Coventry secured promotion to the Premier League on Friday as the Championship leaders' 1-1 draw ...

Coventry secured promotion to the Premier League on Friday as the Championship leaders' 1-1 draw against Blackburn ended their 25-year exile from the top flight.Frank Lampard’s side needed a point from their trip to Ewood Park to be certain of automatic promotion.They did it the hard way, trailing to Ryoya Morishita’s deflected 54th-minute strike before Bobby Thomas headed the priceless equaliser in the 84th minute.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Having led the Championship table for much of the season, the Sky Blues have wrapped up their return to English football’s elite with three games to spare.Backed by 7,500 raucous fans crammed into the Darwen End, Coventry were below their best for long periods of a nervous display.But their performance will quickly be forgotten, replaced by life-long memories of the promotion party that followed Thomas’ glancing header from Victor Torp’s free-kick.Supporters wept tears of joy when the final whistle announced their ascent to the Premier League.Now Lampard’s men can set their sights on winning the Championship title, with second-placed Ipswich 11 points behind with five matches to play.Fittingly, Coventry’s previous promotion to the top-flight in 1967 was also sealed at Blackburn when Rovers drew with Bolton.That was the start of a 34-year spell in the top tier before relegation in 2001 sparked a steep decline.Coventry plunged into the fourth tier for one season in 2017-18 and were even forced to play their home games in Northampton and Birmingham for three seasons due to a bitter legal battle between the club and their stadium’s owners.The 1987 FA Cup winners’ rise back to prominence was initially piloted by Mark Robins, whose second spell in charge brought promotion from League Two and League One.Losing the 2023 Championship play-off final against Luton stalled Coventry’s momentum and eventually led to Robins’ dismissal in 2024.Hiring former England star Lampard as Robins’ replacement proved an inspired move as he revived his career following sackings by Chelsea and Everton.Lampard led Coventry away from the relegation zone in his first season before losing to Sunderland in the play-off semi-finals.Fuelled by the pain of that near-miss, Coventry embarked on a relentless march to promotion.A 7-1 demolition of QPR and a 5-3 win at Lampard’s former club Derby in August established Coventry as the Championship’s dominant force.Jack Rudoni’s assured presence in midfield, complemented by the goals of Haji Wright, Ellis Simms and Brandon Thomas-Asante, kept Coventry top of the pile as the promotion dream came true.The Sky Blues’ success has also reinvigorated the midlands city, according to Coventry’s Lord Mayor Rachel Lancaster.“It’s huge for Coventry football club and the fans, but for Coventry itself as a city, this has been massive,” she said.

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: The Coventry City team celebrate their promotion following the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City at Ewood Park on April 17, 2026 in Blackburn, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35274810/related

Coventry clinch promotion to end 25-year Premier League exile

Inter Milan took another step towards the Serie A title on Friday by comfortably beating Cagliari...

Inter Milan took another step towards the Serie A title on Friday by comfortably beating Cagliari 3-0 and taking a provisional 12-point lead at the top of the table.Quickfire strikes shortly after half-time at the San Siro from Marcus Thuram and Nicolo Barella, and Piotr Zielinski's rocket in stoppage time, took Inter to potentially one game from claiming their 21st league crown, with closest challengers Napoli hosting Lazio on Saturday.If Napoli do not beat Lazio, Inter could wrap up the Scudetto next weekend at Torino, although they would also need the reigning champions to not win their next fixture against relegation strugglers Cremonese.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Regardless, Inter look destined to take the title back from Napoli with weeks to spare and were too much for Cagliari who with five matches left in their season are six points above the relegation zone and not yet safe from the drop.Thuram's opener came six minutes after the break and was probably his simplest finish of the season, the France forward casually guiding home his fourth goal in three matches from Federico Dimarco's perfect low cross.And Inter were effectively sure of the points two minutes later when Sardinian Barella, who came up through the Cagliari's academy, smashed in the second and held his hands up in apology to his home-town team.Inter fans roared chants about their massive league lead and their distaste for local rivals AC Milan as their team played out the rest of a match without exerting themselves, with the second leg of their Italian Cup semi-final with Como coming up on Tuesday.Supporters had barely finished bellowing "we're gonna win the league" when Zielinski met Dumfries' knock-down with a perfect shot from the edge of the area which sailed past Elia Caprile and into the top corner.

Players of FC Internazionale celebrate their victory after the Serie A match between Inter Milan and Cagliari at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, on April 17, 2026.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35275124/related

Inter swat Cagliari aside to continue Serie A title march

Lens came back from two goals down to find a late winner to beat Toulouse 3-2 on Friday and move ...

Lens came back from two goals down to find a late winner to beat Toulouse 3-2 on Friday and move to within one point of Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who have two games in hand. Lens, whose only French title came in 1998, were slow out of the blocks at their Stade Bollaert-Delelis and found themselves 2-0 down after 13 minutes. Goalkeeper Robin Risser fumbled a long-range strike from Cristian Casseres in the sixth minute before being beaten by Seny Koumbassa. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The game turned four minutes later when Toulouse’s Yann Gboho was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Adrien Thomasson that will keep him out of the French Cup semi-final when the two sides meet again in Toulouse on Tuesday. From then on, Lens dominated possession and peppered the Toulouse goal without joy until defender Saud Abdulhamid finally found the target after 61 minutes. Six minutes later Thomasson levelled with Ismaelo Ganiou snatching the winner two minutes into added time at the end of the game. The win cements Lens in the top two: they are now nine points ahead of third-placed Lille. Leaders PSG host Lyon on Sunday.

Lens' French defender Pierre Ismaelo Ganiou (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between RC Lens and Toulouse FC at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens, northern France, on April 17, 2026.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35274949/related

Lens keep pressure on PSG with comeback win over Toulouse

Como's bid for Champions League football suffered another blow on Friday with a 2-1 defeat at Sas...

Como's bid for Champions League football suffered another blow on Friday with a 2-1 defeat at Sassuolo, while Serie A leaders Inter Milan attempt to move provisionally 12 points clear.Cristian Volpato's brilliant lobbed finished at the end of a rapid counter-attack and a M'Bala Nzola strike, goals which came within two minutes near the end of the first half, gave Sassuolo victory in Reggio Emilia.A second straight defeat leaves Como fifth, two points behind Juventus who host Bologna on Sunday night and with Roma one point behind in sixth ahead of their clash with Atalanta on Saturday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>AC Milan have also been given a reprieve, the seven-time European champions in third and five points ahead of Como but on a run of three defeats in their last four fixtures.Como had looked on course to secure a sensational top four placing at half-time of last week's home match against Inter, a fixture which Cesc Fabregas' team led by two just before half-time.But they eventually fell to a 4-3 defeat and Friday's loss leaves the traditionally small club, backed by tobacco giants Djarum, potentially five points away from the Champions League spots come the end of the weekend.

REGGIO EMILIA, ITALY - APRIL 17: Cristian Volpato of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Città del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35273451/related

Como's Champions League bid rocked by defeat at Sassuolo

Crystal Palace went down to a 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina on Thursday but nonetheless progressed 4-2...

Crystal Palace went down to a 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina on Thursday but nonetheless progressed 4-2 on aggregate to the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League, where they will meet Shakhtar Donetsk.On the other side of the draw, Strasbourg pulled off a fine comeback to book their spot in the last four against Rayo Vallecano.In Florence, Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for Palace, before Albert Gudmundsson and Cher Ndour struck to give the Italian side hope.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It was a difficult night for Oliver Glasner's side as a first defeat in six matches in all competitions was compounded by key men Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix both being forced off with knocks in the first half.But most importantly the English club still remain in contention to add to their first ever major trophy, the FA Cup won last season, in their maiden European campaign."This is unbelievable for this football club, sensational when you think about the FA Cup last season and then to keep going and create a new chapter," Palace captain Dean Henderson told TNT Sports."3-0 (first-leg lead) is a dangerous score and you don't really know how it will go. We managed to get through, so who cares?"Ahead of kick-off, the Stadio Artemio Franchi held a minute's silence for goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who died earlier Thursday aged 48 after his car was struck by a train. The Austrian spent a loan spell at Fiorentina in 2001/02.Sarr gave Palace the start they wanted as Daniel Munoz stood the ball up for the Senegalese to head powerfully past David de Gea in the 17th minute.The header took Sarr's total in the Conference League this campaign to seven goals in 10 appearances.Palace then offered Fiorentina a faint lifeline back into the tie just before the half-hour as Jaydee Canvot caught Rolando Mandragora in the box and Gudmundsson sent Dean Henderson the wrong way from the resulting spot-kick to get the hosts on the scoresheet.The visitors' nerves started to jangle considerably more inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half as Ndour got the home fans rocking with a 30-yard strike that whistled into the bottom corner.However, Palace managed to take the sting out of the tie and nullify Fiorentina as they progressed to a first European semi-final.There they will face Ukrainians Shakhtar, who earlier drew 2-2 at AZ Alkmaar to progress 5-2 on aggregate.Already three goals to the good ahead of their trip to the Netherlands, Shakhtar grew their advantage when Alisson Santana opened the scoring at AZ Stadion shortly before the hour.Isak Jensen and Matej Sin hit back for the hosts inside the final 20 minutes, but it was too little, too late as Luca Meirelles' 83rd-minute equaliser ended the tie.<h3>Fightbacks</h3>Trailing by two goals after the first leg, Strasbourg pulled off a thrilling comeback as they won 4-0 at home on Thursday to eliminate Mainz 4-2 on aggregate.Strikes by Sebastian Nanasi and Abdoul Ouattara wiped out Mainz's advantage within 35 minutes.Captain Emmanuel Emegha then missed from 12 yards when he had the chance to send Strasbourg ahead for the first time in the tie on 66 minutes.But Julio Enciso tapped in from close range three minutes later, before the Dutch striker rounded off the rout at the Stade de la Meinau in the 74th minute.It was a contrasting night for their last-four opponents Rayo, after Isi Palazon's 60th-minute goal was just enough to edge the Spaniards through 4-3 on aggregate after they lost the second leg 3-1 at AEK Athens.Prior to that strike, Zini's brace and Razvan Marin's spot-kick for AEK had the tie heading to extra time.The semi-final first legs will take place on April 30 with Rayo and Shakhtar hosting.

FLORENCE, ITALY - APRIL 16: Players of Crystal Palace pose for a photo as they celebrate the teams progression to the semi-finals following the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between ACF Fiorentina and Crystal Palace FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 16, 2026 in Florence, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35265017/related

Crystal Palace oust Fiorentina to reach Conference League semis

Aston Villa demolished Bologna and Nottingham Forest beat Porto in the Europa League on Thursday ...

Aston Villa demolished Bologna and Nottingham Forest beat Porto in the Europa League on Thursday to set up an all-English showdown in the semi-finals.Leading 3-1 from the quarter-final first leg, Unai Emery's team swatted aside Bologna with a 4-0 victory at Villa Park.Forest, 12 spots below fourth-placed Villa in the Premier League, defeated 10-man Porto 1-0 in Nottingham to secure a 2-1 aggregate success.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Villa are into their second European semi-final under Emery after making the last four in the Conference League in 2024.Europa League specialist Emery has won the tournament four times -- three with Sevilla and one at Villarreal -- and also finished as a runner-up with Arsenal.Ollie Watkins had scored twice in the first leg in Italy and the England striker tormented Bologna again in the 16th minute.It was an eye-catching goal as Villa's flowing 14-pass move climaxed with Morgan Rogers setting up Watkins for a tap-in from six yards.Watkins' 100th goal for Villa made him the club's top scorer in European competitions with 10, overtaking Peter Withe and John McGinn.Villa missed a 25th minute penalty after Martin Vitik handled a header from Rogers, whose spot-kick was saved by Federico Ravaglia.But it was only a temporary reprieve for Bologna as Emiliano Buendia struck with a fierce blast in the 26th minute.Rogers made up for his penalty miss in the 39th minute, netting for the first time in 12 games with a drive that beat Ravaglia at his near post.Ezri Konsa's 89th-minute volley capped Villa's dominant display."We needed to get the first goal, it was very important. They are a dangerous team away from home," Villa captain John McGinn said. "A great first half gets us to a semi-final, I'm delighted."At the City Ground, two-time European champions Forest booked their first continental semi-final since the 1983-84 UEFA Cup.Porto defender Jan Bednarek was dismissed in the eighth minute for an ugly foul that caught Chris Wood on the knee and forced the New Zealand striker to limp off injured.<h3>Emotion at Forest</h3>Forest quickly took advantage of their numerical superiority as Morgan Gibbs-White's shot from the edge of the penalty area took a hefty deflection before looping into the back of the net in the 12th minute.Gibbs-White celebrated by holding up a shirt with Elliot Anderson's name on it in a tribute to the Forest star, who missed the game due to the death of his mother.There was another emotional moment at half-time when former Forest striker Tony Woodwork was presented with a winners' medal from the 1980 European Cup.Woodcock's strained relationship with then Forest boss Brian Clough led him to be denied a medal after he left the club during their run to win the competition for a second successive season.Forest had a narrow escape when Porto's William Gomes hit the woodwork from close-range in the second-half and they rode their luck again in the closing minutes as Alan Varela struck the crossbar. Playing in Europe for the first time since the 1995-96 UEFA Cup, Vitor Pereira's side will hope their Europa run provides a boost in their battle to avoid relegation."The club and the supporters deserve it. I have a fantastic team. They have the spirit, character and quality," Pereira said."It's too much to think Villa now. I will think about it after Burnley this weekend."Freiburg swept into the Europa League semi-finals for the first time with a 3-1 win against Celta Vigo.After taking the first leg 3-0 in Germany, Julian Schuster's side finished the job in Vigo, winning 6-1 on aggregate thanks to Igor Matanovic's opener and Yuito Suzuki's double.In the semi-finals, Freiburg will play Sporting Braga, who came from behind to win 4-2 at Real Betis, sealing a 5-3 aggregate triumph.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring their side's fourth goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35264943/related

Europa League: Aston Villa, Forest to meet in all-English semifinal tilt

Freiburg made history as they swept into the Europa League semi-finals for the first time with a ...

Freiburg made history as they swept into the Europa League semi-finals for the first time with a 3-1 win against Celta Vigo on Thursday.Julian Schuster's side already had one foot in their first ever European semi-final after a 3-0 victory in the quarter-final first leg in Germany last week.They finished the job in Vigo, winning 6-1 on aggregate thanks to Igor Matanovic's opener and Yuito Suzuki's double.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In the semi-finals, Freiburg will play Real Betis or Sporting Braga, who are level at 1-1 ahead of their showdown in Spain later on Thursday.Having already made history by reaching the quarter-finals of a European competition for the first time this season, Freiburg can now set their sights on a maiden final.They have built their Europa League campaign on defensive solidity, conceding just seven goals in 12 matches, but it was their ruthless attack that made the difference in the second leg. Freiburg killed off any hopes of a Celta fightback with two goals in the space of six minutes in the first half.Matthias Ginter picked out Jordy Makengo's run and he nodded back to Matanovic, who lashed a superb volley into the top corner in the 33rd minute.Suzuki doubled the lead in the 39th minute, playing a one-two with Jan-Niklas Beste before converting the return pass with a composed finish.The Japan midfielder struck again after 51 minutes, netting from close range from Vincenzo Grifo's pass after Johan Manzambi slalomed through the Celta defence.Williot Swedberg's stoppage-time strike was no consolation for out-classed Celta.

Freiburg players celebrate their victory at the end of the UEFA Europa League quarter final second leg football match between RC Celta de Vigo and SC Freiburg at Balaidos Stadium in Vigo on April 16, 2026.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35263383/related

Freiburg reach Europa League semifinals for 1st time

Shakhtar Donetsk drew 2-2 at AZ Alkmaar on Thursday as the Ukrainian side progressed to the UEFA ...

Shakhtar Donetsk drew 2-2 at AZ Alkmaar on Thursday as the Ukrainian side progressed to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals with a 5-2 aggregate win.Already three goals to the good ahead of their trip to the Netherlands, Shakhtar had seemed like they would book their last four berth in style when Alisson Santana opened the scoring at AZ Stadion shortly before the hour.Isak Jensen and Matej Sin hit back for the hosts inside the final 20 minutes, but it was too little, too late as Luca Meirelles' 83rd-minute equaliser extinguished any hopes of a dramatic comeback.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Shakhtar will next face the winners of Crystal Palace's tie with Fiorentina, which takes place later Thursday.The Premier League side looked poised to book that semi-final spot as they travel to Tuscany with a 3-0 aggregate lead after the first leg at Selhurst Park.Elsewhere, Rayo Vallecano visit AEK Athens, also with a 3-0 first-leg advantage, and Strasbourg host Mainz with the home side looking to overturn a 2-0 deficit.

ALKMAAR, NETHERLANDS - APRIL 16: Vinicius Tobias of FC Shakhtar Donetsk celebrates the teams progression to the semi-finals following the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between AZ Alkmaar and FK Shakhtar Donetsk at AZ Stadion on April 16, 2026 in Alkmaar, Netherlands.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35263449/related

Shakhtar cruise past Alkmaar to reach Conference League semis

Liverpool followed France in confirming Thursday that forward Hugo Ekitike will miss the remainde...

Liverpool followed France in confirming Thursday that forward Hugo Ekitike will miss the remainder of the Premier League season and the 2026 World Cup after suffering a serious injury in a Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.The 23-year-old crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg during the first half of Liverpool's 2-0 quarter-final second-leg defeat by European champions PSG at Anfield on Tuesday and had to be substituted.A brief statement issued by Premier League champions Liverpool on Thursday said scans had subsequently confirmed a "rupture of the Achilles tendon".<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The statement added: "Ekitike will therefore be sidelined for the remaining weeks of the club season and unable to participate at this summer's World Cup with France."Liverpool gave no timescale for Ekitike's recovery, saying only "further updates will be provided at the appropriate time, with Hugo receiving the full support of everyone at LFC".Liverpool's statement followed Wednesday's announcement by France coach Didier Deschamps that Ekitike was out of the World Cup."Unfortunately, the severity of (Ekitike's) injury will prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and taking part in the World Cup," Deschamps said in a statement released by the French football federation."This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the French national team."I wanted to express my full support for him, as well as that of the entire coaching staff."Ekitike has scored 17 goals in 45 matches in all competitions for Liverpool since arriving at Anfield for a fee of £79 million ($105.5 million) last summer from German side Eintracht Frankfurt.Since winning his first France cap in a World Cup qualifier in September last year, Ekitike has been a regular, scoring two goals and providing one assist in his eight caps."It looks really bad, but difficult for me to say how bad," Liverpool manager Arne Slot said after Tuesday's match.Injuries have been a major factor in a disastrous season for Liverpool as they sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign without silverware."Losing a player is something we have had many times this season, but it is especially hard for him because you never want to be injured, especially at this time of the season," added Slot.

Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday April 14, 2026.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35240448/related

Ekitike will miss World Cup after rupturing Achilles

Harry Kane praised Luis Diaz's late "moment of magic" which delivered the killer blow as Bayern M...

Harry Kane praised Luis Diaz's late "moment of magic" which delivered the killer blow as Bayern Munich eliminated Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.Holding a 2-1 first-leg advantage, Bayern fell behind three times on the night in the first half as record 15-time champions Real produced a familiarly strong performance on the European stage.The tie was level at 4-4 on aggregate when Diaz struck in the 89th minute to put Bayern in front, before Michael Olise added another in stoppage time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bayern will face holders Paris Saint-Germain in the semis after winning 4-3 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate."I think even in the last 20 minutes of the game I felt like we were the team trying to make something happen," Kane told reporters."They started to tire a little bit, and it just sometimes takes a moment, a moment of magic, an unbelievable finish, or an unbelievable pass."In this case it was two great finishes by Lucho (Diaz) and Michael (Olise), to finish the game off for us, and that's what the Champions League is about."Sometimes, you can be the dominant team and lose, so it's nice to get through and win this one."The England captain credited his side's patience for helping them overcome Madrid."The highs and lows throughout the first half especially was pretty unique," Kane said."We stayed in the game, we stayed patient, especially in the second half, we knew as the game would go on we would become stronger."Physically this season we've been really strong in the last 10-15 minutes, and that's kind of what happened today. We took our chances when we needed to at the end."Kane's first-half strike made him the first English player in a top-five European league since 1930-31 to score 50 goals in all competitions in a season."It's a reward for a lot of the hard work that we put in, not just me, but the team," Kane told TNT."It wouldn't be possible without the players around me and for me it's just about keeping it going."We've still got six weeks left in a Bayern shirt, we (England) have a World Cup in the summer and I just want to stay physically fit and sharp and just be out there to help the team."Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said his side were ready to take on PSG."We believe in ourselves more than ever," Kompany said."We believed until the very end, never giving up after two tough battles against a great Real Madrid."

Munich, Germany - April 15: Luis Díaz of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35253694/related

Kane lauds Diaz, Olise for producing 'magic' in stirring Bayern victory

Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal's angst-ridden progress to the Champions League semi-finals proved ...

Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal's angst-ridden progress to the Champions League semi-finals proved they have the character to cope with the mounting pressure of their bid to end a six-year trophy drought.Arteta's side survived an anxious quarter-final second leg against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday as they held on for a goalless draw that secured a 1-0 aggregate victory.The Gunners were well below their best at the Emirates Stadium, but Sporting couldn't take advantage as Geny Catamo went closest for the visitors with a first-half volley that smacked off the post.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It was the latest in a growing list of spluttering displays from Arsenal, who have lost three of their last five games in all competitions, winning just once in that period.But Arteta is adamant Arsenal's ability to grind out yet another vital result, despite an ugly performance, showed their spirit and desire remain strong amid criticism of their perceived mental weakness."We are not perfect, we recognise that, but there is value in what the players have done," said Arteta, whose club face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals."My message was gratitude for the effort they put in. There was a lot of work put in. We had to do it in a very special way, missing a lot of important players."We had many things that are important in getting a result. It is about how you compete and when you are trying to win titles that is what you need."With Arsenal missing the injured Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber, Arteta saluted Declan Rice's decision to face Sporting despite being unable to train on Tuesday.Rice's tenacious effort symbolised the attitude that Arteta demands from his team."100 percent, especially in moments of difficulty or when we gave the ball away. Declan yesterday was shattered. He had no chance to play."He was not feeling good at all. But he played 94 minutes today. He is a great leader and a top player for us."I wish we were doing an Arsenal documentary this season, then you could see everything that has happened in the last 48 hours. You would think Arsenal are in the bottom two with the way people are talking."<h3>'A massive boost'</h3>Arsenal are through to the Champions League semi-finals in successive seasons for the first time in their history.The Gunners, who beat Atletico 4-0 in the league phase in October, will travel to Madrid for the first leg on April 29, with the second leg at the Emirates on May 5."It's a massive moment. To be part of those four teams is great work. It's a great night," Arteta said."I'm very happy for all our people. We are making steps that haven't been done at this club for 140 years."We are going to have two magical nights against Atletico. The things Diego Simeone has done there are impressive. The tie is open for both teams."Beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in the last four 12 months ago, the north Londoners are hoping to reach the final for the first time since 2006.Arsenal have never won the Champions League, while they are also chasing a first Premier League title in 22 years.They sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League, but second-placed Manchester City have a game in hand and host the Gunners in a seismic showdown on Sunday.Arteta is confident Arsenal's progress in the Champions League will provide a signficant lift heading into the crunch clash with City, who have hit form while the Gunners are stumbling."It is a massive boost. To be in the Champions League semi-finals is extremely tough. We are going to enjoy it because we deserve it," he said.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Mikel Arteta Manager / Head Coach of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Arsenal Stadium on April 15, 2026 in London, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35253329/related

Arteta salutes Arsenal's effort after anxious progress to UCL semis

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said the decision to send off Eduardo Camavinga "ruined" Wednesd...

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said the decision to send off Eduardo Camavinga "ruined" Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final after his team were eliminated by Bayern Munich.Substitute Camavinga picked up two yellow cards in quick succession to be dismissed with four minutes remaining of the quarter-final second leg.The tie was level when Camavinga was shown red but Bayern scored twice late to win 4-3 on the night, 6-4 on aggregate, and book a clash with holders Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Frenchman's second yellow appeared to be shown for delaying the restart after he had fouled Harry Kane."It's unbelievable that you can send off a player for this action in a match like this," Arbeloa told TNT Sports."We feel really upset, really angry, really disappointing. This felt like a defining game in our season."Speaking with Movistar, Arbeloa said the referee "ruined" the match by sending off Camavinga, claiming the official did not know he was already on a yellow."I think the referee didn't even know he had a booking, and so that's why he did it, but he's ruined a knockout tie, a match that I think was really beautiful, that was flying, that was at a fantastic level, and that's where the game ended."Walking past reporters after the match, Real midfielder Jude Bellingham said the decision was "a joke", while Antonio Rudiger said "you saw the situations yourself -- it's better not to speak".Luis Diaz, who scored shortly afterwards to put Bayern ahead on aggregate, backed the referee's decision, saying Camavinga had prevented the hosts from launching an attack by holding onto the ball."I think the referee was right to send him off. We wanted to take the free-kick quickly and he didn't release the ball," Diaz told reporters.The defeat leaves Real Madrid set to finish a second straight season without a major trophy, with Arbeloa's side nine points behind leaders Barcelona with seven games to play in La Liga.

Munich, Germany - April 15: Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid gestures looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35253221/related

Arbeloa slams decision to send off Camavinga, Bellingham calls it 'joke'

Late strikes from Luis Diaz and Michael Olise sealed a dramatic 4–3 win for Bayern Munich over Re...

Late strikes from Luis Diaz and Michael Olise sealed a dramatic 4–3 win for Bayern Munich over Real Madrid on Wednesday, clinching a 6–4 aggregate victory and setting up a semi-final with holders Paris Saint-Germain.The tie was level at the break in the second leg after a scintillating opening half, with record 15-time European champions Real going ahead three times on the night. Bayern won 2-1 last week in the Spanish capital, but Arda Guler pounced on a loose Manuel Neuer pass to put the visitors ahead after just 34 seconds at the Allianz Arena. He scored again from a free-kick after Aleksandar Pavlovic equalised. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Harry Kane put Bayern back ahead in the tie only for Kylian Mbappe to restore parity overall when he put Madrid 3-2 up before half-time.Eduardo Camavinga was sent off for a second yellow card with four minutes left and Bayern pushed forward, Diaz blasting into the corner from outside the box after a crucial deflection. With Real pressing for an equaliser, Olise curled in a magnificent shot to rubberstamp Bayern's ticket to the last four and keep alive their quest for a seventh European crown. They will head to Luis Enrique's PSG at the end of the month.(Available to view in U.S. only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LUIS DÍAZ AND MICHAEL OLISE WIN IT FOR BAYERN AT THE DEATH 🔥 THEY KNOCK 15-TIME CHAMPIONS REAL MADRID OUT OF THE UCL 💥 <a href="https://t.co/sS4AWvsEgs">pic.twitter.com/sS4AWvsEgs</a>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/2044521522434306548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>(Available to view in Canada only)<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LUIS DIAZ WITH A GOLAZO!! OH MY!! BAYERN RETAKE THE LEAD BY AGGREGATE 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/OD5fAHbIv8">pic.twitter.com/OD5fAHbIv8</a>— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/DAZNFootball/status/2044519842032636085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Tempers boiled over after the final whistle with Guler picking up a straight red for confronting the referee. "We got off to a bad start, and then conceded again through a free-kick and a counter. The first half was hectic," Joshua Kimmich told DAZN. "The second half was calmer, we had more control - and then managed to win it in the end. It wasn't our best performance, but we'll take the win."The two best teams in Europe will face each other. We had many top level games against Paris in recent years. I'm looking forward to it."The defeat for Real effectively ended their season as they look set to finish without a major trophy for the second year running. Barcelona hold a nine-point lead in La Liga and Real suffered a shock last-16 exit in the Copa del Rey."I feel for them (the players), for the effort they made. It hurts," coach Alvaro Arbeloa told Movistar. "I'm very proud. We're going back to Madrid after giving it our all."For the first time in Real's long Champions League history, their starting XI did not contain a single Spanish player. Jude Bellingham, who impressed off the bench in the first leg, was one of four changes to the line-up made by Arbeloa.<h3>Guler punishes Neuer</h3>Neuer, widely lauded after a vintage performance in Madrid, gifted Real an opener. The Bayern goalkeeper miscued a pass directly to Guler, who floated a first-touch shot into the unguarded goal in the first minute.Bayern looked stunned but struck back almost immediately when Pavlovic headed in a Kimmich corner after Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin failed to read the flight of the ball. The match had barely time to settle before Real were ahead once more thanks to a Guler goal, with Neuer again not at his best. The Turkey international whipped a free-kick into the top corner which Neuer got a hand to but was unable to keep out.The match continued to swing back and forth before the break, as Kane struck first before Mbappe responded by getting himself on the scoresheet.Kane slotted clinically into the bottom corner in the 38th minute to again haul Bayern level on the night -- and ahead in the tie -- before Mbappe ran onto a Vinicius Junior pass and slotted home to level the tie 4-4 on aggregate.With Real regularly cutting into Bayern's high line, coach Vincent Kompany responded by introducing the pace of Alphonso Davies at the interval. Both sides traded chances in the second half, with Olise particularly dangerous, forcing a fingertip save from Lunin with 20 minutes left. Camavinga came on midway through the half but picked up two yellow cards in quick succession to leave his team a man down in the closing stages.It proved a turning point as Bayern struck three minutes later when Diaz's effort took a touch off Eder Militao and flashed beyond Lunin.Olise made certain of Bayern's progress deep into stoppage time as the German giants took down Real in a knockout clash for the first time since 2012.

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Players of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrate after Luis Diaz scores his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35252624/related

Bayern oust Real Madrid with 2 late goals in instant UCL classic

Declan Rice said reaching another Champions League semi-final was "an amazing achievement" for Ar...

Declan Rice said reaching another Champions League semi-final was "an amazing achievement" for Arsenal despite failing to silence their critics in a 0-0 draw at home to Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday.The Gunners progressed 1-0 on aggregate thanks to Kai Havertz's late winner in the Portuguese capital last week.Arsenal, who have never won the Champions League, were knocked out in the last four by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain last season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>They will face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals for the chance to take on PSG or Bayern Munich in Budapest next month."To go back-to-back semi-finals is an is an amazing achievement for this group," Rice told TNT Sports. "We want to now go one step further than last year and get to the final."Yet a stalemate short on excitement at the Emirates did little to set up Mikel Arteta's men for a potential Premier League title decider away to Manchester City on Sunday.Arsenal have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, a run which includes losing the League Cup final to City and being dumped out of the FA Cup by second-tier Southampton."Positivity all the way," added Rice. "Who cares what people think. All that matters is what this group thinks, what the manager thinks, and we're in another semi-final. I'm delighted."City trail Arsenal by six points at the top of the table but have a game in hand on the leaders and home advantage when they face off this weekend."Our record this year has been amazing in all competitions," said Rice."How much (do) you want it? I know I'll be ready, I know the boys will be ready, so let's go!"

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Arsenal's Declan Rice celebrates at the final whistle during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Arsenal Stadium on April 15, 2026 in London, United Kingdom.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35252883/related

Rice doesn't care about Arsenal's critics after reaching UCL semifinals

Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals after riding their luck in a nervous goalless dr...

Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals after riding their luck in a nervous goalless draw against Sporting Lisbon that clinched a 1-0 aggregate victory on Wednesday.Mikel Arteta's team were well below their best in the quarter-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium.But they held onto their slender first-leg advantage as Sporting failed to make them pay for the latest in a growing list of angst-ridden performances.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Gunners will face Atletico Madrid for a place in the final after the Spanish club went through 3-2 on aggregate against Barcelona on Tuesday.Arsenal crushed Atletico 4-0 in the group stage at the Emirates in October, but they will have to improve significantly to reach the final for the first time since 2006.Arsenal have reached the Champions semi-finals in two consecutive seasons for the first time in their history.Yet after losing three of their last five games in all competitions and winning just once, they remain a puzzling side in the midst an untimely stumble.Arteta had challenged Arsenal to play with "pure fire" and "zero fear" in an unusually passionate press conference on Tuesday.The response was hardly emphatic as Arsenal quickly retreated into their shell in another display lacking cohesion and quality in the final third.Arsenal haven't lifted the Premier League since 2004 and have never won the Champions League.The Premier League leaders are on course to achieve both targets, but the flaws in Arteta's side have become increasingly clear in recent weeks.Losing the League Cup final against Manchester City and the FA Cup quarter-final against second-tier Southampton was bad enough.But a shock 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday left Arteta facing pointed questions about Arsenal's character that remain unanswered.Arsenal are just six points ahead of second-placed City, who have a game in hand and host the Gunners in a seismic showdown on Sunday.The north Londoners have finished Premier League runners-up for the past three seasons -- twice blowing substantial leads to City in 2023 and 2024 -- and the nerves are mounting.<h3>Anxious Emirates</h3>Responding to Arteta's call for a fiery performance, Arsenal pressed furiously in the opening 10 minutes but couldn't make the breakthrough.Once that initial assault petered out, Arsenal wobbled at the back and William Saliba's wayward pass led to Francisco Trincao curling wide from the edge of the area.Former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres has endured an erratic debut season with Arsenal and once again he struggled to make an impact.Gyokeres had only one serious sight of goal after a burst into the Sporting six-yard box, but he didn't get his shot off in time and Goncalo Inacio's tackle snuffed out the danger.Without the injured Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, Arsenal were too often slow and unambitious in attack.They grew increasingly edgy in a first half played out to a soundtrack of anxious groans from their frustrated fans.Gunners 'keeper David Raya nearly gifted Sporting a goal with a woeful pass that was intercepted by Trincao, whose miscued attempt to find Luis Suarez in the penalty area let Arsenal off the hook.Geny Catamo was inches away from punishing Arsenal's lethargy when he volleyed against the far post from an acute angle just before half-time.Eberechi Eze's drive whistled narrowly wide after the interval, before Gabriel Martinelli blasted just over and Noni Madueke shot into the side-netting.Arteta responded by sending on Kai Havertz for Gyokeres, while Max Dowman replaced the injured Madueke.Sporting appealed in vain for a penalty after Cristhian Mosquera's slight push on Maxi Araujo.Arsenal were creaking but they held firm as Arteta breathed a sigh of relief.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal is challenged by Goncalo Inacio and Rui Silva of Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Arsenal Stadium on April 15, 2026 in London, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35252386/related

Arsenal hold off Sporting to book UCL semifinal date with Atletico

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he believes his eliminated team deserved to progress to the Cham...

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said he believes his eliminated team deserved to progress to the Champions League semi-finals but had to learn from their 3-2 aggregate defeat by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.The Catalan giants earned a 2-1 quarter-final second leg victory at the Metropolitano stadium but it was not enough to reach the final four after their 2-0 home loss last week.Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres fired the five-time winners ahead but Ademola Lookman pulled one back for Atletico and it proved decisive.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We played a fantastic first half, (but) we have to score more goals. It was really possible, (but) we conceded the goal we didn't expect at this moment," Flick told reporters."When you see both matches we deserved to get to the semi-final. The mentality, the attitude they showed on the pitch -- I'm really proud about that."Flick said although he was happy with his players, being knocked out was disappointing and something they had to learn from.Barcelona finished both games with 10 men, with young defender Pau Cubarsi sent off at Camp Nou and Eric Garcia dismissed on Tuesday in the Spanish capital."We have to learn (from) these things, what we have to do, but we have a young team and I think we will improve next season," said the German coach."Every day we have to learn more, we have to be better and this is what we have to do," he continued."It's very disappointing for everyone and I am also disappointed. It's football, it's life, and we have to come back."

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 14: Hansi Flick head coach of Barcelona sitting on the bench during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35240751/related

Flick: Barcelona 'deserved' to progress in Champions League

Double goal hero Ousmane Dembele hailed his Paris Saint-Germain teammates for holding on under pr...

Double goal hero Ousmane Dembele hailed his Paris Saint-Germain teammates for holding on under pressure and in difficult conditions to beat Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield on Tuesday in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final and reach the last four with a 4-0 aggregate triumph."It is the quarter-finals of the Champions League, in a stadium like this, and even though we won 2-0 in the first leg we knew it was going to be difficult," Dembele told broadcaster Canal Plus."In any case there are no easy matches in the Champions League. You have to suffer if you are going to go all the way in this competition."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Reigning champions PSG had a 2-0 advantage from last week's first leg and had to withstand long spells of pressure in the second half in particular, with Liverpool having a total of 21 attempts on goal on a wet and windy night.Dembele opened the scoring in the 72nd minute before wrapping up PSG's win on the night, and passage to the semis, in stoppage time.They will play either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the last four, with a first leg in Paris on April 28 and the second leg a week later."We had chances in the first half. I thought we controlled the game in the first half but it was more complicated in the second half, albeit that's normal because this is the Champions League," said last year's Ballon d'Or winner Dembele."There are only good teams in this competition but we have come away from this tie with two wins so that's great."<h3>Third year running in semis</h3>Dembele missed much of the first half of the season due to injury but his double against Liverpool leaves him on 16 goals for the campaign in all competitions, including 12 in 2026."I want to help the team in every match, whether that be by scoring a goal, setting up a goal or just pressing the goalkeeper," added the 28-year-old France forward."I try to give my maximum for Paris Saint-Germain and I hope to have a very, very good end to the season because there are big games to come."PSG have now reached the Champions League semi-finals three years in a row since Luis Enrique became coach in 2023, having got that far just three times in their history before his arrival."Today I am very proud because especially in the first half we controlled the match, playing the game in the opposition half which is very difficult to do in a stadium like this and in this atmosphere," said the Spaniard."We did have to suffer in the second half as we knew we would, but we did what we had to do without the ball."We knew that sooner rather than later we would have chances on the break and we would score. I think over the two games we deserve to be through."Meanwhile, Luis Enrique said he was not yet aware of the extent of the injuries suffered by left-back Nuno Mendes and forward Desire Doue, both of whom had to come off."I am not a doctor, but it is normal in a game of this intensity to have some problems. We will wait until tomorrow to see exactly what they have."

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield on April 14, 2026 in Liverpool, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35240571/related

Dembele pleased with PSG's ability to 'suffer' during win at Liverpool

Atletico Madrid sent 10-man Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League and reached the final ...

Atletico Madrid sent 10-man Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League and reached the final four with a 3-2 aggregate victory despite Tuesday's 2-1 quarter-final second leg defeat.Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres fired visitors Barca ahead inside 24 minutes but Ademola Lookman's strike gave Atletico the edge in the gripping all-Spanish tie once again after their 2-0 win in the first leg.Diego Simeone's side returned to the semi-finals for the first time since 2017 by holding on against the La Liga champions in a compelling and bloody battle.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sorloth as he ran in on goal in the final stages, hampering their chances of finding a third goal to force extra-time.Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals."(We're) very happy, knocking out a great Barca side. We had a great game away... it was really hard for us at the start (of this one), but the team knew how to get back on its feet," Atletico midfielder Koke told Movistar.Barcelona last won the Champions League in 2015 and their wait for a sixth crown continues, but midfielder Frenkie de Jong said that the club was on the right path despite their elimination."I think we had a very good game, we gave our lives out there, we tried everything," said the Dutchman."I feel like luck was not on our side. We have to continue -- we're on a good path, we're growing every year."Barca coach Hansi Flick benched forwards Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski for workhorses Torres and Gavi, looking to press Atletico relentlessly in the sixth match between these sides this season.Goalkeeper Juan Musso tipped a Yamal effort around his post after just 32 seconds, with Barca roaring out of the blocks in a fiery atmosphere at the Metropolitano stadium.The teenage winger fired the visitors ahead after just four minutes when he harried Clement Lenglet into giving the ball away.Torres nudged it back to Yamal who slipped a low shot through Musso's legs to hush the home fans and ignite Barca's attempted comeback bid.Dani Olmo nearly grabbed a second but Musso was able to reach his attempted lob as Barca continued to dominate.Antoine Griezmann had a shot deflected wide as Atletico showed occasional flashes, mostly through enterprising winger Lookman, who gave Jules Kounde a difficult night.Barcelona doubled their lead in the 24th minute to level the tie on aggregate when Torres left Lenglet trailing, reached Olmo's pass and fired across Musso into the top corner.Fermin Lopez could have notched Barca's third but Musso clawed out his header and left the midfielder bleeding after his boot caught the Spaniard in the face.Atletico pulled their way back into the game in the 31st minute after Barca switched off defensively for the first time.Marcos Llorente charged in down the right behind the Catalans' high defensive line and crossed for Lookman to convert.<h3>Another red card</h3>Barcelona were frustrated early in the second half when Torres volleyed home but the goal was disallowed for offside.Flick sent on Rashford and Lewandowski with around 20 minutes remaining to find the goal that last season's semi-finalists needed.Barca stopper Joan Garcia made a fine save with his leg to thwart Robin Le Normand from close range as Atletico almost pulled level on the night.Matteo Ruggieri was left with blood streaming down his face after Gavi caught him with an elbow, with tensions rising.The game spun away from Barca when Eric Garcia was sent off for clipping Sorloth's heels as he ran through on goal, similar to Pau Cubarsi's red card in the first leg.Flick threw centre-back Ronald Araujo up front for the final stages but there was no way back and Atletico gritted their teeth through eight minutes of stoppage time before the celebrations could begin.

Atletico Madrid's Argentine forward #19 Julian Alvarez (C) and teammates celebrate at the end of the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on April 14, 2026. Atletico Madrid reaches the Champions League semi-finals.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35240312/related

Atletico hold off Barca in thriller to reach Champions League semifinals

Ousmane Dembele's double guided Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League semi-finals as a 2-...

Ousmane Dembele's double guided Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League semi-finals as a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday completed a 4-0 aggregate win for the holders.To compound the English champions' woes, Hugo Ekitike suffered a serious-looking injury that could end his season and hinder Liverpool's chances of being back among Europe's elite next season.Arne Slot's men sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign trophyless after being kept at arm's reach by a PSG side that did not need to be at their brilliant best to reach a third consecutive semi-final.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Defeat means there will be no glorious goodbye for Mohamed Salah after nine memorable years on Merseyside.Slot showed little sentiment as he dropped the Egyptian to the bench on his final Champions League appearance in red.Alexander Isak was preferred up front as the most expensive player in Premier League history started for the first time since breaking his leg in December. However, Salah was forced into action after just half an hour as Ekitike suffered a nasty-looking injury that could ruin his World Cup hopes with France.The former PSG striker crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles.Salah nearly made an immediate impact as from his cross Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Milos Kerkez before Marquinhos produced a remarkable block to deny Virgil van Dijk the opening goal.PSG had plenty of chances to have put the tie to bed in the Parc des Princes last week and were profligate once more in the first half.Giorgi Mamardashvili scrambled back towards his line to punch away Dembele's attempted chip before the Ballon d'Or winner blazed over from close range with just the Georgian to beat.Slot admitted before kick-off that Isak could only last for 45 minutes due to a lack of match practice and the Swede made way for Cody Gakpo at half-time in a further blow to Liverpool's firepower up front.<h3>Dembele ends the tie</h3>Kerkez had the best chance to set up a grandstand finale when he sliced wide another inviting Salah delivery.Liverpool thought they had been gifted a lifeline when Alexis Mac Allister was awarded a very generous penalty for minimal contact by Willian Pacho, but VAR intervened to instruct referee Maurizio Mariani to reverse his original decision.But as Liverpool poured forward in desperation, they became a sitting duck for the rapid PSG counter-attack.Dembele finally killed the tie off 18 minutes from time when he cut onto his left foot and curled into the bottom corner from outside the box.The French international then inflicted the final blow with a cool finish from Bradley Barcola's cross in stoppage time.PSG will face a tougher test against the in-form Bayern Munich or 15-time winners Real Madrid in the last four.But after ending the Qatari-backed French champions' long wait to conquer Europe last season, Luis Enrique's men remain on course to become the only side other than Madrid to retain the competition in the Champions League era.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after scoring their first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Anfield on April 14, 2026 in Liverpool, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35240305/related

Champions League holders PSG into semis after brushing Liverpool aside

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick named Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski on the bench for the Cha...

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick named Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski on the bench for the Champions League quarter-final second leg clash at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.The five-time winners trail 2-0 and need to mount a comeback but Flick left on the bench two of the attackers many expected to start at the Metropolitano stadium.Looking to press Atletico high, the coach selected Ferran Torres up front, three days after he ended a two-month goal drought in La Liga against Espanyol.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Flick also started the tenacious Gavi in midfield for the first time in the Champions League since April 15 last year.Diego Simeone named the same line-up as for the first leg at Camp Nou, with the exception of former Barca defender Clement Lenglet replacing the injured David Hancko.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 7: (L-R) Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona, Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Real Mallorca at the Camp Nou on February 7, 2026 in Barcelona Spain

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35238690/related

Barcelona bench Rashford, Lewandowski for Atletico showdown

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/agence-france-presse/content_cards

Agence France-Presse

EPL Soccer

England Soccer

Coventry City FC

English Championship

Top Soccer News

Inter Milan

Cagliari Calcio

Serie A Soccer

Italy Soccer

Racing Club de Lens

Ligue 1

France Soccer

Toulouse

Calcio Como 1907

Sassuolo

Crystal Palace

Fiorentina

UEFA Europa League

RC Strasbourg Alsace

Shakhtar Donetsk

Rayo Vallecano

AZ Alkmaar

FSV Mainz 05

Germany Soccer

Bundesliga Soccer

Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest

Sporting Braga

SC Freiburg

Celta Vigo

FC Porto

Real Betis

Bologna

Liverpool FC

France

Hugo Ekitiké (FRAN, CHLG, GERDFBP, BUND, UEFA, ENGCC, EPL, NATLEAGUEA, NATLEAGUEB, NATLEAGUEC, NATLEAGUED, NATLEAGUEFNL, WCQUEFA, ENGFA, WORLDCUP, INTFR)