2025/05/psg-vs-arsenal-stats-champions-league-semi-final-opta">Opta Analyst</a>. Donnarumma simply kept most of them out.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/cropped_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alex Pantling - UEFA / UEFA / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>"The goalkeeper won the game for them in both ties," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/match/2044858--paris-vs-arsenal/">told</a> reporters.</p><p>Goalkeepers are increasingly the difference in cup competitions, where time is finite and game plans can go quickly out the window. His adversary in the Champions League final, Inter's Yann Sommer, delivered just as incredible of a performance against Barcelona on Tuesday. His fingertip saves on Lamine Yamal gave Inter a lifeline when they were under severe fire.</p><p>But Inter have something that PSG don't. Donnarumma's former goalkeeping coach, Gianluca Spinelli, works for the Nerazzurri and knows all of his former pupil's strengths and weaknesses. Donnarumma told <a href="https://twitter.com/Guillaumemp/status/1920227028994806115">Prime Italia</a> that he still speaks with Spinelli every day. He has significant intel on PSG's Champions League hero and will likely help facilitate plans to expose Donnarumma's trouble collecting aerial balls and playing out from the back.</p><h3>Who will dominate the flanks?</h3><p>Control the midfield, control the match.</p><p>The familiar adage has persisted through tactical revolutions and innovations because it's true. The events that matter most in a match often take place in the center of the field. That'll also be true of the Champions League final, where two distinct but similarly cohesive midfield trios will try to dictate proceedings in Munich.</p><p>But it's out wide, where PSG's flying full-backs will match up against Inter's unwavering wing-backs, that could provide the most intriguing battle.</p><p>Both sets of players look to race forward at every opportunity, and their surging runs into the opposition half are critical elements of the attack for both finalists. Dumfries and Federico Dimarco, along with Carlos Augusto, who frequently replaces the latter after the hour mark of matches, are relied upon <em>heavily</em> by Inzaghi to exploit spaces that open up out wide after Inter have filtered the ball through the middle in their initial buildup phase. Dumfries scored twice and provided three assists in the spectacular semifinal win over Barcelona, including the pass that teed up their season-saving stoppage-time equalizer in the second leg. He was a force of nature against Barca.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783467/cropped_GettyImages-2212801504.jpg?ts=1746101513" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783467/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212801504.jpg?ts=1746101513 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783467/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212801504.jpg?ts=1746101513 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783467/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212801504.jpg?ts=1746101513 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783467/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212801504.jpg?ts=1746101513 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783467/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212801504.jpg?ts=1746101513 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Giuseppe Bellini / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>On the other side, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes fulfill an eerily similar role for Luis Enrique. It hasn't been uncommon to see them as the farthest players forward during any given attacking sequence, particularly if PSG win possession back and look to strike quickly. They're two of the fastest players in the world, regardless of position; only Erling Haaland has reached a higher top speed in the tournament this season than Hakimi, who was named Man of the Match for his tireless performance Wednesday.</p><p>Hakimi, who delivered the dagger against Arsenal with a sublime finish after floating into the center of the penalty area, leads PSG in assists in the Champions League this season, while Mendes' four goals are second on the team behind only Ousmane Dembele. Together, they have 13 goal contributions. Many forwards don't even put up numbers like this.</p><p>There is, of course, the added layer of Dumfries being the player who replaced Hakimi after Inter sold the Moroccan international to PSG in 2021. Who made out better in that transaction? The definitive answer might just arrive May 31.</p><h3>Which team will manage the moment?</h3><p>Once the opening whistle blows at the Allianz Arena, it is, technically, just another game. But, for better or worse, funny things can happen when the stakes are this high. Players can get tight, overthink, and let the occasion get the better of them, or they can use the added adrenaline to lift them, and their team, to another gear. The intangibles matter.</p><p>Properly managing the moment is half the battle. Just ask Barcelona.</p><p>The commitment to their philosophy and well-defined style of play - ultra-aggressive and on the front foot at all times, situation be damned - is why they were able to fight back from multiple two-goal deficits in the semifinal tie with Inter. And it's also what got them eliminated. Their unyielding approach and high defensive line left them inexplicably undermanned at the back when they should've been slightly more cautious while nursing a one-goal lead in the 93rd minute of the second leg. There was an air of naivete.</p><p>PSG, though similarly constructed with exuberant young players all over the pitch, have proven they can be more measured in their approach. Luis Enrique, a former Barca manager who abides by some of the same principles as Hansi Flick, knows that it's sometimes necessary to take your foot off the gas. He knows his team must "<a href="https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/psg-bound-suffer-against-arsenal-145600116.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWe're%20bound%20to%20suffer,stay%20true%20to%20our%20ideas.%E2%80%9D">suffer</a>" to finally win this title for the first time.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780835/cropped_GettyImages-2210462744.jpg?ts=1744805808" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780835/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210462744.jpg?ts=1744805808 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780835/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210462744.jpg?ts=1744805808 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780835/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210462744.jpg?ts=1744805808 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780835/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210462744.jpg?ts=1744805808 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780835/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210462744.jpg?ts=1744805808 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Carl Recine / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>But Inter, loaded with veterans and returning nearly the entire starting lineup from their narrow loss to Manchester City in the 2023 Champions League final, are the grizzled grand masters of that approach. Even when they were being suffocated in their own half by Barcelona's pressing and possession game, they never panicked. They were under intense pressure, yes, but they were never out of control.</p><p>PSG, arguably the best team in Europe since the calendar flipped to 2025, are capable of tilting the field just like Barca, but they can get rattled when the opposition starts pushing back. Both Aston Villa and Arsenal had them on the ropes in the last two rounds, only for Donnarumma to bail them out when their defensive shape imploded and their poise disappeared.</p><p>When Inter inevitably hold their feet to the fire, can PSG keep their cool? That question will go a long way to determining who hoists the big-eared trophy.</p>

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4 questions that will decide who wins Champions League final

We're at halftime of each Champions League semifinal tie. Here's what we've learned from the firs...

<p><em>We're at halftime of each Champions League semifinal tie. Here's what we've learned from the first legs - and what each team must do to book their ticket to the final in Munich.</em></p><h3>Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain</h3><p><em>PSG lead 1-0 on aggregate</em><br><em>Second leg: May 7 (Parc des Princes)</em></p><p><strong>Key takeaway from 1st leg</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783163/cropped_GettyImages-2212066204.jpg?ts=1745959681" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783163/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212066204.jpg?ts=1745959681 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783163/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212066204.jpg?ts=1745959681 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783163/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212066204.jpg?ts=1745959681 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783163/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212066204.jpg?ts=1745959681 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783163/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212066204.jpg?ts=1745959681 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Davy - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Luis Enrique's PSG are unlike any other we've seen in the Qatari era. There's complete buy-in from every player and a wholehearted commitment to pressing the opponent. The most talented players on the field work hard off the ball and attack spaces like their lives depend on it. The team isn't just a collection of individual players anymore. It's a cohesive unit with an identity and selfless streak that previous managers couldn't quite coax out of the many superstars who passed through the doors at the Parc des Princes.</p><p>Ousmane Dembele, who scored the go-ahead goal in the fourth minute Tuesday, only had 30 touches because he was chasing runners all over the field. Desire Doue, a 19-year-old attacking phenom whose snap shot from close range almost delivered the visitors a 2-0 lead, was as active in PSG's half as he was in Arsenal's. Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz got out of tricky spots and motored up and down the field as de facto midfield bodyguards.</p><p>When they have the ball, PSG are so sure of themselves. They often bypassed Arsenal's press like it was child's play, showing complete faith in their ball-playing ability to find solutions in real time. They made 26 passes before Dembele's goal. That's their system at work. For so long, they didn't have much of a system at all.</p><p>Arsenal tried their best to navigate PSG's high-energy attempts to win the ball, but they clearly missed Thomas Partey, the press-resistant midfielder suspended for yellow card accumulation. Partey would've made it much easier for Arsenal to move the ball in a more meaningful direction. They also missed someone like Kai Havertz, the space-invading forward who so often provides an outlet under pressure. While Partey is set to return for next week's second leg, Arsenal won't have Havertz back from injury. It'll be up to midfielder Mikel Merino to shape-shift once again and hold up play a little better than Leandro Trossard could manage up front.</p><p><strong>Biggest question going into 2nd leg</strong></p><p>Can Arsenal find a breakthrough? While they created a couple of clear-cut chances at the Emirates, forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into a pair of stunning diving saves, the Gunners were largely ponderous in the attacking half. Arsenal almost always looked to make the perfect pass before even thinking about pulling the trigger, and it resulted in a lot of the sideways variety. </p><p>Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli lost pace and precision after poking serious holes in PSG's defense in the opening 45 minutes. Trossard, Arsenal's stand-in center-forward, finished the game with just four touches in the penalty area. Arsenal couldn't even get their free-kicks quite right - and that's their bread and butter.</p><p>Credit must go to PSG's backline and midfielder Neves, whose inch-perfect tackles broke up Arsenal's promising plays. But the north London side must also have an answer for its inefficient play and take the game by the scruff of the neck. - <em>Anthony Lopopolo</em></p><h3>Barcelona vs. Inter Milan</h3><p><em>Tied 3-3 on aggregate<br>Second leg: May 6 (San Siro)</em></p><p><strong>Key takeaway from 1st leg</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783397/cropped_GettyImages-2212162593.jpg?ts=1746051887" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783397/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212162593.jpg?ts=1746051887 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783397/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212162593.jpg?ts=1746051887 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783397/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212162593.jpg?ts=1746051887 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783397/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212162593.jpg?ts=1746051887 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783397/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212162593.jpg?ts=1746051887 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Styles make fights. The classic boxing idiom is a perfect descriptor for this clash between two teams, and, frankly, two clubs, that are polar opposites in nearly every meaningful way. Barcelona, littered with youth, exuberance, and homegrown talent, went into Wednesday's match with the most potent attack in the tournament. Inter, savvy market operators whose starting lineup was the oldest any side has named for a Champions League semifinal since 2017, arrived in Montjuic with the stingiest backline in the competition. The former wanted to control possession, dictate tempo, and keep the visitors under constant pressure. The latter, meanwhile, wanted to stay compact, absorb that pressure, and then strike like lightning on the counter. </p><p>Both succeeded, and it made for one of the best games of the season so far.</p><p>Inter were ruthlessly efficient, scoring with all three of their shots on target. They used their superior size to pick Barcelona apart from set pieces; the Italian side has now scored 15 goals from corners in all competitions this season. Denzel Dumfries, who netted both of them in Montjuic and set up Marcus Thuram's opener 30 seconds into the contest, torched Barcelona's infamous high defensive line to the point where it was comical, bordering on nonsensical, to see Hansi Flick's team stick with the tactic. Dumfries was enjoying himself so much down the right wing that he was visibly annoyed when he was substituted.</p><p>Barca, who had 66% of the ball and attempted 19 shots, showcased all the slick passing and intricate combinations that have made them one of the most aesthetically pleasing teams in the world to watch. There were gorgeous passages of play where Inter were chasing shadows as Frenkie de Jong and the irrepressible Pedri pulled the strings, turning opposing midfielders inside out and slicing down the middle and into the box despite often facing a wall of 10 defenders. Barca's naivety was exposed by Inter - not falling asleep right from the opening kickoff in the second leg would be a good place to start - but they deserve praise for staying calm and battling from behind against a team that doesn't often squander a lead, let alone two within the same match.</p><p>Much of that credit goes to Lamine Yamal, who's already so absurdly good at 17 that it belies belief. His skill on the ball is bewitching - Federico Dimarco was put through the wringer trying to mark him, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan didn't fare much better when doubling up on the teen phenom. But what's more impressive is the way the youngest player on the pitch took over the game when his team needed him most, single-handedly dragging Barca back into the contest with a brilliant solo goal after Inter took an early 2-0 lead. Yamal probably scared Barca fans half to death when he pulled up in the prematch warmup with an apparent groin issue. Still, he was a constant threat, hitting the crossbar twice. He's now played 100 senior matches for Barcelona, amassing 22 goals and 33 assists in that time. In case a reminder is needed: This isn't normal.</p><p>"Yamal is a phenomenon of the kind born every 50 years," Inter boss Simone Inzaghi <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3278403" href="https://thescore.com/news/3278403">opined</a> after the match. How do you stop a generational talent? That's for him to figure out ahead of the second leg.</p><p><strong>Biggest question going into 2nd leg</strong></p><p>How quickly can the various injured players on either side recover? Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde missed the match for Barcelona, and their absences were certainly felt. Ferran Torres, who continues to start in Lewandowski's absence, scored a goal but spurned at least one other good opportunity. He wasn't able to get into open space - the one area where he's better than Lewandowski - because Inter set up shop sitting so deep.</p><p>Balde's recovery pace was <em>badly</em> missed at left-back, where Gerard Martin kept getting exposed trying to keep up with Dumfries. Inter's tried-and-true tactic isn't overly complex, but it's damn effective. Lautaro Martinez and Thuram combine after a long pass forward - one wins the initial ball, and the other brings a midfielder, often Nicolo Barella, into the play. The ball then quickly gets fired out to the far wing, where Dumfries or Dimarco races forward depending on which side of the field the play originated. That's how Inter kept carving Barcelona open, aided by the inviting high defensive line.</p><p>Balde's possible return could help mitigate that somewhat, though Jules Kounde on the other side is also now a doubt for the return fixture. Martinez's injury status could also play a huge role. The Inter captain left Wednesday's match at halftime with an apparent leg injury, and Inzaghi admitted he's a doubt for the second leg. None of Mehdi Taremi, who replaced him, Marko Arnautovic, or Joaquin Correa can replicate the Argentine's smart combination play with Thuram. If he's unavailable next week, it makes Inter's attack much more one-dimensional. <em>- Gianluca Nesci</em></p>

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Biggest takeaways, questions after 1st leg of Champions League semis

D.C. United are in talks with free-agent midfielder Paul Pogba over a potential deal to bring the...

<p>D.C. United are in talks with free-agent midfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/13802" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/13802">Paul Pogba</a> over a potential deal to bring the World Cup winner to Major League Soccer, a source told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6318316/2025/04/28/paul-pogba-dc-united-mls-next/">The Athletic's Pablo Maurer.</a></p><p>D.C. United have first dibs on Pogba because they own the 32-year-old's discovery rights, according to Maurer.</p><p>Pogba has attended several MLS games - most recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3243286" href="https://thescore.com/news/3243286">Los Angeles FC's 1-0 loss to Austin FC</a> in March - since making his last professional appearance in September 2023. He was suspended that year for testing positive for dehydroepiandrosterone, a testosterone-enhancing substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list, and handed an initial four-year ban that the Court of Arbitration for Sport later reduced to 18 months.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The former Juventus and Manchester United playmaker said a food supplement a U.S. doctor had prescribed to him tainted his drug test.</p><p>Pogba is now eligible to play and sign for any club. He terminated his contract with Juventus in November, and his doping ban expired in March.</p><p>Pogba has a house in Florida and worked with Lionel Messi's fitness coach to get back into shape. An MLS team is also more likely to provide him with the minutes he needs to prove himself and potentially earn a place in France's squad for the 2026 World Cup.</p><p>He last played for the French national team in a March 2022 friendly against South Africa. He has 91 caps and helped Les Bleus win the World Cup in 2018 in Russia.</p><p>D.C. United are reportedly interested in signing pending free agent Kevin De Bruyne as well. A deal for the Manchester City midfielder would be more difficult to accomplish as United would have to acquire his discovery rights from Inter Miami in a likely costly transaction.</p>

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 15: Paul Pogba and his mother Yeo Pogba attend the "4 Zeros" Premiere at Pathe Palace on October 15, 2024 in Paris, France.

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Report: D.C. United in talks to sign World Cup winner Pogba

Manchester United won a scarcely believable seesaw contest after blowing an initial two-goal lead...

<p>Manchester United won a scarcely believable <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3269726" href="https://thescore.com/news/3269726">seesaw contest</a> after blowing an initial two-goal lead, Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt outlasted Lazio in a nervy shootout, and Tottenham and Athletic Bilbao ground out wins to reach the Europa League semifinals Thursday.</p><p>United's remarkable comeback from a 4-2 deficit at Old Trafford put them on a collision course with Athletic Bilbao, while Tottenham will face Bodo/Glimt for a chance to salvage their dismal season with silverware.</p><p>The semifinals begin May 1, with the reverse legs set for May 8 the following week.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bodo/Glimt are the most surprising of the semifinalists. From a town of just 55,000 people, they're the first side from the Arctic Circle to ever make the final four of a major European competition.</p><p>Lazio ate at Bodo/Glimt's 2-0 first-leg advantage and leveled the tie in the 93rd minute when substitute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/205733" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/205733">Tijjani Noslin</a> reacted first to a loose ball in the area. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/103315" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/103315">Boulaye Dia</a> gave Lazio a 3-2 aggregate lead halfway through the first half of extra time, but it lasted just nine minutes as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/60226" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/60226">Andreas Helmersen</a>'s 109th-minute header resorted parity. Bodo/Glimt converted three penalties to Lazio's two and celebrated Norwegian history at the Stadio Olimpico.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781125/cropped_GettyImages-2210791753.jpg?ts=1744928353" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781125/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210791753.jpg?ts=1744928353 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781125/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210791753.jpg?ts=1744928353 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781125/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210791753.jpg?ts=1744928353 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781125/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210791753.jpg?ts=1744928353 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781125/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210791753.jpg?ts=1744928353 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Image Photo Agency / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>United entered the final 20 minutes of the second half with a 2-0 lead but ended up taking the scenic route as Lyon forced extra time with a pair of late strikes.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/25380" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/25380">Corentin Tolisso</a>'s red card for a seemingly innocuous tangling of legs did little to slow down Lyon, who built a two-goal lead themselves in extra time thanks to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/163296" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/163296">Rayan Cherki</a>'s thunderous strike and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/25387" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/25387">Alexandre Lacazette</a>'s penalty.</p><p>The Ligue 1 side had scored four unanswered goals to seemingly leave United dead and buried. But <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/23312" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/23312">Bruno Fernandes</a>' 114th-minute spot-kick sparked a sensational seven-minute turnaround for United. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/190670" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/190670">Kobbie Mainoo</a> made it 4-4 on the night and 6-6 on aggregate with a composed finish into the bottom corner before <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/13942" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/13942">Harry Maguire</a> separated himself from his marker to head in a sensational winner in the 121st minute.</p><p>Tottenham put in a surprisingly solid defensive effort to shut out Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 and earn a 2-1 aggregate win. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/34985" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/34985">Dominic Solanke</a>'s 43rd-minute penalty was all Spurs needed to reach their first major European semifinal in six years.</p><p>Athletic Bilbao beat Rangers 2-0 to win their sixth straight Europa League home game and give life to their dream of playing the final at their home San Mames stadium. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/170285" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/170285">Nico Williams</a>' 80th-minute goal built on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/161445" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/161445">Oihan Sancet</a>'s 45th-minute penalty to leave an overmatched Rangers side in the dust.</p>

Tottenham Hotspur's Dominic Solanke (centre) celebrates with team-mates after scoring their side's first goal of the game from a penalty during the UEFA Europa League quarter-final, second leg match at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany. Picture date: Thursday April 17, 2025.

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Europa League semifinals set with Man United and Spurs on course for final

Lautaro Martinez scored in a fifth consecutive Champions League match and Benjamin Pavard made hi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/99740" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/99740">Lautaro Martinez</a> scored in a fifth consecutive Champions League match and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/53109" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/53109">Benjamin Pavard</a> made his former team pay to help Inter hold Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw Wednesday and reach the semifinals for the second time in three seasons.</p><p>Thanks to a 4-3 win on aggregate, the Nerazzurri, who lost to Manchester City in the 2022-23 Champions League final, will face Barcelona for a return ticket to the final in Munich.</p><p>Inter and Barcelona are both in contention for continental trebles. The Italians famously beat the Catalans en route to winning their only other treble in 2009-10.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Barcelona will host the first leg April 30 and travel to Milan for the reverse fixture on May 6.</p><p>Bayern took a deserved lead in the 52nd minute when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/3804" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/3804">Harry Kane</a> arrowed a shot into the bottom left corner. The goal leveled the tie 2-2 on aggregate, temporarily undoing the damage of their 2-1 first-leg home defeat.</p><p>But Inter quickly responded, converting off a pair of corner kicks in the space of three minutes to take a 2-1 lead. Martinez reacted first to a favorable bounce in the 6-yard box, and Pavard headed in his first goal for Inter since joining the club from Bayern in August 2023.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/13610" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/13610">Eric Dier</a> gave Bayern a lifeline in the 76th minute, but his floating header from an acute angle made no difference to the final result.</p><p>"We've had a packed schedule with loads of matches, one after the other, but we don't give up," Martinez told <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3269004" href="https://thescore.com/news/3269004">Amazon Prime</a>. "We have personality and heart and intelligence. We were definitely on the back foot at times today, but we showed again today that we can do great things.</p><p>"We think about winning everything at the start of every season, because if we don't, then we shouldn't play this sport. That's our mentality."</p><p>Bayern were hoping to play for a seventh Champions League title in front of their own fans as they did in the 2011-12 final. The Germans ended up losing that game to Chelsea in a penalty shootout.</p><p>In their quest for a second treble in club history, Inter have a three-point lead atop the Serie A standings and are in the Coppa Italia semifinals.</p><p>Head coach Simone Inzaghi is just the second Inter boss to have reached the Champions League semifinals on more than one occasion with the side. Legendary manager Helenio Herrera, the godfather of the defensive system known as Catenaccio, led Inter to four consecutive semifinal appearances from 1963-67, winning the European Cup in 1965.</p>

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 16: Benjamin Pavard of FC Internazionale celebrates with Francesco Acerbi and Nicolo Barella after scoring the goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Bayern München at San Siro on April 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

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Inter to face Barca with treble in sights after UCL triumph over Bayern

Liverpool are finalizing new two-year contracts for pending free agents Mohamed Salah and Virgil ...

<p>Liverpool are finalizing new two-year contracts for pending free agents <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/22556" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/22556">Virgil van Dijk</a>, sources told The Athletic's David Ornstein.</p><p>The breakthrough in talks brings much-needed clarity to the contract situations of Liverpool's two most important players. The development also numbs the potential sting of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer to Real Madrid at the end of the season.</p><p>Salah, 32, isn't facing a salary reduction despite initial concerns about his age, according to <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/mo-salah-liverpool-new-contract-extension-7ch23hvpz">The Times' Paul Joyce</a>. The Egyptian has been reportedly seeking a multi-year contract to build on his eight-year stay at Anfield.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Van Dijk said after Liverpool's 3-2 loss to Fulham on Sunday that "progress" was being made toward a new contract.</p><p>"I love the club. I love the fans, and they were there for us again," the Dutch defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3260736" href="https://thescore.com/news/3260736">added</a>.</p><p>Speculation over the future of Salah, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold followed Liverpool even as they mounted an unexpected bid for the Premier League title. Head coach Arne Slot maintained throughout the year that he was counting on Salah to stay.</p><p>Salah <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3139372" href="https://thescore.com/news/3139372">expressed frustration</a> in November that he hadn't received an offer from Liverpool, saying he was "more out than in" and that his future wasn't in his hands. Reports continued to link him with a move to one of Saudi Arabia's top clubs, including Al-Hilal, who apparently identified Salah as a replacement for Neymar. Liverpool previously rejected a reported £150-million bid from Al-Hilal in September 2023.</p><p>Salah's stunning form this season has made it difficult for the Reds to consider allowing the Premier League's leading scorer to leave for free. He has 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions this season and is now set to add to his total of 243 goals since the start of the 2017-18 campaign.</p>

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 08: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Virgil van Dijk during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on March 08, 2025 in Liverpool, England.

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Report: Salah, Van Dijk close to signing Liverpool extensions

The race for soccer's top individual accolade has never been more open. With Lionel Messi and Cri...

<p><em>The race for soccer's top individual accolade has never been more open. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's duopoly well and truly over - neither was nominated for the Ballon d'Or last year - opportunity beckons. Rodri took full advantage in 2024. Who will do the same this year? Each month until the award is presented in October, we'll publish fresh rankings looking at the top contenders. Here are the 10 leading candidates to win the trophy right now.</em></p><h3>10. Jude Bellingham</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-GQ1jF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GQ1jF/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Bellingham ranked third in Ballon d'Or voting last year with 23 goals in his first season with Real Madrid. He's less than halfway to that number with just two months remaining in his sophomore year, but the English midfielder still has an impact on Carlo Ancelotti's side. </p><p>While opponents continue to treat Bellingham as a two-way threat, he's helped shore up a midfield that's sacrificed a bit of its goal-scoring tendencies for more defensive solidity. Bellingham's lost a bit of discipline along the way this season - he was suspended for two La Liga matches for abusive language - but continues to drive the ball forward.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>9. Pedri</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1KqAK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1KqAK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Attacking players almost always win the Ballon d'Or. A defender hasn't taken home the award since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, and even that took a Herculean, World Cup-winning effort. Scoring goals is simply the easiest way to garner individual acclaim and always has been. But Rodri's triumph last year, and Luka Modric's win in 2018, proved that majestic midfielders can get the recognition they deserve in this category.</p><p>Pedri, arguably the smoothest, most aesthetically pleasing midfielder in the sport right now, has an outside shot at ensuring the Ballon d'Or remains with a Spaniard for another year. Similar to his teammates on this list, the all-around operator could come away with several trophies this season after being central, literally and figuratively, to everything for Barcelona.</p><h3>8. Vinicius Junior</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-lpBe4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lpBe4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Vinicius, and everybody associated with Real Madrid, will tell you that the Brazilian winger should already have one Ballon d'Or to his name. They're <em>still</em> rankled by Rodri's win last year. The 24-year-old is once again in the mix, but his path to the coveted golden trophy is more complicated than it was in 2024, thanks largely to the presence of his teammate Kylian Mbappe.</p><p>Nevertheless, Vinicius can't be ruled out. He has 24 goals in all competitions this season and could yet win La Liga, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup in the summer. He'll likely need to either fully outscore Mbappe or deliver a signature goal, as he has in recent Champions League finals, to leapfrog his French teammate in this race.</p><h3>7. Robert Lewandowski</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-N0bTg" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/N0bTg/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Barcelona's veteran striker has already scored 36 goals across all competitions - his highest tally since leaving Bayern Munich in 2021. He'll surely reach 40 with at least 13 matches remaining in the season. Droughts haven't been an issue: La Liga's leading scorer hasn't gone more than three games without a goal. But he's providing more than just offensive production.</p><p>Lewandowski, working again under Hansi Flick, has become the perfect foil in Barcelona's multi-faceted attack, pulling defenders with him as his younger teammates run into space. Flick's game plan could simply involve long balls to Lewandowski, but the 36-year-old, who's been remarkably healthy this season, has been willing to work for the team.</p><h3>6. Harry Kane</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-axEdt" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/axEdt/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Things really could change for Kane this season. He's expected to win his first career title with Bayern Munich, who lead the Bundesliga by six points, and could even eclipse the 44 goals he scored last season. Kane <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/harry-kane-ballon-dor-england-bayern-munich-b2718874.html">admitted</a> the change in "aura" at the club should boost his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or and that he couldn't have possibly won it while going trophyless at Tottenham Hotspur.</p><p>He's also elevated his play in big matches, scoring three of Bayern's five goals in the Champions League last-16 clash against Bayer Leverkusen. Kane's 10 Champions League tallies narrowly trail Raphinha's 11 this season.</p><h3>5. Lamine Yamal</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1KqAK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1KqAK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>While not as prolific as his rivals, Yamal, who's still only 17, has become a clear reference point for Barcelona's plentiful attack. The Spanish winger is a menace down the right: His 4.2 successful dribbles per game lead La Liga by a wide margin, and no one touches his 11 assists in the top flight. Barcelona are incredibly lucky to have a ready-made replacement for Lionel Messi directly in-house.</p><p>Yamal has missed some time due to injury this season, and his health remains of utmost importance as Barcelona lean ever more on his talent. They need only look at Ansu Fati down the long side of the bench to see the devastating impact injuries can have on a promising career.</p><h3>4. Ousmane Dembele</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-C4mtZ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/C4mtZ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Nobody has rocketed into contention quite like Dembele, who, at long last, has put all the pieces together after years of untapped promise. The French winger, embracing the role as PSG's main man after Mbappe's departure, is backing up his blistering pace and spellbinding dribbling with prolific finishing. He has more league goals this season (21) than in his last five years combined and is the current leader in the race for France's Golden Boot.</p><p>PSG are shoo-ins to win Ligue 1 and are heavy favorites for the Coupe de France. They also look like the best team in Europe right now and have a very real shot at finally claiming a Champions League title. Should they accomplish all that, with Dembele leading the charge, the 27-year-old's case for the Ballon d'Or will be hard to ignore.</p><h3>3. Mohamed Salah</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-o6I8O" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/o6I8O/36/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Salah's authoring an all-time great season. With 27 goals and 17 assists through 29 games, he's well on his way to breaking the record for goal involvements in a single Premier League campaign (47). Plus, Liverpool are cruising toward a 20th English top-flight title. Just a few weeks ago, Salah was the overwhelming favorite here.</p><p>However, he's since cooled off, and Liverpool's Champions League exit in the round of 16 seriously dented his chances in a year where the competition will loom large on voting. Liverpool's League Cup final loss didn't help either. What once looked like a potential quadruple-winning season has petered out somewhat, likely taking Salah's Ballon d'Or chances down with it.</p><h3>2. Kylian Mbappe</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-TN0dq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TN0dq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Mbappe has burst into life at Real Madrid, overcoming personal issues that cost him time with the French national team while acclimating himself to his new club. He took the keys to Madrid's attack with a second-leg hat-trick in their 3-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoff round. He also outperformed teammates Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior in the lead-up to the March international break.</p><p>Mbappe has his pace back - he was missing that final step in the opening months of the season - and is forcing defenders to backpedal as they did when he spearheaded Paris Saint-Germain's attack. If Madrid make another deep Champions League run, Mbappe, who's on 30 goals and counting, could conceivably finish as top scorer in La Liga and Europe.</p><h3>1. Raphinha</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-WE8ZY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WE8ZY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>As evidenced by having three other players on this list, Barcelona's success this season has been a collective effort. But make no mistake, Raphinha is leading the way. The Brazilian, a club captain, has benefitted most from Flick's direct style that emphasizes quick, vertical play.</p><p>Raphinha's creativity and clinical finishing have helped lift Barcelona to the top spot in La Liga, where he has 21 goal involvements. He's been even better in the Champions League, leading the competition with 11 tallies in 10 games. This summer's lack of marquee international events means the Champions League will carry more weight for voters, putting him in a strong position to become the first Barcelona player since Messi to win this award.</p><p><strong>Keep an eye on</strong>:</p><ul>
<li>Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool and Netherlands)</li>
<li>Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid and Argentina)</li>
<li>Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich and Germany)</li>
</ul>

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And then there were eight. The Champions League field has been whittled down once again after the...

<p><em>And then there were eight. The Champions League field has been whittled down once again after the round of 16 came to an exciting conclusion Wednesday. Below, a collection of theScore's soccer editors review the last-16 action, providing one major takeaway from each of the fixtures.</em></p><h3>Yamal, Raphinha dazzle for Barca</h3><p><em>Barcelona beat Benfica 4-1 on aggregate</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/cropped_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774714/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203979066.jpg?ts=1741723002 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">JOSEP LAGO / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Raphinha and Lamine Yamal assisted each other's goals in the 3-1 win over Benfica on Tuesday, once again proving their connection is as smooth as any in European competition. It's not that they simply look for one another but that their sweeping style of play - which leans heavily on dribbling and finding pockets of space - culminates in a cross or pass through the penalty area that lands in their path. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Barcelona could just as easily thump the ball at Robert Lewandowski and hope he converts from range, but head coach Hansi Flick instead asks his talented wingers to make inverted runs into dangerous areas, and they end profiting off each other's trickery. - <em>Anthony Lopopolo</em></p><h3>Steady Inter a serious threat</h3><p><em>Inter Milan beat Feyenoord 4-1 on aggregate</em></p><p>Simone Inzaghi's team is arguably the least glamorous of the title contenders remaining in the Champions League. But Inter might just be the most dangerous. They lack the mystique of Real Madrid, the youthful exuberance of Barcelona, or the slick interconnected passing of PSG. But what they have, in abundance, is veteran experience, solidity, and robustness.</p><p>The Serie A leaders never looked under any threat in their businesslike last-16 dismissal of Feyenoord. They've conceded only two goals in the entire tournament - the best defensive record thus far - and, with Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, have genuine game-breakers up front. A very similar recipe got them within touching distance of the trophy two years ago. It could carry them all the way this time. - <em>Gianluca Nesci</em></p><h3>PSG finally put all the pieces together</h3><p><em>PSG beat Liverpool 4-1 on penalties (1-1 on aggregate)</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/cropped_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774752/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204011929.jpg?ts=1741734209 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ousmane Dembele and PSG's forwards - along with a dazzling midfield - get most of the attention, but the French club doesn't reach the quarterfinals without shutting down Liverpool's potent attack over two legs. Liverpool besieged PSG's defense for large portions of Tuesday's second leg after Dembele's early goal brought the visitors level on aggregate. But Liverpool's breakthrough moment never came, and PSG went on to prevail after Gianluigi Donnarumma saved a pair of penalties.</p><p>PSG's defensive heroics at Anfield got them to the shootout in the first place. Willian Pacho was a standout performer Tuesday, producing key interceptions, blocks, and clearances. Nuno Mendes also produced critical interventions that were vital in keeping PSG alive in the tournament they're so desperate to win. - <em>Gordon Brunt</em></p><h3>Leverkusen crumble against Bayern</h3><p><em>Bayern Munich beat Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 on aggregate</em></p><p>Leverkusen hadn't lost any of their previous six matches against Bayern Munich. But that was in domestic competition. "The Champions League is a bit more emotional," Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3232457" href="https://thescore.com/news/3232457">pointed out</a> before the teams' last-16 tie. "Emotional control is most important. Five bad minutes, and you're gone."</p><p>Gone they are after losing handily to their German rivals for exactly those reasons. Leverkusen conceded 9 minutes into the first leg and finished the game down to 10 men. Armed with a 3-0 aggregate lead, Bayern struck another two goals while restricting space for Leverkusen to attack. Alonso's side didn't have a shot on target until the 65th minute, by which point the tie was long gone. - <em>Lopopolo</em></p><h3>Guirassy keeps swinging for Dortmund</h3><p><em>Borussia Dortmund beat Lille 3-2 on aggregate</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/cropped_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773198/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198430636.jpg?ts=1741012416 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">picture alliance / picture alliance / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Serhou Guirassy has been the only constant in Borussia Dortmund's seesaw of a season, and his skillful efforts in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Lille ensured his side's continued progress in the Champions League.</p><p>Just as everything seemed to go wrong - a pair of goal-line clearances and a couple of unbelievable point-blank saves unnerved Dortmund in the first half - Guirassy won the penalty that leveled the tie and assisted the goal that won it. He now has 14 goal involvements in the Champions League, the joint-most by an African player in a single season. Guirassy hasn't gone more than two games without having some material impact on the score line, showing the kind of consistency Dortmund have lacked in a year in which they've reached the Champions League quarterfinals while toiling in 10th place in the Bundesliga. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p><h3>Asensio adds extra element for Villa</h3><p><em>Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 6-1 on aggregate</em></p><p>When January transfers work as intended, they provide a critical midseason boost that can ignite a team and push it over the top. Marco Asensio's move to Aston Villa is a prime example. The Spaniard, who arrived in Birmingham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day of the January window, was largely a non-factor in the French capital for the first half of the campaign, scoring two league goals in limited minutes.</p><p>But his quality has never been in doubt, and he's reminding anyone who might have forgotten about that. The 29-year-old scored twice in Wednesday's second-leg win over Club Brugge, bringing his tally to seven goals in eight games since joining Aston Villa. Asensio, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, can bring crucial big-game experience to a club that will now feature in its first European Cup quarterfinal in 42 years. Together with manager Unai Emery, another continental expert, Villa have every chance to continue their unlikely run. To do so, they'll need to defeat none other than PSG, the squad that jettisoned Asensio, in the next round. - <em>Nesci</em></p><h3>Arsenal capitalize on rare breather</h3><p><em>Arsenal beat PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/cropped_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773419/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202729922.jpg?ts=1741124756 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NurPhoto / NurPhoto / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Arsenal's last-16 affair with PSV Eindhoven played out <em>perfectly</em> for Mikel Arteta. With a quarterfinal berth virtually sealed after a ruthless 7-1 first-leg win last week, the Gunners coach jumped at a rare opportunity to rotate his bruised and battered squad Wednesday. Seldom-used loanee Raheem Sterling delivered a solid first-half display in a makeshift attack that also saw left-back Kieran Tierney start on the wing and midfielder Mikel Merino line up as the No. 9 through the middle.</p><p>Arsenal padded their lead to progress with a 9-3 win on aggregate before a difficult quarterfinal test against holders and 15-time winners Real Madrid. But Arsenal's Champions League adventure could get a huge boost by April with Gabriel Martinelli at full strength and Bukayo Saka's expected return. Their Premier League title push is all but over, but don't discount an Arsenal side that could put all their eggs in the Champions League basket. - <em>Brunt</em></p><h3>Real Madrid always find a way</h3><p><em>Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penalties (2-2 on aggregate)</em></p><p>As Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid approached penalties, only one team seemed like the clear winner. Not because they dominated or deserved to go through, but because they have always come out on top. Madrid, of course, obliged, beating Atletico in a shootout for the sixth time in six attempts. An unlucky double touch annulled Julian Alvarez's penalty, opening up the win for Madrid and serving up an excruciating reminder of their historical supremacy over Atletico.</p><p>It really felt different when Conor Gallagher leveled the tie on aggregate just a minute into the second leg. Atletico often defended with six at the back but still produced the lion's share of chances, forcing Madrid shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois into seven saves. Even Vinicius Junior missed a penalty, which he had done only twice before in his pro career and never before for Madrid. There wasn't much more Atletico could do. But the Champions League is a funny tournament. Sometimes only the tiniest margins count. And Madrid live in those margins. <em>- Lopopolo</em></p>

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Antonio Rudiger's penalty kick squeaked past Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak to seal a drama...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/16577" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/16577">Antonio Rudiger</a>'s penalty kick squeaked past Atletico Madrid goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/14778" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/14778">Jan Oblak</a> to seal a dramatic 4-2 shootout win for Real Madrid in an epic Champions League last-16 encounter between historic city rivals at a raucous Metropolitano on Wednesday.</p><p>It's the fifth time in 11 years that Madrid have eliminated Atletico from the Champions League.</p><p>Los Blancos have won <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCMOTD/status/1899962401149141361">all six of their shootouts</a> against Los Rojiblancos, including in the 2015-16 Champions League final.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Arsenal will be the next team that tries to dethrone the 15-time European champions. The Gunners will host the first leg at the Emirates on April 8.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/182721" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/182721">Julian Alvarez</a> thought he had tied the shootout at 2-2 with a strike into the upper netting, but the VAR canceled out the Argentine's penalty after Madrid's vocal protests, ruling he had touched the ball twice as he slipped on the spot.</p><p>In normal time, a penalty taker who touches the ball twice would end up conceding a free-kick to the opposing team. That doesn't apply in a shootout, and a retake isn't an option.</p><p>Oblak gave Atletico a second wind by turning away <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/49943" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/49943">Lucas Vazquez</a>'s effort, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/36960" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/36960">Marcos Llorente</a>'s follow-up for the hosts struck the bar, leaving Rudiger to finish off a wild sequence of events.</p><p>"It hurts. I think we played a great match, but unfortunately we lacked a bit of luck," Oblak <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3240728" href="https://thescore.com/news/3240728">told</a> Movistar. "The truth is that one feels pain. It hurts a lot."</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/160089" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/160089">Conor Gallagher</a>'s opportunistic first-minute opener Wednesday gave Atletico a 1-0 lead that leveled the tie 2-2 on aggregate.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/101248" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/101248">Vinicius Junior</a> wasted a chance to win it before extra time, skying his penalty attempt in the 70th minute.</p><p>Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti took off Vinicius with minutes remaining in extra time, denying him an opportunity to redeem himself in the shootout.</p><p>It didn't matter in the end.</p><p>Madrid took a 2-1 advantage into the second leg thanks to goals from <a href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/160984">Rodrygo</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/86731">Brahim Diaz</a> at the Santiago Bernabeu last Tuesday. Alvarez's stunning away goal gave Atletico an important building block.</p><p>Gallagher was a substitute a week ago but made an instant impact as a starter Wednesday, cleaning up Alvarez's wayward touch with a sweeping finish from close range.</p><p>Atletico's resolute defense held firm until <a href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/66967">Kylian Mbappe</a> raced into space and drew contact from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/69635" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/69635">Clement Lenglet</a> in the penalty area. But Vinicius curled the potential tie-clinching spot-kick high and wide. </p><p>"We came out as if it was already won and in the first move they scored a goal against us, and that messed us up a lot," Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde added.</p><p>"We went to penalties. By the end we were very tired, it was very noticeable, and thank God we won."</p>

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 12: Players of Real Madrid celebrate at the end of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain on March 12, 2025. Real Madrid won through penalty shootouts.

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Gianluigi Donnarumma watched counterpart Alisson Becker make save after save but couldn't produce...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/43614" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/43614">Gianluigi Donnarumma</a> watched counterpart <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/55092" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/55092">Alisson Becker</a> make save after save but couldn't produce one himself when it mattered most, as his Paris Saint-Germain lost 1-0 to an at times overwhelmed Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie Wednesday.</p><p>Liverpool substitute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/103076" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/103076">Harvey Elliott</a> scored mere seconds after replacing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a> in the 86th minute to steal a win. It was the Reds' only shot on target and second overall compared to PSG's 28.</p><p>Alisson made nine saves, including diving efforts and fingertip stops, to frustrate PSG on a night they dominated in virtually every category but the one that mattered most. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/154299" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/154299">Khvicha Kvaratskhelia</a> also had a goal ruled offside in the first half.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It was probably the performance of my life," Alisson said.</p><p>The two sides will meet again Tuesday at Anfield for the decisive second leg.</p><p>PSG entered the contest on the back of 10 straight wins and immediately took the game to Liverpool.</p><p>Kvaratskhelia, who joined PSG in January in a €70-million move from Napoli, thought he had shot his team into a deserved lead when his curler eluded Alisson's grasp in the 20th minute. But replays later showed that Kvaratskhelia was offside by an ankle in the lead-up.</p><p>PSG continued to mount pressure on Liverpool's uncharacteristically disorganized back line and appealed for a penalty when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/93761" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/93761">Ibrahima Konate</a> appeared to push <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/185073" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/185073">Bradley Barcola</a> in the back.</p><p>A similar story played out in the second half. Alisson produced arguably his best save of the match in the 70th minute, diving spectacularly to his left to deny <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/187930" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/187930">Desire Doue</a>'s effort.</p><p>But Elliott landed the sucker punch. Fellow substitute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/162705" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/162705">Darwin Nunez</a> had the composure to find Elliott in a sea of bodies, and the streaking midfielder's shot was strong enough to squeeze past Donnarumma's outstretched arm.</p><p>"I am still optimistic because we would have been more than worthy winners with our performance," PSG midfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/165381" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/165381">Vitinha</a> told Canal Plus.</p><p>"I know that in football goals are all that matter, but the truth is that playing like that takes us closer.</p><p>"I am sure it will happen in Liverpool, that we will play with the same character and we will win."</p>

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 05: Alisson Becker of Liverpool celebrates with team mate Virgil van Dijk after Harvey Elliott of Liverpool (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool FC at Parc des Princes on March 05, 2025 in Paris, France.

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The 32 teams competing in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in June and July will earn more than ...

<p>The 32 teams competing in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup in June and July will earn more than $1 billion in prize money, sources told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgl0zrxl8z9o">BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella</a>.</p><p>Each club will reportedly receive a participation fee and earn more by advancing from the group stage and into the knockout round.</p><p>Twelve of the 32 clubs are European and will likely gain a higher share of total revenue given their importance to the tournament and headlines they'll generate, according to Kinsella.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The European Club Association is reportedly in the process of closing the deal for 11 of those clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Inter, Juventus, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Porto, and Red Bull Salzburg.</p><p>Real Madrid are the 12th European team but ended their membership with the ECA in 2021 to pursue a breakaway European Super League. Unlike Juventus, who were part of Madrid's initial push for a Super League, Madrid haven't reacquired membership.</p><p>FIFA will keep none of the revenue generated from the tournament and provide significant solidarity payments to non-participating teams, <a href="https://x.com/SkyKaveh/status/1897330879699001737">Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol</a> reports.</p><p>FIFA only recently announced a $1-billion deal with the DAZN to broadcast the tournament's 63 matches globally.</p><p>The Club World Cup kicks off June 14 in Miami and runs through to the final in New Jersey on July 13.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 05: FIFA President Gianni Infantino presents The FIFA Club World Cup Trophy during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw at Telemundo Studios on December 05, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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Report: FIFA Club World Cup prize money to surpass $1B for 32 clubs

Real Madrid are a step closer to eliminating rivals Atletico Madrid from the Champions League for...

<p>Real Madrid are a step closer to eliminating rivals Atletico Madrid from the Champions League for the fifth time in 11 years.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/86731" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/86731">Brahim Diaz</a> skipped past defenders to deliver the winning goal in a game full of fantastic finishes at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, handing Madrid a 2-1 advantage after the first leg of their last-16 tie.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/160984" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/160984">Rodrygo</a> embarrassed Atletico full-back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/66792" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/66792">Javi Galan</a> in a foot race to score the game's first goal four minutes after kickoff. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/182721" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/182721">Julian Alvarez</a> restored parity with a beautiful curling strike after 32 minutes. However, Atletico couldn't build on their superior first-half possession and allowed Diaz to waltz in 10 minutes into the second to tilt the tie in Madrid's favor.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I think we played a complete game today, (my) goal was good and it earned us the win, but it's not over," Diaz said after the match. "There's still the second leg and we have to give everything, like we did today."</p><p>Atletico must win the second leg on March 12 to have a chance of progressing.</p><p>Madrid have already beaten Atletico in the Champions League quarterfinals, semifinals, and twice in the final since their first European encounter in the 2014 showpiece event. In fact, Atletico have only ever beaten Madrid once in the Champions League, and even that result was inconsequential as it came in the second leg of their eventual semifinal elimination in 2017.</p><p>Atletico manager Diego Simeone has been at the helm for all those heartbreaking defeats. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3231964" href="https://thescore.com/news/3231964">admitted</a> before Tuesday's match that Madrid had history on their side, but he remained optimistic that his team could compete with Los Blancos.</p><p>Compete they did in a game that didn't flare up as previous derbies had and instead provided incredible glimpses of their quality.</p><p>Diaz was the only player to be booked all match - and only for jumping into the stands to celebrate his winner.</p><p>Neither side had claimed a win against each other in regular time in their five previous meetings, with the last three ending 1-1.</p><p>Madrid and Atletico are also neck and neck in La Liga. Simeone's side sits in second, one point behind leaders Barcelona and two ahead of Madrid.</p><p>"For a moment we had the game under control, but we knew that it would not be an easy match, because they were at home and they have great players," Alvarez explained after Atletico's narrow defeat.</p><p>"But we know there are 90 minutes to go ... it's one goal, and another game, at home with our fans."</p>

Madrid, Spain - March 4: Rodrygo of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on March 4, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Real Madrid put Atletico in another hole in Champions League

Canadian men's national team coach Jesse Marsch implored U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday...

<p>Canadian men's national team coach Jesse Marsch implored U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday to end his "ridiculous" attempts to make Canada the country's 51st state, expressing regret as an American over the "hate-fueled" climate Trump has caused in his home nation.</p><p>Marsch launched an impassioned defense of Canada during a news conference promoting the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League semifinals. His comments come as Trump continues to threaten Canada with punitive 25% tariffs on exports on March 4. Trump said Canada would avoid tariffs and gain better military protection if it became the 51st U.S. state.</p><p>"For me, I couldn't be prouder to be the Canadian national team coach. I've found a place that embodies for me the ideals and morals of what not just football and a team is, but life is. That's integrity, respect, and the belief that good people can do great things together," Marsch, a Wisconsin native who made two appearances for the U.S. men's national team and served as an assistant coach from 2010-11, <a href="https://x.com/onesoccer/status/1894824846170956246">told</a> reporters. "So, if I have one message to our president, it's lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state. As an American, I'm ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we've shown one of our historically oldest, strongest, and most loyal allies."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Marsch is the only American to coach Canada's men's team and has held the position since replacing John Herdman in May. He led the Canadians to the Copa America semifinals in his first major tournament as coach.</p><p>Marsch <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40158711/jesse-marsch-unhappy-us-soccer-usa-coach-canada">said</a> he was approached by U.S. Soccer about the head coaching gig when Gregg Berhalter's contract expired in December 2022 but that he "wasn't treated very well in the process." U.S. Soccer ended up rehiring Berhalter before firing him in July as a result of the national team's group-stage elimination from the Copa America.</p><p>Former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino now leads the program.</p><p>The political landscape supercharged interest in the 4 Nations Face-Off final between Canada and the U.S. and could do the same if both countries advance to the Nations League final on March 23 in Los Angeles.</p><p>Canada faces Mexico in the semifinals, while the U.S takes on Panama.</p><p>Marsch said Trump's comments will drive his players to show what it means to be Canadian.</p><p>"Canada is a strong independent nation that's deep-rooted in decency. It's a place that values high ethics and respect, unlike the polarized, disrespectful, and often now hate-fueled climate that's in the U.S.," he added. "Canada values a lot of fairness and unity. It's a place that I've learned as the national team coach where people really believe that their differences make them stronger.</p><p>"Honestly, it's one of the things that I've enjoyed the most about our team, is that they exemplify this as human beings and as a team. They're almost all first- and second-generation Canadians coming from different heritage and cultures, but they uniquely are incredibly proud to be Canadian, to represent their country, to give everything to each other."</p>

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 09: Head Coach Jesse Marsch of Canada speaks during a mix zone ahead of the match against Mexico at AT&T Stadium on September 9, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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CanMNT coach Marsch urges Trump to drop 'ridiculous' talk of annexing Canada

Juventus joined Atalanta and AC Milan on their way out of the Champions League on Wednesday, roun...

<p>Juventus joined Atalanta and AC Milan on their way out of the Champions League on Wednesday, rounding off a damaging 48 hours for Serie A in the knockout playoffs.</p><p>Inter are the last Italian team standing in Europe's top competition, having secured direct passage to the round of 16 by way of a fourth-place finish in the league phase.</p><p>They'll either face either PSV Eindhoven or Feyenoord in the next round. PSV beat Juventus 3-1 on Wednesday to clinch the tie 4-3 on aggregate. Feyenoord's 1-1 draw with 10-man Milan on Tuesday allowed them to advance 2-1 on aggregate.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Atalanta suffered the most shocking result of the midweek fixtures, losing 3-1 to Club Brugge on Tuesday en route to a 5-2 defeat on aggregate.</p><p>The results will rock Serie A's UEFA coefficient, which decides which countries get an extra qualification spot. Only the top two teams in the rankings receive an additional berth, and England and Spain currently hold those spots with significant margins, according to <a href="https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/43040290/the-race-five-places-next-seasons-champions-league">ESPN's Dale Johnson</a>.</p><p>Italy is currently in third but has just four of its original eight teams remaining in European competition.</p><p>Juventus arrived in Eindhoven with a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Turin and were in position to advance when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/99646" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/99646">Timothy Weah</a>'s powerful finish canceled out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/8225" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/8225">Ivan Perisic</a>'s 53rd-minute goal. But PSV midfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/168157" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/168157">Ismael Saibari</a> pounced on a goalmouth scramble to level the score at 3-3 on aggregate with 16 minutes remaining in regular time.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/199864" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/199864">Ryan Flamingo</a> tapped home in the first half of extra time to confirm the upset.</p><p>Brugge's three first-half goals - including a wallop of a finish by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/102686" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/102686">Ferran Jutgla</a> seconds after a dramatic goal-line clearance at the other end of the pitch - proved to be too many for Atalanta to claw back despite their best efforts Tuesday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/61577" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/61577">Ademola Lookman</a> scored immediately after the interval but botched a penalty following a lengthy VAR check.</p><p>Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini later <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3221302" href="https://thescore.com/news/3221302">called</a> Lookman "one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen."</p><p>Atalanta's flickering hopes were extinguished in the 87th minute when Atalanta captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/59629" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/59629">Rafael Toloi</a> was sent off for charging at Brugge defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/165173" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/165173">Maxim De Cuyper</a> in a moment of unadulterated rage.</p><p>Brugge nearly missed out on the playoffs altogether, finishing 24th in the league phase to nab the final qualification berth. Atalanta would've advanced directly to the round of 16 but fell outside the automatic places after a 2-2 draw with Barcelona.</p><p>Milan also blew a chance to qualify for next round on the final day of the league phase, losing 2-1 to eliminated side Dinamo Zagreb to drop into the playoffs.</p><p>They were the first Italian side to disappoint Tuesday. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/67855" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/67855">Theo Hernandez</a> was sent off in the 51st minute after receiving a second yellow card for diving in the penalty area. The dismissal hamstrung the Rossoneri and allowed Feyenoord back into a game they had trailed by a goal. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/165233" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/165233">Julian Carranza</a>'s header off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/175654" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/175654">Hugo Bueno</a>'s excellent cross was enough to send Feyenoord to the next round.</p>

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - FEBRUARY 19: Nicolas Gonzalez of Juventus reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between PSV and Juventus at PSV Stadion on February 19, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

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3 Serie A teams eliminated from UCL in huge blow to league's UEFA coefficient

Erling Haaland watched from the sidelines as Manchester City's Champions League campaign came to ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/159222" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/159222">Erling Haaland</a> watched from the sidelines as Manchester City's Champions League campaign came to an end Wednesday with a 3-1 loss to Real Madrid.</p><p>Haaland was named to the bench for the playoff second leg after appearing to tweak his knee during City's 4-0 win over Newcastle United last Saturday.</p><p>City manager Pep Guardiola <a href="https://x.com/footballontnt/status/1892294133802303526">said</a> Haaland didn't feel good enough to start, and he ultimately opted to rest the Norwegian entirely as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/66967" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/66967">Kylian Mbapp</a>e's hat-trick at the Santiago Bernabeu put the tie out of reach.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Madrid won 6-3 on aggregate to reach the round of 16.</p><p>Haaland scored twice in the first leg but couldn't prevent City from losing 3-2 at the Etihad.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/166016" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/166016">Omar Marmoush</a> played in Haaland's place, and his free-kick in second-half stoppage created the consolation goal.</p>

Manchester City's Erling Haaland before the UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase Play Offs Second Leg match at Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid. Picture date: Wednesday February 19, 2025.

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Injured Haaland held out of Man City's UCL loss to Madrid

Canada women's soccer team blew a 1-0 lead en route to a 1-1 draw with China in Casey Stoney's fi...

<p>Canada women's soccer team blew a 1-0 lead en route to a 1-1 draw with China in Casey Stoney's first match in charge of the national team Wednesday at the Pinatar Cup in Murcia, Spain.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122105" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122105">Julia Grosso</a> opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a composed finish off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/122107" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/122107">Gabrielle Carle</a>'s overhead pass, but Canada's offense sputtered and China equalized in the 58th minute after a goalmouth scramble.</p><p>Substitute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wwcup/players/47686" href="https://thescore.com/wwcup/players/47686">Adriana Leon</a> had a goal chalked off for offside in the 76th minute and had appeals for a penalty dismissed despite drawing contact deep inside the penalty area.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Canadian 'keeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///olymsw/players/83805" href="https://thescore.com/olymsw/players/83805">Sabrina D'Angelo</a> saved a low driven shot in the 91st minute to preserve the draw.</p><p>Canada had won each of its previous seven matches against China.</p><p>The Canadians will face No. 31-ranked Mexico on Saturday and No. 42 Taiwan next Tuesday in the invitational round-robin tournament.</p><p>Former Manchester United Women manager Stoney, who captained England's women's team during her career as a defender, replaced Bev Priestman on Canada's bench following a spying scandal that forced a major review of practices within Canada Soccer.</p><p>Priestman was fired in November after an independent review confirmed she had "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3126720" href="https://thescore.com/news/3126720">directed, approved, and condoned</a>" the use of drones to spy on New Zealand's practices before a game at the Paris Games.</p><p>"My message is about turning the page, moving forward, being open-minded to the new ideas that we're going to bring to the team," Stoney told reporters Tuesday, according to the <a href="https://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/canadian-women-start-new-chapter-at-pinatar-cup-in-spain-under-coach-casey-stoney/article_7e45db41-5448-594c-bf4d-9b72b186f16c.html">Toronto Star</a>. "And about focusing from this day onward and what it takes to prepare to win a World Cup."</p>

MARSEILLE, FRANCE - AUGUST 03: Adriana Leon #11 of Team Canada looks on prior to the Women's Quarterfinal match between Canada and Germany during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Marseille on August 03, 2024 in Marseille, France.

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Canada's women's team opens Stoney era with draw in Pinatar Cup

Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developmen...

<p><em>Following every weekend of Premier League action, theScore examines the most important developments and biggest talking points to emerge from the slate of matches. Below, we dissect Matchweek 25 of the 2024-25 season.</em></p><h3>What's behind rise in goalkeeper assists?</h3><p>Ederson became the goalkeeper with the most assists in Premier League history (six) and broke the record for the most in a single campaign (three) when his searching ball culminated with the first of Omar Marmoush's three goals in Manchester City's 4-0 win over Newcastle United. Brighton &amp; Hove Albion's Bart Verbruggen got an assist Friday when his whack upfield was excellently tamed by Kaoru Mitoma and then steered into the bottom corner of Chelsea's net.</p><p>Brentford's Mark Flekken, Fulham's Bernd Leno, and Everton's Jordan Pickford have also supplied assists this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Taking such a direct route to goal appears to be a trend rather than an anomaly. The current number of assists by a goalkeeper this season is seven, which is the most since eight were tallied over the full 2007-08 campaign. The season average was just two over the 10 years preceding this term.</p><p>It's not hit-and-hope, ugly, mid-1900s English hoofball, though. Goalkeepers playing it short rose in popularity after Pep Guardiola dumped Joe Hart for the ill-fated Claudio Bravo at City in 2016, and that tactic remains popular in the Premier League. However, modern goalkeepers now have the ability and vision to pick their moments to send raking, and often accurate, passes toward their attackers.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/cropped_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/770705/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199064338.jpg?ts=1739639419 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Ball-playing 'keepers aren't the only factor behind the rise in route-one assists. Long balls would be aimed at physical, but not necessarily quick, target men in the more traditional form of English football; now, teams are trying to catch out the high defensive lines regularly deployed in the top flight with deliveries over the top that pacey and technically gifted forwards can race onto and control.</p><p>Perhaps this trend is also a byproduct of the congested schedule: There's less time on the training ground to compose intricate playing patterns. As a result, more balls are simply being pinged from goalkeeper to attacker, quickly toward the wingers (like at Nottingham Forest), or, at the other end of the scale, straight to the other team or out of play (Crystal Palace). And, obviously, direct passing can be an effective way to prey on the mental and physical fatigue of opponents.</p><p>The rise of goalkeeper assists is a modern take on an English classic. Somewhere, Sam Allardyce is patting himself on the back.</p><h3>Quick free-kicks 📝</h3><p><strong>Arsenal holding it together</strong></p><p>The "how" doesn't matter right now for Mikel Arteta. Injury-ravaged Arsenal need wins any way they can secure them to keep pace with Liverpool. Some days that'll mean getting a late brace off the bench from makeshift striker Mikel Merino to beat one of the league's worst teams. Three points is three points. It's fair to question and critique Arsenal's decision not to sign another No. 9 in January, but any team would struggle to score with all four of its best forwards sidelined simultaneously with long-term ailments. That the Gunners labored in their 2-0 win over Leicester City wasn't a surprise. At this point in the season, and with a title on the line as Liverpool start to show the first signs of vulnerability, the process is largely irrelevant. Just win, baby.</p><p><strong>... but Liverpool pulled off the same trick</strong></p><p>Wolverhampton Wanderers were much better than Liverpool after the interval Sunday. The visitors pulled a goal back through Matheus Cunha's beautiful curler from the edge of the area and had nine more shots in the second half as they tried to level. Liverpool didn't record a single shot after the break - the first time that's happened to the Reds in a Premier League fixture since Opta started tracking efforts on goal in the 2006-07 campaign. But aside from the morale boost that a positive display can give Wolves for the rest of their survival mission, nothing else matters aside from a 2-1 win that maintained Liverpool's seven-point lead at the summit. "It says a lot (that) we kept fighting and kept going and got the three points," captain Virgil van Dijk told <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c78w071g71gt?post=asset%3Aec82f650-fe31-48d5-b31b-3b44925ed00a#post">BBC Sport</a> post-match.</p><p><strong>'Light at the end of the tunnel'</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/cropped_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/w220xh124_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/w320xh180_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/w640xh360_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/w768xh432_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/767178/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2195299774.jpg?ts=1737835587 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Yui Mok - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>After three wins in 19 matches, Everton were sitting just one point clear of the relegation zone when David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in January. What a turnaround he's engineered upon returning to the club. Saturday's win over Crystal Palace gave the Toffees 13 points since "The Moyesiah" took over. No team in the Premier League has more in that time. Moyes' tally of four wins is <em>already</em> more than Dyche managed to procure this season. Previously braced for a nervous race to avoid the drop, Everton supporters can instead look ahead to next season and the promise of greener pastures in their new stadium. The outlook has flipped entirely. "Everton have had a difficult period, but I certainly think there's light at the end of the tunnel now," Moyes said.</p><p><strong>Traore revives Fulham's European bid</strong></p><p>Fulham used Nottingham Forest's specialty against them to reignite their bid for European football. Entering the weekend as the lowest-scoring Premier League side from set-piece situations, the Cottagers nodded in one sublime delivery and another corner kick to earn back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since November. The 2-1 result also gave them their first home win in six league matches. Fulham are now four points behind the European places and could close the gap if Adama Traore continues to energize their attack. Traore whipped in the cross for Emile Smith Rowe's opener, and his runs down the right flank put defenders in danger. He accounted for nine of Fulham's 33 crosses, and it's that kind of direct game that's won Fulham points this season.</p><p><strong>Spurs must kick on from here</strong></p><p>Ange Postecoglou promised over and over that Tottenham would turn a corner once their best players returned from injury. While they didn't always look their best during Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United - allowing the kind of chances a more polished opponent would've put away - Spurs were able to get a result thanks in part to the performances of fit-again Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison. Vicario made six saves, including a couple of difficult diving efforts, to keep Tottenham's first clean sheet at home in the Premier League since August. Maddison, of course, scored the winner off a rebound, but most importantly, he gave Spurs a level of confidence and creativity on the ball that they'd missed in the five games he sat out. Tottenham still have six key players out injured but have enough back to make it three Premier League wins in a row when they face Ipswich Town next Saturday. They haven't put three league wins together since December 2023.</p><h3>Star performer 🌟</h3><p><strong>Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)</strong></p><p>Marmoush joined Manchester City at the most difficult period of Guardiola's reign - and that dour spell still isn't over - so it was no surprise that the Egyptian's first goal (and second, and third) didn't come until his fifth appearance.</p><p>There were glimpses of how dangerous Marmoush could be before Saturday's visit from Newcastle. He had some promising link-ups with Erling Haaland in his debut against Chelsea and provided a team-high three key passes in the otherwise disastrous 5-1 defeat at Arsenal.</p><p>But a hat-trick crammed into 14 first-half minutes truly announces Marmoush's arrival. He opened the scoring with a sumptuous lob after latching onto Ederson's missile and shrugging off Kieran Trippier, followed that goal with a deflected finish, and tapped home Savinho's cutback to complete his treble. Marmoush should take a lot of the scoring burden off Haaland's shoulders; he'll explore areas all around the attacking third, but his positioning on the penalty spot for his third goal clearly showed he's comfortable taking up spaces usually occupied by No. 9s.</p><h3>Best XI 😎</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025" srcset="https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025 220w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025 320w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025 640w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025 768w, https://www.fotmob.com/api/lineup-builder/team?players=643228:Palmer,1400227:Minteh,263653:Stones,877401:Bassey,894803:Spence,439369:Christie,1280132:Gonz%C3%A1lez,493647:Traor%C3%A9,1128965:Alcaraz,839204:Marmoush,574645:Merino&amp;formation=4-2-3-1&amp;lineupTitle=Matchweek%2025 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>(Source: <a href="https://www.fotmob.com/">FotMob</a>)</p><h3>Stat of the weekend 🔢</h3><p>Ay, caramba! Brighton goalkeeper Verbruggen's assist strengthened Barts' creativity superiority over footballing Simpsons like Danny, Fitzroy, and Paul.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">players with Bart in their name now have four times as many PL assists as those with Simpson in theirs</p>— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) <a href="https://twitter.com/oilysailor/status/1890520645001216445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Social media moment 📱</h3><p>No matter where they are, Evertonians continue to savor the thrilling midweek result in the Merseyside derby.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Went the ice cream museum in New York earlier… couldn’t resist 🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/EEdCtKJXo3">pic.twitter.com/EEdCtKJXo3</a></p>— Neilo (@Neilo_m) <a href="https://twitter.com/Neilo_m/status/1890551542433886468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Where we stand 👀</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+36</td>
<td>60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+29</td>
<td>53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+17</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Bournemouth</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+15</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6.</td>
<td>Chelsea</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+14</td>
<td>43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7.</td>
<td>Newcastle</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+9</td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8.</td>
<td>Fulham</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+5</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9.</td>
<td>Aston Villa</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10.</td>
<td>Brighton</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11.</td>
<td>Brentford</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+1</td>
<td>34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12.</td>
<td>Tottenham</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>+13</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13.</td>
<td>Crystal Palace</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-3</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-4</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-7</td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>16.</td>
<td>West Ham</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-18</td>
<td>27</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17.</td>
<td>Wolves</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-19</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>18.</td>
<td>Ipswich Town</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-27</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19.</td>
<td>Leicester City</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-30</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20.</td>
<td>Southampton</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>-38</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>View more stats <a href="thescore:///epl/leaders">here</a>.</em></p>

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EPL Review: Goalkeeper assists, winning ugly, and Bart Simpson

Real Madrid could've finished off Manchester City a lot earlier. Kylian Mbappe had five shots, an...

<p>Real Madrid could've finished off Manchester City a lot earlier. Kylian Mbappe had five shots, and Federico Valverde fired three from the right-back position. Madrid ended up with 20 in all, the most City have allowed at the Etihad in nearly a decade. Mbappe's worst attempt - a shank of a volley from a set-piece situation - was the one that went in. There were near misses and blocked shots and, if you ever looked away, you'd wonder how City managed to gain a 2-1 lead in the first leg of their Champions League playoff.</p><p>Erling Haaland scored twice, including a well-struck penalty, to retake control of a game that was slipping away. City were doing to Madrid what the Spanish giants have done to so many other teams in this competition: winning without playing much.</p><p>But leads have often been City's heaviest burden this season - especially in the Champions League. They went Istanbul in a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord, lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain after building a 2-0 advantage, blew a two-goal cushion in a 2-2 draw with Brentford, dropped points to Everton after taking an early lead, and took a late one-two punch to the chin a 2-1 loss to Manchester United.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>They ultimately fell 3-2 after conceding the winner in stoppage time, marking the fifth time they lost from a winning position. They lost five times with a lead in the previous four seasons combined.</p><p>City began to panic with minutes remaining Tuesday, showing the alarming lack of composure that's compromised their campaign. Madrid substitute Brahim Diaz had the ball in the back of the net seconds after Ederson played an errant pass. City were dazed and confused at 2-2 but could well have taken positives from a draw. They just had to see it out.</p><p>But they couldn't make the most of their second chance. John Stones was under absolutely no pressure but somehow undercooked his cross-field pass and watched as Jude Bellingham pounced. What followed appeared to be a temporary let-off - Bellingham should've drawn a foul from his resulting run - but instead prefaced what was to come. Mateo Kovacic couldn't deal with a simple long ball, Rico Lewis lost a duel, and Madrid bagged the winner.</p><p>The problem hasn't been tactical or technical or a matter of fatigue. These players haven't lost games because they can't sprint or win difficult individual battles or score in big moments. They can still do those things.</p><p>What's happening is purely human. We have never had more data to explain away every team's problems, and the temptation is to apply it to City's situation. Players <em>must</em> be running less. Their expected-goals ratio <em>must</em> be worse than previous seasons. The number of injuries <em>must</em> be a factor. More players <em>must</em> be in the red zone in terms of fitness.</p><p>But there doesn't have to be a mathematical or scientific explanation. It can simply come down to poor decision-making, a loss of confidence, and poor execution.</p><p>"We love football for its imprecision, its moments of genius and its mistakes, when the ball bounces badly and the left-back plays terribly because he's had a fight with his girlfriend before the game. And there's no equation that can explain that," World Cup winner Jorge Valdano wrote in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/jorge-valdano-love-football-opposite-of-science">The Guardian</a>.</p><p>What's hard to understand is how exactly the four-time defending Premier League champions have lost so much of themselves in such a short period of time.</p><p>This team used to be so secure with the ball. Now no one seems to want it. It's a grenade bouncing around the field, blowing up what's left of their season. You could understand if Pep Guardiola was asking his players to take more risks and do things they had never done before. But that isn't happening here.</p><p>No specific tactic or strategy will get City out of this tailspin. They can repeat the same patterns that helped them win so many titles, and it won't help. That's probably what keeps Guardiola up at night - and probably what's keeping him here for another couple of years.</p><p>"I am not good enough to give the composure to the team to manage this situation," he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3215986" href="https://thescore.com/news/3215986">said</a> afterward.</p><p>Maybe, though, composure isn't his to give.</p>

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Man City are imploding before our eyes. Can they do anything about it?

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Anthony Lopopolo

News Editor

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Supervising Editor

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