Category: Football

West Ham scored a late winner on Saturday to stay two points clear of Tottenham in the battle to avoid Premier League relegation on a day of breathless drama.

Spurs looked set to escape the bottom three with just minutes remaining after their late goal against Wolves and Everton’s equaliser at the London Stadium.

But West Ham substitute Callum Wilson scored a winner in the 92nd minute to restore West Ham’s two-point cushion, with just four games to go.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham travelled to already-relegated Wolves without a Premier League win since December but were blunt in attack, mustering just two shots on target in the entire game.

Short of inspiration and confidence, it appeared they were heading for a damaging goalless draw before Joao Palhinha’s 82nd-minute goal secured a 1-0 win.

Travelling Spurs fans celebrated wildly when they learned that Everton had levelled in the 88th minute, cancelling out Tomas Soucek’s headed opener.

At that stage Spurs were out of the bottom three.

But West Ham were not finished, with Wilson adding a remarkable postscript to lift them back above Tottenham.

“The atmosphere was electric,” Wilson told the BBC. “I think the fans and the players have really come together in this period and it has stood us in good stead.

“We’re the ones in the driving seat at the moment and if we take care of our own results it should stand us in good stead come the end of the season.”

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Wolves and Burnley are already down but the race to avoid the final relegation spot has effectively become a two-horse race between Tottenham and West Ham, who have 36 points.

Nottingham Forest, three points ahead, hammered Sunderland 5-0 on Friday to pull well clear of the drop zone.

Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 3-1, getting the better of their opponents for the first time in four meetings this season to climb into fourth place above Aston Villa, who earlier lost 1-0 at Fulham.

Liverpool lost the season-opening Community Shield against Palace on penalties before defeats in the Premier League and League Cup.

Alexander Isak, who has recently returned to action after fracturing his fibula, scored his first goal for Liverpool since December.

Andy Robertson doubled Liverpool’s lead after a slick counter-attacking move.

Daniel Munoz halved the deficit in the second half but Florian Wirtz scored a last-gasp third to restore the home side’s two-goal cushion.

Mohamed Salah limped off in the second half at Anfield holding his hamstring with less than a month of his glittering career with the Reds remaining.

Arne Slot’s men are now near-certainties to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which would be some consolation after a miserable title defence.

They are level on 58 points with Villa and Manchester United — with all three teams eight points clear of Brighton.

“Our objectives this season have changed due to our form but the Champions League is so important to this football club and we’ve made a big step,” Robertson told Sky Sports.

In the early kick-off on Saturday, Fulham beat Aston Villa to keep their hopes of qualification for Europe alive.

Ryan Sessegnon scored the only goal of the game shortly before half-time after Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins had gone close for Villa.

Arsenal aim to retake top spot from Manchester City when they host Newcastle in the evening kick-off.

The Gunners have seen their nine-point lead vanish in the past two weeks and they are now behind Pep Guardiola’s men on goals scored, with both sides level on goal difference.

READ: Liverpool close on Champions League spot with win over Crystal Palace

Liverpool moved ever closer to securing Champions League football next season with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, but will be hoping Mohamed Salah has not played his final game for the club.

Salah limped off in the second half at Anfield, holding his hamstring, with less than a month of his glittering career with the Reds remaining.

“It’s too early to say but we all know Mo and how hard it is for him to leave the pitch,” said Liverpool boss Arne Slot. “We have to wait and see how bad it is.”

Two goals in five minutes just before half-time tightened the grip of Slot’s men on a top-five finish.

British transfer record signing Alexander Isak scored his first goal since returning from a leg break as he smartly controlled Alexis Mac Allister’s wayward effort on goal and swivelled on the ball to volley it past Dean Henderson.

Andy Robertson then marked one of his final appearances at Anfield with a fine finish at the end of a lethal Liverpool counter-attack after third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman had denied Palace an equaliser.

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Salah went to ground just before the hour mark, holding the back of his left leg, and was given a standing ovation as he made way for Jeremie Frimpong.

Daniel Munoz reduced the Eagles’ arrears in controversial fashion as Liverpool wanted the game stopped with Woodman down injured.

“It was a lot more nervy because of the goal. I don’t think we deserved to concede it in that fashion,” added Slot.

“Is there a game we play where there isn’t a talking point about the referee?”

But Florian Wirtz secured the three points deep into stoppage time with just his fifth Premier League goal since a £100 million ($135 million) move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Victory moves Liverpool up to fourth and opens up an eight-point lead on sixth-placed Brighton with just four games of the season remaining.

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Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe suffered a “muscle overload” in his left hamstring during the team’s 1-1 draw at Real Betis in La Liga, a club source told AFP on Friday.

Mbappe asked to be substituted in the final 10 minutes of the game, which left his side eight points behind league leaders Barcelona.

The France captain’s problem does not appear to be serious, pending further tests, easing any potential concerns ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 this summer.

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“I have no idea (how Mbappe is), he had some discomfort, and we will see how it develops in the coming days,” said coach Alvaro Arbeloa when asked by reporters about the forward, Madrid’s top goalscorer, after the game.

On Wednesday, Barcelona’s teenage winger Lamine Yamal suffered a hamstring injury, which ruled him out until the end of the season, although he is expected to be fit to play at the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Spain.

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Arne Slot warned on Friday that “margins are small” in the Premier League as Liverpool aim to strengthen their push for a place in next season’s Champions League.

The Reds are fifth in the table after two straight league wins, five points clear of Brighton, who have played a game more.

The top five teams in the Premier League gain automatic entry into next season’s Champions League.

Liverpool face a tough task on Saturday against Crystal Palace, whom they have failed to beat in three meetings so far this season.

Slot was asked at his pre-match press conference whether he was planning for next season after a disappointing title defence but was keen to shift the focus back onto the current campaign.

“Of course there are conversations going on about next season but my complete focus is, and still should be, on this season, because margins are small,” said the Liverpool boss.

“One or two results can make a big difference, as we saw, because I think two weeks ago we weren’t five points clear of the number six, and two results later we are, so it can also go both ways.

“So my full focus is on Palace, which is needed because, as you know, we’ve played them three times already this season and we’re unable to beat them once.”

Liverpool lost to Oliver Glasner’s side on penalties in the season-opening Community Shield before defeats in the Premier League and the League Cup.

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The Reds have picked up vital wins against Fulham and Everton this month but have also suffered demoralising defeats against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Manchester City in the FA Cup.

“In the last eight games we picked up 16 points, and it doesn’t always feel like that, because in between we have to play PSG, Man City,” said Slot. “But our recent league form is acceptable.”

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has not played since mid-March due to injury, but Slot said he was close to a return and could be ready to face Palace.

Number two goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is sidelined with an injury he picked up last week against Everton, meaning that Freddie Woodman would deputise for Palace if Alisson were not fit.

Slot brushed aside speculation linking Alisson with a move away from Anfield at the end of the season.

“We don’t react to rumours in this room,” said the Dutchman.

“We only react when facts need to be told, and that’s not the situation at the moment.

“But the main focus for Ali is, I think, very clear — that’s getting back into goal as soon as possible for the club he loves to play for, and then he wants to be in goal for the country he loves to play for, and that’s Brazil.”

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Saudi Arabian football club Al-Nassr FC are considering integrating Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. into their senior setup, raising the possibility of a historic on-field link-up with his father Cristiano Ronaldo, according to recent reports.

The club is exploring plans to include the teenage forward in first-team training from the 2026/27 season, with a gradual pathway that could eventually lead to a senior squad appearance.

While no official confirmation has been made, the idea has gained traction given Ronaldo Jr.’s steady rise through the youth ranks.

Currently part of Al-Nassr’s academy system, he has been one of the standout performers at the U-16 and U-17 levels.

The timeline also aligns with a key eligibility milestone. Ronaldo Jr., born on June 17, 2010, will turn 16 this summer, the minimum age required to sign a professional contract and feature in senior football.

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This opens a realistic window for a potential father-son partnership, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo’s current deal at Al-Nassr running until 2027. The veteran forward, still performing at the highest level in his 40s, could share the pitch with his son if the club proceeds with its plans.

Sources indicate that Al-Nassr’s hierarchy is closely monitoring the youngster’s development, with an emphasis on easing him into the senior environment rather than rushing his progression.

Importantly, Ronaldo Jr.’s rise has not been built on reputation alone. The teenager has delivered consistent performances at the youth level, including a recent hat-trick in a 4-3 win for Al-Nassr’s U-16 side against Al Fayha.

On the international stage, he has also made notable strides, helping Portugal’s U-16 team secure the Algarve International Tournament title earlier this year, his third youth trophy, already surpassing his father’s tally at the same age.

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Barcelona moved a step closer to winning La Liga with a tight 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Wednesday, but lost their goalscorer Lamine Yamal to an apparent hamstring injury.

The teenage Spanish star won and converted a penalty to clinch a narrow triumph, but hurt himself as he took it and was replaced before half-time.

Joao Cancelo also went off injured for a Barca team who moved nine points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table with six matches remaining, including a Clasico on May 10.

“We have to win every game and seal La Liga as soon as possible. It was important to win today,” Pedri told Movistar.

“I hope (Lamine’s injury) is for as few weeks as possible. Tomorrow he’ll be tested, and we’ll see what it is. I wish him the best of luck, and he should stay calm — he’s young and will surely recover well.”

Hansi Flick’s side, playing for the first time since their Champions League quarter-final elimination by Atletico Madrid last week, lacked their usual attacking spark.

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia saved well from Pablo Duran and Ferran Jutgla in the opening exchanges at Camp Nou.

With little between the teams, it came down to Yamal’s fleet footwork to help Barca open the door.

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The forward skipped into the box, exchanging passes with Dani Olmo, and was felled by Yoel Lago as he tried to evade the Celta defender.

Lamine Yamal beat Ionut Radu with a low penalty, with the goalkeeper diving the right way. However, he pulled up hurt immediately, calling for treatment and lying on the turf as his teammates came over to celebrate.

The match was delayed for over 15 minutes because of a medical incident in the stands at the same time, and when Celta kicked off again, Yamal had been replaced by Roony Bardghji.

Barca battled through the second half without creating much until Ferran Torres lashed home with a volley from Pedri’s pass.

The Catalans’ joy was short-lived, though, as the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside call against the Spanish forward.

Former Barca defender Marcos Alonso smashed a free-kick into the wall as the hosts held on to claim three potentially vital points.

Defeat left Celta seventh and still hoping to qualify for European football next season.

“We were very good in the first half, we had chances and they didn’t have so many… but individual talent made the difference,” said Jutgla. “La Liga is very competitive and we will fight until the end.”

READ: Manchester City go top of Premier League as Burnley relegated

Manchester City edged ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League as a 1-0 victory at Turf Moor condemned Burnley to relegation on Wednesday.

The defeat confirmed the Clarets’ third Premier League relegation in five seasons, consigning them to the Championship alongside Wolves next season.

Erling Haaland scored the only goal as Pep Guardiola’s men ended the day top of the table for the first time since August, but the City boss was frustrated at his side’s inability to win by a greater margin.

City go ahead of the Gunners only on goals scored, with five games left for both the title contenders. However, City have on paper the tougher run-in as they aim to snatch a seventh league title in nine years.

Fresh from beating Arsenal 2-1 in what was billed as a title decider on Sunday, the visitors roared out of the blocks.

A stunning save by Martin Dubravka turned Rayan Cherki’s shot onto the woodwork.

Haaland was then set free by Jeremy Doku and coolly chipped over the advancing Dubravka with just five minutes on the clock.

Manchester City continued to pepper Dubravka with efforts from distance, but Guardiola grew visibly angry as they let the tempo drop in their pursuit of more goals.

Burnley could even have been level by half-time as Zian Flemming dragged a glorious chance wide.

Haaland hit the post after the break, but City’s failure to rack up a more convincing scoreline leaves the title race tantalisingly poised.

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At the other end of the table, Burnley have to rebuild once more in the second tier.

A return of just 20 points from 34 games has left Scott Parker’s men 13 adrift of safety with only four games remaining.

It is the fifth consecutive season that Burnley have either been relegated or promoted as they oscillate between the riches of the Premier League and the Championship.

Three wins from their opening nine games offered hope that they could join Sunderland and Leeds in bucking the trend of promoted sides being immediately relegated back to the second tier. However, just one win in their 25 matches has sealed their fate.

Parker has become a Championship specialist, also winning promotion in the past with Fulham and Bournemouth. But the former Tottenham and Chelsea midfielder has consistently struggled at all three clubs to make an impact in the Premier League.

Bournemouth’s challenge to qualify for Europe for the first time was dented by Sean Longstaff’s 97th-minute equaliser for Leeds in a 2-2 draw. Junior Kroupi’s opener for Bournemouth was quickly cancelled out by a James Hill own goal.

Rayan’s strike had the Cherries on course for the top six until Longstaff’s volleyed leveller.

A point edges Bournemouth above Chelsea, who sacked Liam Rosenior on Wednesday, into seventh. Leeds are now nine points clear of the relegation zone.

READ: Bayern Munich edge past Leverkusen to reach German Cup final

Harry Kane and Luis Diaz scored as Bayern Munich won 2-0 at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday to reach the German Cup final for the first time since 2020.

Just three days after Bayern sealed back-to-back Bundesliga titles with a home win over Stuttgart, Kane and Diaz got the goals to keep hopes of a treble alive.

Bayern’s comfortable victory avenged their defeat by Leverkusen in the round of 16 last season. They will face either holders Stuttgart or Freiburg in the final.

The Bavarian giants have won a record 20 German Cups but had not reached the showpiece in Berlin for six years, their longest drought since the turn of the century.

“We’re going to Berlin. I’m looking forward to it. It was a goal of ours to get to Berlin, to reach the final, experience that, the guys said it’s an incredible experience, so we’ve done nearly all the work,” said Kane.

“We’ve had a lot of away games, tough games, we’ve had to grind it out. Now we’ve got one more to go. In a final, anything is possible. We’re feeling good.”

Leverkusen, the 2024 cup winners, were appearing in a third successive semi-final but struggled under the bright lights as Bayern pinned them back.

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Diaz and Kane forced good saves from Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken inside the opening 20 minutes, but the England captain eventually broke through.

Jamal Musiala threaded a pass through from the right, which was intended for Diaz, but Kane was on hand to smash in when the ball evaded the Colombian completely.

Leverkusen improved after the break. Nathan Tella, who scored the only goal when Leverkusen eliminated Bayern last season, forced a spectacular save from Manuel Neuer early in the second half.

Tella thumped a low shot that required Neuer to fully extend himself to swat the ball away.

In the final half hour, Bayern had the better chances to score with Josip Stanisic, Kane and Diaz all going close to putting the match to bed.

The hosts won a corner in the final minute of normal time, but Bayern launched an immediate counter-attack, with Flekken once more blocking a Diaz shot.

Diaz added gloss to the victory in the third minute of stoppage time, turning in a Leon Goretzka pass. Originally flagged for offside, the decision was overturned after a VAR review, sending the Bayern players streaming from the bench.

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Liam Rosenior has been sacked as Chelsea manager following a run of five successive Premier League defeats, the club announced on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old had only been in charge for just over three months after being lured away from French side Strasbourg which is affiliated to Chelsea’s American owners.

Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton on Tuesday proved the last straw. It is the first time Chelsea have lost five consecutive league games without scoring since 1912, a run which has left them seven points adrift of the Champions League places.

“Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior,” read a club statement.

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“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.

“This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.”

Calum McFarlane will be in charge in a caretaker capacity, the club added, with his first match an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United on Sunday.

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Jude Bellingham has expanded his sporting footprint beyond football by acquiring a minority stake in The Hundred franchise Birmingham Phoenix, marking a notable crossover investment into cricket from one of England’s biggest stars.

The Real Madrid midfielder, who was born in Stourbridge and raised in Birmingham, has purchased a 1.2% share in the franchise.

The stake has been split evenly between Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Knighthead Capital Management, the latter already a major investor in the team and owner of Birmingham City FC.

Warwickshire continue to hold majority control of the franchise with 50.4% ownership, while Knighthead’s share now stands at 48.4%.

The move further strengthens the Phoenix’s local identity, with Bellingham becoming one of the most high-profile athletes to invest in The Hundred.

Despite his global football commitments, the 22-year-old has never hidden his affection for cricket. Having played junior cricket at Hagley Cricket Club during his teenage years, Bellingham has often spoken about his admiration for the sport, even once naming Ben Stokes as the athlete he would swap careers with for a day.

Speaking after the investment was confirmed, Jude Bellingham underlined his emotional connection to the city and his desire to give back.

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“I love Birmingham. I’m very grateful for what the whole city of Birmingham has done for me. I love cricket as well, so when I got the opportunity to get involved, I didn’t really think twice about it, so I’m so happy to be on board,” he said.

“I’m so grateful to Birmingham, the Stourbridge area and the West Midlands as a whole. I got the best upbringing into football, into life through Birmingham City. I feel like I owe the city something. Right now, it’s difficult with how busy I am with football, but if there’s a way in which I can help then I want to and this feels like a good way.”

Beyond the financial aspect, his role is expected to extend into community engagement and social initiatives.

Warwickshire highlighted that Bellingham will contribute to projects aimed at increasing sports participation across Birmingham, particularly among young people.

“I think it’s so important to get kids out there playing sports. I think it’s crucial and the opportunity of me being a part of Birmingham Phoenix is to try and help people realise there’s different avenues,” he added.

“Some people will enjoy football, some will enjoy cricket — it’s about creating opportunities.”

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