Christian Pulisic wasn't included in United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino's depleted squa...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/60435" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/60435">Christian Pulisic</a> wasn't included in United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino's depleted squad for this summer's Gold Cup.</p><p>Pulisic, the U.S. men's national team's marquee player and most talented forward, is "beaten up physically" after consecutive grueling seasons with AC Milan, sources told <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/sources-usmnt-star-christian-pulisic-wont-play-gold-cup-summer">Doug McIntyre of FOX Sports</a>. The 26-year-old will set a new career high for minutes played in a single campaign if he surpasses 49 minutes in Milan's season finale against Monza on Saturday.</p><p>"Christian and his team approached the federation and the coaching staff about the possibility of stepping back this summer, given the amount of matches he has played in the past two years at both the club and international level with very little break," U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"After thoughtful discussions and careful consideration, we made the collective decision that this is the right moment for him to get the rest he needs," Crocker added, noting the importance for Pulisic to "perform at the highest level next season" ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/67049" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/67049">Cameron Carter-Vickers</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/167254" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/167254">Yunus Musah</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/94902" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/94902">Antonee Robinson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/99893" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/99893">Joe Scally</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/165826" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/165826">Tanner Tessmann</a> were other notable names left off Pochettino's roster. Fellow absentees <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/92825" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/92825">Weston McKennie</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/50017" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/50017">Jordan Morris</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/161127" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/161127">Gio Reyna</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/40754" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/40754">Cristian Roldan</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///seri/players/99646" href="https://thescore.com/seri/players/99646">Tim Weah</a> were already expected to miss the tournament.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///intfr/players/162357" href="https://thescore.com/intfr/players/162357">Sergino Dest</a> returned to the national team fold for the first time since March 2024 after recovering from a torn ACL and helping PSV Eindhoven win the Eredivisie title. Monaco striker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/162980" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/162980">Folarin Balogun</a> is in the squad after battling shoulder issues during a four-goal Ligue 1 campaign.</p><p>The Vancouver Whitecaps' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/165228" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/165228">Sebastian Berhalter</a>, Koln's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///gerdfbp/players/193314" href="https://thescore.com/gerdfbp/players/193314">Damion Downs</a>, Orlando City's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/187895" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/187895">Alex Freeman</a>, and the Philadelphia Union's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/178368" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/178368">Quinn Sullivan</a> earned their first USMNT call-ups.</p><p>The Gold Cup begins June 14 and is hosted primarily in the United States. The U.S., a seven-time winner of the tournament, will meet old foe Trinidad and Tobago on June 15 before closing out group play against Haiti and guest nation Saudi Arabia.</p><p>The team will warm up for the Gold Cup with friendlies against Turkey (June 7) and Switzerland (June 10). The current 27-man roster needs to be trimmed to 26 players before the tournament kicks off.</p><h3>USMNT squad</h3><p><strong>Goalkeepers:</strong> Matt Freese (New York City), Patrick Schulte (Columbus), Zack Steffen (Colorado), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace)</p><p><strong>Defenders:</strong> Max Arfsten (Columbus), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Orlando), DeJuan Jones (San Jose), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati)</p><p><strong>Midfielders:</strong> Brenden Aaronson (Leeds), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Luca de la Torre (San Diego), Diego Luna (Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus)</p><p><strong>Forwards:</strong> Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte), Folarin Balogun (Monaco). Damion Downs (Cologne), Brian White (Vancouver), Haji Wright (Coventry)</p>

INGLEWOOD, CA - MARCH 20: Weston McKennie #8 and Christian Pulisic #10 of USA warm up before the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal match between United States and Panama at SoFi Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Pulisic among USMNT stars missing Gold Cup this summer

Liverpool reached an agreement with Jeremie Frimpong over a five-year contract and will activate ...

<p>Liverpool reached an agreement with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///bund/players/162728" href="https://thescore.com/bund/players/162728">Jeremie Frimpong</a> over a five-year contract and will activate the €35-million release clause in his Bayer Leverkusen deal, reports <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5843414/2025/05/17/jeremie-frimpong-liverpool-transfer-latest-leverkusen/">David Ornstein of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Frimpong, a dynamic wing-back who was instrumental in helping Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title in 2023-24, will undergo a medical to complete the transfer, Ornstein adds.</p><p>The 24-year-old Dutchman figures to assume the right-back role being vacated by the departing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/69665" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/69665">Trent Alexander-Arnold</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Alexander-Arnold, who's already announced his intention to leave his boyhood club as a free agent this summer, is expected to join Real Madrid.</p><p>Though stylistically a different player, Frimpong should provide plenty of attacking punch down the right flank at Anfield, where he'll combine with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a> for Arne Slot's Premier League champions.</p><p>The rapid Netherlands international recorded five goals and 12 assists for Leverkusen this season.</p><p>His arrival would force him either to adjust his style of play to better fit with Liverpool's system or require Slot to tweak his midfield tactics to ensure his center-backs aren't solely responsible for covering the spaces left behind when Frimpong makes his frequent forays forward.</p>

LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - AUGUST 17: Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer 04 Leverkusen celebrates his team's win during the DFL Supercup 2024 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart at BayArena on August 17, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany.

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Report: Liverpool signing Frimpong to 5-year contract 

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

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

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4 questions that will decide who wins Champions League final

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

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

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

Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi says that captain Lautaro Martinez is at risk of missing the clu...

<p>Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi says that captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/99740" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/99740">Lautaro Martinez</a> is at risk of missing the club's Champions League semifinal second-leg clash against Barcelona next week because of a leg injury he suffered in Wednesday's draw.</p><p>The Argentine striker pulled up favoring his leg late in the opening half of the first-leg affair. He briefly left the pitch for treatment before finishing the half but didn't return after the interval.</p><p>"I hope we don't lose Lautaro but I have my doubts," Inzaghi told reporters after the game, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lautaro-inter-barcelona-champions-league-afa5b497e762221a7bae75c9de36548f">Associated Press</a>. "It will be very difficult to have him for the return match. Probably we'll play without our captain."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Martinez was replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/92363" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/92363">Mehdi Taremi</a>.</p><p>The injury bug also bit Barcelona, as influential right-back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/67045" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/67045">Jules Kounde</a> excited in the first half because of an undisclosed issue.</p><p>Star teenager <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/193783" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/193783">Lamine Yamal</a> appeared to be nursing a muscle problem of his own during the prematch warmup. However, he was able to play and scored a sensational 24th-minute goal that helped get the home side back on track after conceding the first two goals.</p><p>The breathless match finished 3-3. The second leg is next week in Milan.</p>

BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 30: Lautaro Martínez of FC Internazionale (R) and Pedri Lopez of FC Barcelona (L) fight for position during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Inter captain Martinez doubtful for 2nd leg vs. Barca due to injury

The race for the top individual accolade in men's soccer has never been more open. With Lionel Me...

<p><em>The race for the top individual accolade in men's soccer has never been more open. With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's duopoly well and truly over - neither was nominated for the Ballon d'Or last year - opportunity beckons. Rodri took full advantage in 2024. Who will do the same this year? Each month until the award is presented in October, we'll publish fresh rankings looking at the top contenders. Here are the 10 leading candidates right now.</em></p><p><strong>Previous edition</strong>: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241190" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241190">March</a></p><h3>10. Declan Rice</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-bDMNP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/bDMNP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rice rocketed himself into contention with the signature performance of the Champions League season thus far, scoring two stupendous free-kicks in Arsenal's quarterfinal victory over reigning champions Real Madrid.</p><p>His chance of becoming the first Englishman in over two decades to win the Ballon d'Or hinges entirely on the continental competition; in a year without a major international summer tournament, that rings true for several players. If Rice can replicate his incredible performances against Madrid and power Arsenal to its first Champions League title with his dominant box-to-box ability, he'll continue climbing in the eyes of the voters.</p><h3>9. Lautaro Martinez</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-XN1Gu" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XN1Gu/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><p>Their treble dream may have been extinguished, but Inter are still very much in contention for both the Scudetto and, crucially in this conversation, the Champions League title. Martinez, their captain and top scorer across all competitions this season, is leading that charge.</p><p>He's on a tear in the Champions League with goals in each of his last five fixtures in the tournament. The feisty striker would see his Ballon d'Or chances soar if he can help orchestrate the ouster of Barcelona in the semifinals. That would give him a leg up on several direct challengers for the honor, and an additional match in the final, win or lose, would help his quest to be the tournament's top scorer.</p><h3>8. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-HhfpY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/HhfpY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: Unranked</em></p><p>When all is said and done this season, Kvaratskhelia may have played a critical role in <em>two</em> teams winning a combined four trophies. He left Napoli in January after helping the club establish itself as a title contender. Despite being gone for months, he's still the squad's fourth-highest scorer in Serie A this season.</p><p>But it's at PSG where he's hit another gear. The Georgian winger's arrival transformed Luis Enrique's team into a genuine Champions League threat by unlocking the squad's full attacking potential. Kvaratskhelia could help PSG win a treble, and, unlike the Barcelona contingent, is really only sharing any Ballon d'Or limelight with one other teammate.</p><h3>7. Kylian Mbappe</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-TN0dq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TN0dq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: 2</em></p><p>Mbappe's Ballon d'Or bid has mostly cratered over the past month. He was one of our top candidates in March, when Real Madrid were still in treble contention and he was filling the net with regularity. Since then, Los Blancos were eliminated from the Champions League and lost the Copa del Rey final to bitter rivals Barcelona, while Mbappe missed time due to injury.</p><p>Mbappe's dwindling chances of individual hardware rest almost exclusively on Real Madrid hunting down Barca in the race for the La Liga title. However, his personal numbers - scoring more goals in his debut campaign with Madrid than Cristiano Ronaldo did - and opportunity to win the Club World Cup and Nations League this summer mean he can't be ruled out just yet.</p><h3>6. Pedri</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1KqAK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1KqAK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: 9</em></p><p>Rodri's triumph last year gave midfielders everywhere renewed hope that they can disrupt the hegemony that attacking players have over this award. Pedri is already the midfield conductor for a Barcelona side that's halfway to a quadruple. If he keeps adding exquisite goals to his repertoire, like the stunner he scored in the Copa del Rey final, he'll only continue surging.</p><p>"Since Rodri won the Ballon d'Or, it has become clear that a player who controls the midfield and dictates the tempo of the game can win this award," the Spaniard said Monday, <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1916850063109656781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1916850063109656781%7Ctwgr%5E7fd15b332df428d3845cacf612b8a1f5bbd82188%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fgetfootballnewsspain.com%2Fsince-rodri-won-barcelona-star-reveals-ballon-dor-dream%2F">according to Fabrizio Romano</a>. "It has always been my dream to win the Ballon d'Or, but right now, my focus is on team trophies."</p><h3>5. Robert Lewandowski</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-N0bTg" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/N0bTg/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: 7</em></p><p>Lewandowski's hamstring injury came at an inopportune time for the Polish striker and his club. Recency bias plays a role in Ballon d'Or voting, and Lewandowski missing crucial games down the stretch will hurt his chances in relation to his teammates who are also in contention.</p><p>But his raw numbers are still spectacular; Lewandowski leads Barca with 40 goals across all competitions this season, reaching that tally in only 48 matches. The desire to right the perceived wrong of 2021, when he finished second to Lionel Messi in a year many thought he was more deserving of the accolade, also can't be ignored.</p><h3>4. Mohamed Salah</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-o6I8O" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/o6I8O/36/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: 3</em></p><p>Liverpool clinching the Premier League title means Salah probably has the best body of work of any contender <em>right now</em>. He'll also likely end the campaign with more goal involvements than any player ever in a single Premier League season. Salah has been magnificent in every way in 2024-25. But his ceiling is capped compared to his peers.</p><p>The Reds' inability to secure any other titles this season obviously hurts his case, and that will only be magnified as the Champions League rumbles on and the big-eared trophy is handed out. The Egyptian superstar is a shoo-in for the PFA Player of the Year, but it seems certain that the Ballon d'Or is just out of his reach.</p><h3>3. Lamine Yamal</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1KqAK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1KqAK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: 5</em></p><p>What Yamal is doing as a 17-year-old is largely unprecedented. For context, Messi, the icon he's so often compared to, played 70 league minutes for Barcelona during his age-17 season, scoring one goal. Yamal is just shy of <em>4,000</em> minutes across all competitions this season, starting 45 games and racking up 34 goal involvements (14 goals, 20 assists) in the process.</p><p>The youngest player in history to win the Ballon d'Or is Brazilian legend Ronaldo, who was 21 when he captured the first of his two golden trophies in 1997. Yamal, last year's recipient of the Kopa Trophy as the game's best young player, has a very real chance of smashing Ronaldo's benchmark. The scariest part? If not this year, he'll still have multiple opportunities to break the long-standing record.</p><h3>2. Ousmane Dembele</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-C4mtZ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/C4mtZ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: 4</em></p><p>If anyone's going to stop Barcelona from adding to their joint-record 12 Ballon d'Or wins as a club - level with Real Madrid, of course - Dembele is the most logical candidate. At this point, he's probably the only non-Barca player with a realistic shot.</p><p>The French winger has already helped PSG seal another domestic title, and he currently has a healthy lead in the race for Ligue 1's scoring crown. The capital-based club is also a humongous favorite to win the Coupe de France final in late May. It really all comes down to the Champions League, where PSG are looking to end their excruciating wait and lift the coveted trophy for the first time.</p><h3>1. Raphinha</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-WE8ZY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WE8ZY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="101" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><em>Previous: 1</em></p><p>Nothing that's happened since our inaugural edition of these rankings has changed the state of play: Raphinha remains the front-runner. If anything, his case has been strengthened by Barcelona's triumph in the Copa del Rey final.</p><p>The former Leeds United winger has an absurd 51 goal involvements in 50 matches across all competitions this season. He's lighting up the scoreboard in the most high-profile matches, too, and sits just two shy of Cristiano Ronaldo's record for most goal contributions in a Champions League season (21). If Barcelona add either the Champions League or La Liga title to the Copa del Rey and Supercopa they've already claimed, it's hard to envision anyone beating the Brazilian to the honor. If they end up with both, winning the quadruple, it's curtains for the rest of the field.</p>

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Ballon d'Or Rankings: Can anyone challenge the Barcelona boys?

Real Madrid are blocking the proposed deal that would see manager Carlo Ancelotti depart the club...

<p>Real Madrid are blocking the proposed deal that would see manager Carlo Ancelotti depart the club in order to take over the Brazilian national team, <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1917342220027572591">transfer insider Fabrizio Romano</a> reported Tuesday.</p><p>It was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3276057" href="https://thescore.com/news/3276057">reported</a> Monday that an agreement was reached in principle between the Italian bench boss and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) for Ancelotti to start his role as Selecao coach in June.</p><p>But Real Madrid were never directly informed of the deal, according to Romano, who added that the CBF won't sit around long and wait for clarity on the situation. Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus reportedly remains an option for Brazil if the Ancelotti operation falls apart.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44888527/real-madrid-ancelotti-exit-talks-perez">reported</a> Sunday that Ancelotti and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez would meet this week to discuss a potential exit. The expectation ahead of the summit was that a mutual agreement would allow the coach to leave after Madrid's last game of the La Liga season May 25, prior to this summer's Club World Cup.</p><p>As of Monday night, the CBF expected Ancelotti to be in Rio de Janeiro on May 26, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44907484/madrid-ancelotti-coach-brazil-june-games">ESPN's Pedro Ivo Almeida and Victoria Leite</a>.</p><p>Ancelotti's contract with Los Blancos runs until 2026, but he's been tipped as the next manager of Brazil's men's national team for several months. Ancelotti has reportedly been the preferred choice of CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues ever since Tite stepped down as Brazil's coach after the 2022 World Cup.</p><p>Brazil, yet to officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup, has been looking for a permanent head coach since firing Dorival Junior in March.</p>

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 15: Ancelotti head Coach of Real Madrid CF reacts during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Elche CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 15, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.

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Report: Real Madrid blocking Ancelotti's deal with Brazil

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal Tue...

<p>Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal Tuesday, building an advantage to take home to the French capital for next week's second leg.</p><p>Leading scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/61590" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/61590">Ousmane Dembele</a> continued his remarkable season by scoring the lone goal of the match. He smacked a low shot in off the post in the fourth minute of play at the Emirates Stadium. He later left the game in the second half with an apparent injury, which coach Luis Enrique will be sweating ahead of the return fixture.</p><p>"It's not serious, it's something very minor, but he's probably a doubt for the second leg," the PSG coach <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44922700/psg-ousmane-dembele-hamstring-doubt-2nd-leg">said</a> of his star forward's status.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Goalkeeper <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/43614" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/43614">Gianluigi Donnarumma</a>, one of PSG's protagonists during their Champions League run, stood tall to prevent an Arsenal equalizer, making five saves during the engrossing contest.</p><p>He denied <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/161088" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/161088">Gabriel Martinelli</a> in a one-on-one situation in the first half, then produced a stunning fingertip save to keep out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/85895" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/85895">Leandro Trossard</a>'s effort after the interval and preserve the narrow win.</p><p>Arsenal's first home defeat in 18 European matches means they'll need to pull off a rare comeback to reach their first Champions League final since 2006; only two teams have ever reached the showpiece match after losing the first leg of the semifinal tie at home.</p><p>"It's a good statement, it's very hard to win here," PSG midfielder Vitinha said after the match, according to <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/what-they-said-after-psg-beat-arsenal-in-the-uefa-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-ae84b1f0">Agence France-Presse</a>. "We thought that in October (when PSG lost 2-0). We played well even if we didn't have the ball like we usually do. That's what good teams do. When they have to defend, they defend. We have to adapt to each match."</p><p>Arsenal thought they found an equalizer early in the second half, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/58163" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/58163">Mikel Merino</a> was offside, barely, before heading home a free-kick from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/90903" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/90903">Declan Rice</a>. The goal was chalked off after a lengthy VAR review.</p><p>The match ebbed and flowed, with PSG's skillful forwards looking dangerous every time they broke forward and Arsenal carrying a threat in possession.</p><p>PSG could come to rue a pair of late missed opportunities, as substitutes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/185073" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/185073">Bradley Barcola</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///chlg/players/165002" href="https://thescore.com/chlg/players/165002">Goncalo Ramos</a> each came within inches of extending the French side's lead in the final 10 minutes. The former slid a shot agonizingly wide, while the Portuguese striker hit the crossbar.</p><p>The second leg is slated for May 7 at the Parc des Princes.</p><p>The winner of the tie will play either Barcelona or Inter Milan in the Champions League final.</p>

Paris Saint Germain's Ousmane Dembele (left) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Champions League semi final, first leg match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday April 29, 2025.

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Dembele, Donnarumma lift PSG past Arsenal in 1st leg of UCL semis

Carlo Ancelotti reached an agreement in principle with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF)...

<p>Carlo Ancelotti reached an agreement in principle with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to become the next head coach of Brazil's men's national team, reports <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1916938349392044476">transfer insider Fabrizio Romano</a>.</p><p>Ancelotti would depart Real Madrid this summer, before the Club World Cup, and begin his duties with Brazil in June, according to Romano. That would give him roughly one year to prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup, for which Brazil is yet to officially qualify.</p><p>He'll reportedly be one of the highest-paid managers in international soccer.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44888527/real-madrid-ancelotti-exit-talks-perez">reported</a> Sunday that the Italian manager will meet with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in the coming days to discuss his potential exit from the club, with the expectation being that the parties will agree to part ways after Madrid's final game of the La Liga season on May 25.</p><p>Ancelotti's contract with Los Blancos runs until 2026, but he's continuously been tipped as the next manager of Brazil's men's national team. Ancelotti has reportedly been the preferred choice of CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues ever since Tite stepped down as Brazil's coach after the 2022 World Cup.</p><p>Brazil fired Dorival Junior in March, and ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44835394/brazil-federation-talks-again-ancelotti-camp-sources">reported</a> last week that the CBF and Ancelotti's camp had re-engaged in talks about a contract.</p><p>Ancelotti is one of the most successful coaches in Real Madrid history, but his position has come under increasing scrutiny following Madrid's exit from the Champions League and Saturday's loss to bitter rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.</p><p>"Whether I continue (at Madrid) is an issue for the coming weeks, not for today," Ancelotti said when asked about his next move following Saturday's 3-2 extra-time defeat.</p><p>Madrid, who won both La Liga and the Champions League last season, are second in Spain's top flight behind Barca this year and need to overturn a four-point deficit over their final five games.</p><p>If Ancelotti does indeed depart immediately after the La Liga season ends, Real Madrid will need to find a coach for this summer's Club World Cup.</p><p>An internal hire would likely be made on an interim basis in that case. Director of football Santiago Solari, Castilla coach Raul Gonzalez, or under-19 boss Alvaro Arbeloa are all among the potential short-term options, according to ESPN.</p>

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 24: Ancelotti head Coach of Real Madrid CF reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.

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Report: Ancelotti reaches agreement in principle to become Brazil coach

After a brief interlude to decompress from the thrilling quarterfinal round, the Champions League...

<p><em>After a brief interlude to decompress from the thrilling quarterfinal round, the Champions League returns this week with a pair of attractive and intriguing semifinals. Below, we look at the biggest X-factors that will help determine which teams advance to play for the coveted title.</em></p><h3>Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain</h3><p><strong>First leg</strong>: April 29 (Emirates Stadium)<br><strong>Second leg</strong>: May 7 (Parc des Princes)</p><p><strong>Arsenal: Myles Lewis-Skelly's adaptability </strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782903/cropped_GettyImages-2210620515.jpg?ts=1745851498" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782903/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210620515.jpg?ts=1745851498 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782903/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210620515.jpg?ts=1745851498 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782903/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210620515.jpg?ts=1745851498 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782903/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210620515.jpg?ts=1745851498 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782903/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210620515.jpg?ts=1745851498 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Price / Arsenal FC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>With Thomas Partey suspended for the first leg in north London and his most obvious deputy, Jorginho, nursing an ailment, Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make. Who will slot in alongside quarterfinal hero Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard in central midfield? Mikel Merino, the team's surprisingly effective auxiliary center-forward, is also battling an injury, which complicates matters even more for the Gunners.</p><p>One option for Arteta is to restore breakout star Myles Lewis-Skelly to his natural position in midfield. The adaptable 18-year-old has made a seamless transition to left-back this season, filling that hole out of necessity for the injury-ravaged club, but he rose through Arsenal's academy as a midfielder - something that's easy to recognize when seeing the ease with which he tucks inside to receive the ball when his team's in possession. Sliding Lewis-Skelly back into his more familiar spot could be Arteta's best option to combat PSG's polished midfield. He's combative and physically strong enough to outmuscle his opponents, positions his body in clever ways to win duels or fouls in tight areas, and has the burst needed to dribble away from congested areas and flip the field. Against a side that presses vigorously like PSG, those are all vital attributes.</p><p>"I will play wherever the manager needs me, and it is important to be versatile. The top players in the world are able to occupy different positions," the teenager explained in a recent interview with <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/13355324/myles-lewis-skelly-exclusive-genius-mikel-arteta-has-arsenal-ready-for-psg-test-in-champions-league-semi-final">Sky Sports</a>. "So, for me, I will do whatever it takes to be in the team."</p><p>And if he does start at left-back? Then he'll be equally important trying to shut down whichever of PSG's dazzling wingers he lines up against, not to mention rampaging right-back Achraf Hakimi. If Arsenal are to reach their second Champions League final in club history, Lewis-Skelly will play a pivotal role, one way or another.</p><p><strong>PSG: Gianluigi Donnarumma, for better or worse</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/cropped_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774805/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204617950.jpg?ts=1741782484 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alex Pantling - UEFA / UEFA / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Donnarumma can be an enigma. He can alternate between jaw-dropping saves and mind-numbing errors, sometimes within the same match. PSG's slick-passing midfield and devastatingly fluid attack have grabbed much of the attention during their run to the semifinals, and with good reason. Ousmane Dembele is putting himself in Ballon d'Or contention, Bradley Barcola and Desire Doue are budding superstars, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been a phenomenal fit since his January arrival. Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves, meanwhile, combine to make the game look effortless and beautiful. But without Donnarumma, PSG wouldn't be in the semifinals.</p><p>The imposing Italian stood on his head against Liverpool in the round of 16, particularly in the first leg, and then, of course, in the shootout. And despite conceding three goals in the second leg of the quarterfinal versus Aston Villa, he was immense in the latter stages of that thrilling contest, pulling off three huge saves to ensure Villa's furious comeback attempt fell just short.</p><p>Like any netminder, the warts in his game are more glaring than any other position on the pitch. His mistakes, inevitably, lead to goals. That was on full display in PSG's 2-0 loss to Arsenal in their league phase meeting in October. He made two errors in that affair, first being beaten to a cross by Kai Havertz and then letting a seeing-eye free-kick from Bukayo Saka travel through the box and into his goal. </p><p>Donnarumma's a superlative shot-stopper, but his twitchiness on aerial balls sticks out, especially for someone of his size. Against the set-piece prowess of Arsenal, who have devised clever ways to disrupt the goalkeeper, particularly from corner kicks, Luis Enrique needs his No. 1 to be in full command of his penalty area for 180 minutes.</p><h3>Barcelona vs. Inter Milan</h3><p><strong>First leg</strong>: April 30 (Estadi Olimpic)<br><strong>Second leg</strong>: May 6 (San Siro)</p><p><strong>Barcelona: Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760199/cropped_GettyImages-2189457819.jpg?ts=1733956375" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760199/w220xh124_GettyImages-2189457819.jpg?ts=1733956375 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760199/w320xh180_GettyImages-2189457819.jpg?ts=1733956375 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760199/w640xh360_GettyImages-2189457819.jpg?ts=1733956375 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760199/w768xh432_GettyImages-2189457819.jpg?ts=1733956375 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760199/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2189457819.jpg?ts=1733956375 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jürgen Fromme - firo sportphoto / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Leading scorer Robert Lewandowski will miss the first leg against Inter with a hamstring injury. Barring an expedited return, he's expected to be sidelined for the return fixture as well. His predatory instincts inside the penalty area and clinical finishing will, of course, be missed; you can't simply replace someone who has 40 goals in all competitions on the fly. Lewandowski's connection with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha has been the driving force behind Barcelona's ongoing quadruple chase this season, and his absence gives Inter the opportunity to hone in more obsessively on the two wide attackers without having to worry about one of the most prolific players ever being left one-on-one through the middle.</p><p>There are intangibles to consider here, too. Lewandowski, at 36, is one of few veteran voices in a youthful squad that will be going up against Inter's grizzled unit. That element shouldn't be dismissed.</p><p>Torres, more mobile than his elder teammate, is the most likely option to continue starting up front in Lewandowski's absence. The Spaniard does give Barcelona more verticality in attack, as evidenced by the goal he scored in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid this past weekend, when he raced behind the defense and rounded Thibaut Courtois after being picked out by a ball over the top from Yamal. Lewandowski, in all likelihood, wouldn't have reached that same pass, and Yamal may not have even attempted it. Will openings like that even be available against Inter, who will be infinitely more compact and organized defensively than Real Madrid? Perhaps not. Olmo, meanwhile, has had some success operating as a false nine this season, though he always looks more comfortable in an attacking midfield role.</p><p>How aggressive Flick chooses to be with his lineup will be fascinating. Will he play <em>both</em> Torres and Olmo in the first leg, as he did against Madrid with a 4-2-3-1 formation? That would, in theory, give his team more creativity, but could come at the cost of being outnumbered and ceding some control to Inter's three-man midfield. Inter haven't lost a Champions League match at home since 2022, so Flick could decide that flying out of the gate in Montjuic and building a healthy first-leg lead is paramount before heading to the San Siro.</p><p><strong>Inter: Marcus Thuram's thigh</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751642/cropped_GettyImages-2180686441.jpg?ts=1729859775" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751642/w220xh124_GettyImages-2180686441.jpg?ts=1729859775 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751642/w320xh180_GettyImages-2180686441.jpg?ts=1729859775 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751642/w640xh360_GettyImages-2180686441.jpg?ts=1729859775 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751642/w768xh432_GettyImages-2180686441.jpg?ts=1729859775 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751642/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2180686441.jpg?ts=1729859775 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Simone Arveda - UEFA / UEFA / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Coming out of the quarterfinals, Inter were chasing a treble of trophies and looked like the savvy choice to win the Champions League. Now they're in a tailspin. Since eliminating Bayern Munich in the last round of the competition just a couple weeks ago, the Nerazzurri have lost three consecutive games by a combined scoreline of 5-0. They've been knocked out of the Coppa Italia - by rivals AC Milan, no less - <em>and</em> relinquished their lead atop Serie A. Things change quickly. There are several contributing factors, but the most glaring has been Thuram's absence. It's no coincidence that Inter's attack has fallen off a cliff with the dynamic Frenchman sidelined for the last three matches with a thigh issue.</p><p>Captain Lautaro Martinez has scored in each of his last five Champions League contests, but, without his first-choice strike partner, the Argentine is less threatening and effective. The drop-off from Thuram to backup options like Marko Arnautovic, Mehdi Taremi, and Joaquin Correa, is massive; Thuram has outscored the three of them combined this season, and his instinctual combination play with Martinez is a pillar of Inter's attack. Against Barcelona, in particular, Thuram profiles as the ideal player to take advantage of Hansi Flick's high defensive line. Without him, Inter's wicked counterattack loses much of its pace and doesn't carry nearly the same threat. Even if he plays at less than 100% fitness, his return would be a big boost for the Italian club.</p><p>Simone Inzaghi's team doesn't light up the scoreboard to begin with. Inter rely instead on the stingiest backline in the tournament, which has conceded just five goals, to win games. Center-back Alessandro Bastoni, who will be tasked with trying to lock down Yamal while also contributing to his team's buildup play, will play a huge role in the tie and could've easily been the choice here.</p><p>But if Thuram isn't available, the Italian defender's contributions could be moot. Against a dynamic Barcelona outfit that creates chances at will, Inter will likely need multiple goals to advance to the final. As they've showed over the last week, just scoring once without him has been challenging enough.</p>

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X-factors that will decide the Champions League semifinals

Liverpool's coronation is complete.  The Reds, runaway Premier League leaders for several weeks n...

<p>Liverpool's coronation is complete.</p><p>The Reds, runaway Premier League leaders for several weeks now, officially clinched the title Sunday with four matches to spare, crushing Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield to seal the deal.</p><p>The Merseyside outfit now has 20 top-flight English titles in its history, tied for most all time with historic rivals Manchester United.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's special and it's something that we don't take for granted. It's amazing," captain Virgil van Dijk said, according to <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/what-they-said-after-liverpool-won-the-premier-league-18fb4850">Agence France-Presse</a>. "A lot of emotions before the game, during the whole week, but we got the job done and we are truly deserved champions of England."</p><p>He added: "(This is) the most beautiful club in the world and I think we deserve all of this. Let's enjoy the next couple of weeks and let it sink in."</p><p><strong>English top-flight titles</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th> Club</th>
<th>Titles</th>
<th>Runners-up</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1.</td>
<td>Manchester United</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2.</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Arsenal</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Manchester City</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Everton</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Arsenal's draw with Crystal Palace earlier in the week left Liverpool just one point away from securing the trophy going into Sunday's match. Arne Slot's team took full advantage.</p><p>After conceding an early goal to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/34985" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/34985">Dominic Solanke</a> in front of an expectant Anfield crowd, Liverpool came storming back in emphatic fashion. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/101948" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/101948">Luis Diaz</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/160602" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/160602">Alexis Mac Allister</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/102362" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/102362">Cody Gakpo</a> scored in an 18-minute span in the first half to get the home side back on the title-clinching track.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/17673" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/17673">Mohamed Salah</a>'s fierce second-half strike, his 46th goal involvement of the league campaign, padded the lead, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/167287" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/167287">Destiny Udogie</a>'s own goal rounded out the scoring.</p><p>It was fitting that Salah got his name on the scoresheet Sunday. In doing so, he surpassed Sergio Aguero as the highest-scoring foreign player in Premier League history and moved into sole possession of fifth on the league's all-time scoring chart with 185 goals.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782750/cropped_GettyImages-2212267598.jpg?ts=1745778285" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782750/w220xh124_GettyImages-2212267598.jpg?ts=1745778285 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782750/w320xh180_GettyImages-2212267598.jpg?ts=1745778285 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782750/w640xh360_GettyImages-2212267598.jpg?ts=1745778285 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782750/w768xh432_GettyImages-2212267598.jpg?ts=1745778285 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782750/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2212267598.jpg?ts=1745778285 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Carl Recine / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Powered primarily by the Egyptian's superlative individual campaign, Liverpool ran away with the Premier League in Slot's first season at the helm, adapting immediately to his style of play after the departure of beloved longtime bench boss Jurgen Klopp last year.</p><p>Slot joins Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, and Manuel Pellegrini as the only managers to win the Premier League in their first campaign in English football.</p><p>Klopp was in charge when Liverpool claimed their most recent title in 2020 to end a 30-year drought, and a handful of the stalwarts from that side have also been vital contributors to this latest success. Defender Van Dijk, goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were part of the squad with Salah five years ago.</p><p>The celebrations that time around looked very, very different.</p><p>Five years ago, Anfield was almost entirely empty because of pandemic restrictions, with only a smattering of family members allowed to witness the club's long-awaited trophy presentation in person.</p><p>The storied venue was in full party mode Sunday, with more than 60,000 raucous fans packing the stadium and providing a celebratory atmosphere well before the opening kickoff. The air of expectation was palpable.</p><p>"It is incredible to win this with our fans. This is 100 percent better than last time (in 2020), especially with the fans," Salah said. "We have a different group now so to show we can do it again is something special."</p><p>Liverpool have lost just two league matches this season and used a 26-match unbeaten run to pull away from Arsenal, who emerged as the only true competition for the Reds this season before eventually falling off the pace.</p><p>Manchester City, Premier League champions in each of the past four seasons - and six of the past seven - dropped off significantly this year, opening the door for Liverpool to storm through.</p><p>The Reds were in contention for a quadruple earlier in the campaign but lost in the League Cup final while also suffering exits in the Champions League and FA Cup. Those setbacks didn't impact their league form, though, as Slot's men continued to rack up points at a rate nobody in England could match.</p>

Liverpool players celebrate victory and the Premier League title following the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday April 27, 2025.

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Liverpool win EPL, equal English record with 20th top-flight title

Leicester City were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday, confirming what has long looked ...

<p>Leicester City were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday, confirming what has long looked like an inevitability amid a miserable campaign.</p><p>The Foxes' 1-0 loss to Liverpool officially sent them straight back down to the Championship after only one season.</p><p>Leicester, authors of a miraculous title triumph less than a decade ago, dug themselves an early hole this season and never recovered. They won the second-tier Championship last year to earn automatic promotion back to the top flight, but problems began to emerge almost immediately from there.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Steve Cooper replaced Enzo Maresca as manager after the Italian's departure for Chelsea last summer. An unpopular hire with the Leicester fans due to his ties with rivals Nottingham Forest, Cooper lasted only 12 games on the bench. He was fired in November with the club sitting 17th and two points above the relegation zone after winning just two matches.</p><p>His replacement, Ruud van Nistelrooy, hasn't fared any better.</p><p>Leicester have lost 17 of their 21 league matches since appointing the Dutchman to replace Cooper, winning only twice in that span. Last week's 2-2 draw with Brighton &amp; Hove Albion was the club's first point since January.</p><p>Ipswich Town, promoted to the Premier League this season along with Southampton and Leicester, are all but guaranteed of also making a swift return to the second tier.</p><p>Their impending relegation would signal the second consecutive Premier League season in which all three promoted sides drop immediately back down to the Championship.</p><p>"I think you see among the promoted sides it's such a mountain to climb to stay in the Premier League," Van Nistelrooy <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3271489" href="https://thescore.com/news/3271489">said</a> afterward.</p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Jordan Ayew of Leicester City looks dejected after Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United (not pictured) scores his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Leicester City FC at Old Trafford on November 10, 2024 in Manchester, England.

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Leicester City relegated amid miserable season

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch was suspended one additional game for the outburst that earned him...

<p>Canada head coach Jesse Marsch was suspended one additional game for the outburst that earned him a red card during his team's 2-1 win over the United States in the Nations League third-place match last month.</p><p>That sending off automatically triggered a one-match ban for Marsch, and CONCACAF said Thursday that his conduct toward referee Katia Garcia warranted additional punishment.</p><p>Marsch will now miss his team's first two games at this summer's Gold Cup, against Honduras and Curacao, respectively. He can return to the touchline for Canada's Group B finale against El Salvador.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"After opening a disciplinary case and reviewing the documentation and evidence collected during its investigation, and based on the competition regulations and the CONCACAF Disciplinary Code, the Disciplinary Committee has imposed a one-match suspension on Mr. Marsch for unacceptable conduct towards the match officials and for delaying the restart of the match by refusing to leave the field of play," the governing body said in a <a href="https://www.concacaf.com/en/news/concacaf-disciplinary-committee-sanctions-jesse-marsch/">statement</a>.</p><p>CONCACAF warned Canada Soccer and Marsch that "more severe sanctions could be taken should incidents occur during future matches."</p><p>Marsch, still aggravated by the officiating during Canada's semifinal loss to Mexico in the previous game, voiced his frustration with multiple calls made by Garcia during the match against the United States.</p><p>The 51-year-old bench boss believed at least one penalty kick should've been awarded in his team's favor for tackles on forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///fran/players/159817" href="https://thescore.com/fran/players/159817">Jonathan David</a>. He briefly stepped on the pitch to make his feelings known, and, after being held back by a member of the officiating crew, delayed leaving the field after the red card was brandished in the 54th minute.</p><p>"If I had to do it again, I would," Marsch told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6226778/2025/03/24/canadas-marsch-explains-his-nations-league-red-card-id-do-it-again/">The Athletic's Joshua Kloke</a> the morning after the incident.</p><p>"It's not like I went into the game thinking, 'OK, I'm going to get thrown out,'" he said. "But I was definitely looking for opportunities to make a point, right?"</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Canada head coach Jesse Marsch along the sidelines prior to playing the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League third place match at SoFi Stadium on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California.

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Canada coach Marsch banned 2 games for red card vs. USMNT

La Liga joined the Premier League in securing an additional place in next season's Champions Leag...

<p>La Liga joined the Premier League in securing an additional place in next season's Champions League.</p><p>The European Performance Spot (EPS) was introduced by UEFA last year prior to the Champions League adopting a revamped 36-team format. Two leagues get rewarded with one extra place each.</p><p>England's top flight sealed one of those bonus berths by virtue of Arsenal's first-leg win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals earlier this month. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Spain's top tier followed suit Thursday. </p><p>Athletic Bilbao's victory over Rangers in the Europa League quarterfinals, combined with Lazio's surprising elimination at the hands of Bodo/Glimt, means Serie A, the only other remaining contender, can no longer overtake La Liga in the coefficient table that determines who gets the extra Champions League places.</p><p><strong>Coefficient table</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Rank</th>
<th>League</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Teams Left</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>1.</strong></td>
<td>Premier League ✅</td>
<td>26.821</td>
<td>4/7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>2.</strong></td>
<td>La Liga ✅</td>
<td> 23.250</td>
<td> 3/7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3.</td>
<td>Serie A</td>
<td> 21.187</td>
<td> 2/8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4.</td>
<td>Bundesliga</td>
<td>18.421</td>
<td>0/8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5.</td>
<td>Ligue 1</td>
<td>16.857</td>
<td>1/7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>(Courtesy: <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/43040290/the-race-five-places-next-seasons-champions-league">Dale Johnson, ESPN</a>)</p><p>The teams that finish fifth in the Premier League and La Liga this season - currently Manchester City and Villarreal, respectively - will participate in the Champions League next year, joining the top four finishers in each league.</p><p>Last season, Italy and Germany earned the EPS places, with Bologna and Borussia Dortmund the big beneficiaries after finishing fifth.</p><p>In England this season, the race for a top-five spot looks set to go down to the final weeks, with a handful of clubs on the outside still harboring hopes of qualifying for Europe's top club competition.</p><p><strong>Premier League table</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Played</th>
<th>GD</th>
<th>Points</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Liverpool</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>+43</td>
<td>76</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. Arsenal</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>+30</td>
<td>63</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3. Newcastle</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>+21</td>
<td>59</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4. Nottingham Forest</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>+13</td>
<td>57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5. Man City</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>+20</td>
<td>55</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>-</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>-</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6. Chelsea</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>+17</td>
<td>54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7. Aston Villa</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>+3</td>
<td>54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8. Bournemouth</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>+12</td>
<td>48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9. Fulham</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>+4</td>
<td>48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10. Brighton</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>+2</td>
<td>48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Premier League could send six teams to next season's Champions League if one of Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur win the Europa League. Both are in the semifinals of that competition, and on opposite sides of the bracket. With Chelsea favorites to capture the Conference League title, it's possible for the Premier League to have 10 sides in Europe next season.</p><p>The situation in La Liga is less murky. </p><p>The top four - Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Bilbao - are comfortably out in front, so it appears to be a straight scrap between Villarreal and Real Betis for fifth. The Yellow Submarine currently sit three points up and have a game in hand on the Seville-based side.</p>

DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 15: A detailed view of the Adidas UEFA Champions League knockout round match ball, seen prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at BVB Stadion Dortmund on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany.

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La Liga joins Premier League in sealing extra UCL spot for next season

Add another famous comeback to Manchester United's Rolodex.  The Red Devils staged a sensational ...

<p>Add another famous comeback to Manchester United's Rolodex.</p><p>The Red Devils staged a sensational rally Thursday to reach the Europa League semifinals, scoring three goals in seven surreal minutes during the second period of extra time to stun Lyon at Old Trafford.</p><p>United, who appeared to have crumbled after throwing away a two-goal lead earlier in the match, ultimately came away with a dramatic 5-4 win on the night and 7-6 triumph on aggregate that left the Ligue 1 team shellshocked.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After conceding four unanswered goals to the French side in the second leg, including two in extra time that gave Lyon a 6-4 aggregate lead, Manchester United tapped into their storied past to storm back.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/23312" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/23312">Bruno Fernandes</a> converted from the penalty spot in the 114th minute to initiate the revival for Ruben Amorim's men. Substitute <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/190670" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/190670">Kobbie Mainoo</a> brought them level with an exquisite goal in the 120th minute, and, seconds later, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/13942" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/13942">Harry Maguire</a> thumped home a header to decide the tie and elicit a roar not heard from the Old Trafford crowd in some time.</p><p>It's the first time ever that a club has scored two goals in the 120th minute of a major European match, according to <a href="https://x.com/OptaJoe/status/1912988448836681789">Opta</a>.</p><p>Manchester United will face Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals of the competition. Bilbao beat Rangers in their quarterfinal tie and are aiming to take part in a tournament final that's being staged at their own San Mames Stadium.</p><p>"I felt that here everything is possible," Amorim said after the match, according to <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/man-utd-stun-lyon-in-nine-goal-europa-league-classic-to-reach-semis-6926ad90">Agence France-Presse</a>. "After the 4-3, the penalty from Bruno, you feel that you can change the game."</p><p>He added: "Everybody in this moment believes it is possible. One moment can change a lot of things in the players' minds."</p><p>When Amorim's team was leading 2-0 on Thursday and 4-2 on aggregate after first-half goals from <a href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/184634">Manuel Ugarte</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/95294">Diogo Dalot</a>, it appeared as though a straightforward result was on the cards.</p><p>But <a href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/25380">Corentin Tolisso</a> got the French side's own comeback started with a goal in the 71st minute before <a href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/92991">Nicolas Tagliafico</a> silenced Old Trafford six minutes later by making it 2-2 on the night.</p><p>Tolisso was sent off for a second yellow card in the 89th minute, which should've swung the momentum in the home side's favor.</p><p>Instead, it was Lyon who came out flying in extra time.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/163296" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/163296">Rayan Cherki</a> gave them the lead with a fierce low strike, and then, when former Arsenal striker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///uefa/players/25387" href="https://thescore.com/uefa/players/25387">Alexandre Lacazette</a> scored a penalty kick in the 109th minute, it seemed as though United's capitulation was complete.</p><p>But the Premier League outfit saved its season with three late goals, keeping alive the club's hopes of appearing in next season's Champions League and earning the revenue that will be vital for a squad that badly needs to be rebuilt.</p><p>"In this moment it is difficult to believe what has just happened," said Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca after the crushing loss.</p><p>Manchester United, enduring one of their worst domestic seasons in the Premier League era, are currently 14th in the table.</p>

Manchester United's English defender #05 Harry Maguire (C) and teammates celebrate with their fans after Maguire scores their fifth goal during the UEFA Europa league quarter-final final, second leg football match between Manchester United and Lyon at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 17, 2025.

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Man United pull off surreal ET comeback to stun Lyon, reach UEL semis

The 16 teams taking part in this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup learned their respective paths to the...

<p>The 16 teams taking part in this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup learned their respective paths to the title during Thursday's group stage draw.</p><p>The United States, which will be playing on home soil, will take on Haiti, familiar foe Trinidad and Tobago, and Saudi Arabia, the one non-CONCACAF invitee for the competition.</p><p>Canada, looking to improve on its quarterfinal exit from the 2023 edition, was drawn alongside Honduras, El Salvador, and Curacao.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mexico, still riding high after last month's CONCACAF Nations League title, is the reigning Gold Cup champion. El Tri defeated Panama in the 2023 final. They'll look to defend their crown after being drawn in a quartet with Costa Rica, Suriname, and the Dominican Republic.</p><p>The Mexicans have won the tournament a record nine times, two more than the United States. Canada's triumph in 2000 remains the lone major title won by the country's men's program. </p><p>No other nation has ever won the Gold Cup.</p><p>This summer's competition will prove particularly important for the trio. As co-hosts of next year's World Cup, the three all qualified automatically for that event, making the Gold Cup their last opportunity to play competitive, non-friendly matches until next year's marquee tournament.</p><p>Managers Mauricio Pochettino, Jesse Marsch, and Javier Aguirre will also have to contend with depleted squads for the event. Several star players will be absent for the Gold Cup while partaking in FIFA's Club World Cup, the supersized event that's running simultaneously in the United States this summer.</p><p>Here are the groups in full:</p><h3>Group A</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Slot</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Mexico 🇲🇽</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Costa Rica 🇨🇷</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Suriname 🇸🇷</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Dominican Republic 🇩🇴</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group B</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Slot</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Honduras 🇭🇳</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>El Salvador 🇸🇻</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Curacao 🇨🇼</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group C</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Slot</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Panama 🇵🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Jamaica 🇯🇲</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Guatemala 🇬🇹</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Guadeloupe 🇫🇷</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Group D</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Slot</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Haiti 🇭🇹</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The top two finishers in each group advance to the knockout stage, which begins with the quarterfinal round June 28.</p><p>The tournament final will take place July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.</p><p>Of the 14 venues being used for the competition, 13 are in the United States; Vancouver's BC Place is the lone stadium in Canada that will stage games. The majority of the host sites are on the U.S. West Coast to avoid conflict or crossover with the aforementioned Club World Cup, which will be taking place on the East Coast of the country.</p><p><strong>Tournament schedule</strong></p><p><strong>Group stage</strong>: June 14-24<br><strong>Quarterfinals</strong>: June 28 and 29<br><strong>Semifinals</strong>: July 2<br><strong>Final</strong>: July 6</p><p>Mexico, as the defending champion, will play the tournament opener June 14.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 16: The Championship trophy is displayed during the Concacaf Gold Cup final match between Mexico and Panama at SoFi Stadium on July 16, 2023 in Inglewood, California.

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Gold Cup draw: USMNT, Canada learn groups for summer tournament

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes will undergo season-ending surgery "in the coming days" after ...

<p>Arsenal defender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/91475" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/91475">Gabriel Magalhaes</a> will undergo season-ending surgery "in the coming days" after injuring his right hamstring in Tuesday's victory over Fulham, the club announced.</p><p>The Gunners said they're aiming for the Brazilian to be ready for the start of next season.</p><p>Gabriel's absence is a major setback for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, who play host to Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash next week. The return fixture in Spain is the following week.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The defender, 27, has been a mainstay at the heart of Arsenal's backline.</p><p>Fellow center-back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/101707" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/101707">William Saliba</a> is the only outfield player to register more minutes for the north London club this season. The two have combined to create one of the most stout defensive partnerships in England, leading Arsenal to the best defensive record in the Premier League in 2024-25.</p><p>Gabriel has also been a key weapon from set pieces, scoring five goals in all competitions on the campaign.</p><p>With <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/163325" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/163325">Riccardo Calafiori</a> also sidelined after an injury on international duty with Italy, Arteta called upon <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///epl/players/184975" href="https://thescore.com/epl/players/184975">Jakub Kiwior</a> to replace Gabriel when he was forced out in the 16th minute versus Fulham.</p><p>Arsenal, second in the Premier League but 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, take on Everton this weekend before turning their attention to the anticipated Champions League tilt Tuesday with Real Madrid.</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 01: Gabriel of Arsenal looks dejected as he leaves the pitch with a member of the medical team after picking up an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Fulham FC at Emirates Stadium on April 01, 2025 in London, England.

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Arsenal's Gabriel to undergo season-ending hamstring surgery

Lionel Messi's personal bodyguard says Major League Soccer restricted his access and no longer pe...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mls/players/1126" href="https://thescore.com/mls/players/1126">Lionel Messi</a>'s personal bodyguard says Major League Soccer restricted his access and no longer permits him to be on the touchline or enter the field of play during Inter Miami matches.</p><p>Yassine Cheuko has become a fixture of Miami games since Messi joined the club in 2023. The bodyguard has gained widespread recognition and developed something of a cult following as videos spread on social media showing him patrolling the sidelines and racing to intercept pitch invaders seeking photos with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.</p><p>But Cheuko's presence hasn't been as pronounced in 2025.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Cheuko said MLS has taken full control of Messi's on-pitch security and that he's only allowed inside the locker room and mixed zones going forward.</p><p>"They don't allow me to be on the field anymore," Cheuko said during a rare video interview with House of Highlights, as reported Tuesday by <a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/messis-bodyguard-banned-touchline-inter-miami-games-2025-04-01/">Reuters</a> and other outlets.</p><p>House of Highlights, a social media channel, has since removed clips of the interview from its platforms.</p><p>"I was in Europe for seven years, working for Ligue 1 and the Champions League, and only six people invaded the pitch. I came to the USA, and in just 20 months, 16 people have already done so. There's a huge problem here; let me help Messi," Cheuko said.</p><p>"I love MLS and CONCACAF, but we have to work together. I love helping," he added. "I'm not better than anyone, but I have a wealth of experience in Europe. It's fine, I understand their decision, but I think we could do better."</p><p>Messi and Cheuko are "quite upset" about the change in the latter's matchday access, sources close to Inter Miami told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6247418/2025/04/01/messi-bodyguard-yassine-cheuko-mls-inter-miami-concacaf-access/">Pablo Maurer and Felipe Cardenas of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>"(Yassine) has always been really critical of all of the other security (across MLS) and suggested that if they were good at their jobs, he wouldn't even be needed," said the source.</p><p>An MLS spokesperson told Maurer and Cardenas on Tuesday that the league hasn't changed its policies regarding team security personnel.</p><p>Cheuko, who various media outlets have erroneously identified as a former U.S. Navy SEAL, said he'll continue to work as part of Messi's personal security team outside the stadiums.</p>

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MAY 18: Yassine Chueko the body guard for Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF before the start of a MLS League game against D.C.United (0) at the Chase Stadium on May 18th, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

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Messi's bodyguard says MLS no longer allows him on field

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

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

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Ballon d'Or Rankings: Is Salah finally starting to fade?

Dorival Junior's time on Brazil's bench could be coming to an end.  The Brazilian Football Confed...

<p>Dorival Junior's time on Brazil's bench could be coming to an end.</p><p>The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) will have in-person meetings with Dorival and his staff Friday to discuss his future as coach of the Selecao, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44420085/brazil-meeting-decide-dorival-junior-future-coach">ESPN Brasil</a>.</p><p>The sit-down comes in the aftermath of Tuesday's humbling 4-1 loss to archrival Argentina in World Cup qualifying. While it's standard CBF practice for these types of reviews to take place following international windows, the lopsided loss in Buenos Aires prompted CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues to fast-track the meetings, according to ESPN.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"There's always a lot of pressure, but I never run away from my responsibilities," Dorival told reporters after the setback in Argentina, calling this the "most delicate moment" in his coaching career. "I'm aware of what this loss means and everything that's been going on."</p><p>He added: "I really believe in my work, in the development of this process. It's a complicated and difficult process, but I have no doubt that we'll find a way out."</p><p>Dorival has not been informed about a potential dismissal, but several possible replacements are being discussed internally by the CBF, sources told ESPN. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been a longtime target, while Flamengo's Filipe Luis and Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus are also candidates.</p><p>Dorival, 62, took over the storied national team in 2024, leaving Brazilian club Sao Paulo to replace Fernando Diniz in the role. He's been unable to return the five-time World Cup winner to previous glories, though.</p><p>Brazil was ousted from last summer's Copa America in the quarterfinals and has been inconsistent in World Cup qualifying, sitting fourth in the CONMEBOL standings.</p><p>Only the top six finishers will qualify automatically for next year's tournament that's being staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.</p>

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - 2025/03/25: Dorival Junior Head Coach of Brasil seen during the match between Argentina and Brasil as part of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier at Estadio Monumental. Final score: Argentina 4 - 1 Brasil.

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Report: Dorival's future as Brazil coach under review after Argentina loss

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