European Super Football

Crystal Palace 3 - 0 Fiorentina Jean-Philippe Mateta ended a long wait for a goal as Crystal Palace swept aside Fiorentina in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final Author | Ajay Stadium | Selhurst Park Mateta, making his first start since a proposed move to AC Milan fell through, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 24th minute after Evann Guessand was brought down by Dodô. Watch | Palace fans celebrate opening goal. Video uploaded by YouTube user John Thunder The French forward was also involved in Palace’s second seven minutes later. His close-range effort was kept out by David de Gea, but the rebound fell kindly for Tyrick Mitchell to finish. Ismaïla Sarr all but secured Palace’s place in the final four with a late header from Daichi Kamada’s cross, capping a commanding performance. Mateta, who replaced the suspended Jørgen Strand Larsen, looked sharp throughout after scoring a hat-trick in a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier in the week. The two playe...

PSG 2 - 0 Liverpool Liverpool's Champions League hopes are hanging in the balance after a demoralising defeat by reigning European champions Paris St-Germain Author | William G Stadium | Parc des Princes Desire Doue's deflected strike looped over the head of Giorgi Mamardashvili to give the Ligue 1 leaders the lead, before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doubled their advantage with a moment of brilliance. It means the Reds, who failed to register an attempt on target, have it all to do to stay in the competition in the quarter-final second leg at Anfield next Tuesday. After suffering a four-goal mauling by Manchester City in their previous game, Liverpool appeared to be on a damage limitation exercise and started with a five-man defence in the French capital. Watch | PSG fans unveil TIFO pre match. Footage from StanSportsFC But PSG took the lead in the 11th minute - and dominated throughout - amid another muddled performance by Arne Slot's side that raised more questions than answer...

Real Madrid 1 - 2 Bayern Harry Kane marked his return from injury with a fine strike as Bayern seized the initiative in their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid Author | Ed  Stadium | Santiago Bernabeu Kane, watched by England head coach Thomas Tuchel, was back in action after the minor issue that ruled him out of the friendly against Japan and Bayern’s Bundesliga victory over Freiburg. The 32-year-old England captain was relatively quiet in the opening half, though he played a part in the move that led to Bayern’s opener, finished calmly by former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz four minutes before the interval. Watch | Highlights of the match from TNT Sports Kane underlined his quality shortly after the restart, driving a precise right-footed effort into the bottom corner beyond Andriy Lunin. Neuer was very important for the Bundesliga leaders The Bayern number one produced four important saves, three of them denying Kylian Mbappe, while Vincent Kompany’s side threate...

Sporting 0 - 1 Arsenal  Kai Havertz struck in stoppage time to give Arsenal a slender advantage over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final Author | DJ Stadium | Estádio José Alvalade Introduced after the interval, Havertz reacted quickest late on to guide the ball beyond Rui Silva and hand the Premier League leaders a narrow lead ahead of the return at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal arrived under scrutiny following successive defeats, their first such run of the season, and there were early signs of unease when Maxi Araújo rattled the crossbar after being released by an incisive pass from Ousmane Diomande. Watch | Highlights from Arsenal’s official YouTube account Despite controlling possession for long spells in the opening half, Arsenal struggled to fashion clear openings. Their best chance came in unusual fashion as Noni Madueke struck the bar directly from a corner. Sporting remained dangerous on the break They went close again when Araújo surged forward ...

Reading 1 - 2 Lincoln City Lincoln City will play in the second tier next season for the first time since 1961 Author | Lewis W Stadium | Select Car Leasing Stadium Jack Moylan struck in the 96th minute to secure victory at Reading and seal promotion to the Championship. Moylan’s late intervention followed Lewis Wing’s equaliser, which had cancelled out Ryan One’s early opener for the visitors. The result leaves Michael Skubala’s side with an unassailable 19-point cushion over third-placed Bradford City in League One. Lincoln’s unbeaten league run now stands at 24 matches, stretching back to 22 November 2025, and attention will turn to the title race. They hold a 12-point advantage over Cardiff City, who drew at Peterborough but have a game in hand. Destiny for Lincoln By securing promotion to the Championship, Lincoln appear to have reached a long-awaited destination after a 65-year climb. Since their relegation from the old Second Division in 1961, the Imps have fallen as far as the ...

West Ham United 2 - 2 Leeds United (Leeds won 4-2 on penalties) Leeds United reached their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987 with a dramatic penalty shootout win over West Ham Author | Jamie Pugh  Stadium | London Stadium The Hammers went into the shootout with 20-year-old Finlay Herrick in goal after Alphonse Areola was injured late on in extra time. Herrick, who had a four-month loan spell with fifth-tier Boreham Wood earlier this season, was making his first senior appearance for the Hammers, and he saved from Joel Piroe. But England forward Jarrod Bowen then immediately failed to convert his spot-kick for West Ham, with Pablo also having an effort saved by Lucas Perri before Pascal Struijk scored the decisive penalty, with Leeds winning the shootout 4-2. Watch | Key moments of the match from the FA Cup's official YouTube account Leeds had been 2-0 ahead with 90 minutes on the clock, but 11 minutes of stoppage time followed and West Ham scored twice through Mateus Fernandes and...

Livingston 2 - 2 Hearts Hearts edged back to the summit of the Scottish Premiership but dropped points at Livingston Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Home of the Set Fare Arena Their advantage, which stood at three points at the start of the weekend, is now down to one following Rangers’ win over Dundee United on Saturday. Celtic’s win over Dundee means they're also now closer to the league leaders. It's going to be a dramatic title race for all three sides. Watch | Highlights from the SPFL YouTube account It might have been worse for Hearts They ended the match with 10 men. Livingston struck early, taking a surprise lead in the fifth minute when Stevie May drove a finish in from the edge of the area to silence the travelling support. Hearts responded with purpose and drew level through their returning captain Lawrence Shankland, who powered home a header from an excellent delivery by Marc Leonard. Both sides passed up chances before the interval, with Shankland going close again fo...

Manchester City 4 - 0 Liverpool Erling Haaland produced a devastating hat-trick as Manchester City eased into a record eighth successive semi-final with a commanding victory over a subdued Liverpool. Authors | William G Stadium | Etihad Stadium Guardiola, serving the second match of a touchline suspension, watched from the stands as his side dismantled Liverpool with a clinical edge that is likely to intensify scrutiny on their head coach Arne Slot. A closer analysis of what happened in Manchester Fresh from their Wembley success against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, City maintained momentum in pursuit of a domestic cup double with another authoritative display on home soil. For all their early control, City struggled to test Giorgi Mamardashvili until the 38th minute, when Haaland converted from the penalty spot after Virgil van Dijk brought down Nico O'Reilly. It was a familiar outcome, echoing his spot-kick at Anfield earlier in the league campaign. FA Cup news and stories...

Southampton 2 - 1 Arsenal  Arsenal’s hopes of a domestic double were ended by a late goal from Shea Charles Author | DJ Stadium | St. Mary's Stadium The defeat marked Arsenal’s first match since their EFL Cup final loss to Manchester City and followed an international break in which 11 of their players withdrew from national duty through injury. Despite that disruption, Mikel Arteta was able to name a strong side featuring Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes, with the visitors intent on regaining momentum. Yet for all Arsenal’s control of possession, it was Southampton who fashioned the clearer chances. Their direct approach, looking to play quickly in behind the defence, unsettled Arsenal throughout and extended a 14-match unbeaten run for the Championship promotion hopefuls. The breakthrough arrived in the 35th minute. White misjudged the flight of a delivery from James Bree, allowing Ross Stewart to bring the ball under control and dispatch a composed f...

Bayern Munich 2 - 1 Manchester United (Bayern Munich won 5-3 on aggregate) Man United’s Women’s Champions League campaign came to an end as Bayern Munich struck twice late on to extinguish any hope of a comeback. Author | Olivia T Stadium | Allianz Arena Having trailed 3-2 from the first leg, Melvine Malard’s early goal offered encouragement that United might yet reach the semi-finals in their debut season. They were the sharper side before the interval, but Bayern assumed control after the break, with Glodis Viggosdottir and Linda Dallmann scoring in the final 10 minutes to turn the tie decisively in the German side’s favour. The result sends Bayern through to the last four for a third time, while Marc Skinner’s side must regroup ahead of a crucial run-in, with more than three weeks to recover before attention returns to securing qualification via the Women’s Super League. Watch | Highlights of this match from ESPN United had set out to become the first English side to win away at Bay...

Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 -1 Italy (Bosnia-Herzegovina won 4-1 on penalties) Four-time world champions Italy have failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after a crushing penalty shootout defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina. Author | Josh T Stadium | Stadion Bilino Polje No previous winner of the competition has missed three straight tournaments, with Italy also absent from Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. Pio Esposito, who blazed over, and Bryan Cristante, whose effort struck the underside of the crossbar, missed from the spot after Gennaro Gattuso’s 10-man side had clung on under sustained Bosnian pressure to force penalties. Bosnia-Herzegovina, led by 40-year-old captain Edin Dzeko, have now reached just the second World Cup in their history and will face Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B this summer. It had started so well for Italy Before the match, a lot of Italian fans and pundits had spoken about their nerves. This was clearly a huge game and a huge moment for the present and...

Kosovo 0 - 1 Turkey Turkey reached their first World Cup in 24 years as Kerem Akturkoglu’s goal secured a narrow play-off victory over Kosovo. Author | Jack L Stadium | Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri They had not qualified since finishing third at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but will now take their place in Group C this summer alongside Australia, Paraguay and co-hosts the United States. In a tense encounter in Pristina, Kenan Yildiz cut the ball back for Orkun Kokcu, whose mis-hit effort was turned in at the back post by the Fenerbahce forward Akturkoglu in the 53rd minute. Kosovo, seeking a first major tournament since joining FIFA and UEFA in 2016, went close before the break when Ugurcan Cakir tipped Fisnik Asllani’s strike onto the crossbar. Turkey, who managed only one other shot on target, held on to secure their third World Cup appearance and end a run of five successive failed qualification campaigns. pic.twitter.com/Y2oIAMVcaE — Türkiye #BizimÇocuklar 🇹🇷 (@MilliTakimlar) March 3...

England 0 - 1 Japan England’s final home game before the World Cup ended in a disappointing defeat Author | George B Stadium | Wembley Stadium Head coach Thomas Tuchel was without captain and record goalscorer Harry Kane after he picked up a knock in training, and his absence was keenly felt in an attack that lacked a cutting edge. Kaoru Mitoma finished a sweeping counter-attack in the 23rd minute to secure victory for Japan, who became the first Asian side to beat England. Phil Foden was deployed in a false nine role There was no no recognised striker in Tuchel’s starting line-up, and the experiment failed to convince. He lasted less than an hour in the unfamiliar position before being replaced by Dominic Solanke. Tuchel made 10 changes from Friday’s draw with Uruguay, and the lack of cohesion and fluency was evident throughout. Watch | Post match interviews from ITV Sport Japan had already threatened before taking the lead, Mitoma applying a composed finish beyond Jordan Pickford aft...

Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Roberto de Zerbi as their new head coach  The Italian signed a five-year contract with the club. Author | Greg S The former Brighton and Marseille boss has seven games to save the club from a disastrous relegation to the Championship. According to reports, he does not have a relegation clause that would allow him to walk away in case the club went down.  In two months' time, Spurs' third boss of the season will have either secured his place as a hero at the club, or be forever connected to one of the worst campaigns in their history --- Original story posted on 30/04/2026 Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced discussions with Roberto De Zerbi  The Italian is now prepared to take charge immediately, according to sources. Watch | What Spurs fans could expect tactically from their potential new manager While De Zerbi had initially been open to the position but inclined to wait until the end of the season, Tottenham have intensified their efforts ...

We have been talking with Spurs fans about the latest development at their club  It has been announced that Igor Tudor has left his role as Spurs interim head coach after just 44 days and seven matches. Author | Josh T It was a run that saw more chaos and the club only pick up one Premier League point. Greg: I feel more relieved than anything. There was some early optimism given his reputation on the continent, but the Premier League is a very different proposition. For me, Harry Redknapp stands out as the most logical option among those available. The 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace was one of many low points for Tudor Stephen: What is needed now is a sense of stability and renewed confidence. The club should be looking to its own. Harry Redknapp alongside Tim Sherwood would bring authority, while Ryan Mason and Ledley King could add belief and tactical understanding. This feels like a decisive moment for the board and they cannot afford to get it wrong. Clair: The appointment...

Scotland 0 - 1 Japan Scotland opened their World Cup preparations with a narrow friendly defeat by Japan. Author | Sean M Stadium | Hampden Park Playing for the first time since November’s memorable win over Denmark, which sealed a return to the World Cup after 28 years, Scotland national football team were unable to reproduce that level in the first of their March fixtures. Both sides struck the woodwork in an even first half and continued to create chances after the interval. It was Japan, however, who made the breakthrough when Ito scored in the 84th minute. The forward, who plays for KRC Genk, drove into the Scotland penalty area following neat interplay down the left, before guiding a low finish into the corner beyond Angus Gunn. Watch | Post match reaction from McClean. Video uploaded by Scotland's YouTube account  Steve Clarke’s side return to action on Tuesday against Ivory Coast national football team at Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Japan face England national football te...

England 1 - 1 Uruguay Ben White endured a turbulent return to international duty as England were held by Uruguay in a scrappy friendly Author | George B Stadium | Wembley The Arsenal defender was met with audible jeers when introduced in the 69th minute, his first appearance since stepping away from the squad after leaving the 2022 FIFA World Cup early. Yet he shifted the mood nine minutes from time, converting from almost on the goalline after a corner from Cole Palmer. There was to be some late drama White's goal appeared to have sealed victory, only for his evening to take another turn deep into stoppage time when he brought down Federico Vinas inside the area. Following a VAR review, Federico Valverde drove the penalty beyond James Trafford. The match rarely settled into any rhythm. Thomas Tuchel handed full debuts to Trafford and James Garner, but neither side found much fluency in a contest punctuated by fouls and interruptions. Watch | Might reaction from ITV Sport Uruguay w...

Wales 1 - 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Bosnia won 4-2 on penalties) Wales were left with familiar heartbreak in Cardiff, their hopes of reaching a second successive World Cup ending in defeat on penalties Author | Stephen Chad Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium Craig Bellamy’s side appeared set to move within one game of the finals, leading deep into the second half, only for a late equaliser to force extra time and, ultimately, another shootout loss.  All of this simply echoed the pain of their defeat to Poland in the Euro 2024 play-off final two years ago. Watch | Video of passionate rendition of the Welsh National Anthem. Video uploaded by BlueBirdLegend A tense first half was largely controlled by Wales, who monopolised possession and came closest to a breakthrough when Harry Wilson’s curling effort struck the post. The breakthrough arrived six minutes after the interval  Daniel James seized on a loose backpass and drove a fierce, swerving strike from 25 yards into the roof of the ne...

Italy 2 - 0 Northern Ireland Italy moved a step closer to a first World Cup appearance since 2014 with a composed victory that ended Northern Ireland’s play-off hopes Author | Mark Lee Stadium | New Balance Arena Sandro Tonali, the Newcastle United midfielder, broke the visitors’ resistance and eased the tension inside the New Balance Arena with a powerful strike from the edge of the area in the 56th minute. As Northern Ireland pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Moise Kean made the result safe, guiding a finish in off the post with 10 minutes remaining. It had been a positive start for Northern Ireland Until then, Michael O'Neill’s side, featuring their second youngest average age since the Second World War at 22.5, had frustrated Italy and carried a threat going forward. Their lack of cutting edge in the final third, however, proved costly. In pursuit of a first World Cup in 40 years and only a fourth in their history, Northern Ireland were unable to test Gianluigi Donnarum...

We asked European Super Followers readers how Liverpool might approach life after Mohamed Salah. Will current players step up or will new signings come in? Author |  William G Salah celebrating Liverpool's Champions League win in 2019 Here are some of the best comments we've seen so far Jackie: There is no easy way of putting it. Salah feels irreplaceable. In the modern market, the value he has offered the club is extraordinary, from goals and assists to his relentless drive. Liverpool could spend vast sums and still fall short of finding a comparable figure. Whoever is tasked with becoming the next leading presence on the right flank will carry a significant burden, and there may always be a sense of something missing. Tobey: Replicating Salah’s attacking output will be a formidable challenge. Players of that level are scarce. I would like to think we have a clear strategy, perhaps targeting talents such as Michael Olise from Bayern or Yan Diomande at RB Leipzig. Without tha...