Posts

Manchester City win FA Cup

Image
Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester City  Antoine Semenyo produced a moment of individual genius to settle a rather disappointing FA Cup final as Manchester City beat Chelsea Author | Macca Stadium | Wembley Stadium The showpiece had largely been a dismal non-event until Semenyo broke the deadlock brilliantly with 18 minutes left. Erling Haaland, had worked tirelessly with little service, but it was his cross that Semenyo met on the run with a perfect right-foot flick across Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez. A great moment settles a terrible game of football The winning goal was out of context with what had gone before, but was enough to secure City victory as they added the FA Cup to the Carabao Cup won against Arsenal, also ending a run of successive final defeats against Manchester United and Crystal Palace. For Chelsea, it meant the disappointment of a record fourth successive FA Cup final defeat to end their chances of silverware this season. Watch | The winning goal| Posted on FA Cup YouTu...

Celtic champions as Hearts miss out on historic title

Image
Celtic 3 - 1 Hearts Celtic win the Scottish Premiership after dramatic final day Author | Sean M Stadium | Celtic Park Celtic came from behind in an extraordinary finale to beat long-time Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts and deny them a first league title since 1960, while sealing a fifth consecutive championship after a remarkable campaign. The Edinburgh side had topped the Premiership since September in their bid to become the first team outside the Old Firm to win the top flight in 40 years and required only a draw to be crowned champions. A closer analysis of what happened However, Lawrence Shankland's opener was cancelled out by an Arne Engels penalty before Daizen Maeda bundled home with two minutes of normal time remaining, with the goal eventually awarded after a VAR review overturned the original decision to disallow it. Callum Osmand raced through to add a third in stoppage time as Celtic moved clear of Rangers with a record 56 league titles. With attention fixed on Ce...

Mbappe left out as Real Madrid win

Image
Real Madrid 2 - 0 Real Oviedo Kylian Mbappe says he is now Real Madrid's fourth-choice striker after being left out of the starting line-up for their victory over Real Oviedo. Author | Jack L Stadium | Bernabéu The French forward was whistled by sections of the Bernabeu crowd when he came off the bench in the 69th minute on Thursday. Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono were all selected ahead of the 27-year-old in attack. Mbappe had missed Real's previous two matches with a thigh injury, including Sunday's defeat by Barcelona that confirmed the La Liga title for their rivals. The World Cup winner has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks over his commitment to the club, while an online petition calling for 'Mbappe Out' has gathered tens of millions of signatures. A win despite drama off the pitch Real Madrid have endured another season without silverware, prompting growing unrest that only intensified after their defeat by Barcelona. ...

Late penalty sees Celtic set up title showdown

Image
Motherwell 1 - 2 Celtic Celtic secured a remarkable title lifeline as Kelechi Iheanacho’s controversially awarded 99th-minute penalty sealed victory at Motherwell. Author | Sean M Stadium | Fir Park This dramatic victory leaves them just a point behind leaders Hearts ahead of Saturday’s decisive meeting in Glasgow. Martin O'Neill’s side had fought back from Motherwell’s opener to lead shortly before the hour mark, only for the hosts to equalise in the 85th minute. At that point, the defending champions appeared to need a three-goal victory over Hearts at Celtic Park on the final day to retain the title. Late penalty drama Deep into stoppage time, Celtic defender Auston Trusty went down claiming he had been caught by a stray elbow. Referee John Beaton was sent to the monitor before eventually awarding a penalty for handball. Iheanacho held his nerve to calmly convert from the spot, sparking chaotic celebrations and leaving Celtic knowing that any victory on Saturday will secure the ...

Casemiro pays tribute to Manchester United and their fans

Image
It's been an eventful four years for Casemiro at Old Trafford  The Brazilian midfielder has admitted he will struggle to hold back the tears when his time at Man United comes to an end, after delivering an emotional message to supporters Author | Ryan Thomas He is almost certain to leave United this summer after a spell at the club that has veered between silverware and sustained criticism.  Yet despite the uncertainty surrounding his future for the last couple of years Casemiro said the affection shown by supporters has remained one of the defining experiences of his career. He has recently been in conversation with former United defender Rio Ferdinand Speaking about his connection with the fanbase, the former Real Madrid midfielder described the backing he has received as “special”, admitting he was taken aback by the warmth shown to him from his first days in Manchester. Casemiro arrived at United in 2022 with a formidable reputation after winning five Champions League titl...

Tottenham Hotspur remain in relegation danger

Image
Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 1 Leeds United  A missed opportunity for the home side? Author | Greg S Stadium | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Tottenham were handed the chance to pile serious pressure on West Ham in the battle for survival after the Hammers’ controversial home defeat by Arsenal on Sunday. Watch | Video by Chris Cowlin   When Mathys Tel fired Spurs ahead with a superb finish, the hosts appeared on course to open up a four-point cushion that would have taken them to the brink of safety. Instead, Tel’s rash attempt at an overhead kick inside his own penalty area gifted the visitors a needless spot-kick, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin dispatched with conviction. Spurs pushed hard during a frantic closing spell However, they also owed plenty to goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who had already produced an excellent save to deny Joe Rodon in the first half before reacting brilliantly to tip Sean Longstaff’s effort on to the crossbar. It was a display that spoke volumes for the young k...

Barcelona beat Real Madrid to clinch La Liga title

Image
Barcelona 2 - 0 Real Madrid Marcus Rashford struck a superb free-kick as Barcelona defeated rivals Real Madrid to clinch their 29th La Liga title Author | Josh T Stadium | Nou Camp Rashford opened the scoring before Ferran Torres added a second with an accomplished finish as Hansi Flick's side eased to victory in El Clasico at the Nou Camp. Both goalscorers ran to embrace their head coach in an emotional moment following the death of Flick's father at the weekend. Barcelona remain seven titles behind record champions Real Madrid, but they have now secured back-to-back Spanish league crowns. What contributed to a memorable achievement for Barca An 11-match winning streak in La Liga has carried them clear at the top, with a 14-point advantage now beyond the reach of their closest challengers. Their dominance at home has been central to the triumph, with this latest success marking an 18th win from 18 league games in front of their own supporters. Watch | Atmosphere in the stands ...

Champions Inter ease to win over Lazio

Image
Lazio 0 - 3 Inter Inter Milan produced a polished display as Lautaro Martinez inspired the Serie A champions to a comfortable win over Lazio. Author | Jack L Stadium | Stadio Olimpico The Inter captain scored once and created another for Petar Susic in what served as an ideal rehearsal for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan also found the net for the Nerazzurri. How Inter strolled to a victory Martinez opened the scoring after only six minutes at Stadio Olimpico, turning in from close range after Marcus Thuram flicked on Yann Bisseck’s throw at the near post. The Argentina forward then turned creator in the 39th minute, rolling the ball into the path of Susic, who applied a composed finish to double Inter’s advantage. Watch | Highlights from Serie A YouTube account   Edoardo Motta produced an impressive double save to deny Bisseck early in the second half, but Lazio’s hopes faded further in the 59th minute when Alessio Romagnoli was sent off after a VAR r...

One point gained or two points dropped for Hearts?

Image
Motherwell 1 - 1 Hearts Hearts edged four points clear of Celtic in this endlessly epic Scottish Premiership title race after drawing at Motherwell Author | Ryan Dixon Stadium | Fir Park The league leaders missed the chance to put maximum pressure on the defending champions before Sunday's Glasgow derby. A closer analysis of what happened A trip to Fir Park has become one of the sternest assignments in Scottish football this season and, despite an early effort from Shankland that was superbly blocked by Stephen O'Donnell, Hearts initially appeared tired against the fourth-placed hosts . Derek McInnes' side managed to come from behind to earn points for the fifth game in a row when Lawrence Shankland cancelled out Stephen Kingsley's own goal. Despite a second-half surge, Hearts could not find a winner amid dramatic scenes that included a Motherwell disallowed goal, injuries to key players and a controversial decision not to award Hearts a penalty. What happens next then?...

Could Oliver Glasner get the perfect Crystal Palace goodbye?

Image
It's been a remarkable 12 months for Crystal Palace They never wanted to find themselves in the Conference League. Now they stand one match away from winning it and adding another remarkable chapter to the club’s history. Author |  James Lees On one of the most memorable nights Selhurst Park has witnessed, amid a fierce and deafening atmosphere, the Eagles defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1 to complete a 5-2 aggregate victory in the semi-finals. Having already lifted the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2025 at Wembley, Palace’s extraordinary European adventure began in a Swiss courtroom, where they unsuccessfully appealed against their demotion from the Europa League into the third-tier Conference League. Since then, however, Glasner’s side have embraced the competition completely. Their journey has taken them across Norway, Poland, France, the Republic of Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and Italy, before a return trip to Poland. One final destination now awaits in Germany. Shoul...

Aston Villa on brink of first trophy in 30 years

Image
 Aston Villa 4 - 0 Nottingham Forest (Aston Villa won 4-1 on aggregate) A memorable night for Villa as they progress to their first European final since winning the European Cup in the 1980s. Author |  Jay Dean Stadium |  Villa Park The home side swept aside Nottingham Forest to reach the Europa League final and move within touching distance of ending a 30-year wait for major silverware. A late double from John McGinn, added to an Emi Buendia penalty and an early strike from Ollie Watkins, completed Villa’s comeback after last week’s 1-0 first-leg defeat. The hosts will face SC Freiburg in the final in Istanbul on 20 May after the Bundesliga side edged past Braga 4-3 on aggregate.  Watch | Pre match vibes at Villa Park Villa manager Unai Emery is pursuing a fifth Europa League crown, having built a formidable reputation in the competition before arriving at Villa Park. Success would deliver the club’s first major trophy since the 1996 League Cup and secure q...

Some of the most dramatic EFL play-off matches

Image
They were first introduced to the EFL in 1987 and have been staged after every season since.  Some hate them and others love them.  Author | Josh T Let's explore some of their greatest matches. They were first introduced to the EFL in 1987 and have been staged after every season since. Some hate them and others love them. Let's explore some of their greatest matches. Sheffield United 1 - 2 Sunderland  We could have easily included Sunderland’s equally dramatic semi-final from 2025 in this article but given what was at stake, we picked this one instead.  Tom Watson struck in the 95th minute to seal promotion for Sunderland and break Sheffield United hearts in a dramatic Championship play-off final at Wembley.  Super News Affiliate covered some of the best moments of the day in the video below.  Sheffield Wednesday 5 - 1 Peterborough United  (The match finished 5-5 on aggregate, Sheffield Wednesday won 5-3 on penalties.) Sheffield Wednesday pulled one of...

PSG reach another Champions League final

Image
Bayern Munich 1 - 1 PSG (PSG won 6-5 on aggregate) Paris Saint-Germain set up a Champions League Final meeting with Arsenal after overcoming Bayern Munich Author | Ed Stadium | Allianz Arena The second leg of the semi-final did not reach the extraordinary heights of the first encounter in Paris, when Luis Enrique's holders established a 5-4 advantage before travelling to Munich. Harry Kane scored his 55th goal of the season deep into stoppage time for Bayern, but it offered little comfort on a night of deep frustration for Vincent Kompany's side. Replicating the breathtaking standards of the first leg was always likely to prove impossible, yet the contest still carried quality, intensity and chances at both ends. Watch | Highlights from PSG YouTube account PSG struck with their first meaningful attack After only three minutes, Georgian forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia produced a brilliant run and cross for Ousmane Dembele to finish emphatically . Roared on by a fierce atmosphere, ...

Arsenal reach Champions League final after memorable night in North London

Image
Arsenal 1 - 0 Atletico Madrid (Arsenal won 2-1 on aggregate) Arsenal reached their first Champions League final in two decades as Bukayo Saka’s decisive strike secured a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid. Author |  DJ Stadium |  Emirates Stadium Mikel Arteta’s side fell at the semi-final stage to eventual winners Paris St-Germain last season, but there was no repeat this time. Saka’s intervention kept alive hopes of a Premier League and Champions League double. A fantastic Champions League night for Arteta and Arsenal With the tie poised at 1-1 following the first leg, a tense atmosphere settled over Emirates Stadium and clear chances were initially scarce. The breakthrough arrived just before the interval when Saka reacted quickest, turning in from close range after Jan Oblak had parried Leandro Trossard’s effort, with Viktor Gyokeres instrumental in the build-up. Atletico threatened sporadically. Declan Rice produced a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Giuliano Sime...

Hearts beat Rangers to edge closer to title

Image
Hearts 2 - 1 Celtic A raucous Hearts crowd inspires players to put them on the brink of history Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Tynecastle A goal from club captain Lawrence Shankland thundered the home side to a huge victory over Rangers as the Scottish Premiership leaders restored their three-point advantage at the top and all but ended the Ibrox side's title hopes. Derek McInnes' side lead Celtic by three points with three games to play. Rangers are noe now seven points off the top, surely now ending their own title hopes.  How a dramatic afternoon unfolded Pre match atmosphere Dujon Sterling's volley deflected off Michael Steinwender and looped over Alexander Schwolow to give Rangers the lead during a first half in which they controlled play. One fan even text into the BBC saying: "This is some performance so far from Rangers. Hearts look clueless." In the second half, Stephen Kingsley levelled on the rebound after Alexandros Kyziridis' shot had come off a post...

Celtic boost title hopes after narrow win at Hibs

Image
Hibernian 1 - 2 Celtic Celtic were made to work hard to capitalise on Hibernian’s fourth red card in three matches Author | Sean M Stadium | Easter Road l The away side eventually secured a win that drew them level on points with Heart of Midlothian at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Jamie McGrath became the latest Hibs player dismissed, shown a red card for a lunging challenge on Alistair Johnston after 21 minutes. The champions appeared to be cruising when Daizen Maeda continued his fine form, scoring his fourth goal in three games shortly afterwards. Watch | Unique samples of the goals from Celtic’s YouTube account Hibernian responded before the interval Joe Newell levelled in contentious fashion as the ball seemed to strike his hand in the build-up. Celtic regained control in the second half, with Kelechi Iheanacho converting from close range to settle the contest. The result leaves Celtic level with Hearts, trailing only on goal difference ahead of the Edinburgh side’s mee...

Inter Milan win Serie A after win over Parma

Image
Inter Milan 2 - 0 Parma Inter Milan clinched their 21st Serie A title with a convincing win over Parma. Author | Ed  Stadium |  San Siro Requiring only a point to seal the Scudetto with three matches remaining, goals from Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan ensured there would be no delay. The result moves Inter 12 points clear of reigning champions Napoli. Thuram broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, driving a precise right-footed effort beyond Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The hosts had to remain patient for a second, which arrived 10 minutes from time when Lautaro Martinez squared for the 37-year-old Mkhitaryan to finish from close range. Blue and gold ribbons were scattered across the pitch at full-time as Inter head coach Cristian Chivu celebrated his first major honour in management, adding to the three Serie A titles he won during his playing career with the club. READ MORE |  Football news from across Italy on European Super Football Chivu had spok...

Ipswich Town promoted to the Premier League

Image
Ipswich Town 3 - 0 QPR Twelve months since relegation, Ipswich Town are back in the Premier League  Author | Marcus L Stadium | Portman Road George Hirst and Jaden Philogene calmed any early nerves amomgst the home fans with two goals inside the opening nine minutes and sub Kasey McAteer put the gloss on it late-on.  After the final whistle went, blue smoke filled the air, thousands of fans went onto the Portman Road pitch. The players were then mobbed as people hugged their heroes. Closer analysis as Ipswich returned to the Premier League  With the outcome firmly in their own hands on the final day, Ipswich understood that victory at Portman Road would render the results of promotion rivals Millwall and Middlesbrough irrelevant. They set the tone early, with goals from George Hirst and Jaden Philogene inside the opening nine minutes putting them in control. Substitute Kasey McAteer added a late third to seal the result, confirming a third promotion in four seasons under ...

A preview of what could be a dramatic final day in the Championship

Image
It all comes down to this Three Championship teams remain in the race for automatic promotion to the Premier League. Author | Thomas J After 45 matches and many twists and turns, it all comes down to the final-day to see who can go the distance to finish as runners-up and go up along with champions Coventry City. For Ipswich Town, who occupy second spot before the last game on Saturday, 2 May, this is familiar territory as the Tractor Boys seek an instant return to the top flight. Third-placed Millwall could be returning to the promised land for the first time in 36 years. Middlesbrough, who are currently fourth, are looking to end a nine-year Premier League hiatus. Middlesbrough v Ipswich Town earlier in the season Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has found himself in this position before On two previous occasions, his Ipswich side have approached the final Saturday at Portman Road knowing that victory would seal promotion, and the scenario is unchanged this weekend. Once again, a rous...

A small but valuable first-leg lead for Forest over Villa

Image
Nottingham Forest 1 - 0 Aston Villa Chris Wood handed Nottingham Forest a valuable lead in their Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa. Author | Kieran M Stadium | The City Ground The striker converted from the spot in the 71st minute, after a costly handball from Lucas Digne, to give Vitor Pereira’s side a narrow advantage to defend in next week’s second leg at Villa Park. It marked the 200th goal of Wood’s career, a notable milestone in what has otherwise been a disrupted season following six months out with a knee injury. A closer look at what happened Forest might have been in front earlier but for a superb intervention from Emi Martinez, who clawed Igor Jesus’s effort off the line after 33 minutes. Villa, who won 3-1 at Villa Park in the Premier League in January, now face the task of overturning the deficit as Unai Emery pursues a fifth Europa League title. Stefan Ortega produced a series of saves before the break, denying both Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, and he rem...