Category: Premier League

The curtains came down on the 2022/2023 Premier League season, as Manchester United earned a come-from-behind 2-1 win over visiting Fulham at Old Trafford.

The game got off to a frenzy and the visitors went in front through Kenny Tete who headed home in the eleventh minute.

The Cottagers had a perfect opportunity to double their advantage when they were awarded a penalty, but Serbian striker Alexander Mitrovic saw his effort from twelve yards saved by David de Gea.

The Red Devils levelled proceedings through Englishman Jadon Sancho and found the winner through Bruno Fernandes in the second period, as his dinked shot went past Bernd Leno in goal for Fulham.

Manchester United finished the campaign in third position, behind champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal.

The victory will serve as a morale booster for Erik ten Hag’s men, ahead of their FA Cup Final showdown against neighbours Manchester City next week.

In our second fixture of the day, Arsenal wrapped up their campaign with a resounding 5-0 trouncing of Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium.

Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka who will be leaving the North London outfit this summer, stepped up with a brace to mark his send-off in style while Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka were also on the scoresheet.

January acquisition Kiwior who came on as a substitute in the second half, also netted his first goal for the club as the Gunners finished with a bang.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 5-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

FULL-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 2-1 Fulham

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 5-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Kiwior)

78′ MIN: Emile Smith Rowe chests the ball down in the area to see Kiwior smashes the ball underneath Sa.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 4-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (G. Jesus)

58′ MIN: Trossard with a lobbed cross sees Jesus leap and nod the ball home past Jose Sa.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 2-1 Fulham (B. Fernandes)

55′ MIN: Fred plays in Bruno Fernandes who delightfully dinks over Bernd Leno!

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 1-1 Fulham

HALF-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

HALF-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 1-1 Fulham

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 1-1 Fulham (J. Sancho)

39′ MIN: Jadon Sancho levels things from close range after a surging run from Fred.

PENALTY MISSED!!!

26′ MIN: David de Gea does well to save Alexander Mitrovic’s spot-kick from twelve yards.

PENALTY!!! To Fulham

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (B. Saka)

27′ MIN: Bukayo Saka makes it three, cutting back on his left to curl round the goalkeeper.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 0-1 Fulham (K. Tete)

19′ MIN: Willian whips in a corner and Kenny Tete meets it at the near post to put Fulham in front!

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (G. Xhaka)

14′ MIN: Kilman misses a clearance from Odegaards backheel to see Xhaka tap the ball home for his second.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (G. Xhaka)

11′ MIN: Jesus whips in a wicked cross and Xhaka leaps highest to nod the ball home.

KICK-OFF AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

KICK-OFF AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

Starting XI’S: Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Starting XI’S: Manchester United vs Fulham

Following nine months of action – filled with drama and excitement, the 2022/2023 Premier League season finally draws to a close as the full complement of ten fixtures shall be played simultaneously across ten match centers.

We already have a winner in Manchester City – who successfully retained their top-flight title, while Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United shall be in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The UEFA Europa League spots have gone to Liverpool and Brighton, while Southampton have been relegated to the Championship.

Today’s round of fixtures will see the last two relegation candidates confirmed, while a place into next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League shall be settled.

Our simultaneous coverage this afternoon shall be the ties involving Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford, and Arsenal taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates.

The Red Devils who saw off Chelsea 4-1 last time out, are bidding to end the campaign on a high in front of their fans while Fulham can eye a positive result at Old Trafford in what has been a credible season in which they’ll end up in the top half.

As for Arsenal, this is the perfect opportunity to end a run of two successive PL defeats, having fallen 1-0 to Nottingham Forest on Matchday 37. The Gunners can take pride in what has been their best season in recent years.

Their opponents Wolves are safe from relegation worries and will keep their top-flight status for another season. But with Financial Fair Play restrictions dangling, they enter into a period of uncertainty as the futures of several players and manager Julen Lopetegui remain unknown.

In a dramatic turn of event, Bayern Munich have lifted their 11th consecutive title.

Bayern Munich took advantage of Borussia Dortmund’s failure to win to claim an 11th consecutive Bundesliga crown by beating Koln on Saturday.

Kingsley Coman fired Bayern into an early lead as they won 2-1 at Koln on Saturday. That win, coupled with Dortmund’s shock home defeat to Mainz on the same day, saw Thomas Tuchel’s team leapfrog their rivals into first place and steal the Bundesliga crown.

Bayern have now won the championship 11 times in a row. The Bavarian side headed into the game two points behind Dortmund, but their rivals went down 2-0 within 25 minutes of their match against Mainz before Raphael Guerreiro pulled a goal back. Nicklas Sule went on to equalise at the death but it was too little too late. Bayern had been pegged back in the 81st minute when Koln equalised from the penalty spot, but Jamal Musiala hit a winner in the 89th minute to seal the title.

The win brings a positive end to what has been a chaotic season for Bayern. They sacked coach Julian Nagelsmann in March and replaced him with Tuchel, but the ex-Chelsea coach’s tenure has not been a smooth one. They were soon eliminated from the Champions League and DFB-Pokal and then fell behind in the Bundesliga title race when they lost to RB Leipzig last week.

Manchester United sealed qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League in emphatic fashion, by thumping Chelsea 4-1 in a rescheduled Premier League fixture at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

The visitors had a great chance to take the lead as early as the fourth minute, but Mykhailo Mudryk could not beat David de Gea as the opportunity went begging.

Soon after, the Red Devils went in front through Brazilian international Casemiro who headed in a free-kick from Christian Eriksen in the sixth minute.

Erik ten Hag’s side later doubled their advantage in first half injury time after a beautiful team move saw Casemiro pass to Jadon Sancho. The winger then teed up Anthony Martial, who poked into an empty net as both teams went into the interval with the Red Devils holding the lead.

The second half saw a flurry of action on both ends of the pitch. First, it was Bruno Fernandes whose effort struck the post, then Mykhailo Mudryk’s lame shot was saved by David de Gea before Casemiro saw his effort saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The hosts put the tie beyond the reach of Chelsea when Bruno Fernandes converted a 73rd minute penalty, after Wesley Fofana had fouled in the area. Marcus Rashford who was a first half substitute for Antony, put the icing on the cake with a fourth in the 79th minute.

Chelsea got a consolation goal in the 89th minute through substitute Joao Felix, as the Blues endured yet another miserable outing.

The result saw the Red Devils return to the UEFA Champions League, after a season away and they join league champions Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle United as England’s representatives in Europe’s elite club competition next season.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 4-1 Chelsea

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 4-1 Chelsea (J. Felix)

89′ MIN: Substitute João Felix scores a consolation for the Blues.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea (M. Rashford)

79′ MIN: Marcus Rashford wins the ball deep in the Chelsea half and pokes home his 17th Premier League goal of the campaign.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 3-0 Chelsea (B. Fernandes)

73′ MIN: Bruno Fernandes makes no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga the wrong way.

PENALTY!!! To Manchester United

72′ MIN: Referee Stuart Attwell points to the spot for a penalty, after a foul by Wesley Fofana.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea

HALF-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea (A. Martial)

45+5′ MIN: The Red Devils double their lead on the cusp of half-time through Anthony Martial’s cool finish from Jadon Sancho’s delicate pass.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea (Casemiro)

6′ MIN: Casemiro scores for the second Premier League match in a row, heading in from Christian Eriksen’s pinpoint free-kick.

KICK-OFF AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea

The Red Devils who are eyeing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, need only one point against Chelsea tonight in order to clinch the ticket. Erik ten Hag’s men could still aim for a win in their final home game of the current campaign, as they build momentum ahead of their FA Cup Final clash against neighbours Manchester City at Wembley next month.

As for the visitors, they are guaranteed to finish in the bottom half of the table following a disastrous campaign. But interim manager Frank Lampard could ruffle a few shoulders and aim to earn a famous win, which will set them up nicely ahead of the last Matchday of the season this weekend.

In a game that was expected to be a mere formality for Manchester City after securing the Premier League title, Brighton and Hove Albion turned it into a thrilling encounter, outplaying the champions in their pursuit of a Europa League spot. The final scoreline read 1-1, but the match was far from predictable.

Right from the start, it was evident that Brighton meant business. They displayed immense energy and determination, pressing high and causing problems for Manchester City’s defense. Despite having little to play for, the Seagulls showcased their desire to end the season on a high note.

The breakthrough came in the 25th minute, and it was Manchester City who drew first blood. Erling Haaland, always a threat in front of goal, was released with a well-timed pass, and as he closed in on the Brighton box, the young Norwegian forward made a surprising decision. Instead of taking the shot himself, he unselfishly played the ball to the onrushing Phil Foden. The Englishman made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past the Brighton goalkeeper to give the champions a 1-0 lead.

Brighton, undeterred by the setback, responded admirably and continued to press forward. Their attacking intent was rewarded in the 38th minute, as Julio Enciso produced yet another moment of brilliance. Collecting the ball outside the box, the talented midfielder unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that left everyone in awe. The ball soared into the top corner of the net, leaving the Manchester City goalkeeper with no chance. The stadium erupted in celebration as Brighton drew level, and the match took on a renewed sense of excitement.

The second half saw both teams pushing for a winner. Manchester City, despite their superior possession, found it challenging to break down Brighton’s resolute defense. The Seagulls, buoyed by their equalizer, continued to threaten on the counterattack and showed great composure in denying their opponents clear-cut opportunities.

Ultimately, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that surprised many given Manchester City’s dominance throughout the season. Brighton’s performance showcased their potential and their determination to secure a spot in European competition next season.

🔴 Live Blog

Second Half

We are back for the second 45!

Half-time

The Cityzens would be excited at the sound of the half-time whistle because Brighton have huffed and puffed at their defence.

Goal! Brighton 1-1 Manchester City

What a way to draw your side level! Julio Enciso has yet another wonder goal, as he gathers the ball and unleashes a long-range strike into the top corner!

Goal! Brighton 0-1 Manchester City

The champions take the lead! Erling Haaland is released through on goal, but instead of shooting he opts to play in Phil Foden who finishes well

Kick Off!

And so it begins!

Starting XI

That is a very strong City team for tonight, so much beefier than the side that played Chelsea at the weekend. It is interesting to see all four of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne playing in what looks like central positions. The most obvious solution seems to be Rodri at centre-back alongside Stones, which he has played for Spain, although that is very attacking given they have both played so much in midfield this season.

TEAM! 💙 Here's our starting XI to take on @ManCity in the #PL tonight. 📝

📲 https://t.co/S3j1TIedJv // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/3jvX2fRuv2

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 24, 2023

🔵 TEAM NEWS 🐝

XI | Ortega Moreno, Walker, Stones, Rodrigo, Lewis, Gundogan (C), De Bruyne, Bernardo, Mahrez, Foden, Haaland

SUBS | Ederson, Phillips, Alvarez, Gomez, Charles, O’Reilly, Palmer, Robertson, Knight#ManCity | @HaysWorldwide pic.twitter.com/OtVP1IhkyW

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 24, 2023

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, the club announced on Tuesday.

It was reported in February that the 21-year-old was close to agreeing terms with Arsenal after they triggered an option at the turn of the year to extend his existing agreement through to 2024.

“It’s great for the club that Bukayo has extended his contract,” Mikel Arteta said in a statement. “Retaining our best young talents is key to our continued progress and Bukayo represents such an important part of our squad now and for the future.

“As well as being a fantastic talent, Bukayo is a special person, he’s loved by us all and he is a credit to himself and his family for the hard work and commitment they have all made to get to this level today.

From Hale End to first team. Arsenal through and through.

It’s time for the next chapter.

Bukayo Saka: Gunner ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ngVKSlJ1UG

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 23, 2023

“Together with our supporters, we’re so looking forward to enjoying Bukayo’s continued development with us in the years to come.”

Saka has enjoyed an impressive campaign and played a key role in helping Arsenal challenge eventual Premier League champions Manchester City for the majority of the season.

The England international has contributed with 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season.

Saka’s performances saw him finish second behind City striker Erling Haaland in the prestigious Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award.

The forward is the latest Arsenal player to commit his long-term future to the club after goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale signed a new deal last week.

Manchester City celebrated their coronation as Premier League champions of the 2022/2023 season, by defeating visiting London outfit Chelsea 1-0 in their Matchday 37 clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Cityzens who were heavily rotated by manager Pep Guardiola following their confirmation as top-flight champions on Saturday when nearest challengers Arsenal failed to beat Nottingham Forest, began brightly and dominated proceedings.

It was only a matter of time before the opening goal came, which arrived courtesy of Argentine World Cup winner Julian Alvarez in the 12th minute. A pass from Cole Palmer was received by Alvarez on the edge of the area and his effort beat Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga to give the hosts the lead.

Pep Guardiola’s side had another opportunity to double their advantage just before the half-hour mark, but Phil Foden’s chipped effort went wide.

The second half saw the Blues assert themselves into the tie, with Enzo Fernandez firing a weak shot. The best chance for the visitors fell to Raheem Sterling, whose shot was cleared off the line by former teammate John Stones.

Manchester City soon scored a second through Julian Alvarez, who finished off a cross from Riyad Mahrez but his effort was chalked off by center referee Michael Oliver – who adjudged that the Algerian had handled the ball in the build-up.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevor Chalobah both came close to responding for the Blues, but the Cityzens defence could not be breached.

Pep Guardiola brought on his star players like Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland, though it had no bearing on the result as the Cityzens coasted to a comfortable victory in their last home fixture of the campaign.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea

On a day of celebration for Man City, Julian Alvarez’s fine finish has the champions in the lead at the break.

HALF-TIME AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea (J. Alvarez)

12′ MIN: A dream start for the champions! Julian Alvarez receives the ball from Cole Palmer on the edge of the Chelsea area and finishes well across the goalkeeper.

KICK-OFF AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 0-0 Chelsea

This Super Sunday fixture is simply a heavyweight clash on paper, as there is absolutely nothing left for both teams to play for as the season draws to a close.

The Cityzens were confirmed champions of the 2022/2023 campaign with three games to spare, following closest challengers Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday night, which saw Pep Guardiola’s side do the three-peat and also racking up a fifth title in six seasons.

The changes have thus rung out for the Cityzens, who can afford to give a deserved rest to their key players after a great week that saw them seal passage to the UEFA Champions League Final, and clinching the PL title.

As for Chelsea, they will be looking to finish the campaign on a strong note by nicking a decent result in Manchester.

In a thrilling encounter at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over Arsenal. The result proved to be a pivotal moment in the Premier League title race, as Manchester City were crowned champions due to Mikel Arteta’s Gunners suffering back-to-back defeats. Taiwo Awoniyi’s solitary goal for Nottingham Forest secured the vital three points, delivering the title to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Despite falling behind, Arsenal responded with vigour, desperately seeking an equalizer before halftime. They applied relentless pressure on the Nottingham Forest defence, launching a series of attacks. However, the Forest backline, organized and resolute, held firm until the referee blew the final whistle.

The result confirmed Manchester City as the champions of the Premier League for the third consecutive season. Although Forest’s victory played a significant role in City’s triumph, it was only a small part of an outstanding season for Guardiola’s men.

As Manchester City prepares for their upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, they will be given a guard of honour at the Etihad Stadium to celebrate their remarkable achievement. With an FA Cup final against Manchester United and a UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan on the horizon, the treble is still within their grasp.

🔴 Live Blog

Full Time

It is over for Arsenal, stellar season but no title to show for it.

Second half

And we are back for probably the most important second 45 minutes of the season for Arsenal.

Half-time

There is half-time! Forest on course to stay in the Premier League, Arsenal on track to officially hand the title to Manchester City. Much, much more needed from the Gunners.

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal

Odegaard gives the ball with a terrible pass and Forest are away. Gibbs-White drives forward, slides the pass through to Awoniyi and he beats Ramsdale to give Forest the deal.

Awoniyi Goal https://t.co/QGa9qisZLO

— Live Sport (@AllGoalsLive_) May 20, 2023

Kick Off!

And we are off to a start!

Starting XI

No real surprise that Cooper has gone with the same side that earned a point at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Awoniyi once again leading the line, and he’s a man very much in form.

For Arsenal, Xhaka starts at left-back as Tierney drops to the bench, with Partey and Jorginho starting alongside each other in midfield for the first time. Trossard in for the injured Martinelli.

In a highly anticipated clash between Bournemouth and Manchester United, the Red Devils emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win against Bournemouth edging them towards their dream of a return to Champions League football.

The game kicked off with a flurry of action, and it didn’t take long for Manchester United to stamp their authority on the proceedings. In the 9th minute, Victor Lindelof displayed his defensive prowess by stepping forward to intercept a Bournemouth attack. Showing their quick transition play, United swiftly launched a counter-attack.

Christian Eriksen, who had been pulling the strings in midfield, demonstrated his vision and passing ability as he expertly clipped the ball over the top of Bournemouth’s defense. Sensing an opportunity, Casemiro made a well-timed run into the box, latching onto Eriksen’s delicate pass.

Bournemouth’s defense struggled to cut out the pass, and Sensi’s attempted interception fell short. Seizing the moment, Casemiro displayed incredible athleticism and technique, acrobatically volleying the ball into the back of the net. The Bournemouth goalkeeper had no chance as the ball sailed past him, giving Manchester United a crucial early lead.

The final whistle blew, and Manchester United celebrated their hard-fought 1-0 triumph.

🔴 Live Blog

Full time

That would be game over!

Second half

A huge second-half awaits!

Half-time

As it stands, Manchester United are bound for a return to the Champions League.

Goal! Bournemouth 0-1 Manchester United

Lindelof stepped forward to intercept, Eriksen clipped the ball over the top, Sensi couldn’t cut it out and Casemiro acrobatically volleyed it in.

https://twitter.com/F4STHD/status/1659924523607629831?s=20

Kick Off!

We’re off and running on the sunny south coast as Manchester United look to avoid a club-record ninth away defeat in a season. A huge game in the race for the top four!

▶️ We're under way at Bournemouth — let's win this, lads ✊#MUFC || #BOUMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 20, 2023

Starting XI

A big blow for the away side, who desperately need to win to hold off the late surge of Liverpool in the race for the top four.

📝 TEAM NEWS 📝

🔺 Brooks starts
🔺 Anthony and Cook in
🔺 Sadi and Adu-Adjei on bench

Our line up for #MUNBOU 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/yjRuYUq8zl

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) May 20, 2023

🚨 The team news is in for our final #PL away day — let's go, lads!#MUFC || #BOUMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 20, 2023

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.

Manchester City produced a scintillating performance at the Etihad Stadium, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie. The win propelled Pep Guardiola’s side into the final, where they will face Inter Milan, after eliminating the defending champions.

Right from the kickoff, Manchester City showed their intent to take control of the match. The Citizens dominated possession and applied relentless pressure on the Real Madrid defense. Their persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when they broke the deadlock. It was a goal that had been coming, as City had been exceptional throughout the game. Kevin De Bruyne played a perfectly weighted pass to Bernardo Silva, who made no mistake in smashing the ball past Thibaut Courtois, sending the Etihad Stadium into raptures.

Real Madrid, who needed a comeback, were left reeling by City’s early goal. They struggled to create clear-cut chances as their opponents maintained a strong defensive shape. City continued to dictate the proceedings, and in the 37th minute, they doubled their advantage. Ilkay Gundogan’s effort was initially blocked, but Bernardo Silva was in the right place at the right time to head the ball into the net, leaving Courtois with no chance. Moments earlier, Toni Kroos had struck the crossbar for Real Madrid, highlighting their frustrations in front of goal.

The second half saw Manchester City maintain their dominance and control of the game. Real Madrid tried to mount a comeback, but their efforts were stifled by City’s organized defense. In the 67th minute, Jack Grealish was brought down by Eder Militao, who vehemently protested against the decision. However, the referee awarded a free-kick and showed Militao a yellow card for his challenge.

With the match seemingly settled, Manchester City put the icing on the cake in the 79th minute. A ball was swung into the box, and Manuel Akanji rose highest to meet it. His header took a massive deflection off Militao, leaving Courtois helpless as the ball nestled into the net. The goal was eventually credited as an own goal. It didn’t stop there, Julian Alvarez came on in the 89th minute and he made it 4 on the night to put more salt in Los Blancos’ injury.

The final whistle confirmed Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Real Madrid and their progression to the ultimate stage of the competition. The Citizens will now face Inter Milan in the Champions League final, setting up an enthralling clash between two European powerhouses.

🔴 Live Blog

Goal! Manchester City 4-0 Real Madrid

Foden slides in Alvarez to make it four, a lovely finish!

Goal! Manchester City 3-0 Real Madrid

Grealish brought down by Militao this time, he’s adamant it wasn’t a foul. Wrong. Yellow card.

And that settles it once and for all! Ball swung into the box, Akanji goes up for it in the middle and Courtois unable to keep it out! Took a huge deflection off Miltao.

Second Half

Back underway! Up and running again at the Etihad. Real need something very, very special

Half-time

Well that was extraordinary. As good a half as you’ll ever see from City. Complete dominance, Real torn apart. The visitors look stunned, can’t get anything going and they’re fortunate to be only two goals down. They need a miracle.

Goal! Manchester City 2-0 Real Madrid

Bernardo heads in a second after Gundogan effort blocked, just moments after Kroos hit bar at other end

⚽ GOAL | Bernardo silva

MAN CITY 2-0 REAL MADRID#MCIRMA #UCLpic.twitter.com/sjtyasHG1H

— FOOTY HUB (@Footyhub01) May 17, 2023

Goal! Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid

To say that’s been coming would be a serious understatement. City have been incredible and they have their reward. De Bruyne slides a lovely pass through to Silva, and he slams the finish past Courtois.

Watch live now 👀🤩

Manchester City vs Real Madrid live

//

Broadcast 1>>@Flash_Stream1
.//
Broadcast 2>> @Flash_Stream1
.
Broadcast 3>> @Flash_Stream1

//
#UCL | #MCIRMA pic.twitter.com/3t8m2dAgbm

— Jason Wiggins (@msgg1792) May 17, 2023

Kick Off!

And so it begins!

Starting XI

Same team, but something a bit different from Guardiola tonight? The City boss has hinted at a change, though joked he was not overthinking things in a big game, as he has been accused of doing in the past.

“I have an idea to do something differently, just to be more fluid in attack,” Guardiola said. “It’s nothing special. I’m not overthinking, don’t worry guys! Nothing different to what we have done in the past.”

Such a big call from Ancelotti in defence. Rudiger was really impressive a week ago, with Haaland barely in the match as Real kept him very quiet.

The former Chelsea man drops out of the side though despite that display, with Militao straight back in after suspension. We shall see if that proves to be the right decision.