Europa League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Arsenal and West Ham can guarantee England an extra Champions League place thanks to Uefa rule change

      by

      ARSENAL and West Ham can almost guarantee an extra Champions League place for English clubs in 2024-25 by evicting German teams from Europe.If Gabriel and his Gunners pals KO Bayern Munich and the Hammers win their Europa League tie with Leverkusen, then England take an unbridgeable lead over Germany in the race to finish in Uefa’s top two performing nations.Arsenal and Declan Rice could almost guarantee England a fifth Champions League spotCredit: GettyA West Ham win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League would be crucialCredit: RexAnd that would earn an extra spot for the Prem in the Champions League next term.Uefa’s big change to the “coefficient” system for the revamped and extended competition gives Prem clubs a huge advantage.Even Newcastle and Manchester United’s poor campaigns this season would have benefited England’s ranking more.While coefficient points are gained by wins and draws — with a country’s total accumulated points divided by the number of teams it has in Europe — there are also bonus points for progressing through the competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnder the new regulations, each of the 36 teams in the top tier will earn a minimum six points.CASHING INJUST getting into the Champions League will mean even MORE next term.While Uefa has reformed its cash distribution method, performances in Europe over the last five AND ten years are still taken into account.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManchester City will bank £53million from Uefa. Almost certain of top-three finishes, Liverpool are set to earn £51.5m and Arsenal £44.6m.Most read in FootballAston Villa will not fare so well but still grab around £28m, compared to Spurs’ likely £39.4m, with both keen for England to get a fifth spot.Thomas Muller hilariously calls out Kai Havertz as Arsenal draw Bayern Munich in Champions League But Champions League riches are highlighted by Manchester United’s drop from £48m for the elite competition to just £12.85m in the Europa League.PLAY-OFF CONTROVERSYJUDE BELLINGHAM denied Belgium a first away win over England on Tuesday — but there was no chance of a stoppage-time goal in the game that has shocked their country.Fans of Ghent cried “fix” after Genk and Westerlo played out a non- aggression pact in the final minutes of the 1-1 draw on March 17.Despite having an extra man, Westerlo simply let the home team pass the ball around in their own half, with one visiting player actually doing fitness exercises in the centre circle while the game was going on.The result saw Genk get into the end of season play-offs for European slots ahead of Ghent.While Westerlo avoided the relegation play-offs.Belgian FA chiefs slammed a “sham of fairness” and have now issued fines on all 21 players on the pitch and bans for the two captains and both coaches.England fans can still buy hospitality packages for Euro 2024Credit: Getty Images – GettyEURO TRIPENGLAND fans with a few bob to spare can still get their hands on Euro 2024 tickets.Their three group games in Germany are sold out — except for Uefa hospitality packages.They start from £1,070 per match, with some higher-priced deals featuring meals planned by Michelin-starred chefs.Of 110million applications for the tournament’s 2m available tickets, 90m were binned as they came from online bots on behalf of touts.GAME, SET, MATCHWIMBLEDON tennis chiefs have asked SW19 punters if they should change their finals weekend match line-up.READ MORE SUN STORIESVisitors who logged on to the event’s wi-fi last year were emailed a link to a survey about the “scheduling of matches across the finals weekend”.The mixed doubles final was traditionally the  last match but has been  brought forward to be played on the second Thursday in recent years. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Europa League supercomputer predicts who will lift the trophy as Liverpool look set to face potential future boss

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted Liverpool will have a showdown with potential future boss Xabi Alonso in the Europa League final.Liverpool are the favourites to go and lift the Europa League after their 11-2 thrashing of Sparta Prague in the last-16.Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been backed to make the Europa League final by a SupercomputerCredit: GettyAfter simulating the tournament 1,000 times, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are tipped to be the Reds opponents in the finalCredit: APEarlier today the Reds and West Ham – who hammed Freiburg 5-1 on aggregate – found out who their next opponents in the competition would be.Jurgen Klopp’s side drew Italian outfit Atalanta, who topped their group ahead of Sporting Lisbon before narrowly progressing past the Portuguese giants in the last-16.Meanwhile, David Moyes’ team will have to overcome a stern test against unbeaten Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.And a Supercomputer from Bonus Code Bets has revealed the chances of both sides progressing into the latter stages after simulating the tournament 1,000 times. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Supercomputer has given Liverpool a 72.3 per cent chance of beating Atalanta, while West Ham have only been given a 33.5 per cent chance of upsetting the odds against table-topping Leverkusen.With the semi-final draw also being completed, should they progress Liverpool will face one of Benfica or Marseille in the final four.Meanwhile, the winner of Leverkusen-West Ham will face a clash against AC Milan or Roma.The supercomputer predicts AC Milan and Benfica to be the respective opponents in the semi-finals, with odds of 62.5 per cent and 59.2 per cent chance of progression respectively.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLiverpool have been handed a 54 per cent chance of making the final overall, while Alonso’s Leverkusen have a 41.7 per cent chance.And this would pit outgoing Kop boss Klopp against one of the potential managers tipped to replace him.Martin Lipton gives his round up on the Conference League drawThe Supercomputer also believes that Klopp will emerge victorious and land his first Europa League title at Liverpool, with the Reds emerging victorious in 37.2 per cent of simulations.This is compared to 21.7 per cent for Leverkusen, while West Ham’s odds of winning the whole thing have been set at a lowly 4.50 per cent.However, Bayern Munich have also reportedly expressed interest in the Spaniard after they announced they will part ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.Bayern have drawn Arsenal the quarter-final of the Champions League.The winner of that game will play the victor of the quarter-final between Manchester City and Real Madrid.And a Supercomputer has backed Arsenal to at least make it to the last four. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp reveals he told Mo Salah to do something he’s ‘never asked a player to do before’ in Liverpool win

      by

      JURGEN KLOPP told Mohamed Salah to do something he’s never asked a player to do before in their 6-1 win against Sparta Prague.The winger scored his 20th goal of the term during the Europa League clash becoming the first player to do so for the seventh consecutive season.Jurgen Klopp asked Mo Salah to do something he has never asked a player to do beforeCredit: EPASalah scored his 20th goal of the season in Liverpool’s 6-1 win against Sparta PragueCredit: ReutersSalah, 31, played the full 90 minutes of the round of 16 clash on Thursday night – the first time in two months.But Klopp asked the Egyptian to do something that he had never asked his players to do before.The German said: “It was not the plan he plays 90 minutes, the plan was to take him off when we brought on Mateusz (Musialowski).”But Bobby Clark said (he felt something) and Mo is experienced enough that he recovers during the game.     “I told him not to defend any more – I never told a player that before.”Thursday night’s Europa League clash saw Salah provide two assists for Bobby Clark and Cody Gakpo, who scored twice, plus stunning strikes from Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai.Klopp continued: “Mo is just delivering and delivering and delivering, his desire doesn’t stop, his quality is there and his desire to score doesn’t stop.”He has improved in so many aspects since he started here. That’s how it is, he will not stop.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL”I’m less surprised than maybe some others, I thought it had already happened to be honest but he was injured for a while, otherwise he would have done it in January or February. But great, very good, and great to have him back.”Klopp who announced in January he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the term praised Salah.Jurgen Klopp calls out Gareth Southgate with brutal message on live TV after Liverpool held by Man CityHe added: “In seven years together with him, the one problem we never had was consistency.”Salah made his first start since New Year’s Day after a hamstring injury against Sparta.Liverpool sailed through to the quarter-finals 11-2 on aggregate and will now face Atalanta on April 11. More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Fuming fans say Europa League draw is ‘rigged’ as they predict how incredible final will look

      by

      FUMING fans have accused the Europa League draw of being “rigged” as they predicted Liverpool and Bayern Leverkusen will cruise into the final. While the draw was bad news for West Ham who drew high-flying Leverkusen, Liverpool have a slightly easier tie against Atalanta in the quarter-finals.Fans called the Europa League draw ‘rigged’ as they predict Liverpool will cruise into the finalCredit: AlamyThe Hammers are on a quest for a second consecutive European success.But David Moye’s squad will face Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side who are on a 37-game unbeaten run.While for Klopp, he will be hoping for a send-off to remember if his side can continue their journey by getting past Italian side Atalanta.Should Liverpool win they will face either Benfica or Marseille and if Leverkusen or West Ham win they will face AC Mian or Roma in the semi-final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith both Liverpool and Leverkusen in terrific form this term fans are convinced the teams will end up facing each other in the final.Some even went as far as to say the whole draw was “rigged” to make sure Klopp got his Liverpool farewell in a European final.And if it comes against Leverkusen, in Alonso he would come up against the man many believe will replace him at Anfield.One fan on X said: “So the Europa League is fixed for a Liverpool vs Leverkusen final then.”Most read in Europa LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother supporter who agreed added: “They rigged the Europa draw for Klopp farewell😭😭😭.”While a West Ham fan did not seem too happy about the draw: “I knew we’d get them or Liverpool fixed these draws lpool had easy group easy round of 16 and got easiest team left in the quarters.”Europa League quarter-final draw in full as Liverpool and West Ham learn their fate There is no evidence and no suggestion the draw was fixed.Leverkusen boss Alonso does not think the journey will be so swift as they scraped wins with stunning injury-time strikes in both legs against Qarabag.Alonso said: “Every team would have been tough.”We know West Ham were successful in the Conference League last season.”They have top players and we are excited for the Quarter Finals against a good team.”The first legs of the quarter-final ties will take place on April 11 before the return fixtures are completed the following week on April 18.Following those intense ties the semi-finals will take place on May 2 and May 9 with an all-English final on the cards. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Europa League draw LIVE: Latest Reaction as Liverpool earn easy draw but West Ham get horror trip – latest updates

      by

      LIVERPOOL and West Ham have learnt their Europa League fate – and it’s bad news for the Hammers.West Ham will meet high-flying Bayer Leverkusen, who are the runaway leaders in the Bundesliga and unbeaten in 32 matches this season.Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have a slightly easier quarter-final tie against Atalanta, who currently sit sixth in Serie A.Should both teams progress through the quarter and semi-final stages, there is the potential for an all-English Europa League final.
      TV channel: TNT Sports 1
      FREE live stream: Uefa’s official website/app
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSREAD MORE IN EUROPA LEAGUEFans claim draw was ‘rigged’
      Fuming fans accused the Europa League draw of being “rigged” as they predict Liverpool and Bayern Leverkusen will now cruise into the final.
      While it was bad news for West Ham who drew high-flying Leverkusen, Liverpool have a slightly easier tie against Atalanta in the quarter-finals.
      Should Liverpool win they will face either Benfica or Marseille and if Leverkusen or West Ham win they will face AC Milan or Roma in the semi-final.
      With both sides on terrific form this term fans are convinced the teams will end up facing each other in the final.
      Some even went as far as to say the whole draw was “rigged” to make sure Klopp got his farewell as the Reds are expected to sail through the next two rounds.
      One fan on X said: “So the Europa League is fixed for a Liverpool vs Leverkusen final then.”
      Another supporter who agreed added: “They rigged the Europa draw for Klopp farewell😭😭😭.”
      While a West Ham fan did not seem too happy about the draw: “I knew we’d get them or Liverpool fixed these draws lpool had easy group easy round of 16 and got easiest team left in the quarters.”
      Copy linkCopiedWhere will the Europa Conference League final be held?
      This year’s Europa Conference League final will be held at the AEK Arena in Athens.
      It will take place on May 29.
      Credit: EPA
      Copy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League round-up
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton gives his round-up of the Europa Conference League draw.
      Martin Lipton gives his round up on the Conference League draw
      Copy linkCopiedEuropa League round-up
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton gives his round-up of the Europa League draw.
      Martin Lipton gives his round up on the Europa League draw
      Copy linkCopiedXabi Alonso on West Ham
      Discussing Bayer Leverkusen’s Europa League quarter-final clash with West Ham, Xabi Alonso said: “Every team would have been tough.
      “We know West Ham were successful in the Conference League last season.
      “They have top players and we are excited for the Quarter Finals against a good team.”
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedEuropa Conference League draw in full
      Quarter-finals:

      Club Bruges vs PAOK
      Olympiakos vs Fenerbahce
      Aston Villa vs Lille
      Viktoria Plzen vs Fiorentina

      Semi-finals:

      Aston Villa/Lille vs Olympiakos/Fenerbahce
      Viktoria Plzen/Fiorentina vs Club Bruges/PAOK

      Copy linkCopiedQuarter-final draw
      Liverpool and West Ham have learned their fate for the Europa League quarter-finals.

      Copy linkCopiedWhere will the final be played?
      This year’s Europa League final will be played at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
      It will take place on May 22.
      Credit: Reuters
      Copy linkCopiedWhen will the fixtures be played?
      The dates for the upcoming fixtures are as follows:

      Quarter-finals: 11 and 18 April 2024
      Semi-finals: 2 and 9 May 2024
      Final: 22 May 2024

      Copy linkCopiedDraw in full
      Quarter-finals:

      AC Milan vs Roma
      Liverpool vs Atalanta
      Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham
      Benfica vs Marseille

      Semi-finals:

      Benfica/Marseille vs Liverpool/Atalanta
      AC Milan/Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen/West Ham

      Final:
      Benfica/Marseille or Liverpool/Atalanta vs AC Milan/Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen/West Ham
      Copy linkCopiedFinal
      Benfica/Marseille or Liverpool/Atalanta vs AC Milan/Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen/West Ham
      Copy linkCopiedSemi-finals

      Benfica/Marseille vs Liverpool/Atalanta
      AC Milan/Roma vs Bayer Leverkusen/West Ham

      Copy linkCopiedQuarter-final draw in full

      AC Milan vs Roma
      Liverpool vs Atalanta
      Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham
      Benfica vs Marseille

      Copy linkCopiedFourth quarter-final
      Benfica vs Marseille
      Copy linkCopiedThird quarter-final
      Bayer Leverkusen vs West Ham
      Copy linkCopiedSecond quarter-final
      Liverpool vs Atalanta
      Copy linkCopiedFirst quarter-final
      AC Milan vs Roma
      Copy linkCopiedFinal countdown
      The draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals will take place in Nyon, Switzerland.
      It is about to get underway!
      Copy linkCopiedEuropa League draw
      Hello and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of this afternoon’s Europa League draw.
      Eight top teams are in the pot today – including two Premier League sides.
      You don’t want to miss this! Stay tuned!

      AC Milan
      Atalanta
      Bayer Leverkusen
      Benfica
      Liverpool
      Marseille
      Roma
      West Ham

      Copy linkCopied More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Europa League quarter-final draw in full as Liverpool avoid horror clash but West Ham land nightmare fixture

      by

      LIVERPOOL and West Ham have learned their fate for the Europa League quarter-finals.The English duo both cruised past their last 16 opponents to secure their spot in the last eight of the tournament.West Ham have discovered their opponents for the quarter-finalCredit: GettyLiverpool also know who they will face for a place in the semi-finalsCredit: GettyDavid Moyes’ Hammers will continue their quest for a second consecutive European success against Bayer Leverkusen.But it will be a tough task against the Germans who are on a 37-game unbeaten run with Xabi Alonso at the helm.While Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for a send off to remember if his side can continue their journey by getting past Atalanta.Elsewhere AC Milan will face fellow Italians AS Roma while Benfica will take on Marseille in the final clash.Both West Ham and Liverpool will take confidence from the ease at which they progressed from the last 16.West Ham hammered Freiburg 5-0 on Thursday night to earn a 5-1 aggregate win over the German club.And The Reds blew away Sparta Prague with a sensational 11-2 aggregate win that showed why they are favourites to lift the trophy in Dublin come May.The first legs of the quarter-final ties will take place on April 11 before the return fixtures are completed the following week on April 18.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVALFollowing those intense ties the semi-finals will take place on May 2 and May 9 with an all-English final on the cards.If West Ham are to win their clash they will take on the victor of AC Milan vs Roma.Firefighters forced to intervene as Europa League Conference match delayed after fans throw fireworks on to pitchAnd should Liverpool reach the next round they will face the winner of Benfica vs Marseille.The draw for the Champions League was also made today with both Manchester City and Arsenal handed tough ties.The Gunners will return to face old foe Bayern Munich in a clash that will see a return to north London for Harry Kane.While Man City have been dished the challenge of taking on 14-time winners Real Madrid. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch ‘funniest football moment ever’ as player tries to high five ref for cancelling yellow card only to be given RED

      by

      THE Europa League is never short of entertainment and Thursday’s clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Qarabag was no different.Qarabag defender Elvin Cafarquliyev hilariously tried to high-five the referee following a VAR decision thinking he had been spared a yellow card – only to be shown a red just seconds later.Elvin Cafarquliyev was sent off following a VAR review that turned his yellow card into a red for pulling on the shirt of Jeremie FrimpongReferee Anthony Taylor signalled that the yellow card was ruled outCredit: https://twitter.com/footballontntCafarguliyev went to high-five Taylor thinking he had gotten away with itCredit: https://twitter.com/footballontntInstead Taylor pulled out a red card and sent the defender offCredit: https://twitter.com/footballontntCafarguliyev left the pitch fumingCredit: https://twitter.com/footballontntCafarquliyev was booked by referee Anthony Taylor in the 61st minute after he was judged to have grabbed the shirt of Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong who was through on goal.Frimpong fell to the ground as a result and after a lengthy VAR check Taylor retrospectively decided that his Cafarquliyev’s yellow card should instead have been red.After making the bold decision the official indicated that the yellow card would no longer stand with a hand gesture, leading Cafarquliyev to believe he had got off scot free.The Azerbaijan international wanted to celebrate that by high-fiving Taylor and raised his hand to do so – only for the stern referee to reach into his pocket and brandish a red card instead.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCafarquliyev had jumped the gun in thinking he was getting away with the shirt tug, but instead was sent for an early shower.Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing and took to social media to share their reactions.One wrote: “Right up towards the top of the list for funniest football moments ever. Outstanding.”While another added: “Taylor left him hanging and said here you go, you’re off!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA third joked: “I’m on the actual floor.”And a fourth wrote: “VAR can’t even downgrade yellows so not sure what he was hoping his best case scenario was there.”Eight bizarre football rules you may not knowThe one man deficit didn’t seem to hamper Qarabag initially as they doubled their lead over Leverkusen to 2-0 just three minutes after the sending off.But ultimately Xabi Alonso’s side made the most of their advantage by pulling a goal back in the 72nd minute and adding two more through Patrik Schick in injury time to win the game 3-2.Leverkusen didn’t just book their place in the Europa League quarter-finals with their win, but also kept their 37 game unbeaten run alive.The Germans sit top of the Bundesliga table after an exceptional campaign with Alonso at the helm.And with 10 points separating them from second placed Bayern Munich it looks like they are on course for a first ever Bundelsiga title.Patrik Schick left it late to turn things around for Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyXabi Alonso’s side continue to impressCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Brighton 1 Roma 0 (agg 1-4): Welbeck goal not enough as De Zerbi’s men crash out of Europe after first leg mauling

      by

      BRIGHTON may have been defeated in the Europa League – but they won the battle of the banners. Danny Welbeck’s 37th minute rocket wasn’t enough to save the club’s debut campaign in Europe after they were left with a 4-0 mountain to climb following a hellish first-leg in Rome.Danny Welbeck’s first-half goal proved not to be enoughCredit: GettyThey attempted to rally an unlikely comebackCredit: PABut they got the last laugh after unfurling a banner which read “Totti loves pineapple on pizza” after Roma fans’ x-rated sign aimed at the late Queen last week.The Seagulls, who were in the third-tier as recently as 2011, can be proud of their glittering run which has seen wins in Ajax and Athens as well as beating Marseille at home to top their group. After a quiet start, the first-half got heated at the Amex.  Brighton were very lucky when a jaw-dropping overhead kick from Sardar Azmoun was ruled out for a high foot on Jan-Paul van Hecke on the half-hour mark.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Roma bench went berserk when the goal was not given and Daniele De Rossi was booked for giving an earful to the fourth official. Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi followed suit and was shown a yellow as tempers flared on the benches following argy bargy on the pitch in the build up to a Pascal Gross free-kick.  The Seagulls needed a lift and it arrived in spectacular fashion when Pervis Estupinan supplied a peach of a pass to Welbeck who curled a beauty into the top corner that goalkeeper Mile Svilar could not reach. Brighton lived to rue their missed chances in the gameCredit: PACredit: The SunCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVALThere was a brief VAR check to see if Leonardo Spinazzola should be sent off for a foul on Tariq Lamptey but the decision was no. Most read in Europa LeagueIn the aftermath Estupinan was pushed to the floor by Azmoun and they were both booked for their roles in the resulting melee.EXCL: My uncle played in the World Cup final, now I’m making my own way starring for Premier League clubCredit: The SunAfter the break Simon Adingra would have doubled the lead with a bullet header had it not been for a superb save by Svilar. Van Hecke then also came close with back to back headers as the clock was ticking – but it just wasn’t meant to be. More