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    Nottingham Forest give Taiwo Awoniyi injury update after ‘urgent surgery’ and hail Marinakis for showing ‘deep care’

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST announced Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering “well so far” after undergoing “urgent surgery”.Awoniyi, 27, suffered a horrific abdominal injury during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester in the Premier League at City Ground.Nottingham Forest announced Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering after undergoing surgeryAwoniyi’s injury and the way it was handled led to a furious reaction by Forest owner Evangelos MarinakisForest insist there was no confrontation between Marinakis and manager Nuno Espírito SantoThe striker crashed into the post on 87 minutes after stretching to meet a brilliant pass from Anthony Elanga on the right flank.But following several minutes of treatment the Nigeria international was cleared to continue even though he did not look fit to play. Forest told SunSport that was what led owner Evangelos Marinakis’ intense talk with manager Nuno Espírito Santo at full-time as he wasn’t happy with the way Awoniyi’s injury was handled.And the Nigerian was rushed to hospital on Monday for emergency abdominal surgery after the Tricky Trees’ medical staff discovered the full extent of his problem.Read More on Football Thankfully the centre-forward’s operation went well and he is currently recovering.Forest shared the following statement: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City. “The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first.”Nottingham also explained Marinakis’ angry reaction, which was met by criticism from the likes of Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, came as a result of “deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe statement continued: “At Nottingham Forest, this principle is not just policy for us; it is the deeply held belief and conviction of our owner. To Evangelos Marinakis, this isn’t just a football club — it’s family – and he instils that message in all of us.”That is why he was so personally and emotionally invested in the situation that unfolded at the City Ground on Sunday. “His reaction was one of deep care, responsibility, and emotional investment in one of our own. He didn’t just see it as an isolated incident, but as something that reflected the values and unity of the entire team.”In moments like that he demonstrates his leadership, not just through words, but through action and presence. In the final ten minutes of the game, when he saw our player clearly in discomfort, struggling through visible pain, it became increasingly difficult for him to stay on the sidelines. “His deep frustration at seeing our player lying on the ground in severe pain -something no one with genuine care could ignore – triggered him to go onto the pitch.”Forest stated there was no confrontation with Nuno but instead there was a “shared frustration” regarding the medical team’s decision to allow Awoniyi to continue.’There was no confrontation’The statement also suggested Marinakis “would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur”.The announcement added: “It was instinctive, human, and a reflection of just how much this team and its people mean to him. He would do the same again if such an unfortunate event were ever to reoccur. “The truth of the matter is there was no confrontation, with Nuno or with others, either on the pitch or inside the stadium. There was only shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”In light of this, we urge former coaches and players, and other public figures in the game, to resist the urge to rush to judgement and fake news online, especially when they do not have the full facts and context. “Baseless and ill-informed outrage for the purposes of personal social media traction serves no one — least of all the injured player. We call on these influential voices to show the same respect for player welfare that they often demand from others. Let concern come before commentary.Read More on The Sun”At Nottingham Forest, we believe the mental and physical well-being of our players and coaching staff must always take precedence — over media narratives, inflammatory judgements, and certainly over self-promotion. “In moments like these, the game must unite around those who put their bodies and minds on the line every week. That’s what real leadership looks like in our game.” More

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    The incredible Martin Odegaard stats that show why his drop in form at Arsenal is linked to long-range shooting

    MARTIN ODEGAARD has been a shadow of his former brilliant self at Arsenal this term.A combination of illness, injury and becoming a father for the first time in December has seen him struggle for consistency and momentum, with large sections of the Gunners fanbase questioning his ability as captain with another Prem title charge falling short.Martin Odegaard has failed to convert from long-shots this seasonCredit: GettyThe stats show that the less he shoots, the worse his output isCredit: GettyBut perhaps more worryingly, it has been his creativity and intent on the ball in front of goal that has been missing – put in the spotlight following key absences to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for large periods of the campaign.One area that has slumped in particular has been his shooting and scoring from outside the box, something that became a real trademark for the Norwegian in previous seasons.But his last two games can give fans hope he is on his way back as SunSport reveals the stats behind his dramatic drop in long-range belters, and why they are so important to his overall game.Odegaard gave a first glimpse of what was to come during his six-month loan spell from Real Madrid during the 2020/21 season, having joined on January 27, 2021.read more arsenalIt came in a Europa League round of 16 first leg clash away at Olympiacos, scoring his first goal for the club with a thunderbolt from 25 yards in a 3-1 victory.Collected on the half turn, he took two touches to compose himself and with the third came a venomous thump to announce himself to the Arsenal fans and boss Mikel Arteta.He ended that campaign with 12 shots from outside the box in 20 games in all competitions.His bravery to shoot in those positions grew in the following seasons, and got his rewards.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSIn 2021/22, he attempted 33 shots from outside the box in all competitions – 32 of them coming in the Prem – scoring twice, from a free-kick in a 1-0 victory away at Burnley in September 2021 and a screamer in a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton in April 2022.His most successful and persistent year with long-range shots and goals came in 2022/23, scoring three times from 46 attempts in the Prem against Tottenham, Southampton and Newcastle. In total, he had 47 attempts in all competitions.How ‘brave’ Arsenal were denied by PSG in Champions League semi-finalThe strike against Spurs in a 2-0 away win in January 2023 was prime Odegaard – one touch out of his feet followed by a low, driven fizzler into the bottom corner.Odegaard went one better last year with 48 long-range shots in all competitions, scoring twice. The first was against PSV in the Champions League in September 2023. The second was away at Burnley in February 2024, making it one goal from 39 long-range Prem attempts.And the stats show that there is a direct correlation between the number of long-range shots Odegaard takes and his overall performance.Across the 22/23 and 23/24 campaigns – his best so far in an Arsenal shirt – he mustered 95 shots from outside the box in 93 appearances in all competitions, just over one a game.Within that period, Odegaard scored 26 goals and notched 18 assists.So, it is perhaps no surprise that we have witnessed a below-par Odegaard showing this term with just five goals and 10 assists in 42 games in all competitions having attempted just 30 long-range shots, the only goal from them coming in the 7-1 Champions League last 16 first leg rout of PSV in March.Of those 30, only 22 have been in the Prem with no success. You have to go back 15 months to find his last league belter from outside the box.There have been signs Odegaard is regaining his confidence in this regard.In last week’s 2-1 Champions League semi-final second leg defeat at Paris Saint-Germain, he was denied by a world class save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.Read More on The SunAnd in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with champions Liverpool at Anfield, another long ranger was tipped onto the post by Alisson that Mikel Merino then headed in to complete the comeback.The message is clear then: Odegaard is at his best when he is brave enough to take responsibility and shoot from range. Once that comes back into his game on a regular basis, so will his form. More

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    ‘I’ve been very lucky’ – Former Premier League manager George Burley, 68, free of cancer after eight-month battle

    FORMER Ipswich manager George Burley has received the all-clear following his cancer diagnosis.The 68-year-old publicly announced his diagnosis in September but did not disclose the form of the disease.Former Ipswich and Scotland manager George Burley has revealed he is now cancer freeCredit: PABurley announced his diagnosis in SeptemberCredit: PAHe said: “It has been a difficult time, but I am feeling much brighter now.”In fact, I am able to get to matches at Portman Road and I am enjoying watching the team playing back in the Premier League.”We are grateful to the club (Ipswich) for the support they have shown me and my family and I would ask that everyone is respectful of our privacy at this time.”Burley, who played for Ipswich before managing the club, underwent six cycles of chemotherapy as well as an operation which left him in hospital for three weeks. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the former defender has this week revealed that he is now cancer free.He told BBC Radio Suffolk: “It’s been a long road – it didn’t happen overnight.”It started almost a year ago where I was having symptoms and wasn’t feeling great.”It was great to eventually come through it all – I’ve been very, very lucky with the amount of support I’ve had.Most read in Football”My family’s been unbelievable… and I’ve been very well looked after.”Burley felt unwell for several months before being diagnosed with cancer.Opening up on the early stages of his battle, the Ipswich legend continued: “Eventually, when I did get diagnosed, I thought I’ve got to get on with it.”The people around you, you’ve got to make sure you’re not moping around [and] keep their chins up.”It’s not easy because initially you don’t want to speak much about it, but once you grow into it, people around you know you’re accepting the fact – and [you] get on with life as normal as possible.”The Ipswich hero also said he was “lucky” his body responded to the treatment and believes the fitness levels he built up as a player helped him in his recovery.Burley enjoyed spells with Sunderland, Gillingham, Motherwell, Ayr United, Falkirk and Colchester United as a player.But his longest term came in the form of 13 years overall at Ipswich.After hanging up his boots, he spent eight years as manager of the Tractor Boys. More

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    Goodison Park SAVED as Everton announce plans to turn venue into ‘most iconic stadium in league’

    GOODISON PARK will be SAVED even after Everton move out.The Toffees are preparing for an emotional farewell from the famous old ground this Sunday after 133 years.Everton’s Goodison Park will be the new home of the Women’s team from next seasonCredit: RexThey will then move into their brand-new state-of-the-art 53,000-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season.But the club have ensured Goodison Park will remain in use.Because Everton Women are going to move in and make the stadium their new permanent home – and believe it will be “the most iconic venue in the Women’s Super League”. Everton launched The Goodison Legacy project in 2020 to figure out what would happen with the stadium once the men’s team move across town. And the club’s new owners – the Friedkin Group – decided to keep football being played on the site that first opened in 1892. The announcement means Goodison Park will remain a key place within Liverpool – and not knocked down as previously planned.Everton’s former owners had laid out £82million plans for it to be demolished and replaced with housing, a care home, retain units and a park. Instead, the 39,572-capacity Goodison Park becomes the biggest dedicated women’s football stadium in the country. Most read in FootballIt holds approximately 18 times more fans than Everton Women’s current home ground, Walton Hall Park. It is reported the club plan to make upgrades to the changing rooms and will update the exterior to reflect the women’s team. Everton Women captain Megan Finnigan said: “This move is a testament to where the women’s game is right now and, more importantly, where it is heading. “Goodison is a magical stadium with a deep heritage and close ties to the local community. “Leading the team out for that first home match of next season will be nothing short of a career highlight – and the prospect of what Everton Women can become with such an iconic ground to call our home is hugely exciting.”The news comes just the day after ex-Everton owner Farhad Moshiri told Sky Sports he was given a deadline of 2028 for Goodison to be bulldozed.Moshiri said: “My advisors told me that their estimate was by 2028, Goodison should be demolished and [move into] a new stadium.”I went through the history of our attempts to have a new ground. I realised that is the No1 priority of the club – or should be.”They were all in love with Goodison and then I was in love with Goodison, nobody wanted to move.”But the reason we had to leave was partly infrastructural, partly financial.” David Moyes’ men’s team host already-relegated Saints this weekend.And the Premier League have given fans special permission to break a strict rule.The grand goodbye plans mean Toffees supporters will be allowed to drink alcohol in view of the pitch, which is usually prohibited. Read More on The SunFans will be allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from hospitality, bars and kiosks around the ground after the final whistle has been sounded at around 2pm. Spectators will be allowed to buy booze until 2.45pm and take it to their seats, where they can watch the ‘End of an Era’ ceremony.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Norwich City release FOURTEEN players including Euro 2024 star following Jack Wilshere manager announcement

    NORWICH CITY have brutally wielded the axe following the end of the Championship season, releasing a whopping 14 players. The Canaries have even let a star of last summer’s European Championships depart.Jack Wilshere is Norwich interim boss but won’t land the permanent jobCredit: RexThe Carrow Road cull comes just days after interim manager Jack Wilshere was ruled out of the running to become the next permanent boss.The ex-Arsenal and England midfielder stepped up from his role as first-team coach in April to take charge following the sacking of Johannes Hoff Thorup.Norwich finished a disappointing 13th in the Championship and their list of freed players includes three senior stars.That’s goalkeeper Angus Gunn, long-serving Cuban winger Oriel Hernandez and Danish midfielder Jacob Sorensen.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNorwich-born Gunn, 29, played for England Under-21s but switched allegiance to Scotland and started all their three Euro 2024 games. A club statement read: “As previously announced, first-team players Angus Gunn, Jacob Sorensen and Oriel Hernandez will leave the club at the end of their contracts this summer.”Archie Mair and Jonathan Tomkinson will also depart the club upon expiry of their contracts, while Callum Doyle will return to parent club Manchester City following his season-long loan spell at Carrow Road.”Discussions remain ongoing with Aston Villa and Lewis Dobbin over a potential extension to his loan deal.Most read in FootballReleased keeper Angus Gunn has 15 Scotland capsCredit: RexJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Discussions are also ongoing with Manchester City and Jacob Wright over triggering an option to make the midfielder’s move to Carrow Road permanent.”Caleb Ansen and Ken Aboh both return from their loan spells, while Brad Hills and Emmanuel Adegboyega remain at their loan clubs until the end of their respective campaigns.”The club have also triggered a one-year extension option in Adegboyega’s contract.”Jonathan Rowe’s loan to Marseille will become a permanent deal, following the obligation to buy in the agreement between the two clubs.”Academy players Lewis Shipley, Tom Finch, Adian Manning, Ellis Craven, Daniel Ogwuru, Alfie Doy, Alex Roberts, Kingston Simbai and Gabriel Keita will also be leaving the club.”Henry Bullen, Hugo Valencia Gomez and Lloyd Ofori-Manteaw will all sign professional deals with the club on July 1, whilst Harmony Okwumo will sign a contract extension.”The club would like to thank all departing players for their contribution and wish them well for the future.”Stand-in chief Wilshere oversaw a 0-0 against Middlesbrough and a win over Cardiff City on the final day of the season. But his brief stint in charge wasn’t enough to convince the club’s top brass to give him the job on a full-time basis.Canaries Sporting Director said of Wilshere’s departure in an interview with the BBC: “Jack is a fantastic person, he and I have a big history together.”He’s a great coach and will be a fantastic head coach, but that’s not going to be here at this particular moment in time. Read More on The Sun”Naturally, he’s disappointed. He’s super-ambitious, and he should be, but for where we are right now and the context, we’re focussing externally. “The emotional part, the romantic part of me would love to make that decision but my job is to not get wrapped up in emotion and to make cool, objective decisions.”Arsenal legend Wilshere oversaw a a draw and a win for NorwichCredit: Rex More

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    Sarina Wiegman hoping for ‘headaches and big decisions’ from return of England stars Hemp, Greenwood and Stanway

    SARINA WIEGMAN hopes to have an England selection headache from Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood returning to fitness.The Lioness boss, 55, reckons Hemp has built enough credit to be in contention despite the forward yet to play a full 90 minutes this year. Georgia Stanway has given England a huge fitness boost two months before the Euros with her recovery from a knee ligament issueCredit: AlamyLauren Hemp has been named in Sarina Wiegman England’s squad for the first time this year following her return to match action for Man City in AprilCredit: GettyHemp’s City team-mate and skipper Alex Greenwood is also back in the Lionesses’ squad ahead of their Nations League games against Spain and PortugalCredit: ReutersThe squad returns of Hemp, 24, Stanway, 26, and Greenwood, 31, comes at a pivotal time with the start of England’s Euros title defence less than two months away. Before then the team will take on Portugal in the Nations League at Wembley on May 30. And they also face a stern test against World Cup holders Spain in Barcelona on June 3. Wiegman’s fit again trio had contended with knee injuries with Hemp and defender Greenwood making their returns to match action for Manchester City earlier this month. Read More Football StoriesBayern Munich midfielder Stanway is the only member of the three yet to return to club duty since recovering from a lateral ligament tear sustained in January. Wiegman said: “Georgia is in training. She still needs to build. “What we know is she can come into camp and continue building with us.”Hopefully towards the Euros she can be healthy and can handle the training loads to recover. Most read in Football”She has to be healthy and recover from training sessions then we can see where she’s at. “She has to be performing at the highest level – at her highest level – to compete for the position just like everyone else.”Hemp’s squad return comes 16 days after her first game for Man City this year. The 61-capped Lioness played in a competitive game for the first time this year on April 27 with a cameo appearance in City’s 1-0 defeat of Leicester. While Hemp did not play a full match  for City in the second half of the season, she could potentially be in line for game time at the World Sevens tournament if selected to play. Man City are one of two WSL sides competing in the seven-a-side contest taking place in Estoril, Portugal from May 21-23. On whether it is a concerned that Hemp has so far not played a 90-minute this year, Wiegman added: “Of course it is.”But we still have two months – almost. We have to keep building on that and manage it well to keep them fit. “We want to keep building and see what she is able to do. “She has to perform at her highest level too, but she has shown so many things before her injury that she has built some credit.”When everyone is fit we have big decisions to make because we have many options up front and within the team in other lines we have options too. “I hope everyone does really well and it’s really nice to have this opportunity to train before the Nations League. “I hope I’ll get a lot of headaches because that means everyone is performing at the highest level and we’ll have decisions to make.”Wiegman, 55, is waiting to see how far Lauren James, 23, can go in her fitness race, before the Euros with the forward battling to recover from injury. I know Lauren is absolutely working really hard to get there. Let’s see how far she gets.Sarina Wiegman on Lauren JamesIn their upcoming clashes with Portugal and Spain the team will be without the services of James who was among England’s standout performers at the 2023 World Cup. The Chelsea star came off during England’s 5-0 Nations League trouncing of Belgium due to a hamstring concern. Wiegman said: “She’s a special player who has moments in the game where she can be decisive. “Let’s see how far she gets and what she can bring us. I know she’s absolutely working really hard to get there.”Wiegman’s latest squad selection has included Arsenal’s Michelle Agyemang, 19, keeping her place and a first senior call-up for Tottenham defender Ella Morris.Agyemang’s return follows her netting a stunning goal on her senior international debut volleying home during the Lionesses’ 3-2 away loss to BelgiumWhile the England boss hopes the striker can become a little bit calmer in duels, she believes Agyemang has much potential. Wiegman said: “Michelle is a very high-potential talent. “She is very powerful and as we have seen, she can score goals. Michelle Agyemang has retained her England spot after impressing on her senior international debut and on loan at Brighton from Arsenal this seasonCredit: Reuters”In duels she needs to calm down a little and we’ve spoken about that already. Read More on The Sun”Hopefully she can manage a bit when we play in the duels. “You don’t want to almost destroy your opponent.”England Women’s Squad GoalkeepersMary Earps (Paris St-Germain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)DefendersMillie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Ella Morris (Tottenham), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)MidfieldersGrace Clinton (Manchester United), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Fran Kirby (Brighton), Jess Park (Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)Forwards Michelle Agyemang (Brighton, on loan from Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, on loan from Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Brighton), Alessia Russo (Arsenal) More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and strikes iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watching

    CRISTIANO RONALDO JR made his international debut for Portugal’s Under-15s on Tuesday – and wore his dad’s iconic number.The 14-year-old was named on the bench ahead of Portugal’s match against Japan at a youth tournament in Croatia.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr made his Portugal U15s debut on TuesdayCredit: SplashThe teenager wore his dad’s iconic No7Credit: SplashHis grandmother, Maria Dolores, watched on from the sidelinesCredit: SplashAnd he was introduced in the 54th minute with his team leading 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Braga forward Rafael Cabral.Ronaldo Jr was given the No7 shirt for the occasion – the number his dad has worn throughout his incredible career.And he was even pictured striking a pose very similar to his dad’s signature free kick stance during the warm-up.Maria Dolores, the teenager’s grandmother and Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother, was there to watch from the sidelines.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe was seen wearing her son’s iconic 2010 World Cup shirt before the match.Ronaldo Jr is also set to face Greece and England in the Vlatko Markovic tournament.The young Al-Nassr academy star earned his first call-up to Portugal’s U15s last week.His dad posted confirmation of the news on social media with a touching message that read: “Proud of you, son.”Most read in FootballRonaldo Jr currently plays in Al-Nassr’s youth ranks having followed his dad to Saudi Arabia over two years ago.The youngster has also represented youth teams at Juventus and Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KOThree years ago, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo revealed that his son was determined to play alongside him one day.He said: “My son tells me: dad, hold on a few more years, I want to play with you!”Ronaldo Jr was pictured in a similar stance to his dad’s iconic free kick poseCredit: SplashRonaldo Jr is following in the footsteps of his dadCredit: Getty More

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    How Europa League winners have fared in Champions League in last decade as Man Utd and Spurs battle for ultimate prize

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham will face off in the Europa League final next week in a battle for a place amongst Europe’s elite.The winner will earn a spot in next season’s Champions League, a reward that is potentially worth in excess of £100MILLION. Manchester United are preparing to take on Tottenham in the Europa League finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSpurs are hoping to end a 17-year wait for a trophyCredit: GettyMuch has been made about whether that prize is suitable or not, given that United and Spurs currently occupy 16th and 17th spot in the Premier League – but Uefa aren’t changing their rules for the two underachievers.Qualification would mean a huge amount to both clubs, with the lure of the Champions League meaning more top talent could be enticed to join in the summer – not to mention a huge boost to their transfer kitty.For Spurs, the money would be the cherry on top of the giant cake that is ending their 17-year wait for a trophy.While United almost NEED to win the competition given their current financial situation, with a defeat meaning a huge loss in potential revenue amid a slew of cost-cutting measure by Sir Jim Racliffe and his Ineos team.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOnce getting to the Champions League, advancing to the very end could earn up to a potential £95m extra for the eventual winner – but United and Spurs will be aware that their chances of going all the way are slim.In fact, of the eight different teams that have gained qualification into the Champions League by winning the Europa League over the last 10 years, just ONE has made it to the semi-finals.That was Villarreal, who were knocked out of the tournament by eventual winners Liverpool.Man Utd entered the competition thanks to their 2017 Europa League success under Jose Mourinho, only to lose to Sevilla in the Round of 16.Most read in FootballMan Utd won the Europa League in 2017Credit: Getty Images – GettyChelsea earned a Champions League spot with their 2019 Europa League successCredit: ReutersCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Chelsea did the same in 2019 and were kicked out by Bayern Munich in the last 16 too.United and Chelsea are two of six teams that reached the last 16 after qualifying through the Europa League.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsWhile Sevilla have twice failed to advance through the group stages and Atalanta were knocked out of this year’s competition in the qualifying knockout round.Although it makes for bleak reading for Man Utd and Spurs fans, it’s worth noting that the lure – and cash injection – of playing in the Champions League has helped teams who qualified through the Europa League attract big players.It was United’s entry to the 2017/18 competition that helped them sign Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Victor Lindelof in the following summer.Chelsea were unable to purchase players following their success as they were hit with a transfer ban following academy player rule breaches.Either way, the prize waiting for the winner of next week’s ‘Hell Clasico’ is something which cannot be underestimated and could have a huge impact on either club for years to come. More