Arsenal staved off Champions League holders Real Madrid's superstars and rich history of unlikely...

Arsenal staved off Champions League holders Real Madrid's superstars and rich history of unlikely comebacks to snatch a 2-1 victory on Wednesday and reach the semi-finals with a superb 5-1 aggregate triumph.The Gunners' 3-0 quarter-final first-leg triumph last week gave them a vital cushion in the Spanish capital as they made the final four for the first time since 2009. They will next face Paris Saint-Germain.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bukayo Saka, who missed a first-half penalty, sent Arsenal ahead, and although Vinicius Junior levelled, the 15-time winners were never close to making up the deficit.Gabriel Martinelli rubbed salt in their wounds with a stoppage-time winner for Arsenal, who have never lifted the Champions League trophy."We knew we were going to suffer but we knew we were going to win," Declan Rice, who netted two stunning free-kicks in the first leg, told TNT Sports."It's such a special night for this club, it's a historic night for this club ... we want to win this competition."Los Blancos, far more brittle than when they won a Champions League and La Liga double last season, were convinced they could turn the game around but created too little against Arsenal's tight defence.The Premier League side held their nerve to reach the semi-finals for only the third time in their history."It's a difficult moment ... it was a difficult game, we didn't have all the chances we would have liked," Madrid's Lucas Vazquez told Movistar."We needed a bit more with the ball, maybe a bit more patience to be able to break through a very well organised defence. They did their job."Kylian Mbappe chested home in the opening stages but was clearly offside, with the forward gesturing to the crowd to turn up the volume to create the fabled aura which helps Madrid pull off near-impossible feats at the Santiago Bernabeu.David Alaba was booked for hacking down Saka as Madrid tried to add the grit they badly lacked in their first-leg demolition in London, and the Arsenal winger also had a drive fielded well by Thibaut Courtois.Arsenal were awarded a penalty seemingly out of the blue when the VAR booth instructed French referee Francois Letexier to review an incident from an earlier corner.Raul Asencio pulled back Arsenal forward Mikel Merino in the area and Letexier pointed to the spot, to the bemusement of the home crowd.<h3>Saka penalty saved</h3>Saka stepped up to take it but his poorly-executed Panenka, skewing off to the left, was saved by Courtois.It spurred Real Madrid on and soon they had a penalty of their own, when Mbappe hit the turf after Rice tussled with him.However after a lengthy VAR review Letexier was called to take a second look and he then decided Arsenal's two-goal first leg hero Rice had not fouled the French superstar.The breaks in play, along with Arsenal's dallying at every opportunity, disrupted Madrid's momentum and they struggled to threaten Gunners stopper David Raya.For all of Madrid's bluster the goalkeeper did not need to make a save in the first half.Martin Odegaard, facing his former employers whom he joined as a "wonderkid" a decade ago, helped forge Arsenal's opening goal after 65 minutes.The Norwegian linked with Merino, who slipped Saka in behind and the Englishman made amends for his penalty blunder with an ice-cool dinked finish.Four goals ahead in the tie, Arsenal thought their work was done, with defender William Saliba not concentrating on the edge of his box in possession.Vinicius stole the ball away from him and beat the out-of-position Raya to level, two minutes after Saka's opener.Madrid's increasingly slim hopes were dashed when Mbappe limped off with an ankle problem with 15 minutes remaining, and Martinelli made sure with a cool finish after Merino set him up.Arteta said he had never been prouder of his team."Not only because we are in the semi-final, but also for the manner and the way we did it," explained Arsenal's coach, still looking for his first silverware since winning the FA Cup in 2020."I think, overall, it shows the character of this team, of this club, and it's a night to be very proud of."

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 16: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Gabriel Martinelli during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Arsenal knock out holders Real Madrid to reach UCL semifinals

Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele said his side needed to learn not to switch off in big game...

Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele said his side needed to learn not to switch off in big games after almost collapsing against Aston Villa in their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, and called on his teammates to avoid making the same mistake in the last four."You have to be demanding especially in matches like these. We made the task difficult for ourselves, even if Aston Villa put us under a lot of pressure," Dembele told French broadcaster Canal Plus after PSG lost 3-2 on the night in the second leg, but squeezed through to the semi-finals 5-4 on aggregate."They have good players too but I think we made life really difficult for ourselves, especially in the second half where we completely went off the boil."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The French champions travelled to England leading 3-1 from last week's first leg in Paris, and appeared to have completely killed off the tie as they found themselves 2-0 ahead on the night inside the opening half an hour.Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes both scored for the visitors at Villa Park, but a deflected Youri Tielemans effort gave the hosts a glimmer of hope before half-time.John McGinn and Ezri Konsa then both netted in the space of three minutes early in the second half, leaving PSG to hang on grimly at times to their narrow lead."We thought we were better than we are," admitted Dembele."At 2-1 we thought we were already qualified, that the tie was over. But this is what the Champions League is like."You can come up against teams, especially when they are at home with a heated crowd like that, who can turn games around. So we need to be more demanding of ourselves in the semi-finals."Through to their second consecutive semi-final in the competition, PSG will face the winner of the last-eight tie between Arsenal and Real Madrid.Those sides meet in Spain on Wednesday for the return leg with Arsenal leading 3-0 from last week's meeting in London.Arsenal defeated PSG 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in October, during the league phase. "This will help us enormously, especially as it should teach us to not stop playing, to keep playing both games right to the end," insisted France star Dembele."We are happy to be through but now we need to get back down to work because to win this trophy you need to be really, really demanding."He nevertheless admitted that there was "lots of joy in the dressing room" at the end of the game, as PSG remain on course to win the Champions League for the first time in their history."For Paris Saint-Germain to be in the semi-finals is good for the club and for the whole (French) league, and we will try to do our best to get to the final."

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park on April 15, 2025 in Birmingham, England.

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Dembele laments complacency in Villa scare: We thought it was over

Ezri Konsa said Aston Villa have proved they can compete with Europe's giants despite falling jus...

Ezri Konsa said Aston Villa have proved they can compete with Europe's giants despite falling just short against Paris Saint-Germain after a stirring fightback in the Champions League quarter-finals.Konsa scored Villa's third goal in a 3-2 second leg victory on Tuesday, but the English side bowed out 5-4 on aggregate.PSG appeared to be cruising into the last four as they led 2-0 on the night through Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Youri Tielemans pulled a goal back before half-time and Villa went on to dominate the second half.John McGinn and Konsa scored inside two minutes just before the hour mark.Villa, though, were frustrated by a series of fine saves by Gianluigi Donnarumma."At half-time, you know, we had nothing to lose," Konsa told Amazon Prime."We wanted to go out there and just prove a point. The boys dug deep, we pressed well, and I think you could see that."Villa had not played in European football's elite competition since 1983 prior to this season.Unai Emery's men are in contention to qualify for the Champions League once more via a top-five finish in the Premier League.And Konsa urged his side to make sure they get another shot at Europe's best."I think we showed tonight that we can compete at the highest level," he added. "We want to do it again next season."

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa reacts after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park on April 15, 2025 in Birmingham, England.

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Konsa proud despite UCL exit: Villa 'can compete at the highest level'

Paris Saint-Germain survived a second-half onslaught to beat Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate and rea...

Paris Saint-Germain survived a second-half onslaught to beat Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate and reach the Champions League semifinals despite a 3-2 defeat on Tuesday.The French champions were cruising toward the last four when full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes struck in the first 27 minutes to add to their 3-1 advantage from the first leg.Youri Tielemans pulled a goal back for the English side before halftime and two goals in two minutes from John McGinn and Ezri Konsa transformed the tie early in the second period.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>PSG were thankful to goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for keeping Unai Emery's men at bay and preventing another famous collapse in the Champions League knockout stages.Villa boss Emery was in charge of PSG when Luis Enrique's Barcelona overturned a 4-0 first-leg deficit with a dramatic 6-1 win in 2017.Luis Enrique again emerged victorious over his compatriot but was the one this time given a scare of blowing a seemingly unassailable lead.Villa had not experienced a European night like this since 1983 and there was an embarrassing moment for the hosts before a ball was kicked as the Europa League anthem was played instead of the famous pre-match hymn of the Champions League.Desire Doue's stunning strike to begin PSG's fightback from 1-0 down in last week's first leg was not enough for him to retain his place in the side.But Luis Enrique's decision to start Bradley Barcola was justified when he sprinted down the left and Emiliano Martinez spilled his cross into the path of Hakimi, who fired home the opener on 11 minutes.Another blistering break from the visitors cut Villa open as Ousmane Dembele squared for left-back Mendes to stroke in his fourth Champions League goal of the season and second of the tie.<h3>Royals in raptures</h3>Villa's refusal to give up the fight was rewarded when Tielemans' deflected effort pulled a goal back before halftime.Villa fanatic Prince William and his son George were among the home support that were in raptures as what seemed an impossible fightback came closer to reality.McGinn's deflected effort flew into the top corner to restore parity on the night at 2-2.Emery's decision to start with Marcus Rashford up front ahead of top scorer Ollie Watkins was a controversial one before kick-off.Rashford has been reborn since a January loan move from Manchester United.The England forward was denied a goal by a stunning save from Donnarumma, but from the resulting corner, Rashford nutmegged Fabian Ruiz, skipped past Vitinha, and cut the ball back for Konsa to slot in at the near post.A PSG side that looked imperious in the first 45 minutes was suddenly all at sea as Villa missed a series of chances to take the game to extra time.Donnarumma produced another brilliant save to prevent Tielemans' header finding the top corner.Marco Asensio then had the chance to net against his parent club only for Donnarumma to fly out from his goal to block.Konsa then should have headed in another enticing Rashford delivery.But Rashford's removal for Watkins proved a turning point as PSG restored control and should have added to their lead in the closing stages as Martinez saved from Hakimi and Doue.Willian Pacho blocked Ian Maatsen's goalbound effort in stoppage time to deny Villa at the death.But Villa have surpassed all expectations in their first experience of the elite level of European football for over four decades.For PSG, their quest to win the competition for the first time goes on and they have rarely had a better opportunity to end that wait.Arsenal are their likely semifinal opponents as the Gunners take a 3-0 quarter-final, first-leg advantage away to holders Real Madrid on Wednesday.On the other half of the draw Barcelona will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in a heavyweight clash.But PSG are arguably the continent's form side and with the Ligue 1 title long since sewn up, can focus entirely on conquering Europe in Munich on May 31.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint Germain celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-2 during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park on April 15, 2025 in Birmingham, England.

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PSG reach UCL semis as Aston Villa's rousing comeback falls short

Barcelona are through to the Champions League semifinals with a 5-3 aggregate win, despite losing...

Barcelona are through to the Champions League semifinals with a 5-3 aggregate win, despite losing 3-1 at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday with Serhou Guirassy hitting a hat-trick.Holding a 4-0 lead after a dominant performance in Catalonia, the visitors were made to sweat as Dortmund and Guirassy nearly pulled off a stunning turnaround. Guirassy put Dortmund in front with a Panenka from the spot with 11 minutes gone and headed them two goals clear early in the second half.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dortmund sensed a sensation but Barcelona hit back, Fermin Lopez forcing Ramy Bensebaini into an own goal with just over half an hour remaining. Guirassy reignited Dortmund's belief with a third on the 76th-minute mark and the final stages may have been different had Julian Brandt not been offside before scoring with 11 minutes remaining.Despite losing their first competitive game in 2025, Barcelona are through to the semis, keeping their dream of a remarkable treble alive, 10 years after last completing the feat by winning the Champions League in Berlin.Barcelona, considered title favourites, will face either Inter Milan or Bayern Munich in the final four."We played against a very good opponent, the atmosphere was tremendous and it wasn't our best day, but in the end we qualified, which was our objective," Barca coach Hansi Flick said. "What the team has shown in the past few weeks is incredible. We've got a lot ahead of us this season. We're a step further but we're not even close to the end," added Flick, who also praised his team's opponents.Clearly outclassed in the first leg, Dortmund will take inspiration from Tuesday's performance, not least the goalscoring form of Guirassy. The 29-year-old Guinean, who has spent most of his career bouncing between the first and second divisions in Germany and France, now has 13 Champions League goals this season, more than any other player."I'm proud of what we were able to do. Barcelona are a strong team but we fought until the death. We showed what we can do," Guirassy said to Amazon Prime. Despite a big first-leg lead, Flick made good on his pre-match pledge to continue attacking, opting against resting any of his attacking trident of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal or Raphinha.With coach Niko Kovac admitting Dortmund needed a "miracle" to reach the semis after the debacle in Catalonia, the hosts' task got a little harder when captain and centre-back Emre Can was ruled out with injury just before the match. But Dortmund raced out of the blocks, Guirassy and strike partner Maximilian Beier going close inside the opening 10 minutes before Pascal Gross was the victim of a clumsy foul in the box by Wojciech Szczesny.Guirassy stepped up to the spot and was nerveless, calmly unleashing a Panenka to get the hosts underway. Dortmund sliced Barcelona open repeatedly without reward until halftime but made it count four minutes into the second-half, Guirassy heading in a Bensebaini assist from a corner.With Dortmund's 81,355-strong Westfalenstadion smelling blood, Barcelona's familiar response was to send their attack down the right and the move paid off almost immediately. After Yamal's cross was half-cleared, Fermin Lopez found himself in the teenager's channel, whipping a pass towards Lewandowski which Bensebaini hit into his own net.With Barcelona content to control possession as the clock wound down, Guirassy relit the hosts' hopes when he scored his third in the final quarter of an hour, blasting in from close range after some delightful dribbling from teenage winger Julian Duranville. The home fans erupted when Brandt scored three minutes later, but the midfielder was offside, allowing Barcelona a breather. Barcelona managed to hold on despite waves of energetic Dortmund attacks in the final stages to remain on track for the treble.

DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates after Ramy Bensebaini of Borussia Dortmund (not pictured) scores an own-goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at BVB Stadion Dortmund on April 15, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany.

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Barca hold off Guirassy, Dortmund to make Champions League semifinals

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe was banned for one La Liga match on Tuesday after his red card ...

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe was banned for one La Liga match on Tuesday after his red card against Alaves.The French striker lunged in with an ugly tackle on Antonio Blanco during Madrid's 1-0 league win on Sunday and was dismissed.Mbappe will miss Madrid's next La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, as Ancelotti's side try to overhaul leaders Barcelona.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee's interpretation of Mbappe's foul was that it occurred "in play" rather than being an incident of violent conduct, which could have led to a longer ban.

VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - APRIL 13: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks on during the LaLiga match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Mendizorroza on April 13, 2025 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

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Mbappe escapes with 1-game ban for studs-up tackle

Lazio and Roma failed to strike a blow in the race for Champions League football after the capita...

Lazio and Roma failed to strike a blow in the race for Champions League football after the capital city rivals played out a tense 1-1 draw on Sunday.Matias Soule earned Roma a point with a sensational first-time strike in the 69th minute at a packed and loud Stadio Olimpico which saw Lazio fail to capitalise on their dominance.Marco Baroni's side stay sixth, three points behind fourth-placed Juventus in a tight battle for a top-four finish which could well go down to the final day of the season. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The derby draw and Fiorentina only managing a goalless stalemate with Parma made it a perfect day for third-placed Atalanta, who beat rivals Bologna 2-0 in the day's early fixture.Lazio looked set to secure local bragging rights and close in on the top four when lifelong fan Alessio Romagnoli thumped home a perfect header two minutes after half-time.They had created the majority of chances up to that point and were only denied taking the lead early by some spectacular goalkeeping from Mile Svilar.But Soule punished nominal hosts Lazio when he strode onto Alexis Saelemaekers' pass and from way outside the penalty area let rip with a curling strike which snuck behind the line via the crossbar.Argentinian Soule's fourth goal of the season saved Roma's blushes but ended coach Claudio Ranieri's perfect Rome derby record as coach and left his team five points behind Juve.It is to Ranieri's credit however that Roma are only two points away from Lazio as that gap was 15 when he took charge for the third time in his long managerial career back in November.Ranieri will retire for the second time at the end of this season before taking up what sporting director Florent Ghisolfi called a "sporting consultant" role with the club.

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 13: Matteo Guendouzi of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on April 13, 2025 in Rome, Italy.

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Lazio and Roma share derby spoils but fail to make up ground in UCL race

Sassuolo returned to Serie A after a season away on Sunday as results elsewhere mathematically en...

Sassuolo returned to Serie A after a season away on Sunday as results elsewhere mathematically ensured promotion for the team managed by World Cup winner Fabio Grosso. With five matches remaining in the season, Serie B leaders Sassuolo are 16 points ahead of third-placed Spezia, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Mantova on Sunday.Sassuolo beat local rivals Modena 3-1 on Saturday to set up the possibility of promotion.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Grosso, who was key to Italy winning the World Cup in 2006 with a goal against hosts Germany in the semi-final and the winning penalty against France in the final, has coached Sassuolo since June last year.Under Grosso, 47, Sassuolo have won 23 of their 33 fixtures, losing just four times, and have led the division for most of the season.One of Grosso's fellow World Cup winners in Filippo Inzaghi could join him in the top division with Pisa, who sit second and seven points ahead of Spezia.

MODENA, ITALY - APRIL 12: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo celebrates after team celebrates after winning the match during the Serie B match between Modena FC 2018 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Alberto Braglia on April 12, 2025 in Modena, Italy.

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Sassuolo return to Serie A after a year away

A goal and an assist from Hugo Ekitike took Eintracht Frankfurt to a 3-0 home win over lowly Heid...

A goal and an assist from Hugo Ekitike took Eintracht Frankfurt to a 3-0 home win over lowly Heidenheim on Sunday, keeping the Eagles on track for the Champions League.Days out from hosting Tottenham in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final after the London opener finished 1-1, Frankfurt were in control against their struggling opponents. Ekitike created Frankfurt's first after 10 minutes, slicing the ball on the counter to Fares Chaibi, who cut through a crowded penalty area for Jean-Matteo Bahoya to tap home. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With 42 minutes gone, Ekitike showed great control to latch onto an Arthur Theate pass and knock it into the path of Germany centre-back Robin Koch, who smacked it into the bottom right. Germany's 2014 World Cup final hero Mario Goetze was subbed on in the 70th minute and helped seal the result a minute later. Goetze controlled an Ekitike pass and found Chaibi, who in turn passed it wide to Nathaniel Brown. Brown guided the ball laterally across the face of goal for Ekitike, who tapped in from close range. The 22-year-old Ekitike now has 21 goals and nine assists in all competitions, having picked up the slack after Omar Marmoush's departure to Manchester City.With an eye towards Thursday's return leg against Tottenham, Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoeller told DAZN he would give his players the day off on Monday. "What's important is we enjoy the moment today, then have a bit of distance from football for a day. Then the anticipation can rise up again," said the 44-year-old. "It's important for the lads to switch off now, train this week and get back together with the fans on Thursday to reach the Europa League semi-finals."The victory took Frankfurt to outright third, five points clear of fifth-placed RB Leipzig. A top-four finish would mean a first ever Champions League qualification via the Bundesliga for Frankfurt, whose only previous appearance in the competition came from winning the 2022 Europa League.Just months after facing Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League, Heidenheim's defeat leaves the minnows in the relegation playoff spot, seven points from safety with five games remaining.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - APRIL 13: Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammate Fares Chaibi during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at Deutsche Bank Park on April 13, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

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Electric Ekitike keeps Frankfurt on Champions League course

Harvey Barnes struck twice as Newcastle thrashed troubled Manchester United 4-1 to climb into fou...

Harvey Barnes struck twice as Newcastle thrashed troubled Manchester United 4-1 to climb into fourth place in the Premier League on Sunday.Newcastle were without manager Eddie Howe, who was admitted to hospital on Friday after feeling unwell for several days.But Barnes provided a welcome tonic for Howe as his second-half brace at St James' Park boosted Newcastle's bid to qualify for the Champions League.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With Howe's assistants Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones in charge of the League Cup winners, Sandro Tonali put Newcastle ahead before Alejandro Garnacho equalised late in the first half.Barnes stole the spotlight after the interval, becoming the first Newcastle player to score twice in one league game against United since Alan Shearer in 2000.Bruno Guimaraes punished a blunder from United keeper Altay Bayindir, who started in place of the dropped Andre Onana, to seal Newcastle's first four-goal haul against United since 2001.In the race to reach the Champions League via a top five finish, Newcastle are just one point behind third-placed Nottingham Forest.They have a game in hand on Forest, as well as fifth-placed Manchester City and sixth-placed Chelsea, who are two points adrift of the Magpies.United have now gone four games without a win in all competitions, leaving them languishing in 14th place with just six games left to avoid their lowest finish since 1973-74, when they came 21st and were relegated.They are already certain to suffer their worst points total in the Premier League era, with the previous low 58 in 2021-22.Ruben Amorim made five changes with an eye on Lyon's visit to Old Trafford for the Europa League quarter-final second leg next Thursday, but United were blown away with embarrassing ease.<h3>United in disarray</h3>Bayindir had replaced Onana after the Cameroon keeper's latest error-strewn display in United's 2-2 draw at Lyon last Thursday.But the 26-year-old, signed from Fenerbahce in 2023, endured a woeful first Premier League start.Newcastle's opening goal arrived at the climax of a flowing move after United midfielder Manuel Ugarte gave the ball way in the 24th minute.Kieran Trippier surged forward and found Alexander Isak, who astutely lifted his pass over the defence for Tonali to drive a clinical finish into the far corner from an acute angle 10 yards out.It was the 19th time United had conceded the opening goal in a league game this season - their joint-most in a single campaign in the competition.With United out of sync once again, Tonali almost doubled the lead as the Italy midfielder curled just wide from distance.Bayindir looked nervous when he punched Tino Livramento's cross straight to Isak, but he redeemed himself with a good save from the Swede's volley.United equalised completely against the run of play in the 37th minute.Diogo Dalot was the catalyst with a buccaneering burst that carried him to the edge of the Newcastle area, where he slipped a precise pass to Garnacho and the Argentine winger fired past Nick Pope.Having scored for just the second time in 2025, Garnacho went close to another when Pope palmed away his blast on the stroke of half-time.But Newcastle regained the lead four minutes after half-time as United's leaky defence was breached again.Livramento's low cross was alertly kept in by Murphy beyond the far post and his pass into the six-yard box found Barnes unmarked for a clinical finish.Zirkzee limped off to add to United's woes after crumpling to the turf with an apparent hamstring injury.United were in disarray and Barnes delivered the knockout blow in the 64th minute, dispossessing Noussair Mazraoui and racing clear to drill a fierce strike past Bayindir.In the 77th minute, Bayindir's wayward pass went straight to Joelinton, who nodded the ball onto Guimaraes for a composed finish that rubbed salt into United's gaping wounds.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United FC (8) celebrates after scoring Newcastle's opening goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Manchester United FC at St James' Park on April 13, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

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Newcastle punish Man United to move into 4th place

Scotland international Oliver Burke scored a 90th-minute winner as Werder Bremen came from a goal...

Scotland international Oliver Burke scored a 90th-minute winner as Werder Bremen came from a goal down to win away at a 10-man Stuttgart 2-1 on Sunday. In the first half, Burke's 32nd-minute goal cancelled out Leonidas Stergiou's 19th-minute strike, leaving things level at the break. Former Bremen striker Nick Woltemade, who has pushed himself into the Germany conversation since moving to Stuttgart in pre-season, picked up a second yellow after 65 minutes. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With Stuttgart holding on in hope of a first home point since January, Leonardo Bittencourt slipped a pass to Burke, who hammered home as the clock ticked towards injury time. Burke, who has 13 caps for Scotland since making his debut in 2016, now has three goals in his past two games for Bremen.The loss, Stuttgart's fifth home defeat in a row, leaves last season's league runners-up in 11th, eight points off the Champions League placings. Stuttgart have qualified for the German Cup final and will make it through to the Europa League regardless of league position should they beat third-division Arminia Bielefeld in Berlin in May. "Maybe we need to defend better, but it's hard when you're a man down," Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller told DAZN. The Germany international was also unimpressed with the officiating that saw Stuttgart reduced to 10 men."I don't think you have to give a yellow for that," Stiller said of Woltemade's second booking."I have no idea what the referee was thinking."Bremen have now won four of their past five games to go three points behind the European placings in their bid to return to continental competition for the first time since 2011.Later on Sunday, Eintracht Frankfurt can move into outright third on the ladder by avoiding defeat against lowly Heidenheim.

13 April 2025, Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart: Soccer: Bundesliga, VfB Stuttgart - Werder Bremen, Matchday 29, MHPArena. Bremen's Oliver Burke celebrates after his goal to make it 1-2. Photo: Tom Weller/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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Burke brace sends Bremen past 10-man Stuttgart

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe was sent off for an ugly lunge but his side still beat Alaves...

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe was sent off for an ugly lunge but his side still beat Alaves 1-0 on Sunday to stay four points behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga.Mbappe's dismissal put his teammates under pressure but Alaves were also reduced to 10 players in the second half when Manu Sanchez hacked down Vinicius Junior.Eduardo Camavinga's first-half curling effort from the edge of the box was enough to split the teams as Madrid produced a gritty display to match Barcelona's single-goal victory over Leganes on Saturday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was a hard game, tricky at first because of how intense our opponents were, and then after Kylian's red card the team pulled together," Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos told his club's television channel.Assistant coach Davide Ancelotti took the place of his father Carlo Ancelotti, who was suspended, in the Madrid dugout."The win gives us confidence, we knew it wouldn't be easy and what happened in the game didn't make it easy," said Davide Ancelotti after the game."I haven't spoken with (Mbappe) after the game, he's not a violent guy and he said sorry, he realised the error he made, it's clearly a red card and he paid the price."I'm not justifying it, but it happened after he was fouled several times in a row."Los Blancos began with Vinicius on the bench, with the Brazilian's inconsistent form and the upcoming Champions League battle against Arsenal in mind.Carlo Ancelotti had called for his team to defend better after conceding 11 goals in the last four games, including the painful 3-0 quarter-final first-leg defeat to the Gunners on Tuesday.That call may have fed into Mbappe's wild foul on Antonio Blanco which caused the striker's dismissal.By then Madrid had taken the lead in a hotly contested clash at Alaves' Mendizorroza stadium.The visitors appealed for a penalty early on when Arda Guler and goalkeeper Jesus Owono collided.Raul Asencio's header hit Joan Jordan and bounced in but the goal was ruled out for an Antonio Rudiger foul on Owono.Eventually, Camavinga curled home from the edge of the box after being teed up by Fede Valverde to send the Spanish champions ahead on 34 minutes.Mbappe's red card four minutes later was a setback for Madrid, who came under pressure in the second half.<h3>'Together we are stronger'</h3>Los Blancos fought off the hosts and brought on Vinicius and Jude Bellingham, who had also been given a rest.Alaves were reduced to 10 men when Vinicius broke loose and Sanchez hacked him down with a poor challenge, which might have merited a red card even if the defender was not the last man.That made life easier for Madrid in the final stages and they came closer to scoring a second than Alaves did to an equaliser.Valverde whistled a long-range effort inches wide of the top corner, while Madrid were also able to bring on midfielder Ceballos for a few minutes as he returns from injury.The clean sheet will be a morale boost for Los Blancos, who can turn their attention to Arsenal's visit to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday."The only chance that we have is (knowing that) together we are stronger," added Ceballos."Thanks to the fans for their continuous support, we need you more than ever."Defeat left Alaves 17th, one point above the relegation zone.

VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN - APRIL 13: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is shown a red card by referee Cesar Soto Grado during the LaLiga match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Mendizorroza on April 13, 2025 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.

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'Sorry' Mbappe sees red as Madrid beat Alaves

In the midst of a dismal domestic season, Tottenham hit a new low at Molineux on Sunday as Wolves...

In the midst of a dismal domestic season, Tottenham hit a new low at Molineux on Sunday as Wolves virtually sealed their survival with a vibrant 4-2 victory.Wolves took the lead in the second minute when Rayan Ait-Nouri volleyed from the edge of the area.Tottenham conceded a second goal in calamitous fashion in the 38th minute as 'keeper Guglielmo Vicario pushed a cross into Djed Spence's face and the ball bounced off his teammate into the net.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mathys Tel converted Brennan Johnson's 59th-minute cross to give Tottenham hope, but five minutes later, Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen tapped in after Cristian Romero was robbed by Ait-Nouri.Richarlison bundled home for Tottenham in the 85th minute, only for Matheus Cunha to net a minute later after Lucas Bergvall carelessly lost possession.Tottenham are languishing in 15th place - which would equal their worst finish since 1993-94 - after a wretched display that heaped further pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.The Australian's last hope to save his job amid mounting talk that he faces the sack lies with the Europa League.Tottenham travel to Eintracht Frankfurt for the quarter-final second leg on Thursday after being held to a 1-1 draw by the German team in midweek.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorgen Larsen (left) celebrates scoring their side's third goal of the game during the Premier League match at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton. Picture date: Sunday April 13, 2025.

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Wolves heap misery on Spurs as EPL safety becomes reality

Virgil van Dijk spared Liverpool's blushes with a late winner to beat West Ham 2-1 on Sunday and ...

Virgil van Dijk spared Liverpool's blushes with a late winner to beat West Ham 2-1 on Sunday and edge to within six points of the Premier League title.Andy Robertson's own goal four minutes from time had given the lowly Hammers a deserved equaliser after Luis Diaz put Liverpool in front early on.Van Dijk, though, swiftly restored the lead to show Liverpool retain the mentality of champions, even if they are running out of steam in the closing stages of the season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Liverpool's lead stretches to 13 points with six games remaining.A record-equalling 20th English top-flight title could come as early as next Sunday if Liverpool win at Leicester and Arsenal lose away to Ipswich.The stage was set before kick-off for Mohamed Salah to be the hero as the Egyptian was given a huge ovation just days after ending speculation over his future by signing a new two-year contract.Salah started with the intention of making sure he was the focus of attention as young left-back Ollie Scarles struggled to cope with the Premier League's top scorer.The 32-year-old has failed to score in seven of his last eight Liverpool games as his sensational early season form has failed off.But he still managed to set a new Premier League record by registering his 45th goal or assist of the campaign, the most ever in a 38-game season.Salah outmuscled Scarles on the touchline and sprinted clear before an inch-perfect cross for Diaz allowed the Colombian to tap in for his 15th goal of the season on 18 minutes.Defeat sees West Ham slip to 17th in the table, but they had a series of chances to take at least a point.The fatigue that has seen Liverpool struggle in recent times was in evidence again as they had goalkeeper Alisson Becker to thank for moving another three points closer to the title.Alisson brilliantly tipped Mohammed Kudus' attempted chip onto the bar with the visitors first serious attack.Jarrod Bowen had West Ham's best chance to level when he failed to beat Alisson when one-on-one with the Brazilian before he turned away another powerful drive by Kudus.When West Ham did finally find the net, it was thanks to two of Liverpool's most experienced defenders.Robertson and Van Dijk both went for the same ball and the Scotland captain diverted Aaron Wan-Bissaka's cross into his own net.The goal suddenly sparked Liverpool into life after a listless second half as Diaz's deflected effort went over the bar.Van Dijk took just three minutes to make amends for the equaliser as he powered in Alexis Mac Allister's corner.The Dutchman kissed the badge in celebration in a potential nod to him reportedly being close to following Salah in signing a new contract.There was still more drama to come as Niclas Fullkrug hit the bar for West Ham in stoppage time.But Liverpool held out to take another step towards the title in Arne Slot's first season in charge.

Liverpool's Luis Diaz (centre) celebrates with Mohamed Salah (left) and Curtis Jones (right) after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday April 13, 2025.

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Salah sets EPL record as Van Dijk's winner brings Liverpool closer to EPL title

Atalanta held on to third place in Serie A on Sunday after beating high-flying Bologna 2-0 to rec...

Atalanta held on to third place in Serie A on Sunday after beating high-flying Bologna 2-0 to recharge their bid for Champions League football next season.Gian Piero Gasperini's side are four points above Bologna, who are fifth, thanks to a third-minute tap-in from Mateo Retegui and Mario Pasalic's first league goal since November not long afterwards.Retegui's early strike was his 26th of the season in all competitions for Atalanta, and the Italy forward also set up Pasalic to guide home a delicate volley with his brilliant cross in the 21st minute.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Those goals ended a three-match losing run without scoring for Atalanta and were their first in a home league fixture since the start of February."I'm happy because it had been a few months that we'd not won here. We need to make our home matches count in the final weeks of the season," said Pasalic."Scoring straight away really helped us because it gives you more freedom to play." Atalanta came into Sunday's key clash with a top-four rival without a Serie A win in Bergamo since before Christmas but stopped the home rot with a mature performance at the Gewiss Stadium.Bologna looked to have the initiative in a tight fight for two Champions League spots, with Inter and Napoli contesting the league title and almost guaranteed of qualification.Vincenzo Italiano's team had won five of their previous six matches and were unlucky to only draw with second-placed Napoli last weekend.The only negative note for Gasperini was seeing defender Sead Kolasinac being stretchered off with a knee injury just before half-time, the latest in a long line of physical problems for both the Bosnian and Atalanta this term.

BERGAMO, ITALY - APRIL 13: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta BC celebrates with team mates after scoring his team's second goal ,during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Bologna FC at Gewiss Stadium on April 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy.

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Atalanta beat Bologna to relaunch Champions League bid

Brian White scored four goals as the Vancouver Whitecaps extended their lead at the top of Major ...

Brian White scored four goals as the Vancouver Whitecaps extended their lead at the top of Major League Soccer's Western Conference with a 5-1 thrashing of Austin FC on Saturday.Fourth-placed Austin went into Saturday's road game at BC Place knowing that a victory could have left them level on points with Vancouver at the top of the standings.But a rampant Whitecaps lineup never looked like being troubled by Austin as they cruised to a dominant victory that leaves them four points clear at the top of the table.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After a brief and bizarre stoppage to play after eight minutes, when a mouse needed to be caught and removed from the field, Vancouver went in front in the 13th miute.Colombian Edier Ocampo crossed from the right flank and after Daniel Rios deftly flicked on, White was on hand to finish with ease.White doubled Vancouver's tally in the 38th minute after a poor clearance from Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver. Vancouver's Emmanuel Sabbi threaded a pass to White who slipped a low shot beneath Stuver.Sabbi then turned goalscorer in the 47th minute, getting on the end of a flick by Serbian defender Ranko Veselinovic to blast home from close range. White completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute to make it 4-0, and only a superb goalkeeping performance from Stuver -- who pulled off a series of fine saves including from a 72nd-minute Giuseppe Bovalina penalty -- prevented Vancouver from adding to their total.Eventually however Austin's resistance was broken again, White grabbing his fourth of the game in the 82nd minute. White is the first player in Vancouver history to score four goals in a single MLS match.Austin finally got on the scoresheet in the 90th minute with a long-range consolation strike from Dani Pereira.The win allowed Vancouver to stretch their lead at the top of the standings after second-placed Minnesota could only draw 0-0 with winless Toronto FC earlier Saturday.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 12: Brian White #24 of Vancouver Whitecaps celebrates after scoring his second goal of the game against the Austin FC during their MLS match at BC Place on April 12, 2025 in Vancouver, Canada.

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White's historic game lifts MLS-leading Vancouver to another win

Barcelona needed a Jorge Saenz own goal to edge Leganes 1-0 and move seven points clear of Real M...

Barcelona needed a Jorge Saenz own goal to edge Leganes 1-0 and move seven points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga on Saturday.Second-place champions Madrid face Alaves on Sunday and have to play catch-up after Hansi Flick's side scraped their way to a narrow but vital win on the road.The Catalan giants are fighting for a potential quadruple this season and took another small step towards the league title at Butarque stadium.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The fight and the mentality the team showed today was great," said Flick, whose side beat Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday."(Madrid) have a match tomorrow but we're only looking at ourselves, three points is good and we had a great week."Barcelona lost 1-0 at home against Leganes in December during a slump which they have turned around in 2025, now 24 consecutive matches unbeaten since the turn of the year.The Madrid minnows set up to frustrate as they did in the first meeting, slowing the game with tactical fouls and the occasional spot of time-wasting.Despite Flick selecting a strong side Barcelona found it hard to create danger and the hosts had the best chance of an ugly first half.Dani Raba broke free down the left, with Inigo Martinez struggling to keep up, and he teed up Adria Altimira.Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made a fine save to thwart the Spaniard, whose shot was too close to the Polish veteran.At the other end a deflected Jules Kounde effort was batted out by Marko Dmitrovic, who was not tested further in the first half.Raba lashed a shot narrowly off-target for Borja Jimenez's side and Barcelona took off defender Alejandro Balde before the break as he appeared to be hurt."Balde is not so good... (but) I will say nothing and we will wait until tomorrow," said Flick.Flick sent on Frenkie de Jong for Ronald Araujo at half-time, moving Eric Garcia back into defence, and Barcelona soon took the lead.With Robert Lewandowski lurking behind him, Saenz deflected Raphinha's low cross into his own net.With Leganes forced into opening up a little, Barcelona began to threaten more frequently.Fermin Lopez should have doubled Barcelona's lead after showing tenacity to fight his way into the box, but scuffed his shot wide.La Liga's top goalscorer Lewandowski directed a header narrowly wide from another searching Raphinha cross, and the otherwise quiet teenage star Lamine Yamal forced a save from Dmitrovic at his near post.With 20 minutes to go Raba headed home for Leganes but had strayed offside and the goal was disallowed.Diego Garcia might have levelled but directed a shot wide of Szczesny's far post when well-placed.In stoppage time former Barca forward Munir El Haddadi broke through on goal for Leganes but was foiled by a superb Martinez tackle which clinched his side's win."The last save (by Martinez) was unbelievable," said Flick. "Everyone celebrated this as if it was a goal."

LEGANES, SPAIN - APRIL 12: Robert Lewandowskiof FC Barcelona celebrates his team first goal during the LaLiga match between CD Leganes and FC Barcelona at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on April 12, 2025 in Leganes, Spain.

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Own goal helps Barca beat Leganes, edge closer to title

Marko Arnautovic helped move Inter Milan six points clear at the top of Serie A with a goal and a...

Marko Arnautovic helped move Inter Milan six points clear at the top of Serie A with a goal and assist in Saturday's 3-1 win over Cagliari, ahead of their Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich.Playing in place of Marcus Thuram with coach Simone Inzaghi looking ahead to Wednesday's quarter-final second leg with Bayern, Arnautovic lashed champions Inter ahead in the 13th minute.And the Austria international laid on a perfect sweeping pass 13 minutes later for Lautaro Martinez, who dinked home his 20th goal of the season in all competitions.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Yann Bisseck's thumping header in the 55th minute made sure Inter would collect all three points at the San Siro, after Roberto Piccoli halved the deficit for 15th-placed Cagliari shortly after half-time. Inter now wait for the result of closest challengers Napoli's home fixture with Empoli on Monday, by which time attentions will be squarely on Bayern who they lead 2-1 following Tuesday's first leg in Germany."We'll go in that match with a lot of confidence even though we know that we'll be playing one of the three or four best teams in the world," assured Inzaghi."We've need to repeat the pace, aggression and organisation of our performance in the first leg."Arnautovic has played a bit-part role at Inter but has had an impact in recent weeks with crucial goals, Saturday's being his fifth in his last 10 club appearances.Inzaghi's team are gunning for a repeat of the Serie A, Champions League and Italian Cup treble they conquered under Jose Mourinho 15 years ago.Arnautovic, 35, was on loan at Inter from FC Twente when Inter beat Bayern to win the Champions League in 2010, but he said "it was a bit like I was a fan cheering the team on". "Obviously we believe in the treble because we're Inter, but there's a long way to go," said Arnautovic, who played just three times for Inter under Mourinho.

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 12: Marko Arnautovic of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team's opening goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 12, 2025 in Milan, Italy.

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Arnautovic pushes leaders Inter Milan 6 points clear

Arsenal's faint Premier League title hopes were effectively extinguished as a late equaliser from...

Arsenal's faint Premier League title hopes were effectively extinguished as a late equaliser from Yoane Wissa earned Brentford a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.Mikel Arteta's side were on a high after their stunning 3-0 win over Champions League holders Real Madrid in the quarter-final first leg in north London on Tuesday.But the second-placed Gunners were unable to use the momentum from that remarkable victory to put pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Although Thomas Partey gave Arsenal the lead in the second half, Wissa's leveller left them 10 points behind Liverpool, who host West Ham in their game in hand on Sunday.Liverpool need just nine points from their last seven games to be crowned English champions for a record-equalling 20th time and first since 2020.Arsenal are destined to finish as runners-up in the title race for a third successive season, but their focus was already firmly fixed on winning the Champions League for the first time.With that in mind, Arteta made five changes ahead of Wednesday's second leg in Madrid as Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Myles Lewis-Skelly were all rested.Gabriel Martinelli threatened in the early moments, but Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken was equal to his strike.There was a feeling of anti-climax after the drama and passion on display on the pitch and in the stands against Real.<h3>Brentford hit back</h3>Arsenal's fans were inevitably unable to match the atmosphere that rocked the Emirates in midweek and the players did little to raise the decibel levels with their flat opening.Sensing an opportunity for his club's first win at Arsenal since 1938, Kristoffer Ajer nearly put Brentford ahead with a low shot that David Raya blocked with his legs.Kieran Tierney thought he had headed Arsenal into the lead after 26 minutes, but his effort was disallowed by the semi-automated offside system being used for the first time in the Premier League on Saturday.Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko was denied by Flekken before Declan Rice's drive was repelled by the Dutchman.Flekken made his best save of the half when he plunged to his left to keep out Leandro Trossard's long-range blast.But Flekken was finally beaten in the 61st minute as Rice showed there is more to his attacking game that unstoppable free-kicks.When Raya caught a Brentford corner and rolled the ball out to Rice, the England midfielder embarked on a lung-bursting run from the edge of his own area into the Brentford box, where he laid a perfect pass into Partey, who smashed a clinical finish past Flekken.Arteta sent on Saka, Odegaard and Lewis-Skelly in a bid to deliver the knockout blow.But Brentford refused to be intimidated as the visitors snatched a well-crafted equaliser in the 74th minute.Nathan Collins met Michael Kayode's cross with a header that Arsenal failed to clear as Wissa swivelled to fire past Raya from close range.Saka wasted a chance to restore Arsenal's lead with a tame finish and then curled just wide in stoppage time after Jorginho went off with a shoulder injury that forced the Gunners to play the final minutes with 10 men.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal reacts after missing a shot during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brentford FC at Emirates Stadium on April 12, 2025 in London, England.

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Arsenal held by Brentford as faint title hopes fade

Monaco beat slumping Marseille 3-0 on Saturday to take second place in Ligue 1 from their opponen...

Monaco beat slumping Marseille 3-0 on Saturday to take second place in Ligue 1 from their opponents and boost their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.Heading into the weekend, only five points separated Marseille in second from seventh-placed Lille in a tight battle to secure European football.Monaco took a big step towards the Champions League by inflicting a fourth defeat in five Ligue 1 games on Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille, who are in danger of throwing away a place in the competition next season after sitting second in the French top flight for much of the campaign.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The teams who finish second and third behind champions Paris Saint-Germain will secure spots in the league phase, with the fourth-placed side heading into the qualifying rounds.Monaco took the lead in the 34th minute at the Stade Louis II when Takumi Minamino swept home his fifth league goal of the season following some dreadful Marseille defending.OM came close to an equaliser shortly before half-time, but Luis Henrique's effort was well saved by Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Kohn.The hosts doubled their advantage shortly before the hour mark as Breel Embolo slipped the ball past Geronimo Rulli after an excellent pass through from Vanderson.The goal was eventually awarded following a lengthy VAR review for offside.Monaco added further gloss to the scoreline and bolstered their goal difference, which could prove crucial come the end of the season, through Denis Zakaria's late penalty.Later on Saturday, Lille visit Toulouse before fourth-placed Strasbourg host sixth-placed Nice.

MONACO, MONACO - APRIL 12: Denis Zakaria of AS Monaco celebrates 3rd goal during the Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco FC and Olympique de Marseille on April 12, 2025 in Monaco, Monaco.

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Monaco beat faltering Marseille to take 2nd place

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