Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra-time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasi...

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde struck deep in extra-time to decide a gripping Copa del Rey Clasico final on Saturday in Seville, earning his side a 3-2 win over rivals Real Madrid.The Catalans, aiming for a quadruple this season, won the first major trophy of Hansi Flick's reign as coach and a record-extending 32nd Spanish cup in dramatic fashion.Pedri sent Barcelona ahead at La Cartuja but two Real Madrid goals in seven second-half minutes, from Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni, pulled the Spanish and European champions level.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to take the game to extra-time and Kounde drilled home to win it for the La Liga leaders.Substituted Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was sent off in the final seconds for appearing to throw an object onto the pitch towards the referee, and Lucas Vazquez, also replaced, was dismissed for further protest."It was a good time to bring joy to our fans -- we have to enjoy it but without forgetting the Champions League semis are coming," Torres told La 1, with Barca hosting Inter Milan on Wednesday."They can make a party -- for today, it's OK," a delighted Flick, who has won all seven finals he has coached in his career, told Movistar.Madrid, who started with top scorer Mbappe on the bench after an ankle injury, suffered an early setback when left-back Ferland Mendy, playing his first game for six weeks, suffered a thigh injury.Carlo Ancelotti sent on Fran Garcia in his place, with the job of shackling Barcelona's dazzling teenage winger Lamine Yamal.The 17-year-old Spain star, who dyed his hair blond for the game, burst past him with ease as Barca threatened Thibaut Courtois' goal increasingly.The Catalans, who won the first two Clasicos this season in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, scoring nine goals in the process, controlled the ball.They took the lead after 28 minutes, Pedri placing the ball into the top corner with precision and power from the edge of the box.It was a sensational goal, starting with a smart Pau Cubarsi interception in his own half.Pedri spread the play out to Yamal on the right, who cut inside and held the ball up until the Canary Islander reached the box and had a sight of goal.Madrid had been focussed on defending but Barcelona's opener brought them out of their shell -- and also brought Mbappe off the bench to warm up.Jude Bellingham started and finished a superb move but was offside, and Vinicius Junior would have won a penalty as Inigo Martinez hacked him down but had also strayed off in the build-up.Barcelona could have doubled their lead, with Dani Olmo's corner evading several players and bouncing off the far post, with Cubarsi unable to get there as Dani Ceballos held him back.Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea was lenient with some heated Madrid tackles, perhaps cowed by Friday's drama as the Spanish champions seethed at his pre-match comments denouncing attacks on officials by the club's television channel.Madrid sent Mbappe on for Rodrygo at half-time and soon they began to work Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with Vinicius and Mbappe coming close.<h3>End to end</h3>Mbappe pulled Madrid level almost on his own in the 70th minute.The striker surged forward and was brought down on the edge of the box by Frenkie de Jong. Mbappe took the free-kick himself and fired a low effort in off the post.Seven minutes later Madrid took the lead, Tchouameni finding space to head home Arda Guler's corner past the helpless Szczesny.Barcelona responded when Yamal played a delicious pass over the top for Torres, which drew both Rudiger and Courtois, but the Spaniard got there first and rolled home.Controversy unsurprisingly reared its head before the match headed to extra-time.Barcelona clamoured for a penalty when Rudiger appeared to bring down Torres, and then were awarded one deep in stoppage time as Raphinha tumbled under pressure from Raul Asencio.However the referee, called to review the incident by VAR, overturned his decision and booked the Brazilian for diving.In extra time Barcelona were ascendent and probed for a potential winner.They eventually found it when Kounde intercepted an uncharacteristically loose Luka Modric pass and beat Courtois with a powerful low effort from outside the box, sparking wild celebrations.Rudiger's dismissal and Madrid's pre-match histrionics regarding the refereeing team will ensure the repercussions run on -- and the teams meet again in La Liga in May which could decide the title race.

Barcelona's German goalkeeper #01 Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (CR) and Barcelona's Uruguayan defender #04 Ronald Federico Araujo da Silva (CL) raise their trophy as they celebrate with teammates winning the Spanish Cup, Copa del Rey (King's Cup) final football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on April 26, 2025.

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Barca beat Real Madrid in ET to win Copa del Rey, keep quadruple bid alive

Cincinnati striker Kevin Denkey scored twice, including a perfectly executed bicycle kick, as the...

Cincinnati striker Kevin Denkey scored twice, including a perfectly executed bicycle kick, as the Ohio team beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1 in Major League Soccer on Saturday.The 24-year-old Togo international striker cost Cincinnati a club record fee of over $16 million when he was signed from Belgian club Cercle Brugge in January and he showed exactly why he was so highly rated with his stunning strike.After Kansas City failed to clear a corner, Luca Orellano crossed into a crowded area and Denkey leapt in the air and fired home the spectacular volley to put his team 2-0 up in the 78th minute.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Denkey had opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, following up after Lukas Engel's left-foot shot had been parried out by John Pulskamp.KC pulled a goal back through a Zorhan Bassong blast in the 89th minute but Cincinnati held on for the three points."There are not many words to describe what he did," FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan told reporters about Denkey's wonder-strike."It was one of the best goals I’ve seen in person, certainly."The seventh win in 10 games moves Cincinnati to the top of the Eastern Conference standings ahead of Saturday's later games and Denkey said the team are getting their reward for their efforts.“It’s amazing. We knew that we are a competitive team. What’s working is the hard work, the focus, and the winning mentality we have every time we step on the field," Denkey told Apple TV.

CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 05: Kévin Denkey #9 of FC Cincinnati controls the ball during an MLS soccer match against New England Revolution at TQL Stadium on April 05, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Barcelona's Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to send a thrilling Copa del Rey final agains...

Barcelona's Ferran Torres struck in the 84th minute to send a thrilling Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid to extra time, with the score tied at 2-2 on Saturday.Pedri fired Barcelona ahead in the first half in Seville, but substitute Kylian Mbappe levelled after 70 minutes and Aurelien Tchouameni headed the Spanish and European champions into the lead after 77 minutes.The referee, blasted by Real Madrid on Friday for criticising the club television channel's attacks on officials, awarded Barcelona a 96th-minute penalty after Raphinha went down in the box, but changed his mind after reviewing the incident on the VAR screen.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barcelona are chasing a potential quadruple this season while Real Madrid are hoping to make amends for their Champions League elimination with domestic silverware.

Seville, Spain - April 26: Players of Real Madrid seen protesting to the referee's decision during the Copa del Rey Final macht between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadio de La Cartuja on April 26, 2025 in Seville, Spain.

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Real Madrid started Saturday's Copa del Rey final against rivals Barcelona with superstar Kylian ...

Real Madrid started Saturday's Copa del Rey final against rivals Barcelona with superstar Kylian Mbappe on the bench.France striker Mbappe suffered an ankle injury in his team's Champions League quarter-final defeat by Arsenal last week and had missed their last two La Liga matches.Mbappe is Madrid's top goalscorer with 33 strikes across all competitions.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Madrid lined up with four midfielders, including Jude Bellingham, behind a strike partnership of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes.Ferland Mendy started at left-back for Madrid after recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for six weeks.Hansi Flick selected the expected Barcelona side, with Ferran Torres in for injured top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski up front.Gerard Martin played at left-back in the absence of Alejandro Balde, also sidelined through injury.Flick opted for Dani Olmo in attacking midfield ahead of Fermin Lopez and Gavi, with teenage star Lamine Yamal and red-hot winger Raphinha on the flanks.Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was on the bench after a long-term injury absence, with Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks.Starting line-ups for the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Real Madrid at La Cartuja stadium in Seville on Saturday:<h3>Barcelona (4-3-3)</h3>Wojciech Szczesny; Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Gerard Martin; Frenkie de Jong, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, RaphinhaCoach: Hansi Flick (GER)<h3>Real Madrid (4-4-2)</h3>Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy; Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius JuniorCoach: Carlo Ancelotti (ITA)Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (ESP)

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Crystal Palace reached the FA Cup final for the first time in nine years as Ismaila Sarr's double...

Crystal Palace reached the FA Cup final for the first time in nine years as Ismaila Sarr's double and a rocket from Eberechi Eze sealed a 3-0 win against Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday.Oliver Glasner's side took the lead in the semi-final through Eze's long-range blast before Sarr netted twice in the second half.In the final on May 17, Palace will face Nottingham Forest or Manchester City, who meet in the second semi-final on Sunday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Eagles have never won the FA Cup, losing their two final appearances against Manchester United in 2016 and 1990."All the credit to the players. They had to work so hard. They had to overcome a few difficult moments," Glasner said."We got more control and it was an unbelievable performance. The players stuck to the plan and we never lost our heads."I don't know at the moment how I feel -- a bit exhausted. The players have four days off now. They should enjoy the moment."Villa, who last won the FA Cup in 1957, were hoping to make the final for the first time since 2015.But Unai Emery's team produced a dismal display and will have to settle for fighting to qualify for the Champions League via a top five finish in the Premier League."When they scored the first goal it was more difficult for us and we only reacted after 2-0 and then we created more chances to score and we didn't do. In transition they are very good, and they deserve to win," Emery said."Sorry to our supporters because they were motivated. We have to accept it. We have to be quick to react because in the league we have the most important objective."<h3>Sarr sparkles</h3>Jean-Philippe Mateta had the ball in the back of the net just before the half-hour mark, but it was chalked off after a VAR check confirmed the Palace striker had fouled Ezri Konsa in the build-up.There was no such doubt about Eze's opener, however, after Sarr got in the way of Pau Torres' pass, then collected the resulting ricochet to the right of the Villa area.Sarr found Eze and the midfielder curled a superb strike beyond the reach of Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.Torres looked for an instant reply when he nodded just over the crossbar.Konsa came closer, forcing Dean Henderson into a low save with a header of his own from a corner.Villa piled on more pressure after the restart when Henderson made another fine save to deny John McGinn's sharp volley, then Lucas Digne fired narrowly wide through a crowd of players.Palace were awarded a 53rd-minute penalty after Eze was tugged down by Boubacar Kamara and Mateta stepped up to the spot after a VAR check, but his shot clipped the post and went wide.Just as Villa started to gain momentum, Adam Wharton intercepted a pass and, after a quick touch from Mateta, Sarr fired into the bottom corner.Henderson repelled a blast from Villa substitute Leon Bailey, moments after Mateta slid in to deny Ross Barkley.Sarr nodded Eze's cross off target, while Matty Cash's attempt to claw a late goal back for Villa sailed wide.Sarr put the seal on Palace's impressive performance in stoppage-time, outpacing Konsa before slotting home to send the Eagles into the final.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium on April 26, 2025 in London, England.

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Cardiff were relegated from the Championship after a 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion, while Pl...

Cardiff were relegated from the Championship after a 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion, while Plymouth are on the brink of dropping into the third tier despite a 2-1 win at Preston on Saturday.Just six years after Cardiff were playing in the Premier League, the Bluebirds have slumped into the third tier for the first time since 2003.Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was unable to save Cardiff in his spell as interim manager of the club he still plays for.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Luton delivered a hammer blow to Cardiff earlier in the day with their dramatic 1-0 win against Coventry effectively leaving Ramsey's men needing to win their two final games to have any chance of survival.The stalemate in the Welsh capital ended bottom of the table Cardiff's hopes of beating the drop.Fourth-bottom Luton climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time since January thanks to Shandon Baptiste's 90th-minute winner against Coventry at Kenilworth Road.Sixth-placed Coventry, clinging onto the last play-off berth, had Jay Dasilva sent off in the 13th minute before Luton's Liam Walsh was dismissed midway through the second half.Preston's Championship future still hangs in the balance after slumping to a 2-1 defeat against Plymouth, who are all but relegated.Mustapha Bundu put Plymouth ahead in the 14th minute and Callum Wright came off the bench to net in the 75th minute.Emil Riis scored for Preston in the final minutes but Miron Muslic's second-bottom team held on.Plymouth are three points from safety with a vastly inferior goal difference to their relegation rivals, meaning they are destined to sink into League One on the final day of the season next weekend.Preston sit just one point above the relegation zone after Nat Phillips struck six minutes from time to give Derby a priceless 1-0 win at third-bottom Hull.Derby had dropped to 22nd place after Luton's win over Coventry, but the Rams made it successive away victories to move up to 19th.John Eustace's side still need to beat Stoke on the last day of the season next weekend to guarantee their survival.If Hull win at Portsmouth in their final game, that will be enough to finish ahead of the loser of Derby's clash with Stoke.George Saville's first goal in nearly 18 months gave play-off chasing Millwall a crucial 1-0 victory over Swansea at The Den.The Lions trail Coventry only on goal difference thanks to their fifth successive home win.They will head to promoted Burnley on the last day, while Coventry host Middlesbrough, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Norwich.Blackburn's 2-1 win against Watford leaves them one point behind Coventry and Millwall in the play-off hunt.

CARDIFF, WALES - APRIL 26: Ollie Tanner (L) and Yousef Salech of Cardiff City (R) react at full time as they get relegated to League One during the Sky Bet Championship match between Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion at the Cardiff City Stadium on April 26, 2025 in Cardiff, Wales.

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Cardiff relegated from Championship, Plymouth face drop

Chelsea boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League as Nicolas Jackson ended his 13-gam...

Chelsea boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League as Nicolas Jackson ended his 13-game goal drought to seal a crucial 1-0 win against Everton on Saturday.Jackson struck in the first half at Stamford Bridge to get back on the scoresheet for the first time since December.The much-maligned Senegal forward's 10th goal of the season was enough to lift Enzo Maresca's side temporarily into fourth place in the Premier League.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Blues' second successive Premier League win was vital to their attempt to finish in the top five."First half we controlled the game, we dominated, created chances and didn't concede nothing. Then second half we dropped a little bit," Maresca said. "We were strong, nasty enough when we needed to be like that. Overall I think we deserved to win and we are happy."Chelsea dropped to fifth place after Newcastle beat Ipswich later on Saturday, but Jackson's winner ensured they remain in the hunt to return to the Champions League with four games left.Despite the much-needed result, it was another nervous afternoon for Maresca, who insisted this week that his first season at Chelsea has not been a failure after criticism of the Italian's conservative tactics.Maresca barely celebrated last weekend's 2-1 win at Fulham, leaving the pitch immediately after the final whistle in a move that was interpreted as a response to mounting abuse from frustrated supporters.The former Leicester manager's cautious game plans have irked fans, who have jeered Maresca and his players several times this season.Maresca is adamant he deserves respect for his work at Chelsea, who finished sixth under his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino last term.Chelsea are still not firing on all cylinders, but an uplifting climax is within reach as they aim to seal a place in the Champions League and win the UEFA Conference League.<h3>Redemption for Jackson</h3>The Blues threatened an early goal when Noni Madueke surged away clear on the left flank and cut inside for a low curler that forced a fine save from Jordan Pickford.That near-miss set the stage for Chelsea to seize control in the 27th minute with a well-crafted opener.Everton striker Beto was dispossessed near the halfway line and Enzo Fernandez caressed a precise pass into Jackson, who turned in a flash and drilled a superb strike into the bottom corner from 20 yards.In the midst of a difficult season marred by a lengthy absence with a hamstring injury, it was a sweet moment of redemption for Jackson.Out-played for much of the first half, Everton nearly drew level just before the interval.Vitalii Mykolenko clipped his pass to Abdoulaye Doucoure and the unmarked midfielder headed wide when he should at least have forced Robert Sanchez to make a save.Everton were winless in their previous 61 away league games when trailing at half-time since a victory at West Bromwich Albion in 2015.Pickford denied Madueke early in the second half as the Chelsea winger tried his luck from a tight angle.Beto carried Everton's biggest threat and he went close with a low blast from Jack Harrison's pass, forcing Sanchez to save at full stretch.Idrissa Gueye should have done better than shoot straight at Sanchez from a good position inside the area.In stoppage-time, Carlos Alcaraz's cross reached Dwight McNeil in the area, but Sanchez made an agile save."You can see how his teammates celebrated with him at the end of the game," Maresca said of Sanchez, who has been heavily criticized for high-profile errors this season. "The team know that for Robert it's not been a good moment so they try to support and help him."He had many good moments this season. The one against Tottenham at home, we were winning 1-0 and 90 minutes he did a great save ... About Robert, we remember the mistakes but he's had some very good moments with us."Everton's profligacy proved decisive as Chelsea held on to Maresca's intense relief.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates Noni Madueke and Enzo Fernandez during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Everton FC at Stamford Bridge on April 26, 2025 in London, England.

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Atletico Madrid cruised to a 3-0 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano on Thursday as they bounced back...

Atletico Madrid cruised to a 3-0 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano on Thursday as they bounced back from defeat at Las Palmas last weekend.Real Betis bolstered their Champions League ambitions with a 5-1 win over Real Valladolid, confirming the visitors' long-expected relegation.Atletico have little to play for in the rest of the season with leaders Barcelona 10 points clear with five matches remaining, but produced a solid derby display.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Alexander Sorloth opened the scoring in the third minute after Giuliano Simeone, son of coach Diego, crossed for the Norwegian target man to nod home at the back post.It was a formula which should have led to more goals for Atletico but the striker wasted several presentable opportunities.Sorloth headed over a  few minutes later and then was denied by Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla.Atletico were outplaying Rayo but the visitors could have levelled when Isi Palazon drilled towards the far corner and Jan Oblak made a fine save.Sorloth spurned another headed opportunity before Conor Gallagher struck just before half-time.Rodrigo de Paul lofted a cross into the area which the former Chelsea midfielder nodded beyond Batalla.Oblak tipped over a Palazon header as Rayo looked for an equaliser, before Atletico substitute Antoine Griezmann fired narrowly wide after a Julian Alvarez backheel teed him up.Julian Alvarez rounded off the win in the second half with his 15th La Liga goal of the season after Griezmann sent him through.Real Betis bolstered their hopes of finishing in the top five as they hammered Valladolid at the Benito Villamarin stadium with playmaker Isco on the scoresheet.Former Brazil great Ronaldo is the majority shareholder at Valladolid, who were promoted last season but immediately return to the second tier after losing 25 of their 33 games so far.Betis moved fifth, two points above Villarreal who have a game in hand which they will play on Sunday against Espanyol.Earlier, Osasuna beat Sevilla 1-0 and Leganes grabbed a late 1-1 draw at home against Girona, leaving the Madrid side 19th and four points from safety.

SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 24: Alvaro Rubio, Head Coach of Real Valladolid CF comforts Javi Sanchez of Real Valladolid CF after sustaining an injury during the LaLiga match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Valladolid CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin on April 24, 2025 in Seville, Spain.

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Atletico thump Rayo, Valladolid relegated after Betis defeat

Leicester captain Jamie Vardy will leave the former Premier League champions at the end of the se...

Leicester captain Jamie Vardy will leave the former Premier League champions at the end of the season, the relegated club announced on Thursday.The talismanic forward, a key member of the side that lifted the English league title against the odds in 2016, was described by the club as "our greatest-ever player."The former England international, 38, joined the Foxes in 2012 from non-league side Fleetwood Town for £1 million ($1.3 million) and has scored 198 goals in nearly 500 appearances.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He is the club's record Premier League goalscorer with 143 goals.Vardy scored 24 times in the 2015-16 Premier League campaign, helping the Foxes to their first top-flight title in one of the greatest shocks in football history.The pacy forward was also part of Leicester's 2021 FA Cup-winning side, who beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley. "We can confirm legendary striker Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 seasons that have seen him become our greatest-ever player," the club said in a statement."Jamie is unique," said chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha."He is a special player and an even more special person."He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City, and he certainly has my deepest respect and affection. I am endlessly grateful for everything he has given to this football club."<h3>'Devastated'</h3>Vardy said he was "devastated" to be leaving the Foxes but the time was right."To the fans of Leicester, I'm gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually," he said in a video posted by Leicester on social media."I've spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs."Vardy is the last remaining player from Leicester's 2016 title success still at the King Power Stadium.Leicester were relegated in 2023 but the forward stayed with the club and helped them to an immediate return to the Premier League.But they are heading straight back to the Championship after a miserable season.Vardy, who has scored seven goals in 31 league appearances this season, gave a scathing assessment of Leicester's campaign after relegation was confirmed on Sunday following a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool."This season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally, a total embarrassment", he said in a social media post. "It hurts".Ruud van Nistelrooy's side are 19th in the table, having collected 18 points from their 33 matches.The club have five games left this season and confirmed Vardy's final game at the King Power Stadium would be on May 18 against Ipswich, who are nearly certain to be relegated.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City kisses the Premier League Trophy after the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on May 7, 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom.

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'Greatest-ever' Vardy to leave Leicester City at end of season

Inter Milan head into the final straight of their title battle with Napoli locked on points at th...

Inter Milan head into the final straight of their title battle with Napoli locked on points at the top of Serie A and reeling from a crushing derby defeat which ended the champions' hopes of the treble.Last weekend's last-gasp defeat at Bologna left Inter ahead of Napoli on goal difference and Simone Inzaghi's team will have to dust themselves down from a 3-0 loss to AC Milan on Wednesday which cost them a place in the Italian Cup final.Inter host Roma on Sunday afternoon in a match which was pushed back a day so that it and two others didn't clash with Pope Francis' funeral, which will be held at St Peter's Square in Vatican City on Saturday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Pope's death on Monday, and the five days of nationwide mourning then declared by the Italian government, caused a fixture reshuffle which has done Inter little good ahead of their trip to Barcelona for next week's first leg of their Champions League semi-final.Inter already looked tired when falling to Riccardo Orsolini's stoppage-time bicycle kick at Bologna, and they now have one day fewer to prepare for Barca after a painful defeat to Milan."It's pointless denying it (that his players are tired) but we have to keep going. There's obviously some mental and physical tiredness but we have to be stronger than the fixture list," said Inzaghi on Wednesday.At least seven more games await Inter between now and the end of the season, after which the three-time European champions jet off to the United States for the revamped Club World Cup and a minimum of three group matches.The Gazzetta Dello Sport reports that Inter were given the possibility to play on Saturday night but that the club decided that would cause enough controversy to effectively cancel out the benefit of an extra night's rest before Barca.Roma should be tricky opponents for Inter as Claudio Ranieri's team are unbeaten in 17 Serie A matches and still in the hunt for Champions League football.The capital club are three points behind fourth-placed Bologna and one of five teams contesting the final spot in the top four.Napoli, meanwhile, have a clear opening to claim their second Scudetto in three seasons with Sunday's match with 10th-placed Torino the only one of their remaining five fixtures against a team in the top half of the table.However, all is not well in Naples with coach Antonio Conte openly criticising the club for lack of investment in the team and even the training ground.Conte could be without David Neres for the rest of the season after the ex-Brazil winger tore a muscle in his left calf in training, an injury that the fiery former Italy manager blamed on Napoli not relaying the pitches at Castel Volturno.Neres was signed last summer but became a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia following the Georgian star's January move to Paris Saint-Germain, and he has performed well for Conte.<h3>Player to watch: Lautaro Martinez</h3>Fourteen goals since the turn of the year have made captain Martinez Inter's man for the big occasion, and he will have to put in another shift against Roma with the champions thin in attack.With Marcus Thuram still out with a hamstring injury, Martinez will be flanked by one of Inter's three replacement strikers, none of whom have convinced when either he or Thuram have been unavailable.Wednesday's comprehensive defeat at the hands of Milan featured another anonymous display from Mehdi Taremi, while Marko Arnautovic has only shown flashes of talent in his outings up front.<h3>Key stats</h3>71: The number points Inter and Napoli have gathered this season.10: Inter will have to play a minimum of 10 more matches between now and the end of June, compared to Napoli's five.<h3>Fixtures</h3>Sunday<ul>
<li>Como vs. Genoa</li>
<li>Venezia vs. AC Milan</li>
<li>Fiorentina vs. Empoli</li>
<li>Inter Milan vs. Roma</li>
<li>Juventus vs. Monza</li>
<li>Napoli vs. Torino</li>
</ul>Monday<ul>
<li>Udinese vs. Bologna</li>
<li>Lazio vs. Parma</li>
<li>Verona vs. Cagliari</li>
</ul>

STADIO GIUSEPPE MEAZZA, MILANO, ITALY - 2025/04/23: Lautaro Martinez of Fc Internazionale looks dejected during the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg match beetween Fc Internazionale and Ac Milan. Ac Milan wins 3-0 over Fc Internazionale.Ac Milan went through to the next round with an aggregate score of 4-1.

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Inter's Scudetto defense flagging after treble dream dies

Liverpool are on the brink of winning the Premier League title after Arsenal were held to a 2-2 d...

Liverpool are on the brink of winning the Premier League title after Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace on Wednesday.Arne Slot's side were watching in anticipation of an Arsenal defeat that would have secured Liverpool's record-equalling 20th English title.They didn't get their wish to start the party just yet, but Liverpool look certain to lift the trophy for the first time since 2020 after Jean-Philippe Mateta's late equaliser for Palace at the Emirates Stadium.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Liverpool are 12 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, who have just four games left and an inferior goal difference of +34 compared to the leaders' +44.The Reds, who have five matches remaining, will be assured of matching the 20 titles won by bitter rivals Manchester United if they avoid defeat against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.While the champagne remains on ice for Slot's men, it is only a matter of time before Liverpool finish their relentless march to the title after Arsenal's third draw in their last four league games.Jakub Kiwior put the Gunners ahead early on but Eberechi Eze equalised for Palace.Leandro Trossard restored Arsenal's advantage before half-time, only for Mateta to come off the bench and bag a sublime leveller with seven minutes left.Arsenal had delayed Liverpool's celebrations by routing Ipswich 4-0 on Sunday when a defeat for the Gunners and a Reds win over Leicester would have ended the title race.Mikel Arteta's team again kept Liverpool waiting a few days longer, but their real focus was already on Tuesday's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.Arsenal will be making their first Champions League last four appearance since 2009 when they host the French club in the first leg.Arteta had insisted he would not rest his stars against Palace with a view to protecting them for the PSG showdown.But he opted to leave Bukayo Saka on the bench after the England winger was left limping by a foul from Ipswich's Leif Davis last weekend, with Mikel Merino and Ben White not fit to feature.<h3>Title within touching distance</h3>With Palace facing an FA Cup semi-final clash against Aston Villa on Saturday, Oliver Glasner started without key forwards Mateta and Ismaila Sarr.Arsenal looked set to take advantage of Palace's Wembley distraction when they went in front after just three minutes.It was another success for Arsenal's set-piece coach Nicolas Jover as they scored from a well-worked dead ball routine for a Premier League leading 16th time this season.Martin Odegaard whipped a free-kick into the Palace area and Kiwior was left completely unmarked to power his header past Dean Henderson from 12 yards.The Poland defender's first league goal since February 2024 was almost followed by an immediate Palace equaliser as David Raya saved Daniel Munoz's volley from an acute angle.So switched on when attacking from set-pieces, Arsenal were caught out from one when Palace equalised in the 27th minute.Adam Wharton picked out the unmarked Eze on the edge of the area and the England midfielder's agile volley went in off the post after bouncing past an unsighted Raya.Trossard put Arsenal back ahead in the 42nd minute as the Belgian took Jurrien Timber's pass and deftly evaded two Palace defenders before clipping a deflected finish into the bottom corner from 12 yards.Arteta took a risk by sending on Saka for the last half an hour, but it was Palace were on the offensive as Justin Devenny's header was tipped over by Raya.Henderson made a brilliant save to push Saka's volley over and Palace took advantage of that escape to snatch an 83rd-minute equaliser.William Saliba carelessly conceded possession and Mateta pounced to chip a superb finish over the out of position Raya from 30 yards to leave Liverpool within touching distance of the title.

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday December 1, 2024.

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Liverpool 1 point away from title after Arsenal's draw with Palace

Juventus conceded their place in Serie A's Champions League positions on Wednesday after falling ...

Juventus conceded their place in Serie A's Champions League positions on Wednesday after falling to a 1-0 defeat at Parma, one of four matches rescheduled from Monday following the death of Pope Francis.Mateo Pellegrino's thumping header on the stroke of half-time was enough for Parma to earn a precious win in their fight for top flight survival and damage Juve's Champions League hopes.Juve sit fifth after their first defeat of Igor Tudor's reign as coach, one point behind Bologna who are in the top four after beating Inter Milan on Sunday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>And Tudor will have to do without Dusan Vlahovic against Monza on Sunday after the Serbia striker was substituted at half-time, reportedly for a thigh injury.Parma moved six points above the relegation zone following their first win in two months, which came after six straight draws.Defeat for Juve was great news for Lazio who moved level on 59 points with the "Old Lady" of Italian football following a comfortable 2-0 win at Genoa, a match which finished with both teams down to 10 men.Lazio took advantage of Genoa's Sebastian Otoa being sent off 21 minutes into his Serie A debut, a beautiful volley from Valentin Castellanos 11 minutes later and Boulaye Dia's strike midway through the second half earning the away side the points.Reda Belahyane was dismissed for Lazio minutes after replacing Nicolo Rovella who set up Dia's goal with a fine pass, but it made no difference to the result.Eighth-placed Fiorentina are one of four teams -- alongside Juve, Lazio and Roma -- within four points of fourth-placed Bologna after coming from behind to win 2-1 at Cagliari.

PARMA, ITALY - APRIL 23: Khéphren Thuram of Juventus shows his dejection during the Serie A match between Parma and Juventus at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 23, 2025 in Parma, Italy.

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Juve drop out of top 4 after damaging loss to Parma

Barcelona inched closer to the La Liga title with a 1-0 win over Mallorca on Tuesday which took t...

Barcelona inched closer to the La Liga title with a 1-0 win over Mallorca on Tuesday which took them seven points clear of Real Madrid.Spain international Dani Olmo slotted home to help Barca turn up the heat on second-placed champions Madrid, who visit Getafe on Wednesday.Hansi Flick's side, aiming for a potential quadruple, outplayed the visitors but could not extend their lead at the Olympic stadium as goalkeeper Leo Roman made save after save.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With Saturday's Copa del Rey final against rivals Real Madrid in mind, Flick rested several of his usual starters.The coach handed former teenage prodigy Ansu Fati his first start since October and deployed Hector Fort on the left of the defence, with Ferran Torres up front in place of injured top scorer Robert Lewandowski."We had a good game, the whole team, there were a lot of rotations today with players who hadn't played for a while and I'm really happy for them," Gavi told Movistar."Their goalkeeper had a great game, we had so many chances but that's football, they're not going to make it easy."Barcelona created several chances in the first half and could hardly believe the score was goalless at the break.Gavi's deflected shot hit the post, while Torres fired over after Olmo played him in.Fati also fired narrowly off target as the hosts turned the screw, and Roman saved from teenage star Lamine Yamal, before Fort's shot was blocked as Mallorca rode their luck.Now 22 and struggling for minutes at Barca, Fati drilled wide of the near post when he might have tested the increasingly-busy Roman, before Mateu Morey blasted home at the other end but was offside.<h3>Rapid strike</h3>Barcelona left the pitch frustrated but swiftly took the lead at the start of the second half, with Olmo firing home less than a minute in, after a long string of passes.Fati came close to a second but Roman palmed his drive to safety. Flick sent on Raphinha and Fermin Lopez to try and finish the job.Yamal should have added Barcelona's second when the excellent Pedri sent him through, but Roman made yet another save.The goalkeeper showed good reflexes to thwart Eric Garcia and then clawed out Lopez's deflected shot when it looked like it was dipping over his head for his 10th save of the night.It was Roman's first appearance in the league in 2025 for Mallorca and although he and his side left without a point to show for it, another save to deny Lopez towards the end underlined his outstanding display."The coach has a huge problem deciding (between Roman and usual goalkeeper Dominik Grief)," said Mallorca defender Jose Copete."Leo's been training really well, he hadn't played for so long, and you just have to see how he played in a tricky game like today's."Mallorca appealed for a penalty in stoppage time when Garcia held Abdon Prats in the box but their appeals were waved away.Barcelona have five games remaining in La Liga, including a mouthwatering Clasico showdown against Real Madrid on May 11.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 22: Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona celebrates with team mates after scoring the team's first goal during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 22, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Olmo inches Barcelona closer to La Liga title

Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 1-1 draw at Nantes in a rearranged Ligue 1 game on Tuesday, a ...

Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 1-1 draw at Nantes in a rearranged Ligue 1 game on Tuesday, a result which maintains their unbeaten domestic record this season with the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal on the horizon.It looked like Vitinha's first-half strike might be enough for PSG, who have already secured a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title, to leave the Stade de la Beaujoire with the victory.However, Nantes hit back to equalise with six minutes remaining through their Brazilian midfielder Douglas Augusto, earning the hosts a precious point in their battle for survival.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>PSG might still have won the game at the death, but a header by substitute Goncalo Ramos from a Desire Doue cross came back off the crossbar.Nevertheless, the draw means they have still not lost a game against domestic opposition since May last year, and leaves them just four Ligue 1 matches away from becoming the first team ever to complete a French top-flight campaign without losing.The closest a team has ever come to doing that remains Nantes, who went undefeated through their first 32 matches before suffering their only loss on the way to becoming champions in 1994/95.<h3>Historic away run</h3>The result also allowed Paris to extend their run without losing away from home in Ligue 1 to 39 matches since February 2023 -- AC Milan's run of 38 away games unbeaten in Serie A between 1991 and 1993 was previously the record in Europe's leading leagues."Today is a special day for us, beating AC Milan's record. I congratulate my players for that," said PSG coach Luis Enrique.He saw Vitinha fire in first-time on the half-volley just inside the penalty box for the opener shortly after the half-hour mark.Joao Neves was denied by Patrik Carlgren as the visitors threatened to increase their lead before the interval, but PSG did not create a huge number of chances despite controlling possession throughout.Nantes might have equalised sooner, with Jean-Charles Castelletto's low shot destined for the far corner only being kept out by a fine Gianluigi Donnarumma save.Douglas Augusto then fired in the late leveller after a lung-bursting run from Matthis Abline, bringing the home fans in the crowd of over 34,000 to their feet.Nantes are now four points clear of the relegation zone with four games to play, and three of their remaining matches will be at home."I am proud because I didn't expect such a performance from my players. We didn't just defend well but we also played good football and created chances," said Nantes coach Antoine Kombouare."We never let our heads go down. It is a really well-deserved point," added Kombouare, who described PSG's unbeaten away record as "monstrous".This encounter was initially due to be played on the weekend of April 12 and 13 before being postponed to give PSG a rest in between the two legs of their Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa.They play Arsenal away in the first leg of their semi-final next Tuesday, but must first entertain Nice in another Ligue 1 game on Friday.Coach Luis Enrique is likely to once again heavily rotate his team for that match, having notably left out Achraf Hakimi altogether here and used the likes of Bradley Barcola and Doue from the bench.

Paris Saint-Germain's Portuguese midfielder #17 Vitinha (L) kicks the ball in front of Nantes' French midfielder #08 Johann Lepenant (R) during the French L1 football match between FC Nantes and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Stade de la BeaujoireLouis Fonteneau in Nantes, western France, on April 22, 2025.

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PSG keep undefeated Ligue 1 season intact with Nantes draw

Matheus Nunes scored a priceless stoppage-time winner as Manchester City beat top five-rivals Ast...

Matheus Nunes scored a priceless stoppage-time winner as Manchester City beat top five-rivals Aston Villa 2-1 on Tuesday to boost their bid to qualify for the Champions League.Pep Guardiola's side were seconds away from a damaging draw at the Etihad Stadium after Bernardo Silva's early opener was cancelled out by Marcus Rashford's penalty.But Nunes's last-gasp strike sparked wild celebrations from Guardiola and his players as they climbed to third place in the Premier League.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With the race for a top-five finish approaching a tense climax, Portugal midfielder Nunes, converted to right-back lately, could not have picked a better time to net his first league goal for City.City's 15th successive home league win against Villa wasn't quite as stunning as the fightback from two goals down that brought them the Premier League title on the last day of the 2021-22 season.But it could prove almost as lucrative, with a place in the Champions League now within their control.With four games left, City will remain at least fifth even if fourth-placed Nottingham Forest, fifth-placed Newcastle and sixth-placed Chelsea each win their game in hand.After winning the Premier League six times in the previous seven seasons, City have been reduced to fighting for a place in the Champions League at a time of year when they are usually in the title hunt.City's decline has already been remarkable enough, but enduring a first season without Champions League action since 2010-11 would be a new low and this was a vital step in avoiding that fate.City will turn their attention to the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley on Sunday, while Villa must bounce back from a painful loss in time for their own last-four clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.Villa were eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals last week after narrowly failing in their bid for a dramatic fightback against Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg.<h3>City savior</h3>This was another blow for Unai Emery's seventh-placed side, who are two points adrift of the top five with four games left.With Rashford on loan from Manchester United, it was no surprise that his name was loudly jeered by City fans before kick-off.The England forward almost silenced the boos just 19 seconds after kick-off when he slalomed past Ruben Dias for a low drive that smacked off the far post.After that narrow escape, Silva landed the first blow for City in the seventh minute.Omar Marmoush was the catalyst with an incisive surge into the Villa area before cutting his pass back to Silva, whose stinging strike from 10 yards was too powerful for Emiliano Martinez's awkward attempted save to keep out.Silva's first goal since December provoked an immediate response from Villa.In the 18th minute, Jacob Ramsey induced a lumbering challenge from Dias, who tripped the midfielder for a penalty that was only awarded by referee Craig Pawson after VAR told him to consult the pitchside monitor.Guardiola was furious with the decision, earning a booking for his tirade at the fourth official.Rashford kept his nerve, sending Stefan Ortega the wrong way from the spot for his fourth goal since his loan move in the January transfer window.Rashford's blistering speed was a constant danger to City and he easily out-paced their back four for a shot that Ortega blocked with his legs.However, City got to grips with Rashford better in the second half as they pushed for a winner.Nunes was their saviour in the fourth of five minutes of stoppage time when he met Jeremy Doku's low cross with a superb finish from the most acute of angles six yards from goal.Guardiola's frenzied fist-pumping dance of joy underlined the significance of a crucial result in a turbulent season that could still have an uplifting finale.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, looks dejected as Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City (obscured), celebrates after Matheus Nunes of Manchester City (not pictured) scored his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Aston Villa FC at Etihad Stadium on April 22, 2025 in Manchester, England.

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Man City down top-5 rivals Aston Villa with precious 94th-minute strike

Inter Milan's match against Roma has been postponed due to a clash with Pope Francis' funeral whi...

Inter Milan's match against Roma has been postponed due to a clash with Pope Francis' funeral which the Vatican announced will take place on Saturday, Serie A said on Tuesday.Serie A said all three matches scheduled for Saturday would be rescheduled, with Inter's - moved to Sunday at 3 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET) - being the highest profile as they contest the league title with Napoli.The decision comes after the Italian government announced on Tuesday five days of national mourning for Francis, the head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, who died at his home in the Vatican on Monday aged 88 after suffering a stroke.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He had been recovering from double pneumonia that saw him hospitalised for five weeks.Italy's Olympic Committee CONI, the country's highest sporting body, "invited" all other federations to suspend any events scheduled for Saturday.CONI also asked a minute's silence be held at all sporting events held during the days of national mourning.The other two matches Serie A postponed were Como vs. Genoa, moved to Sunday at 12:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. ET), and Lazio's home match with Parma, which will be played on Monday to stop fans from flocking to Rome's Stadio Olimpico on the same day as the funeral.The Olimpico is around three kilometres from Vatican City and the Prati and Della Vittoria districts which separate the two are often paralysed by a combination of fan and tourist traffic on matchdays.The rescheduling causes the biggest problems for Inter, who are bidding for the Serie A, Champions League and Italian Cup treble.Inter are level on 71 points with Napoli, who host Torino on Sunday, at the top of Serie A and face local rivals AC Milan in the second leg of the cup semis, with Barcelona awaiting a week later.The Italian champions have already played 50 matches this season and are set for at least another 11 between now and the end of June due to the revamped Club World Cup being played in the United States.Four fixtures from the last matchday which had been scheduled for Monday will now be played on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. local time (12:30 p.m. ET), with Champions League chasers Juventus playing at Parma.

STADIO GIUSEPPE MEAZZA, MILAN, ITALY - 2025/02/10: A general view of Giuseppe Meazza stadium (also known as San Siro) is seen prior to the Serie A football match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina. FC Internazionale won 2-1 over ACF Fiorentina.

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Inter-Roma among Serie A matches postponed for Pope Francis' funeral

Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka has a "good chance to play" in Wednesday's Premier League game agai...

Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka has a "good chance to play" in Wednesday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace after confirming the Arsenal winger's injury is "nothing serious".Saka was seen limping after being substituted in the second half of Sunday's 4-0 win at Ipswich following a first-half foul from Leif Davis that led to the defender's dismissal.Although Saka played on for a while after the injury, there were concerns he could be in danger of missing next week's Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But Gunners boss Arteta eased those fears as he said Saka was in contention to face Palace at the Emirates Stadium."We have to wait and see how he reacts after (the training) session, but it's nothing too serious," he told reporters on Tuesday."If we want to, I think he would have a good chance to play tomorrow."Arteta suggested he would be willing to send out a full-strength team, including Saka, against Palace, even though Arsenal have little to play for in the Premier League.The north Londoners are 13 points behind leaders Liverpool, who will be crowned champions if Arsenal lose to Palace or if they beat Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday."We cannot think in those terms. When the players are fit and available and want to play, they have to play," Arteta said of his selection dilemma."They are at their best when they are playing and they have consistency in their performances and physically they are good, emotionally they are good, their understanding and their rhythm and the way they make decisions is at their best."Arsenal will not play again after the Palace game before they face PSG in their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.The Gunners have never won Europe's top club competition and last won a trophy five years ago, when they lifted the FA Cup.Arteta believes the extra rest could be helpful ahead of Arsenal's biggest European game for 16 years."We have more days, the amount of options that we have is not that many.... It's good to have a little gap because we are really short in numbers," he said.Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined and Jorginho is facing an absence of a few weeks.Arteta added: "It is what we have. Let's take the opportunity first of all. Earn the right to win the game tomorrow against a really good side that have a really good record away from home as well and after that we have time to prepare for the (PSG) game really well."Second-placed Arsenal can make Arne Slot's Liverpool wait a few more days for their Premier League title party if they beat Palace."Our incentive is to win our game and to do our best to continue with our run that we are in right now, the rest we cannot control," Arteta said.

IPSWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal receives medical treatment, as Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice of Arsenal look on during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Arsenal FC at Portman Road on April 20, 2025 in Ipswich, England.

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Arteta eases Saka injury fears: 'Good chance' he can play next match

Napoli could be without winger David Neres for the rest of the season after the Serie A club said...

Napoli could be without winger David Neres for the rest of the season after the Serie A club said on Tuesday that he had suffered a calf tear.In a statement, Napoli said that Brazil international Neres had suffered the tear to the soleus muscle in his left calf.Napoli did not specify for how long Neres would be sidelined but Italian media report that the 28-year-old could be out for a month.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>That would rule Neres out of at least four of Napoli's final five matches of the campaign as Antonio Conte's team try to win a second league title in three seasons.Napoli are level on 71 points with Serie A leaders Inter Milan, who have a much tougher schedule with Italian Cup and Champions League commitments.Should the two teams finish the league season with the same points tally the title will be decided by a single-match play-off.Neres joined Napoli last summer and has effectively become a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia following the Georgian star's January move to Paris Saint-Germain.On Saturday an angry Conte complained about the pitches at Napoli's Castel Volturno training ground, saying that they were supposed to be relaid and suggesting the club's failure to do so was behind recent calf injuries.

David Neres of SSC Napoli controls the ball during the serie Serie A Enilive match between SSC Napoli and Empoli Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 14, 2025 in Naples, Italy

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Neres risks missing Napoli's title run-in with calf tear

Championship club Norwich on Tuesday sacked manager Johannes Hoff Thorup after three straight def...

Championship club Norwich on Tuesday sacked manager Johannes Hoff Thorup after three straight defeats, with former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere taking temporary charge.The Dane, 36, was appointed on a three-year deal in May last year to replace David Wagner, who was dismissed following the Canaries' play-off defeat by Leeds.The club, relegated from the Premier League in 2022, are 14th in the second-tier Championship and have no hope of reaching the playoffs, for the sides that finish between third and sixth.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Assistant head coach Glen Riddersholm has also left his position.Sporting director Ben Knapper said: "Whilst we made this appointment with a long-term focus and in line with our wider club strategy and direction, unfortunately recent results and performances have deemed it necessary for us make a change."Wilshere, who had been working as part of Thorup's coaching staff, will be in charge of the team on an interim basis for the final two Championship games of the season.

Norwich City's Forson Amankwah and coach Jack Wilshere react following during the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich. Picture date: Sunday October 27, 2024.

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Ex-Arsenal star Wilshere takes interim charge of Norwich

Nottingham Forest beat struggling Tottenham 2-1 on Monday, bouncing back from two defeats to stre...

Nottingham Forest beat struggling Tottenham 2-1 on Monday, bouncing back from two defeats to strengthen their push for a Champions League spot and heap the pressure on Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.Forest came into the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in sixth spot in the table after losses to Aston Villa and Everton.But early goals from Elliot Anderson and top-scorer Chris Wood settled their nerves and they held on tenaciously despite a late goal from Richarlison to climb to third in the table.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Leaders Liverpool have one hand on the Premier League title and Arsenal are likely to finish second.But behind them the competition is fierce for the top five places that will guarantee qualification for the Champions League next season.Just three points separate Forest from Aston Villa in seventh spot, with five games remaining for all the contenders.Nuno Espirito Santo's visitors took the lead in the fifth minute following a corner when Anderson's deflected shot beat Guglielmo Vicario.Wood had the ball in the net five minutes later but it was ruled out by VAR for offside.But the New Zealander doubled Forest's lead in the 16th minute, nodding a cross from Anthony Elanga past Vicario.Spurs dominated possession and had more shots on goal but provided little threat.Forest had a chance to make it 3-0 10 minutes into the second half when Wood cushioned the ball into the path of Morgan Gibbs-White but the midfielder skewed his shot wide.Forest defender Harry Toffolo produced a spectacular overhead goal-line clearance to keep out Dejan Kulusevski's header shortly after the hour mark.Postecoglou brought on former Forest winger Brennan Johnson and forward Dominic Solanke with a quarter of the match to go.Matz Sels produced a superb fingertip save low down to his right from a Richarlison header with about 10 minutes to go as Tottenham upped the pressure.The Brazilian did get on the scoresheet in the 87th minute, powering a header home from a Pedro Porro cross but the visitors held on.Nuno said his team had toughed it out against the home side, who he admitted had his men "against the ropes".<h3>'Anxiety'</h3>"It is about getting through it, especially in these moments of the season when there is fatigue, not only physical but mental, anxiety -- all these things made the team go back a bit," he told Sky Sports.Nuno, whose side play Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend, said his team had a big week ahead of them."You don't get these moments often, especially in this league when we are fighting for something nobody expected," he added.Forest, who finished 17th last season, are two-time European champions but have not played in the continent's top club competition since the 1980/81 season.Spurs' 18th defeat of a miserable Premier League season leaves them just two places above the relegation zone.But Postecoglou still has a chance to win silverware in his second season at the club.Spurs face Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals of the Europa League next month, with the winner of the competition guaranteed a place in next season's Champions League. A disappointed Postecoglou said his side had dominated Monday's game but had "conceded poor goals and given ourselves a mountain to climb".The Australian, whose team travel to face Liverpool on Sunday, admitted the Europa League was now his priority as he tries to achieve momentum and protect his players.Fifth-placed Manchester City host Villa on Tuesday.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest celebrates scoring the second goal with Anthony Elanga, Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 21, 2025 in London, England.

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Forest back in 3rd after dealing sorry Spurs 18th league defeat

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