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Celtic champions as Hearts miss out on historic title

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...