Napoli stayed on the heels of Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Sunday after beating AC Milan 2-1 to...

Napoli stayed on the heels of Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Sunday after beating AC Milan 2-1 to remain three points off the pace in the Scudetto race.Antonio Conte's side were ahead with a minute on the clock through Matteo Politano's thumping low finish, and once Romelu Lukaku scuffed in his 400th career goal in the 19th minute the hosts had a big enough cushion to claim the three points.Sunday's win was huge for Napoli as next week's fixture at fourth-placed Bologna is the only one of their final eight league matches to be against a team in the top half of the division.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>And unlike Inter, who squeezed past Udinese 2-1 earlier on Sunday, Napoli have no European or Italian Cup commitments and can focus exclusively on trying to win their second league crown in three seasons."We can only to take it one game at a time," said Politano told DAZN."We believe in ourselves, we have to try to make our fantastic fans happy and then we'll see where we are at the end of the season."Milan, who lost Ruben Loftus-Cheek to acute appendicitis, were dismal in the first half but the introduction of Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez after the break helped shake Sergio Conceicao's team from their stupor.Gimenez could have cut the gap from the penalty spot in the 69th minute but Alex Meret saved his low effort, following a foul on Theo Hernandez by Philip Billing.Another substitute in Luka Jovic pushed home Hernandez's low cross with six minutes to go, but Milan stay ninth and nine points away from the Champions League positions after leaving it too late to mount a comeback.Milan now face Inter in the first leg of their Italian Cup semi-final on Wednesday before Fiorentina visit the San Siro next weekend, with their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread."We were too slow to get into the game, the first pass they sent forward led to their first goal," said Conceicao to DAZN."It wasn't the opening 20 minutes we prepared... we fixed some things in the second half and created lots of chances. I think a draw would have been a fair result."<h3>Nervy Inter</h3>Goals in the opening half an hour from Marko Arnautovic and Davide Frattesi were just enough to give Inter their third straight win ahead of the first cup derby with Milan.But nervy Inter almost threw the points away after coach Simone Inzaghi made a series of changes midway through the second half and Oumar Solet halved the deficit for Udinese with a rocket of a shot in the 71st minute. Inter have a huge month coming up as they also face a titanic Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich and tricky fixtures with fourth-placed Bologna and Roma which could be crucial to their title defence."We almost failed to win a match which we started really well. At a certain point we just stopped playing," said Inzaghi, who was sent off after blowing his top at his team and officials in the final minutes.Inzaghi will be happy to have seen second-string players step up given his team's upcoming commitments, with Arnautovic and Frattesi giving Inter a fully-deserved two-goal lead at half-time by sweeping home Federico Dimarco crosses in the 12th and 29th minutes.And Inter have also all but ended Atalanta's slim hopes of winning their first league crown, with the Bergamo outfit nine points off the pace with eight matches remaining after slumping to a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3254007" href="https://thescore.com/news/3254007">1-0 defeat</a> at Fiorentina.

Players of SSC Napoli celebrate with Alex Meret at the end of the serie Serie A Enilive match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy

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Napoli beat Milan to stay on heels of nervy Serie A leaders Inter

Maximilian Beier scored twice as Borussia Dortmund won 3-1 at home to Mainz in the Bundesliga on ...

Maximilian Beier scored twice as Borussia Dortmund won 3-1 at home to Mainz in the Bundesliga on Sunday, keeping their slim hopes of European qualification alive.Champions League finalists last season, Dortmund had lost four of their past six games to sink to 12th before the match. Dortmund were without injured striker Serhou Guirassy but Beier filled the void as he gave the hosts the lead after 32 minutes, finishing off a goal he initiated.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 22-year-old Germany forward gathered the ball in midfield, shed a defender and found Julian Brandt who whipped in a cross and Beier threaded the ball to Karim Adeyemi, who returned the favour, giving him a simple tap-in. Emre Can doubled Dortmund's lead just four minutes later, heading in a Nico Schlotterbeck corner.Schlotterbeck supplied Dortmund's third as well in the 72nd minute, floating in a superb ball which allowed Beier to head home, before Mainz pulled one back through Paul Nebel.Dortmund manager Niko Kovac said there was "nothing more beautiful than winning in football", but added his side's work was only just getting started."We won today but with seven games left, we've got plenty more to do," Kovac told DAZN. The win was Dortmund's first victory over Mainz in four attempts, including the infamous 2-2 draw against the same opponents on the final day of the 2022-23 season which cost them the title.Dortmund now sit 10th, four points behind the European places and seven points back from Mainz, who are in fourth. Despite the loss, Mainz are two points clear of fifth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach and are in with an excellent chance of a first-ever Champions League appearance.

30 March 2025, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Soccer: Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund - FSV Mainz 05, Matchday 27, Signal Iduna Park. Dortmund's Maximilian Beier (M) scores with a header to make it 3-0. Photo: Bernd Thissen/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series.

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Dortmund beat Mainz to keep European hopes alive

Manchester City came from behind to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for a record seventh consecutive...

Manchester City came from behind to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for a record seventh consecutive season with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday, but victory came at a cost as Erling Haaland hobbled off injured.Haaland had seen a first-half penalty saved before Evanilson put the Cherries in front.The Norwegian made amends by equalising four minutes into the second period before being forced off with an ankle injury.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>His replacement, Omar Marmoush, took just two minutes to score the winner from a second assist by the impressive Nico O'Reilly as City booked a semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest. Crystal Palace face Aston Villa in the other final-four encounter."Seven times in a row reaching semi-finals in the FA Cup...this is outstanding. This generation of players, they have done this," said City boss Pep Guardiola.City have been a shadow of the side that won four consecutive Premier League titles this season and Guardiola said prior to the game that even FA Cup glory would not save a miserable season.The English champions' collapse in the Premier League began at Bournemouth back in November with a 2-1 defeat that kicked off a run of six defeats in eight games.But Guardiola hailed the difference in attitude in his side between then and now."We came here (in November) with the flip flops on against a team that if you don't compete, it is impossible," added Guardiola."In football you have to run. People say about my teams 'how good they play' but no, it is how much we run, how much we fight and for many games this season it didn't happen."<h3>Haaland's hat-trick of misses</h3>Haaland should have punished a makeshift Cherries defence missing the suspended Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez with a hat-trick before half-time.He headed wide his first chance from Matheus Nunes' driven cross.A Tyler Adams handball then gifted City the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot.But for the third time in his last six spot-kicks, Haaland failed to find the net as Kepa Arrizabalaga made a fine save.That miss seemed to be still in Haaland's mind when he dinked over Kepa and over the bar with just the Spanish goalkeeper to beat moments later.City were then hit with a sucker punch by Bournemouth on 21 minutes.Nunes, deputising in an unfamiliar right-back role, gave the ball away to David Brooks, whose cross was turned across goal by Justin Kluivert and bundled in from point-blank range by Evanilson.Guardiola responded by introducing 20-year-old midfielder O'Reilly as a makeshift left-back.O'Reilly made an instant impact with a rampaging run down the left and inch-perfect cross as this time Haaland did not miss for his 30th goal of the season.Moments later he was forced off in concerning scenes for Guardiola with City still involved in a battle just to qualify for next season's Champions League in their last nine Premier League games.But City's January transfer window move for Marmoush is already looking a shrewd deal.The Egyptian has now scored six times in 11 appearances since a £59 million ($76 million) transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt. If Kepa was a Bournemouth hero in the first-half, he was at fault for the winner as Marmoush's effort slipped through his grasp from O'Reilly's pass."First half we played very well but second half the game was definitely for them," said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola."We couldn't keep the same intensity second half, we were a lot more passive and lacking in energy, especially up front."

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks up to Nico O'Reilly of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on March 30, 2025 in Bournemouth, England.

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Man City rally to beat Bournemouth, reach FA Cup semifinals

Union Berlin won 2-1 at Freiburg on Sunday, denting their opponent's Champions League hopes while...

Union Berlin won 2-1 at Freiburg on Sunday, denting their opponent's Champions League hopes while taking a major step towards maintaining their own status as a top-flight team next season. Freiburg took the lead with 29 minutes played when Lucas Holer hammered in a Vincenzo Grifo low cross. The visitors hit back just one minute later, captain Rani Khedira firing in following an Andrej Ilic assist. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ilic then got on the scoresheet three minutes into the second half, heading a Tim Skarke cross into the top corner. Freiburg dominated possession for the remainder of the game but struggled to break down Union.The loss, just Freiburg's third home defeat of the season, leaves them in seventh, three points off the top four. Freiburg have never played in the Champions League. The win took Union, who needed a final-day victory last season at home against Freiburg to beat the drop, to 30 points, eight clear of the relegation playoff spot. Union's recent form looks to have lifted the club out of the relegation mire. In the past three weeks, Union have beaten top-four hopefuls Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg, while holding league leaders Bayern Munich to a draw at home.

30 March 2025, Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg im Breisgau: Soccer: Bundesliga, SC Freiburg - 1. FC Union Berlin, Matchday 27, Europa-Park Stadium. Berlin's goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow and the team celebrating victory with the fans. Photo: Harry Langer/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series.

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Union Berlin dent Freiburg's top-4 hopes with victory

Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace as Barcelona eased to a 4-1 victory over Girona to move three p...

Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace as Barcelona eased to a 4-1 victory over Girona to move three points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday.After second-placed Real Madrid pulled level on points with them on Saturday by beating Leganes, Hansi Flick's side restored their advantage at the Olympic Stadium.Lewandowski responded to Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe's double with one of his own to stay three goals ahead in the race for Spain's golden boot.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barcelona, unbeaten this year in 20 matches, took the lead through a Ladislav Krejci own goal near the end of the first half.Arnaut Danjuma pulled Girona level but Lewandowski netted twice and Ferran Torres finished off the rout.Girona beat Barcelona twice last season but have struggled to hit those heights again and sit 13th."We played with patience, we had a plan and if we play with that plan we can always score a lot of goals and win the game," veteran striker Lewandowski told DAZN.The 36-year-old said he had the legs to keep playing for seasons to come."I know a lot of people are talking abut my age but... I want to play more years at the top level," said the Poland international."I feel very good physically, I think looking at the stats there's no difference now to a few years ago."Flick rotated some of his usual suspects with the Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid in mind.Barca were below their free-flowing best in the first half despite dominating, occasionally threatening through the dynamic running of teenage star Lamine Yamal and frantic energy of Fermin Lopez.Paulo Gazzaniga saved well from Lopez on the counter-attack after Viktor Tsygankov blazed over Girona's first decent opportunity.Gazzaniga saved well from Lewandowski and then Yamal, who also fired over.Barcelona wanted a penalty when Fermin was brought down by Yaser Asprilla on the edge of the box and a free-kick was given.A VAR review showed the contact was inside the area but the referee decided Lopez fouled Asprilla as they came together, much to Barcelona's chagrin.<h3>Breakthrough</h3>Gazzaniga produced a sensational save with his fingertips to push out a Ronald Araujo header but Barca found a way through before half-time.Yamal's dangerous free-kick aimed at Eric Garcia was deflected into his own net by Krejci at the near post.Girona had produced very little of note in the first half but were back level eight minutes into the second through Danjuma.Daley Blind played the Dutch striker through and he beat Wojciech Szczesny with a clinical low finish.However Barcelona were swiftly back in front as La Liga's top goalscorer Lewandowski notched his 24th of the campaign.Lopez nodded the ball across the six-yard box and Lewandowski contorted his body to reach it and flick it between Gazzaniga's legs.The forward secured Barcelona's victory with his 25th, slotting home after substitute Frenkie de Jong pushed forward into space and fed him.There was time for Torres to add a fourth after Gerard Martin found him and the brilliant Yamal to bend a strike against the crossbar.This was remarkably the 20th time this season Flick's side have scored four goals or more from 45 games, with a potential treble in their sights."This is what I love about my team, they always want to score goals, it's always like that," Flick told reporters."This is the mentality and the attitude of the team and it's good, I think everyone loves it, you love it, the fans love it, the club loves it, and everyone is happy at the moment."

Robert Lewandowski celebrates a goal during the match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC, corresponding to week 29 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on March 30, 2025.

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Barcelona restore Liga lead in Girona romp

Marcus Rashford's first goals for Aston Villa inspired a 3-0 win against Preston that sent his si...

Marcus Rashford's first goals for Aston Villa inspired a 3-0 win against Preston that sent his side into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 10 years on Sunday.Rashford struck twice in the second half at Deepdale to end Preston's stubborn resistance before Jacob Ramsey wrapped up Villa's long-awaited return to the last four.Villa will face Crystal Palace -- 3-0 winners at Fulham on Saturday -- in the semi-finals at Wembley on the weekend of April 26-27.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Revitalised since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United during the January transfer window, Rashford is beginning to show the form that made him one of England's brightest stars prior to his steep decline over the last two years.Amid concerns over his attitude and off-field behaviour, Rashford was deemed expendable by United manager Ruben Amorim, after also clashing with former Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.The 27-year-old hadn't scored since netting for United against Everton on December 1.Deployed in the central striker's role that often seemed to dent his confidence at United, Rashford was too dynamic for second-tier Preston to handle in the latest sign that his career might not be destined to end in disappointment after all."It's a great feeling, I feel like I've been getting fitter and playing better football since I've been here. It's always nice for a forward to get a goal so hopefully it continues," Rashford said."I missed a lot of football before joining up with Villa. It's step by step. My body feels good and I'm enjoying my football for now."We're very ambitious. We'll see where it takes us."While struggling United have been mired in turmoil, Rashford has benefited from moving to upwardly mobile Villa.<h3>Memorable climax</h3>Unai Emery's side have enjoyed a memorable run to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in April.They also have an outside chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League.Rashford could be part of a memorable climax to the campaign for Villa, who haven't won the FA Cup since 1957, with their last final ending in defeat against Arsenal in 2015."His commitment to work, to adapt quick is very important, and he's doing it," Emery said."To feel comfortable, playing in his best level, there is still work but today he did one step forward, getting confident, scoring goals."He was obviously getting better but this was one more step in his adaptation and helping us."Emery added it was "not yet" the right time to discuss whether Rashford might make a permanent move to Villa in the close season.Rashford's free-kick forced Preston goalkeeper David Cornell into action before Ezri Konsa's glancing header whistled just wide from Marco Asensio's cross.Stefan Thordarson wasted a golden opportunity to give Preston a shock lead when he poked wide.Villa broke the deadlock in the 58th minute as Rashford timed his run perfectly to meet Lucas Digne's low cross with a clinical finish from 12 yards.Morgan Rogers was denied by Cornell moments later as Villa went for the kill.And it was Rogers who earned Villa's penalty in the 63rd minute when the England midfielder was tripped by Andrew Hughes.Rashford stepped up to send Cornell the wrong way with a nerveless spot-kick.Ramsey put the result beyond doubt eight minutes later, surging towards the Preston area and drilling a powerful strike past Cornell for his fourth goal this season.

PRESTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot with team mates Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Preston North End and Aston Villa at Deepdale on March 30, 2025 in Preston, England.

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Rashford scores 1st goals for Aston Villa to book FA Cup semifinal trip

Atalanta are nine points behind Inter Milan in third place after slumping to a 1-0 defeat at Fior...

Atalanta are nine points behind Inter Milan in third place after slumping to a 1-0 defeat at Fiorentina without registering a single shot on target.Moise Kean continued his excellent season with the only goal on the stroke of half-time in Florence, pushing the hosts to within a point of the European places.Italy striker Kean, who scored twice for his country against Germany a week ago, inflicted a first league away defeat for Atalanta since August when he confidently netted his 16th league goal of the season after robbing Atalanta defender Isak Hien on the halfway line. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Last year's Europa League winners Atalanta, who looked like title candidates following an 11-match winning streak between October and December, have fallen away since the turn of the year.Gian Piero Gasperini's team have won just four league matches in 2025, all of them away from home, and are now only two points ahead of Bologna."We lacked the dynamism and energy to give Fiorentina any difficulty... we just have to put it behind us and look ahead," said Gasperini.

FLORENCE, ITALY - MARCH 30: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina scores a goal during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Atalanta at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 30, 2025 in Florence, Italy.

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Atalanta's title hopes dented after Fiorentina defeat

Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami after his injury layoff and scored just two minut...

Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami after his injury layoff and scored just two minutes after entering as a second-half substitute in his team's 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.Messi had missed Argentina's World Cup qualifiers in South America during the recent international window after picking up an adductor strain in Miami's most recent Major League Soccer game, a 2-1 win at Atlanta on March 16.Finnish winger Robert Taylor had put Miami ahead in the 23rd minute, slotting home a low pass from Benjamin Cremaschi after Jordi Alba had broken down the left flank.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Messi was brought on by coach Javier Mascherano in the 55th minute and within two minutes was on target -- his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez picked him out on the right and he jinked to make space and fired a low, right-footed effort into the far corner.Philadelphia pulled a goal back in the 80th minute when Quinn Sullivan whipped in a cross from the right and Hungarian midfielder Daniel Gazdag brought the ball down before firing home a crisp shot.Unbeaten Miami are top of the Eastern Conference with four wins from their opening five games of the season.Inter face a busy spell with a trip to Los Angeles to play LAFC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final, first leg on Wednesday. They have a home game against Toronto the following Sunday with the return against LAFC three days later.Mascherano said it had been a cautious move to start with Messi on the bench."We didn't want to risk him from the start because we thought he might be at risk playing the whole game, but we did want him to get some minutes," said the Argentine coach."The plan is that he can recover and travel to Los Angeles. He played today because he was fine. Maybe he wasn't ready for the full 90 minutes but it was good for him to play 45 minutes. If nothing unusual happens the plan is for him to travel," he added.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MARCH 29: Lionel Messi #10 celebrates with Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami CF after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union during the second half at Chase Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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Messi scores, lifts Inter Miami to win in 1st game back from injury

Paris Saint-Germain moved to within touching distance of an 11th French title in 13 seasons as th...

Paris Saint-Germain moved to within touching distance of an 11th French title in 13 seasons as they came from behind to thrash Saint-Etienne 6-1 on Saturday.Second-placed Marseille crashed 3-1 to Reims earlier in the day.PSG would have won the league with seven games still to go if Nice and Monaco drew in Saturday's late match, but Monaco came back from one goal down to claim a 2-1 victory and delay PSG's inevitable coronation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>PSG can clinch the title next week.The visiting Parisians were stung after nine minutes on Saturday when Lucas Stassin headed in Zuriko Davitashvili's cross to put Saint-Etienne ahead.Goncalo Ramos brought the reigning champions level from the penalty spot just before half-time, slotting home after he had been tripped in area by Florian Tardieu.PSG took control early in the second half when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia intercepted a misplaced back pass on the halfway line and tore towards the Saint-Etienne goal before shifting the ball to his left foot to score.As Saint-Etienne's effort level dropped, Desire Doue notched a double for PSG, either side of a goal from Joao Neves.Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye completed the job with PSG's sixth goal, side-footing home from Bradley Barcola's cross.Marseille slumped at Reims where Japanese international Keito Nakamura put the home side ahead midway through the first half before Mamadou Diakhon and Valentin Atangana added to the visitors' misery.Valentin Rongier scored a spectacular goal to give Marseille hope in the final 15 minutes, but Roberto De Zerbi's side lost further ground on leaders PSG and are now 22 points behind in second.Reims went ahead when Nakamura turned in the box and fired into the bottom corner for his ninth league goal this term.Marseille dominated as the match progressed but as they pushed forward, Reims broke on 51 minutes to double their lead.Nakamura turned provider this time, galloping onto Junya Ito's pass and prodding the ball to Diakhon, who rounded the last defender before finishing emphatically.The relegation battlers then had De Zerbi scratching his chin in disbelief when they netted their third.Reims struck on the counter again as Atangana raced onto Hafiz Ibrahim's through ball and slotted past Geronimo Rulli.On 78 minutes, Rongier received the ball near the Reims box and surged forward before smashing the ball home.Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot could not hide his displeasure at his teammates after a defeat which leaves them in an increasingly tight scrap for the Champions League places."It hurts to show this kind of spirit. I feel like I'm seeing guys who don't want to go into the Champions League and don't want to fight to get a taste of that," Rabiot told BeIN Sports.

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #49 Ibrahim Mbaye (R) celebrates scoring his team's sixth goal during the French L1 football match between AS Saint-Etienne and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne, central France on March 29, 2025.

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PSG on verge of winning Ligue 1 title for 11th time in 13 years

Nottingham Forest reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years as Belgian 'keepe...

Nottingham Forest reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years as Belgian 'keeper Matz Sels starred in a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Brighton on Saturday.After the quarter-final clash at the Amex Stadium finished 0-0 following extra-time, Sels took centre-stage to send Forest to Wembley.Sels saved spot-kicks from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez and, although Forest's Neco Williams blazed over, Ryan Yates held his nerve to stroke home the winner.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Forest also needed shootouts to get past third-tier Exeter and top-flight strugglers Ipswich in the fourth and fifth rounds respectively this season.Nuno Espirito Santo's side are enjoying a remarkable season that could culminate in Champions League qualification and a first FA Cup final appearance since 1991.Forest, who last won the FA Cup in 1959, have climbed to third in the Premier League, leaving them within touching distance of appearing in the Champions League for the first time since 1980-81.They are five points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea and six ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City with nine games to go.Brian Clough's men were the last Forest team to make the FA Cup semi-finals, beating West Ham before losing the final to Tottenham.Forest join Crystal Palace in the last four after the Eagles won 3-0 at Fulham in Saturday's other quarter-final.On Sunday, Manchester City travel to Bournemouth and Aston Villa visit Championship side Preston, the last club from outside the top tier in this season's tournament.Forest crushed Brighton 7-0 at the City Ground in Premier League in February, a result that ranked as the Seagulls' heaviest defeat for 67 years.Since that humbling loss, Brighton had won four times in a five-game unbeaten run in the league, but they were unable to stop Forest's penalty mastery.Nuno surprisingly dropped wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga to the bench in a move that appeared to prioritise Tuesday's league clash with Manchester United.Forest were also without Chris Wood after their leading scorer suffered a hip injury on international duty with New Zealand.Wood's replacement, Taiwo Awoniyi, went close to an early opener, accelerating on to Ola Aina's pass for a stinging strike that Bart Verbruggen saved at his near post.But, shorn of their best attacking options, Forest struggled to make headway after that.Brighton were hardly much more incisive, with Pervis Estupinan's long-range blast pushed away by Sels.Carlos Baleba was inches away from putting the Seagulls ahead on the stroke of half-time, lashing just wide from the edge of the area.After their tepid start, Forest finally showed signs of life when Morgan Gibbs-White's strike from distance forced a superb save from Verbruggen.But Nuno had seen enough and sent on Hudson-Odoi and Elanga.Verbruggen repelled Elanga's close-range effort to force the tie into extra-time.Gomez nearly won it for Brighton in the closing stages, but his header from Brajan Gruda's cross was brilliantly saved by Sels, foreshadowing the 'keeper's heroics in the shootout.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: Nottingham Forest players celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest at Amex Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Brighton, England.

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Forest win another shootout to make FA Cup semis for 1st time in 34 years

Juventus returned to winning ways under new coach Igor Tudor with Saturday's 1-0 win over Genoa w...

Juventus returned to winning ways under new coach Igor Tudor with Saturday's 1-0 win over Genoa which kept them a point away from Serie A's Champions League positions.Kenan Yildiz made sure fifth-placed Juve would stay on Bologna's heels in the race for a spot in Europe's top club competition with a fine individual strike in the 25th minute in Turin.Turkey attacker Yildiz lifted home his seventh goal of the season in all competitions for Juve after skipping into the box and around Genoa defender Koni De Winter.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tudor's reign began with a limp display similar to those which cost his predecessor Thiago Motta his job, with Yildiz's strike one of the few moments of quality in a largely lacklustre match. Former Croatia international Tudor was hired until the end of the season to get Juve, with whom he spent the bulk of his playing career, into the Champions League after Motta flopped.And the result on Saturday was at least the right one after Juve conceded seven goals without reply in Motta's final two matches in charge against Atalanta and Fiorentina.Genoa are 12th and 12 points above Empoli who sit just inside the relegation zone after drawing 1-1 at ambitious Como.Juve stayed outside the top four due to Bologna winning 1-0 at struggling Venezia earlier in the day, Riccardo Orsolini's stunning volley securing a hard-fought win on the Venetian Lagoon.Italy international Orsolini guided home a superb finish from Nicolo Cambiaghi's cross three minutes after half-time to ensure Bologna of a fifth straight win and fourth place for at least another week.Venezia have failed to win in 13 league matches and are second from bottom, five points behind Parma who are just outside of the relegation zone and face Verona on Monday.Lecce, in 16th, are level on 25 points with Parma and host in-form Roma in Saturday's late match.

TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 29: Igor Tudor of Juventus celebrates at the end of the match of the Serie A match between Juventus and Genoa at on March 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy.

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Saturday in Serie A: Juve win on Tudor's debut, Bologna stay in 4th

Atletico Madrid's slim Spanish title hopes faded further with a disappointing 1-1 draw at Espanyo...

Atletico Madrid's slim Spanish title hopes faded further with a disappointing 1-1 draw at Espanyol on Saturday in La Liga.Javi Puado earned the Catalan side a point with a penalty after Cesar Azpilicueta put the visitors ahead, leaving the Rojiblancos six points behind league leaders Barcelona despite having played an extra match.Barcelona host Girona on Sunday in a Catalan derby.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Two points escaped, two important ones, I don't know why this is happening to us," Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak told Movistar."If we don't have consistency, we can't fight for the title."We don't have it, we're losing points and I think the teams behind us are catching up."Simeone admitted his team did not deserve the three points."It was a flat game in which the draw was fair," the coach told reporters, although he said he was not throwing in the towel."I say the leagues are decided in the last five weeks ... until then you don't know."After Barca beat Atletico 4-2 in their previous top-flight outing, before the international break, Diego Simeone's side knew they could not afford to lose further ground in the title race.<h3>'A tricky point'</h3>Simeone put Julian Alvarez and Rodrigo de Paul on the bench after they featured in midweek for Argentina against Brazil in South American World Cup qualifying.Uruguay international Jose Gimenez also began on the bench but was needed to replace Robin Le Normand midway through the first half after a clash of heads.Espanyol, battling relegation and provisionally 15th, fought gamely against an Atletico side that played within themselves.Marcos Llorente had a goal disallowed early on for offside but Atletico failed to create further chances until Azpilicueta blasted the visitors ahead from distance.It was his first goal for three years and also his first for Atletico Madrid, but it was worth the wait as he hit a sumptuous volley into the top corner after Antoine Griezmann's cross was cleared to the edge of the box.Conor Gallagher came close before the break and Alexander Sorloth dragged a shot wide of the post as Atletico sought a second.Manolo Gonzalez's Espanyol had created little danger but found a way back level when Clement Lenglet blatantly pulled Leandro Cabrera's shirt in the box.Puado rammed the resulting penalty into the top corner past Oblak's outstretched arm after 71 minutes.Alvarez, on from the bench, hit the side-netting as the clock ran down on Atletico's ambitions, with Joan Garcia saving from a Griezmann header at the death.Eliminated from the Champions League by rivals Real Madrid, Simeone's side's last realistic hope of silverware is in the Copa del Rey, where they face Barcelona in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday.Espanyol are now two points above the relegation zone."It's a good point against a side fighting for the title ... we got a tricky point, a good one, and we're doing well," said goalscorer Puado.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 29: Javi Puado of RCD Espanyol scores the team's first goal during the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at RCDE Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Atletico's La Liga title hopes fading fast after draw with Espanyol

Leroy Sane spared Bayern Munich's blushes with two second-half goals on Saturday, as the Bundesli...

Leroy Sane spared Bayern Munich's blushes with two second-half goals on Saturday, as the Bundesliga leaders beat relegation-threatened St. Pauli 3-2 to stay six points clear at the top of the table.Sane settled Bayern's nerves after an uneasy first half, as Vincent Kompany's side struggled once again against weaker opposition.Having dropped unexpected points against Bochum and Union Berlin in recent weeks, Bayern were under pressure to avoid a third slip after reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen narrowed the gap to three points with a 3-1 win over Bochum on Friday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Yet they looked sluggish against a fearless St. Pauli side who almost took the lead early on when a Jackson Irvine header hit the bar.The visitors handed Bayern the opener on a silver platter just two minutes later when left-back Siebe Van der Heyden was caught napping at left-back.Van der Heyden was mugged of possession by Jamal Musiala and Bayern swarmed into the box, allowing Harry Kane to sweep the ball in from close range.It was Kane's first goal against St. Pauli, meaning he has now scored against every team he has played against in the Bundesliga.Unbowed, the visitors snatched a deserved equaliser just before the half-hour mark through Elias Saad.The Tunisian forward slipped under the radar in the Bayern box and tapped in a Manolis Saliakas cross to score his first goal since September.Sane restored the lead after half-time, smashing the ball in unchallenged after a clever switch of play left him with acres of space on the left.He sealed the win 20 minutes from time, turning in a Kane cross from close range after a ruthless Bayern transition. Yet Bayern still had to survive a nervy final few minutes after Lars Ritzka pulled one back for St. Pauli in added time.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 29: Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates Michael Olise, Harry Kane and Raphael Guerreiro during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and FC St. Pauli 1910 at Allianz Arena on March 29, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

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Bayern survive St. Pauli scare to stay on course for Bundesliga title

Eberechi Eze inspired Crystal Palace to a 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final win at Fulham on Saturday with...

Eberechi Eze inspired Crystal Palace to a 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final win at Fulham on Saturday with a goal and assist in a four-minute period in the first half.Fresh from scoring his first England goal against Latvia on Monday, Eze broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from outside the box.He then turned provider for Ismaila Sarr to rapidly double Palace's lead, and Eddie Nketiah added more gloss to the scoreline as a second-half substitute.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After a difficult start to the season, Palace are one of England's form teams as Oliver Glasner's men have also marched up the Premier League table to 12th in recent months.The Eagles have won their last six away games, including another 2-0 win at Craven Cottage last month, and will believe they can go on to win the FA Cup for the first time.Palace were able to welcome back French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta for the first time since he needed 25 stitches in an ear wound suffered in his side's fifth-round win over Millwall four weeks ago.But it was Eze who was Palace's match winner with two decisive moments in a matter of minutes.The 26-year-old cut inside on his favoured right foot to curl in off the far post to open the scoring on 34 minutes.Eze then jinked past Sander Berge and showed his ability on either foot with this time an inch-perfect left-footed cross for Sarr to head in at the near post.Fulham are four places and six points above Palace in the Premier League and will now turn their focus to trying to qualify for the Champions League for the first time by finishing in the top five.However, their dreams of Wembley were extinguished 15 minutes from time.Eddie Nketiah had only been on the field a few minutes as Mateta's replacement and produced a composed finish under his former Arsenal teammate Bernd Leno for a third goal in four games.Brighton host Nottingham Forest in Saturday's other quarter-final tie.Forest thrashed the Seagulls 7-0 last month, but Brighton have won six and drawn one, 2-2 away to Manchester City, of their seven games since.City are the favourites for the competition but face a tough trip to Bournemouth on Sunday.After a disappointing season that has fallen well short of their usual standards, the FA Cup is City's final shot at winning a trophy.Aston Villa visit second-tier Preston hoping to remain on course for their first trophy since 1996 in Sunday's early kick-off.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Jean-Philippe Mateta during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Fulham and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on March 29, 2025 in London, England.

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High-flying Palace strike Fulham early to reach FA Cup semifinals

Sheffield United stormed to the top of the Championship on Friday with a 3-1 win that was a blow ...

Sheffield United stormed to the top of the Championship on Friday with a 3-1 win that was a blow to Coventry's push for the play-offs under Frank Lampard.The Blades began the night behind previous leaders Leeds only on goal difference and took another step towards an immediate return to the Premier League.Gustavo Hamer held his hands up in apology to the travelling fans after opening the scoring against his former club with a stunning free-kick on 19 minutes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tyrese Campbell turned in his 10th goal of the season to double the home side's lead from Femi Seriki's cross before half-time.Rhian Brewster then completed a comprehensive win by smashing in his first goal at Bramall Lane since 2022.Leeds have the chance to retake top spot when they host Swansea on Saturday.But Chris Wilder's men have opened up a five-point lead over third-placed Burnley in the race for a top-two finish that will secure promotion to the Premier League.Former Chelsea boss Lampard has propelled the Sky Blues up the table.Jack Rudoni pulled a goal back in stoppage time but Coventry remained in fifth after just a second defeat in eight games.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 28: Tyrese Campbell of Sheffield United celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Coventry City FC at Bramall Lane on March 28, 2025 in Sheffield, England.

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Sheffield United go top of Championship after win over Coventry

Goals from Aleix Garcia, Victor Boniface and Amine Adli took Bayer Leverkusen to a 3-1 home win o...

Goals from Aleix Garcia, Victor Boniface and Amine Adli took Bayer Leverkusen to a 3-1 home win over Bochum on Friday and temporarily cut Bayern Munich's lead at the top of the Bundesliga to three points.Bayern restored the gap to six points with a 3-2 win over St. Pauli on Saturday.Defending champions Leverkusen dominated possession and were camped out near Bochum's goal for much of the match but struggled to carve out clear chances until late in the game. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Aleix Garcia opened Leverkusen's account midway through the opening half when he curled in a shot from just outside the area. Bochum hit back shortly afterwards when Felix Passlack unleashed a memorable strike of his own after a defensive mistake from Granit Xhaka.Leverkusen's nerves seemed to build as the game went on until Boniface, starting for the first time since early February, restored their lead with a close range tap-in on the 60-minute mark. Adli, on for Patrik Schick, scored a third in the 87th minute to wrap up the victory and up the pressure on Bayern, who host St. Pauli on Saturday. Coach Xabi Alonso told reporters "maybe it wasn't the best performance, but it was consistent, stable and serious. For the last period of the season -- these seven games -- if we stay patient and calm, we know we have a chance.""Of course we're dependent on other results," Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah told DAZN, but added "we're in it and we haven't given up yet. We're still believing."German Cup holders Leverkusen play away at third-division Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals of the competition on Tuesday. Pre-match, the task for Leverkusen was simple. Alonso said Thursday his side would "fight until the end" and "put as much pressure on them (Bayern) as possible."With creative spark Florian Wirtz still injured, Alonso opted to start strikers Boniface and Schick alongside each other for the first time this season. Despite the dual attacking threats up front, it was diminutive forward who Garcia opened the scoring with 20 minutes gone. The Spaniard collected an Exequiel Palacios pass on the edge of the box and unleashed a perfect strike into the near corner. Bochum, whose lowly table position belies their recent form with wins over Bayern and Borussia Dortmund, struck back just six minutes later with a stunning volley from Passlack.With the scores level at the break, Leverkusen retook the lead 15 minutes into the second period. Garcia whipped in a curling cross from the right, which found Piero Hincapie at the far post. The Ecuadorian laid on a perfect cross-ball for Boniface, who put Leverkusen back in front. Boniface scored again on the 80-minute mark but the goal was struck off for a narrow offside. With three minutes remaining, Boniface won the ball in midfield and fed Palacios, who laid the ball on for Adli to slide home.

Leverkusen, Germany - March 28: Amine Adli of Bayer 04 Leverkusen celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfL Bochum 1848 at BayArena on March 28, 2025 in Leverkusen, Germany.

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Leverkusen beat Bochum to keep pace with Bayern

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde expressed his anger over being forced to play against Osasuna in ...

Barcelona defender Jules Kounde expressed his anger over being forced to play against Osasuna in La Liga on Thursday in a rescheduled match which the clubs had asked not to play.Hansi Flick's league leaders won 3-0 and moved three points clear at the top of the table but Kounde said the game being set for this date was a lack of respect to the clubs and players.Barcelona and Osasuna appealed against the decision to play the game on Thursday after it was initially postponed on March 8 following the death of a doctor at the Catalan club, but their pleas were ignored.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I'm angry about the date of the game, I don't think it's normal," Kounde told DAZN."I know that people find it hard to understand sometimes and we are lucky to do what we do... but I think it is a lack of respect to the club to play the game on this date."It doesn't matter which club, Osasuna too, who have internationals too... who have not had the rest they need."Kounde played 120 minutes for France on Sunday in the Nations League against Croatia, for whom Osasuna's Ante Budimir featured."It could be Barcelona, Osasuna, or Real Madrid, and I think that beyond a lack of respect to the clubs it's a lack of respect to the players," continued the French defender."They have to understand that we are not machines, and to play our game and give the fans what we want, we need rest."I think all institutions, and not just La Liga, have to understand that." Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was unhappy that midfielder Dani Olmo was injured during the game."(As I said before) it's not the right date for playing this match, I think also after the international break, I think it was not good," Flick told reporters."We have three points more, but we paid a really high price for the injury of Dani."It's not good and we don't know how long he will be out."

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 27: Jose Arnaiz of CA Osasuna battles for possession with Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 27, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Barcelona's Kounde furious over lack of rest: We're 'not machines'

Chelsea's women overturned a two-goal first leg deficit to beat Manchester City 3-0 and set up a ...

Chelsea's women overturned a two-goal first leg deficit to beat Manchester City 3-0 and set up a Champions League semi-final meeting with holders Barcelona on Thursday.Earlier, Barca mauled Wolfsburg 6-1 in Catalonia to complete a 10-2 aggregate thrashing.In the final of four meetings between City and Chelsea in the past 12 days, the English champions wasted little time in gaining revenge for a rare defeat in last week's first leg.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Blues had turned the tie around before half-time as Sandy Baltimore blasted into the top corner before Nathalie Bjorn headed in from a corner to level the tie at 2-2 on aggregate.Lauren James then pounced on a sloppy City pass to tee up Mayra Ramirez for the winning goal.Chelsea remain on course for a quadruple in Sonia Bompastor's first season in charge.They beat City 2-1 in the League Cup final earlier this month to begin the quartet of meetings, are into the semi-finals of the FA Cup and have an eight-point lead at the top of the Women's Super League.However, they face the most daunting challenge in women's football next month in trying to dethrone Barcelona.Chelsea's quest to win the Champions League for the first time has come undone against the Spanish champions in three of the past four seasons.Pere Romeu's side have gone on to win the tournament on all three occasions and set a record by reaching a seventh consecutive semi-final.After a shock first ever women's El Clasico defeat by Real Madrid on Sunday, Barca showed no mercy against the side they beat to win the 2023 final.Salma Paralluelo's quickfire double built on Barca's 4-1 first leg lead before Esmee Brugts smashed home the third from outside the box.Substitute Claudia Pina continued the rout after the hour mark as she beat Anneke Borbe too easily at her near post.Lineth Beerensteyn pulled one back for the visitors after Barca stopper Cata Coll was lured out of her goal but could not clear the ball effectively.Pina scored a fine second with a free-kick which flew in off the post, with Mapi Leon following suit from even longer range to wrap up Barcelona's rout in stoppage time.Arsenal will face eight-time winners Lyon in the other semi-final for a place in the final in Lisbon on May 24.

London, United Kingdom - March 27: Mayra Ramirez of FC Chelsea celebrates after scoring her team's third goal with teammates during the UEFA Women's Champions League Quarter Finals Second Leg match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City on March 27, 2025 in London, England.

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UWCL roundup: Chelsea fight back to beat Man City, Barca smash Wolfsburg

Barcelona swept to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Osasuna to move three points clear at the top o...

Barcelona swept to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Osasuna to move three points clear at the top of La Liga despite their discontent at having to play their match on Thursday.The Catalans' appeal against the rescheduling of this game was rejected but Hansi Flick's side, unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions, still made light work of Osasuna, 14th.Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo netted in the first half with Robert Lewandowski on target after the break.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barca were without key winger Raphinha as he played for Brazil on Wednesday in South America in World Cup qualifying but cruised at the Olympic stadium regardless.Flick was happy with the victory but said an injury to Olmo meant it came at a cost."We have three points more but we paid a really high price with the injury of Dani," Flick told reporters."We don't know how long he will be out but if it's two weeks, he'll miss a lot of games and if it's three weeks even more."The match was originally due to be played on March 8 but was postponed after a Barcelona club doctor died.Some players, including France's Jules Kounde, played 120 minutes on Sunday for their countries before returning for the game."It's a lack of respect to the club to select this date," Kounde told DAZN."We're not machines and to play our game and give the fans what we want, we need rest."Flick put veteran striker Lewandowski on the bench, deploying Torres in his place to excellent effect."Every game is a final, so today's was a final, it was important for us," Torres told DAZN.Barcelona controlled the game from the start, taking the lead through Torres after 11 minutes.Frenkie de Jong led the way as Barcelona moved the ball around smartly, with Alejandro Balde receiving it on the left.The full-back, in fine form, sent a dangerous low ball into the six-yard box where Torres darted in to stab home.The Spaniard should have added a second when teenage star Lamine Yamal clipped a fine ball over the top for him but Sergio Herrera saved well.The goalkeeper brought down Dani Olmo to concede a penalty for Barcelona's second midway through the first half.Herrera saved Olmo's spot kick, low to his right, but a re-take was ordered after an Osasuna player encroached, and this time the playmaker made no mistake.<h3>'Rolled over us'</h3>Olmo was taken off hurt a few minutes later, with Flick angry on the sidelines at the situation, as Barca face an intense run of nine games in 28 days across all competitions, starting with this victory.Torres whipped a free-kick against the crossbar with Barcelona remaining dominant, as midfield maestro Pedri Gonzalez controlled the game.The second half was a low key affair as Barcelona were content with their lead, until Lewandowski came on for Torres, hungry to get in on the action.The veteran Polish striker nodded home from Fermin Lopez's cross at the end of a quick break to extend Barca's lead and his own at the top of Spain's scoring charts with 23 league goals.Barcelona's win helped them put daylight between themselves and champions Real Madrid, while Atletico, third, are seven points behind.Barca host Girona on Sunday in a Catalan derby, while Atletico visit Espanyol and Real Madrid welcome Leganes on Saturday.Vicente Moreno's Osasuna are without a win in their last seven games across all competitions."We're not doing well, for a long time we've been down in the dumps," said Osasuna's Ruben Garcia."We faced a team that rolled over the top of us, we have to recognise that and try to do better."

Barcelona's Polish forward #09 Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on March 27, 2025.

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Barcelona win contentious fixture to bolster title bid

UEFA opened an investigation into four Real Madrid stars, including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Ju...

UEFA opened an investigation into four Real Madrid stars, including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, on Thursday for alleged "indecent conduct" during their Champions League last-16 win over Atletico Madrid.Madrid's two superstar forwards, as well as defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Ceballos, face potential punishment ahead of their quarter-final first leg clash at Arsenal on April 8."A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players," said the European football governing body in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Spanish media reports suggested Real Madrid players are being scrutinised by UEFA for the manner of their celebrations after the win.UEFA and Real Madrid did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.Record 15-time champions and current holders Madrid beat their rivals on penalties at Atletico's Metropolitano stadium on March 12 after a 2-2 aggregate draw.The night ended in controversy after Atletico forward Julian Alvarez had a penalty controversially disallowed in the shootout for touching the ball twice.

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 19: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates with Vinicius Junior after scoring their second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester City at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on February 19, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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UEFA investigating Madrid stars Mbappe, Vinicius for 'indecent conduct'

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