Author: pedromilano

The 2022/2023 UEFA Europa League Final will be contested by Italian Serie A outfit AS Roma and Spanish La Liga side and six-time champions Sevilla at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, following victories in their respective semi-final second-leg encounters on Thursday night.

The opening half began with end-to-end action, with Moise Kean’s shot shaving the post in an early chance for Juventus while Ivan Rakitic fired over a minute later for Sevilla.

Several half-chances came by for both teams though the scores remained deadlocked at the interval, but it only served for what was to come in the second half.

Dusan Vlahovic who came off the bench, made an immediate impact when he fires the Old Lady ahead in the 65th minute.

The hosts were not deterred however, as they went in search of the equalizer which arrives six minutes later. Federico Chiesa lost the ball and he was dispossessed by Erik Lamela, who also momentarily lost the ball. It fell kindly to former AC Milan star Suso, who fired from outside the area with his left foot to level proceedings.

Juventus shot-stopper Wojcech Szcezny was called into action late on. He made a brilliant stop to parry away Youssef En-Nesyri’s header in the 90th minute.

Both sides could not be separated during regulation time, so extra-time was required.

Sevilla stepped up through the combination of Bryan Gil and Erik Lamela. The former Tottenham Hotspurs duo made the link-up after Bryan Gil’s cross from the left flank was met with a powerful header by Erik Lamela in the 95th minute.

Marcos Acuna was sent off for Sevilla in the 116th minute following two bookings, and he will miss the Final against AS Roma on May 31st as a result.

Juventus tried to force an equalizer but their efforts were futile. The win sees the Andalusians heading to the Ferenc Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary to take on Italian Serie A side AS Roma in the Final of the Europa League on May 31st.

In our second fixture of the night, AS Roma made it back-to-back European Finals with manager Jose Mourinho at the helm, after playing out a goalless draw with German Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen in their return leg clash at the Bay Arena.

The 1-0 aggregate result sees Roma boss Jose Mourinho reach a sixth European Final with four separate teams (FC Porto, Inter Milan, Manchester United and AS Roma).

🔴 Live Blog:

END OF EXTRA-TIME AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 2-1 Juventus (Agg. 3-2)

GOOOAAALLL!!! Sevilla 2-1 Juventus (E. Lamela, Agg. 3-2)

95′ MIN: Bryan Gil’s cross from the is headed home by Erik Lamela.

EXTRA-TIME UNDERWAY AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 1-1 Juventus (Agg. 2-2)

FULL-TIME AT THE BAY ARENA: Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-0 AS Roma (Agg. 0-1)

END OF REGULATION TIME AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 1-1 Juventus (Agg. 2-2)

GOOOAAALLL!!! Sevilla 1-1 Juventus (Suso, Agg. 2-2)

71′ MIN: Federico Chiesa loses the ball and Erik Lamela retrieves it. The loose ball reaches Suso, who curls in a beauty from outside the area.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Sevilla 0-1 Juventus (D. Vlahovic, Agg. 1-2)

65′ MIN: Dusan Vlahovic opens the scoring for the visitors.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE BAY ARENA: Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-0 AS Roma (Agg. 0-1)

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 0-0 Juventus (Agg. 1-1)

HALF-TIME AT THE BAY ARENA: Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-0 AS Roma (Agg. 0-1)

HALF-TIME AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 0-0 Juventus (Agg. 1-1)

KICK-OFF AT THE BAY ARENA: Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-0 AS Roma (Agg. 0-1)

KICK-OFF AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 0-0 Juventus (Agg. 1-1)

Starting XI’S: Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs AS Roma

Starting XI’S: Sevilla vs Juventus

What all four teams are battling for is a ticket to the Final of the 2022/2023 UEFA Europa League, which will take place later in the month.

Record-holders Sevilla were held to a 1-1 with Juventus last week, with Federico Gatti netting a 97th minute equalizer for the Old Lady, while AS Roma pipped German outfit Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico, courtesy of an Edoardo Bove effort.

Juventus come into this fixture off the back of a win over Cremonense in the Italian top-flight, and will be looking to get past the Andalusians as they seek a first European Final since 2017.

As for Roma, another goalless draw last time out means they have placed all their eggs in one basket, with the hope of reaching the UEFA Champions League for next season.

Inter Milan reached a first UEFA Champions League Final in thirteen years, after defeating city rivals AC Milan 1-0 for a 3-0 aggregate scoreline in their semi-final second-leg encounter at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

The first half saw the Rossonerri attempt to assert dominance in a bid to get back into the fixture. Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana made a fine stop to deny the returning Rafael Leao, while loanee Brahim Diaz also had a half-chance.

Milan’s number one Mike Maignan was also called to action in the 39th minute to keep the scores level, though his team were trailing on aggregate.

In the second period, gaffer Simone Inzaghi made several substitutions as he sought more control and it was one of such changes in the person of Romelu Lukaku who was instrumental in the opening goal.

The Belgium international held up play before teeing up strike partner Lautaro Martinez, and the Argentine made no mistake as he beat Mike Maignan in his near-post to give the Nerazzurri the advantage.

The game finished with Inter Milan getting the win on the night, while grabbing the first ticket to the 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League Final set to be played in Istanbul, Turkey. They will face the winner between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the second semi-final fixture on Wednesday night.

Inter Milan’s victory over AC Milan has seen them beat their city rivals four times, out of the five fixtures played between themselves this campaign.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE SAN SIRO: Inter Milan (3) 1-0 (0) AC Milan

GOOOAAALLL!!! Inter Milan 1-0 AC Milan (L. Martinez, Agg. 3-0)

74′ MIN: Lautaro Martinez scores a huge goal for the hosts, who are now heading to the Final.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE SAN SIRO: Inter Milan 0-0 AC Milan (Agg. 2-0)

HALF-TIME AT THE SAN SIRO: Inter Milan 0-0 AC Milan (Agg. 2-0)

KICK-OFF AT THE SAN SIRO: Inter Milan 0-0 AC Milan (Agg. 2-0)

These Italian heavyweights will be contesting for a ticket to the Final, set to hold next month (June 10th) in Istanbul, Turkey, with the winner primed to take on the victor in the other semi-final fixture involving Manchester City and Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

This is the fifth time both sides will be battling each other in the Derby Della Madonnina or the Milan Derby this season. The Nerazzurri have had the better of their city rivals, beating them in the last three meetings and they won the first-leg by a 2-0 scoreline.

They also won their Serie A clash 4-2 against Sassuolo last weekend heading into this tie. No doubt, Simone Inzaghi’s side will be looking to finish off the job at home as Inter bid to reach the UCL Final for the first time since 2010.

As for AC Milan, a first UCL Final since 2007 is looking unlikely, following their first-leg defeat. Though, one could argue they were without playmaker Rafael Leao who returns for tonight’s reverse clash following a muscle problem.

The Rossonerri who are stuck in fifth position in Serie A after suffering a 2-0 loss to Spezia last weekend, know that winning the UCL might be their best route into the competition next season, judging by how things stand. A fast start from manager Stefano Pioli’s side might turn their fortunes around in quick fashion.

Arsenal’s title aspirations suffered a big blow on Sunday evening, as they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in North London.

The best chance of the game in the first half arrived in the 42nd minute. Japanese star Kaoru Mitoma eased past Ben White and found Julio Enciso, but the teenager turned his effort over.

The Seagulls didn’t have to wait much longer for the breakthrough, as they got on the scoresheet in the 51st minute. The impressive Pervis Estupinan raced clear and delivered a cross into the box, which was headed in by Julio Enciso.

The game was effectively put to bed in the 86th minute, as a defensive mix-up from the Gunners saw Undav pounce and benefit to score the second for Brighton and Hove Albion.

Brighton still had time for a third, as Colombian international Pervis Estupinan scored late in injury time to seal the points for the visitors.

The Gunners laboured to find an equalizer, which failed to come as their lingering hopes to claim the 2022/2023 PL title may have finally been extinguished.

Mikel Arteta’s men remain four points behind table-toppers Manchester City, and have played a game more than the reigning champions. Only a miracle at this point can see Arsenal win the Premier League crown.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-3 Brighton

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 0-3 Brighton (P. Estupinan)

90+3′ MIN: An initial shot is kept out by Aaron Ramsdale, but Pervis Estupinan fires home the rebound.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 0-2 Brighton (Undav)

86′ MIN: Aaron Ramsdale dallies on the ball too long and substitute Undav capitalizes on the Gunners’ defensive mix-up to seal the win for the Seagulls.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 0-1 Brighton (J. Enciso)

51′ MIN: Brighton have the opener as Pervis Estupinan volleys a cross into the ground and Julio Enciso is unmarked to head in from a few yards out.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

HALF-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

KICK-OFF AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

The Gunners continue their quest for an unlikely Premier League title, as they welcome the Seagulls to North London. Mikel Arteta’s side impressed last time out with a 2-0 win away to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, and a lot will be expected from the boys as they chase table-toppers Manchester City (who had won their fixture 3-0 earlier in the day away at Everton).

As for the visitors, a shocking outing saw them crumble 5-1 at the Amex Stadium to Everton. Manager Roberto de Zerbi revealed that his team would give the Gunners a big fight, as they continue their quest for a continental slot in Europe for next season.

Manchester City maintained their grip on top spot in the Premier League standings, after dismantling relegation strugglers Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.

The opening period which had seen the Cityzens produce little output, burst into life in the 37th minute as skipper on the day Ilkay Gundogan fired home a improvised effort, after being teed up by a cross Riyad Mahrez.

Pep Guardiola’s side doubled their advantage two minutes later, as top scorer Erling Haaland netted his 36th strike of an impressive debut campaign in the English top-flight.

The Cityzens made it three shortly after the restart, as Ilkay Gundogan fired home a free-kick to all but seal the points for the reigning PL champions.

Manchester City now turn their attention to their UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg clash against visiting Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in midweek.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT GOODISON PARK: Everton 0-3 Manchester City

GOOOAAALLL!!! Everton 0-3 Manchester City (I. Gundogan)

51′ MIN: Illay Gundogan curls home a free-kick which beats Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT GOODISON PARK: Everton 0-2 Manchester City

HALF-TIME AT GOODISON PARK: Everton 0-2 Manchester City

GOOOAAALLL!!! Everton 0-2 Manchester City (E. Haaland)

39′ MIN: Man City hit a quick double! Ilkay Gundogan turns provider with a delightful floating cross, which Erling Haaland gladly heads home.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Everton 0-1 Manchester City (I. Gundogan)

37′ MIN: Riyad Mahrez floats a cross in from the right and it’s Ilkay Gundogan with a moment of magic, taking the ball down with his thigh before flicking past Jordan Pickford to score.

KICK-OFF AT GOODISON PARK: Everton 0-0 Manchester City

The Toffees who are aiming to beat the drop, come into this clash of the back of an impressive 5-1 away win over Brighton and Hove Albion last time out. Coach Sean Dyche will be demanding a lot from his wards, as they chase another famous result in front of their fans.

As for the defending champions, they followed their 2-1 win over Leeds United at the Etihad with a credible 1-1 draw with Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter in midweek.

The Cityzens who are in the hunt for an unprecedented treble, are targeting a victory which will keep them at the top of the PL standings ahead of nearest challengers Arsenal. A win will also put Pep Guardiola’s side in confidence mode ahead of their return leg fixture against Real Madrid in the UCL this week.

Six-time champions Sevilla were held to a dramatic 1-1 draw in their UEFA Europa League semi-final first-leg clash at the Allianz stadium in Turin on Thursday night.

The Andalusians found the opener through a lightning counter-attack in the 26th minute of play. A flowing team move saw Lucas Ocampos turn provider for Moroccan hitman Youssef En-Nesyri, who turned the ball home.

In the second half, Juventus sought for a penalty late on following a 50-50 challenge by Adrien Rabiot and Loic Bade. The center referee consulted with the VAR and waved away appeals from the Bianconeri.

There was drama still to come in injury time, as the Bianconeri found the equalizer through Gati off an assist from substitute Paul Pogba.

The return fixture will be held at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan next Thursday, with the winner earning a trip to the Final.

Our second simultaneous encounter for the night saw Italian Serie A outfit AS Roma pip German Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

After the first half had ended goalless, Edo Bove was the hero on the night as he turned in a rebound home in the 65th minute, after teammate Tammy Abraham’s shot was initially saved.

Despite the slim victory, the Giallorossi will be expecting a feisty contest at the Bay Arena next week in the return leg. Only 90 minutes separate Jose Mourinho’s men from reaching a second successive European Final.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE STADIO OLIMPICO: AS Roma 1-0 Bayer 04 Leverkusen

FULL-TIME AT THE ALLIANZ STADIUM: Juventus 1-1 Sevilla

GOOOAAALLL!!! Juventus 1-1 Sevilla (Gati)

90+7′ MIN: Paul Pogba does well to keep the ball in play and Gati pokes home to give the Old Lady the leveller.

GOOOAAALLL!!! AS Roma 1-0 Bayer 04 Leverkusen (E. Bove)

65′ MIN: Abraham’s shot is initially saved, but Bove is on hand to fire home the rebound.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE STADIO OLIMPICO: AS Roma 0-0 Bayer 04 Leverkusen

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE ALLIANZ STADIUM: Juventus 0-1 Sevilla

HALF-TIME AT THE STADIO OLIMPICO: AS Roma 0-0 Bayer 04 Leverkusen

HALF-TIME AT THE ALLIANZ STADIUM: Juventus 0-1 Sevilla

GOOOAAALLL!!! Juventus 0-1 Sevilla (Y. El-Nesyri)

26′ MIN: A counter-attack sees Youssef El-Nesyri finish home off a Lucas Ocampos cross, to give Sevilla the lead.

KICK-OFF AT THE STADIO OLIMPICO: AS Roma 0-0 Bayer 04 Leverkusen

KICK-OFF AT THE ALLIANZ STADIUM: Juventus 0-0 Sevilla

Starting XI’S: AS Roma vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Starting XI’S: Juventus vs Sevilla

The Bianconeri who exited the UEFA Champions League in the group stages, have somehow found solace in Europe’s second-tier club competition. To get here, they overcame French outfit Nantes and Sporting CP of Portugal, and they will be looking to get a favourable result, which will take them closer to a first European Final since 2017.

As for Sevilla, a torrid campaign which had seen the club mired in relegation struggles and the change of two managers, have steadily improved in recent weeks. Coach Jose Luis Mendiliba have steadied the ship and with La Liga almost confirmed, attention now turns to Europe in a bid to win a record-extending seventh UEL title.

In our second match of the night, AS Roma will take on German Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The Giallorossi are winless in their last four Serie A fixtures (D2, L2) which has seen them drop to seventh on the table, and will be eyeing a second successive European Final as they aim to reach the UCL for next season.

One sub-plot surrounding this game is the clash between manager Jose Mourinho of Roma and Xabi Alonso for Leverkusen. The Portuguese managed Alonso during his spell as Real Madrid boss and both will relish a battle on the touchline, as they target silverware and supremacy.

Reigning holders and Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid were held to an exciting 1-1 draw by visiting Premier League outfit Manchester City, in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg clash at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

The game started off with frenetic pace, as the Cityzens dominated possession. Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne attempted to beat Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in his near post but his effort from 20-yards out was saved.

Minutes later, Rodri became the next City player to test Thibaut Courtois, but his strike was turned behind for a corner.

Despite Manchester City’s early dominance, it was Los Blancos who found the opener in the 36th minute through Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. Edouardo Camavinga made a mazy run from his half and teed up Vinicius Jr, who struck from distance to register his 15th career UEFA Champions League goal.

The half finished with Real Madrid holding the slender lead.

The second half began with the same pace just like the first, as Los Blancos settled into rhythm. Thibaut Courtois was called into action once more in the 52nd minute, this time by Kevin de Bruyne who saw his effort prevented from finding the back of the net.

The Belgian would not be denied for long, as he struck a rocket from just outside the area to bring the Cityzens level in the 67th minute.

Scores stayed the same until the end of regulation time, and there’s a lot to play for when both sides meet at the Etihad Stadium in the return leg, with a ticket to the Final up for grabs.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE ESTADIO SANTIAGO BERNABEU: Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester City

GOOOAAALLL!!! Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester City (K. De Bruyne)

67′ MIN: Ilkay Gundogan tees up Kevin de Bruyne, whose belter beats Thibaut Courtois in goal.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE ESTADIO SANTIAGO BERNABEU: Real Madrid 1-0 Manchester City

HALF-TIME AT THE ESTADIO SANTIAGO BERNABEU: Real Madrid 1-0 Manchester City

GOOOAAALLL!!! Real Madrid 1-0 Manchester City (V. Junior)

⚽️ Gol Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid 1-0 Manchester Cityhttps://t.co/gka275Rka9

— Golazoz (@golazoz_) May 9, 2023

36′ MIN: Edouardo Camavinga embarks on a mazy run from deep in his half. He passes to Vinicius Jr whose rocket of a shot from distance flies straight into the net.

KICK-OFF AT THE ESTADIO SANTIAGO BERNABEU: Real Madrid 0-0 Manchester City

Tonight’s clash which will go down at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, will see both teams looking to get the advantage ahead of the second leg which takes place next week.

These two European behemoths met in identical circumstances at the semi-final stage last season, and while it was Los Blancos who came out on top, on their way to winning their 14th UCL crown.

Don Carlo Ancelotti’s side come into this fixture off the back a title-winning weekend, after overcoming Osasuna 2-1 to lift the 2022/2023 Copa del Rey crown, but face a City outfit who poses the biggest threat yet to their status as defending champions.

As for Manchester City, their season has reached a pivotal point and it has a ‘now or never’ feel in their never-ending quest for a maiden UCL title.

The Cityzens are in the best frame of mind though, having edged Leeds United 2-1 in their Premier League fixture last weekend to maintain their lead at the top of the table and with a free-scoring Erling Haaland lurking, Pep Guardiola’s men feel they have a chance to win the Holy Grail.

Focus will definitely center on managers Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola. The Italian who has won the title four times, will be eyeing a fifth crown while his Spanish counterpart who despite winning the UCL twice as a manager, has interestingly seen the side he’s in charge of dumped out at the semi-finals in six of his last nine UCL semi-final conquests.

West Ham United eased their relegation worries by earning a famous 1-0 victory against visiting Manchester United in their Premier League Matchday 35 fixture at the London Stadium on Sunday night.

The Hammers who had lost their last three games and were in dire need of the points in their fight to stave off relegation, found the breakthrough in the 27th minute of the first half.

Said Benrahma’s shot from distance managed to squirm past Man United keeper David de Gea, to gift West Ham the lead. The Spaniard has now made four errors leading to goals in the Premier League this season, which is the most by any player in the top-flight.

The second period saw the Red Devils trying to get into the tie. The Hammers scored through Michail Antonio but his goal was ruled out for offside, while Marcus Rashford forced a save from Lukasz Fabianski in the 77th minute.

A fine link-up from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial ended up with Hammers shot-stopper Lukasz Fabianski thwarting the Frenchman’s effort for a corner late on as gaffer David Moyes’ side battled to a crucial win which sees West Ham United seven points away from the dropzone.

As for Manchester United, they sit in fourth spot – one point better than Liverpool in the race for UEFA Champions League football for next season, though they do have a game in hand.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE LONDON STADIUM: West Ham United 1-0 Manchester United

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE LONDON STADIUM: West Ham United 1-0 Manchester United

HALF-TIME AT THE LONDON STADIUM: West Ham United 1-0 Manchester United

GOOOAAALLL!!! West Ham United 1-0 Manchester United

27′ MIN: Said Benrahma’s long-range shot squirms past Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

KICK-OFF AT THE LONDON STADIUM: West Ham United 0-0 Manchester United

Both sides are having a go at each other, in a bid to come out on top. The Hammers are looking to end a three-game losing run in the league, as they bid to retain their top-flight status for another season.

Coach David Moyes’ side are four points off the relegation places but will be eyeing a win, to give themselves some gap from the teams in the dropzone.

Also, a positive result in this fixture will serve as a confidence boost ahead of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final first-leg clash on Thursday.

As for the Red Devils, their terrible away record against the top-half teams in the division this season continued in midweek with a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

Erik ten Hag’s men still occupy fourth position on the table, but are just one point better off than fifth-placed Liverpool albeit with two games in hand.

Victory away at the London Stadium will see them close in on a UEFA Champions League place, but for that to happen, the players must give their all as they look to end a promising campaign on a strong note.

Arsenal reduced the gap between themselves and defending champions Manchester City to a solitary point, following a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in their Matchday 35 at St. James Park on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts thought they had a perfect opportunity to break the deadlock when Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior handled in the box, but after referee Chris Kavanagh consulted with VAR, a drop ball was called instead.

The Gunners went in front through skipper Martin Odegaard, who fired from range to net his 15th goal of the Premier League season. The half finished with Arsenal in the ascendancy.

Mikel Arteta’s side made it two in the 71st minute albeit fortuitously. Gabriel Martinelli saw his effort deflect off Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar to put some breathing space between the Gunners and the Magpies.

Newcastle United’s attempts to claw their way back into the tie proved futile, as the Gunners bagged the three points and subsequently cut the gap between themselves and table-toppers Manchester City to just one point.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 0-2 Arsenal

GOOOAAALLL!!! Newcastle United 0-2 Arsenal (Own Goal – F. Schar)

71′ MIN: Fabian Schar turns the ball into his own net, after a low cross from Gabriel Martinelli, to double Arsenal’s lead.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal

HALF-TIME AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal

GOOOAAALLL!!! Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal (M. Odegaard)

14′ MIN: Martin Odegaard powers the ball home from distance to give Arsenal the lead.

KICK-OFF AT ST. JAMES’ PARK: Newcastle United 0-0 Arsenal

This clash holds a significant importance for both teams, as they jostle for three points which would prove invaluable to their objectives for the season, which draws to a close this month.

The Gunners who are now four points behind reigning champions Manchester City in the Premier League title race, desperately need to win in order to close the gap on the Cityzens but would have to contend with a very formidable Magpies outfit, who themselves are pursuing a UEFA Champions League spot for next season.

A win for the hosts will definitely put them a step closer to achieving their goal. As for Mikel Arteta’s side, anything short of three points would mean bidding their faint title hopes goodbye.

Brighton and Hove Albion continued their push for European football on a positive note, as they defeated visiting Manchester United 1-0 in their Matchday 34 encounter at the Amex Stadium on Thursday night.

Both teams had chances within the opening quarter of an hour to break the deadlock, as Antony fired his shot wide while Kaoru Mitoma’s effort hit Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea in the face.

The half ended all square though it was a cagey affair in the second period, as both sides attempted to cancel the other out.

Solly March who came on as a substitute dragged his effort wide late on, while Alexis Mac Allister’s long-range shot was saved as the hosts tried to nick a victory. David de Gea was at it again, saving a inswinger from Mitoma in injury time.

But there was drama late on, as Luke Shaw handled in the area and after referee Andre Marriner consulted with the VAR, a penalty was given to the Seagulls. Alexis Mac Allister struck from twelve yards to give Brighton all three points on the night.

The result sees the Seagulls complete the double over Manchester United this season. The Red Devils still occupy fourth spot on the Premier League standings albeit with a game in hand, and they have a four-point advantage over Liverpool who are fifth on the log.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE AMEX STADIUM: Brighton 1-0 Manchester United

GOOOAAALLL!!! Brighton 1-0 Manchester United (A. Mac Allister)

90+7′ MIN: Alexis Mac Allister converts from twelve yards to give the hosts the lead and send the Amex into delirium.

PENALTY!!! To Brighton and Hove Albion

Center referee Andre Marriner consults with the VAR, and awards Brighton a spot-kick after Luke Shaw handled the ball in the area.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE AMEX STADIUM: Brighton 0-0 Manchester United

HALF-TIME AT THE AMEX STADIUM: Brighton 0-0 Manchester United

KICK-OFF AT THE AMEX STADIUM: Brighton 0-0 Manchester United

This clash concludes the fixture schedule for Matchday 34, with both sides eyeing three valuable points in their quest to qualify for European football next season.

Also, these teams are facing each other within the space of weeks, following their FA Cup semi-final encounter at Wembley last month. The Red Devils emerged victorious via penalties to advance into the Final, and no doubt the Seagulls will be targeting revenge tonight.

Coach Roberto de Zerbi rested a couple of his first-team members like Kaoru Mitoma and Solly March in their win last time out but expect the duo to be in the frame to take on the Red Devils, while the teenage sensation Julio Enciso offers another range of attacking option.

As for Manchester United, they will be looking to build on their 1-0 win over Aston Villa and further extend the four-point tally which separates them and fifth-placed Liverpool.

Argentina star Lionel Messi will reportedly be leaving French Ligue 1 giants PSG at the end of the current campaign, once his contract expires in the summer.

The 35 year-old was on Tuesday handed a two-week suspension by the capital outfit, after embarking on a commercial trip to Saudi Arabia without permission, with journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing that Messi’s father Jorge had informed Les Parisiens of the decision a month ago.

According to Fabrizio Romano, he stated: “there are ‘no doubts’ that Messi will depart the Ligue 1 side at the end of the season. It is understood that his father told PSG that a decision had been made last month ‘due to the project’. This was the final breaking points.”

🚨 Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. There are no doubts about that anymore.

Behind the scenes, it’s now understood that Leo’s father Jorge communicated the decision to PSG already one month ago due to the project.

It was the final breaking point. pic.twitter.com/Bwehuvyq1E

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 3, 2023

This is thought to have strained Messi’s relationship with the Ligue 1 side, but Romano has now reported that his decision to leave was made last month.

The World Cup winner was absent from training at Paris Saint-Germain on Monday, as the players were called in by boss Christophe Galtier following their 3-1 loss to Lorient.

The seven-time Ballon D’Or winner had put pen to paper on a £25m-a-year deal with Saudi Arabia last year to become the country’s tourism ambassador.

It is unclear as to what the next move might be for Messi, who has been linked with a return to Spanish La Liga side FC Barcelona, though the move seems unlikely due to the Catalans struggles to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.

Also, Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami owned by the legendary England midfielder David Beckham, have been linked with a move for Messi, as well as Saudi side Al Hilal who are rumoured to have tabled an offer of around 400m per season to sign the Argentine.