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      Arsenal vs Barcelona Women’s Champions League final LIVE: Blaugrana aim for third consecutive title against Gunners

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      ARSENAL look to deny Barcelona a Women’s Champions League treble in Lisbon. Renee Slegers is aiming to win the competition for the second time in the Gunners’ history, with the first title coming in 2006/07.Alessia Russo’s goal was enough to see Arsenal see off eight-time winners Lyon in their semi-final this season.Barcelona are back-to-back defending champions, and dispatched of treble winners Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the semi-final.Start time: 5pm BSTTV channel: TNT Sports 1Arsenal XI: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little, McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Kelly, Russo.Barcelona XI: Cata Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Maria Leon, Rolfo, Patri, Aitana, Alexia, Pina, Graham, Pajor.Follow our live blog below…Arsenal 0-0 BarcelonaFrida Maanum battled in vain, trying to win a corner for Arsenal.They’ve been competing well and we’ve already seen a couple of feisty exchanges in the corners. Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0The Gunners are pressing high, but we’ve yet to have any action in or around the penalty area.Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0The Gunners are pressing high, but we’ve yet to have any action in or around the penalty area. Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0A tentative start so far, with Barcelona predictably happy to pass the ball out from the back.But Russo had an early glimmer of hope when she pounced on a slack pass, albeit failing to make much ground.Copy linkCopiedWe’re off – Arsenal 0-0 Barcelona 0Today’s teamsArsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe, Little, Maanum, Caldentey, Kelly, Russo, Foord.Subs: Zinsberger, Williams, Wubben-Moy, Codina, Mead, Walti, Hurtig, Pelova, Nighswonger, Blackstenius, Ilestedt, Cooney-Cross.Barcelona: Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Leon, Rolfo, Bonmati, Patri, Putellas, Graham Hansen, Pajor, Pina.Subs: Gemma, Roebuck, Jana, Paralluelo, Marta, Vicky, Engen, Brugts, Cano, Schertenleib, Serrajordi, Judit.Copy linkCopiedSlegers says Gunners are used to nervesManager Renee Slegers is sure Arsenal won’t be fazed by the occasion.She told TNT Sports: “We’ve played high pressure games with this team this season, we all have that in our luggage. “We’ve got players that have played in finals, the Champions League final, the Euros so they play high pressure games often but this is going to be one of the biggest ones for them.”What we’ve said is ‘enjoy the occasion’ because we have to feel happiness about it that we took ourselves here so that will be partly in the warm-up for example, taking it all in. “When the whistle goes it’s a game of football and we have to focus on the task.” on a high level as well so we’re happy we got a couple of extra days.”Copy linkCopiedHere we go!Just a couple of minutes until kick-off in Lisbon, we can’t wait for this one!Copy linkCopiedCatalonia to north LondonSpeaking about Mariona Caldentey, the forward, who won her 15th major medal with Barcelona, was seen kissing the Women’s Champions League trophy a year ago while wearing the blue and red stripes of the club and holding the logo on her chest.Caldentey played ten seasons at the home of the reigning European champions, scoring 114 goals in 302 appearances, despite not having gone through Barcelona’s junior system.After starting the season as the struggling club, Arsenal stormed up the table, securing second place in the WSL and contending with the best in Europe.Caldentey has served as the creative, force of ingenuity alongside Alessia Russo, the WSL Golden Boot winner, and added dynamism to the midfield.She is now getting ready to play against her old side for the first time since she left them to sign with Arsenal in the summer.Copy linkCopiedTop scorer chaseThe Champions League trophy won’t be the only coveted title on the line… Clàudia Pina has led the hotly-contested scoreboard, whilst her opponents for today in Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey. Pina, who has come of age this season, has already surpassed the tally set in the last two editions. Pina – 10 goals Russo – 7 goals Caldentey – 7 goalsCopy linkCopied’This is where we want to be’Arsenal striker Alessia Russo on if Arsenal are back where they should be: “100 per cent”Any player that plays for Arsenal understands it is a winning club that is so ambitious and wants to be at the top competing with the best. “This is where we want the club to be and we will keep pushing as players. We are very aware of what has come before us as well. “Kim [Little] has played for the club for so long and she deserves to be here. “We had lunch with some of the 2007 winners to understand what it means to them and that is really special for us.”Copy linkCopiedCaptain’s logMidfielder Alexia Putellas says Barcelona’s previous Champions League titles guarantee nothing heading into another final: “You tend to forget what the team has achieved and what you have done as a player to continue with future ambitions. “We don’t really analyse or look at what we’ve done much. Despite having three Champions Leagues, it doesn’t mean we will win tomorrow.”It doesn’t matter how many finals. It is true, we know what we have done, but it means nothing on your day-to-day work. “You always want to go to the next level and to the next goal. The next goal is tomorrow’s final. “We will try to prepare it in the best possible way and do our best. We hope it ends with a title.”Copy linkCopied’Not easy’Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati on Barca heading into the final as favourites: “It is good that we have been given the favourites label but we know how important this is. “Although it’s a new rival that has not been in the final for years, it is not an easy match. “We still need to win the game and anybody can win.”Copy linkCopiedThree in a row?We’ve touched on it just there; history-in-wait is on the line for both… Barcelona can solidify their reputation and increase their power in Europe.They are attempting to become only the second side to win the title three years in a row as they compete in their sixth Champions League final overall and their fifth consecutive one.However, this is only Arsenal’s second Champions League final appearance. Since the Gunners won the trophy in their inaugural final in 2007, no English team has taken home the trophy. Is it possible for them to win both games?Copy linkCopiedTeam news is in!Arsenal: Van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little (C), McCabe, Maanum, Foord, Kelly, Russo.Barcelona: Cata Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Maria Leon, Rolfo, Patri, Aitana, Alexia, Pina, Graham, Pajor.Copy linkCopiedLisbon lightsAfternoon and welcome to the SunSport’s live blog of the women’s Champions League final!We’ve got a tasty encounter between two of the best-supported clubs in women’s European football. Barcelona take up the roles of resounding favourites. The Femeni have won this competition three times in the last four years and continue to set the gold standard. They have scored 196 goals, won 43 of 46 games in all competitions, and averaged more than four goals per game this season. In more instances than they have scored fewer than three goals (11), they have scored six or more goals (13).As for underdogs Arsenal, they’ve relished in the responsibility of spoiling the set norm. The Gunners are the only side in the history of the competition to go to the final after competing in the first qualifying round – securing top spot over Bayern Munich in the group before toppling Real Madrid and Lyon. Renée Slegers has overseen the North Londoners’ second-half-of-season form with a clear understanding and delicate touch that has produced wonder to make the first final featuring an English side since Chelsea in 2020-21 – she’ll need that and more to produce another magic act. Kick-off at the sold-out Estádio José Alvalade, 5pm GMT.Copy linkCopied More

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      Championship play-off final history made as referee speaks to crowd to explain why goal was controversially ruled out

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      FOOTBALL fans saw history made in the Championship play-off final.Sheffield United took on Sunderland at Wembley for a place in next season’s Premier League. Harrison Burrows shot through the crowd as Sheffield United thought they were 2-0 upCredit: Shutterstock EditorialChris Kavanagh announced the goal was chalked off over the PA systemCredit: Sky SportsTyrese Campbell gave the Blades the lead on 25 minutes, expertly dinking in to round off a superb counter attack. Less than ten minutes later, Harrison Burrows thought he had made it 2-0.Burrows let fly from outside the area as the ball flew into the back of the net.But replays showed Vini Souza was impeding Anthony Patterson’s vision and ability to save the shot.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat saw VAR intervene – the technology in force for the play-off final despite not being used during the regular season. But rather than overturn the decision, the VAR sent referee Chris Kavanagh over to the pitchside monitor to watch the incident and make a call on the subjective offside.Kavanagh decided Souza was interfering and therefore ruled the goal out.That led to the referee announcing over the tannoy that the goal was ruled out because United’s No21 was offside. Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd it became the first time in a Championship play-off final that a VAR decision was explained to the crowd over the PA system inside the stadium by the ref.Fans at the Carabao Cup final saw similar scenes at Wembley in March.’Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emergesFederico Chiesa’s consolation goal for Liverpool against Newcastle was initially chalked off by the assistant’s flag.But the referee announced over the tannoy that it was in fact allowed to stand – much to Chiesa’s bemusement. The play-off final saw eight minutes of injury time added on at the end of the first half.As well as the stopagge for the disallowed goal, there was also a lengthy delay right at the start when Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien dislocated his shoulder. Premier League clubs went into the final hoping to see a United win – because that would mean an extra £39million windfall cash bonus for top-flight teams. Referee Kavanagh watched the replay on the pitchside monitorCredit: PAReplays clearly showed Anthony Patterson was impeded in the Sunderland goalCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Arsenal vs Barcelona live stream: How to watch huge Women’s Champions League final FREE

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      ARSENAL and Barcelona go head-to-head in the Women’s Champions League final TONIGHT!The Spaniards are eyeing a FOURTH title in five years and a third on the bounce as they look to match Eintracht Frankfurt’s tally of competition wins.Barcelona are eyeing their fourth Women’s Champions League title in five yearsCredit: AlamyArsenal completed an epic turnaround to progress to the finalCredit: AlamyBarca thrashed Chelsea 8-2 over two legs, winning 4-1 home and away to book their spot in this year’s final.Meanwhile, Arsenal overturned a 2-1 deficit against 8-time Champions League winners Lyon to progress to the Lisbon showpiece.The Gunners stunned the French champions on their own patch with a 4-1 triumph in the second leg to win the tie 5-3 on aggregate.When is Arsenal vs Barcelona – Women’s Champions League final?The Women’s Champions League final will take place on Saturday, May 24.The match kicks off at 5pm BST.Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade plays host.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHow to watch Arsenal vs Barcelona – Women’s Champions League final for FREEIn the UK, the Women’s Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN.Fear not if you are not subscribed to either platform, as DAZN are running a free live stream of the match on their DAZN’s Women’s Football YouTube channel.Free coverage of the event will begin with a preview show at 4.30pm BST. More

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      Bruno Fernandes ‘wanted by TEN clubs’ with Man Utd captain admitting club could sell him

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      BRUNO FERNANDES will reportedly be sought after by a whopping “TEN” clubs this summer.Manchester United will be forced to consider selling their skipper in the coming months following their failure to win the Europa League and seal Champions League football for the 2025/26 season.Bruno Fernandes has been Manchester United’s star player in recent yearsCredit: PAThe Portuguese midfielder will reportedly be sought after by ten clubs this summerCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKThe club are in desperate need of funds to aid Ruben Amorim’s planned overhaul of the squad, and Fernandes, despite being 30, will command a sizeable transfer fee.Saudi big boys Al-Hilal are keen on acquiring the services of Fernandes, whom they tried to sign in January.But according to The Telegraph, a further NINE clubs are interested in signing the Portugal international.French and German champions Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be part of the slew of teams keen on Fernandes.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSFernandes, who has been United’s best player in recent years, has two years left on his current contract at Old Trafford.United are said to be willing to let the influential midfielder leave if they receive a whopping £100million for his services, which Al-Hilal are reportedly willing to fork out.Fernandes is eager to stay at the Theatre of Dreams but admits his future at the club isn’t in his hands.In the aftermath of United’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday, he said: “I have always been honest.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go.”I’m eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days.’Shambles’ – Luke Littler savages Man Utd in one word over Bruno Fernandes transfer links and gives Amorim verdict”In the day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it’s time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it.”But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way.”If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is.”And football sometimes is like this.”Fernandes and his team-mates will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, welcoming Aston Villa to Old Trafford for their final match of the season. More

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      Ruben Amorim ‘tells Alejandro Garnacho to LEAVE Man Utd after informing squad of his own future plans’

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      RUBEN AMORIM has reportedly told his Manchester United players he will remain at the club next season – but Alejandro Garnacho will not be. The under-fire manager offered to walk away without any compensation if the board and fans are no longer behind him. Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been told by Ruben Amorim to find a new clubCredit: ReutersIt came in the aftermath of United’s 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham – who won their first trophy in 17 YEARS. But, the Old Trafford hierarchy are believed to be behind Amorim – who replaced Erik ten Hag in November. According to The Athletic, Amorim addressed players at the club’s Carrington training ground on Saturday to inform them of his own plans.And it was there that Garnacho is said to have been told to find a new team following a period of uncertainty at the club. READ MORE ON man utdThe Argentine was left out of the starting XI that was beaten by – despite starting in ten of their matches in the European campaign.United’s defeat in Spain – while sitting 16th in the Premier League – caps off a horror season.And Garnacho told Argentine press: “It’s hard for everyone. “The season was s***, both now losing the final tonight, and in the league, where we didn’t beat anyone, that’s the truth. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens after.”Garnacho’s brother Roberto then caused a stir following the winger’s cryptic message in Bilbao. FIRE SALE at Old Trafford! EVERY Man Utd Star Up for Grabs — Even Mainoo & Garnacho!He posted a picture of a dejected Garnacho and wrote: “Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals in the last two finals, just to be on the pitch for 19 mins and get thrown under the bus.”The winger – linked with a move away in January – was benched against Spurs with Mason Mount and Amad Diallo operating as forwards.Amorim was probed on his decision to leave Garnacho out for Mount, to which he replied: “It’s easy to say that now.”Who missed the big opportunity in the first half in the semi-final? Garnacho. Football is like that.”Garnacho, 20, has played 58 times this season across all competitions, more than any other United player.He has 11 goals to his name and remains linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with Chelsea showing interest in January.Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens after.GarnachoSunSport revealed how Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are among the most at risk of being sold in the summer. United remain in a financial mess and selling two of the first team’s biggest assets is now a priority to ease the pressure.Bruno Fernandes has also suggested he could leave but United will not want to offload their skipper.Other players such as Marcus Rashford and Antony, who have been on loan at Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively, will also be sold in what is likely to be a turbulent summer at United.Amorim was asked in his final pre-match press conference of the season whether he has sought to clarify Fernandes and Garnacho’s futures. And he said: “I will speak with my players but my focus is the last game. I don’t know what is going to happen.“We have a plan — we were prepared for both situations, with or without Champions League. Read More on The Sun”We have an idea what type of squad we want. Now we have to focus on the game, we now have the last game and we have time to address those situations.”Garnacho hinted at leaving after Europa League final defeatCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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      Championship play-off final delayed by sickening injury as Sunderland ace forced off before calling Wag down from stands

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      THE Championship play-off final has been delayed because of an injury to Sunderland club captain Luke O’Nien.The defender dislocated his shoulder in the second minute.Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien was forced off with injuryCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe defender received treatment on the pitch for several minutesCredit: GettyO’Nien appeared to be in pain as he left the pitchCredit: PAThe match was delayed for around six minutesCredit: PAO’Nien injured his shoulder in an aerial challenge with Kieffer MooreCredit: PAThe club captain later joined in with the celebrations after Sunderland equalisedHis arm was held in a slingFollow the Championship play-off final with SunSport’s live blogThe incident occurred as he went to challenge Sheffield United ace Kieffer Moore for a header, with the striker almost scoring.O’Nien fell to the ground and immediately required treatment from the physios.He was attended to for several minutes and received oxygen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA stretcher was brought out onto the pitch but was not required, with O’Nien walking off.However the Black Cats skipper did appear to be in a lot of pain as he trudged off.He grimaced as he clutched his injured arm – play only resumed six minutes later. O’Nien was applauded off by the Sunderland faithful and was replaced by Chris Mepham.Most read in EFLBefore making his way down the tunnel O’Nien beckoned to his partner Georgia to join him.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSShe walked down the Wembley steps and greeted the Sunderland star, before escorting him down the tunnel alongside the medical staff.O’Nien later returned to the Sunderland bench and was spotted in tears.Sheffield United star targets a hat-trick of promotions ahead of £200m play-off final against Sunderland at WembleyBut his game was not finished as he rushed to the corner flag to join in with the celebrations after Eliezer Mayenda equalised for Sunderland after Tyrese Campbell’s first half opener. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘unhappy’ after ‘discussions’ for him to play in Club World Cup are leaked by Infantino to IShowSpeed

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is reportedly unhappy after it was revealed to YouTuber IShowSpeed that he could play in the Club World Cup.Fifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed discussions are underway to involve Ronaldo in the new-look tournament.Cristiano Ronaldo could play at the Club World CupCredit: GettyGianni Infantino made the revelation to IShowSpeedRonaldo, 40, is out of contract at Al-Nassr at the end of the season but has been in negotiations to extend his stay.It has also been claimed there are no plans for Ronaldo to leave on loan.So Ronaldo’s representatives have expressed their disappointment over Infantino’s comments to IShowSpeed, according to The Athletic.Infantino told the influencer: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup…who knows, who knows.”Al-Nassr did not qualify for the revamped Club World Cup, with Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia’s only representative.They will compete against Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich alongside England’s two representatives – Manchester City and Chelsea.David Beckham’s Inter Miami have also qualified and Infantino hinted at who they could play.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhen asked if Inter Miami are going to play against Real Madrid, maybe, Infantino replied: “Maybe, it could be.”The tournament kicks off on June 14 and ends on July 13, with the winner receiving up to £68million in prize money. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KO More

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      James Maddison and Simon Jordan embroiled in public spat with talkSPORT pundit hailed for ‘brilliant come back’

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      JAMES MADDISON and Simon Jordan have engaged in a public spat after Tottenham won the Europa League.Spurs ended 17 years of hurt and Maddison decided to use the triumph to hit back at some naysayers.James Maddison hit back at Simon Jordan over his criticismCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJordan had claimed Maddison was not good enough to win a trophyCredit: talkSPORTThat included talkSPORT pundit Jordan, who has been critical of the midfielder in the past.Maddison, who took part in Spurs’ trophy parade around the streets of North London yesterday, called out Jordan on X.He shared a video of his criticism, with Jordan captured saying: “If you want to win something you’ve got to bring players in who are able to operate at the highest level.”And I look at players like James Maddison. I think they’re good players, but I don’t think you win things with James Maddison.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe video then cuts straight to Maddison laughing as he sat on the pitch, medal in hand, next to the Europa League trophy.Maddison added a caption which reads: “Bookmarked it. Knew it would come in handy 😎🏆”Jordan then continued the spat with another dig, pointing out the fact Maddison did not play in the final – he was absent because of injury.He shared the Spurs line-up alongside the caption: “Fair point 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSSome fans loved the retort with one commenting: “Brilliant come back 🤣🤣”Another said: “Simon Jordan is cooking.”Inside Tottenham’s wild Europa League open-top bus parade as 200,000 fans greet heroesAnd a third added: “Anyone know why James Maddison giving it large when he didn’t play?” More