Southampton will face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley after their shock win ...

Southampton will face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley after their shock win against Premier League leaders Arsenal.The Championship side beat the Gunners 2-1 in the quarter-finals at St Mary's on Saturday.City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the competition for an eighth successive season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Pep Guardiola's side are bidding to make the final for a fourth consecutive year, having lost to Manchester United in 2024 and Crystal Palace in 2025 following their last win in 2023.Southampton are dreaming of emulating their shock 1976 FA Cup final victory against Manchester United.Relegated from the Premier League last season, Southampton are also hoping to win promotion via the Championship play-offs.Leeds, who lifted the FA Cup in 1972, will meet Chelsea in the other Wembley semi-final after a dramatic conclusion to their quarter-final clash with West Ham on Sunday.Daniel Farke's team led 2-0 at the London Stadium, but West Ham scored twice in stoppage time to force extra time.Leeds eventually won 4-2 on penalties to earn a place in the last four for the first time since 1987, when they were beaten by Coventry.Chelsea, 7-0 winners against third-tier Port Vale on Saturday, famously beat Leeds in a brutal 1970 FA Cup final that went to a replay.Draw for the English FA Cup semi-finals made on Sunday:Chelsea vs. LeedsManchester City vs. SouthamptonTies to be played at Wembley on the weekend of April 25 and 26.

Southampton players celebrate at the final whistle after the Emirates FA Cup, quarter-final match at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton. Picture date: Saturday April 4, 2026.

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Southampton face Man City in FA Cup semis, Chelsea meet Leeds

Leeds reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 39 years as they survived a dramatic p...

Leeds reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 39 years as they survived a dramatic penalty shoot-out after squandering a two-goal lead in a thrilling clash with West Ham on Sunday.Daniel Farke's side were moments away from victory at the London Stadium after Ao Tanaka's first-half goal and Dominic Calvert-Lewin's second-half penalty put them in control.But West Ham staged a stoppage-time rally as Mateus Fernandes reduced the deficit before Axel Disasi's equaliser forced extra time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>With the score still level at 2-2 after the additional period, Leeds keeper Lucas Perri emerged as their shoot-out hero.Joel Piroe missed Leeds' first penalty but Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson, Wilfried Gnonto and Pascal Struijk all converted their kicks.Perri saved Jarrod Bowen's opening effort for West Ham and also denied Pablo as Leeds won 4-2 on penalties.It was their second shoot-out victory in the competition this season following their fourth-round success at Birmingham.Leeds will face Chelsea in the semi-finals at Wembley later in April."We always do it the tough way, never the easy way. We could have made our lives easier," Farke said. "We had a late sucker punch when the whole stadium was buzzing. To keep the nerves and win the penalty shoot-out shows great mentality and character. "A chapter of Leeds history. It will be a big night for us at Wembley. It's a great step for this club and a great reward for everyone."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The game that had EVERYTHING. A thrilling encounter between <a href="https://twitter.com/WestHam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WestHam</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/LUFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LUFC</a> went the distance, as the away side booked their Wembley spot 🤍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmiratesFACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmiratesFACup</a> <a href="https://t.co/WfE4x8wY30">pic.twitter.com/WfE4x8wY30</a>— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesFACup/status/2040876717263217030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Yorkshire club are in the semi-finals for the first time since 1987, when they lost to eventual winners Coventry at Hillsborough.Leeds have lost on their past three trips to Wembley, in the 2024 Championship play-off final, the 2008 League One play-off final and the 1996 League Cup final.FA Cup winners for the only time in 1972, Leeds' last victory at Wembley was a 4-3 success against Liverpool in the 1992 Charity Shield.Their win over West Ham was a welcome lift in the midst of a Premier League relegation battle for both clubs.Third-bottom West Ham are one point behind fourth-bottom Tottenham with seven games left.Leeds, four points above the Hammers, face a return trip to West Ham for a potentially decisive clash on the last day of the season.<h3>Penalty drama</h3>West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo made five changes as he prioritised Friday's vital showdown with bottom-of-the-table Wolves.Leeds grabbed the opener in the 26th minute thanks to an eye-catching effort from Japan midfielder Tanaka, who cleverly twisted to find space inside the penalty area for a shot that deflected off Disasi and bounced in off the crossbar.Leeds struck again in the 75th minute after Max Kilman chopped down Aaronson in the area, with referee Craig Pawson changing his decision to a penalty after consulting the pitch-side monitor.Calvert-Lewin confidently stroked his spot-kick past Alphonse Areola before sprinting to celebrate with 9,000 raucous Leeds supporters crammed behind the goal.Leeds lost focus in the closing stages, allowing West Ham to stage their remarkable comeback.Fernandes tapped in the rebound after Bowen hit the post in the third minute of stoppage time.Stunned by the decision to play 11 minutes of additional time, Leeds were unable to hold their nerve.Three minutes after Fernandes' goal, Adama Traore whipped an inswinging cross into the six-yard box and former Chelsea defender Disasi volleyed home with his outstretched foot.Thousands of West Ham fans had already left before Disasi's equaliser and hundreds flooded back in after the goal, although some found the gates shut, leaving them stuck outside for the rest of the match.With Areola forced off injured late in extra time, West Ham had to give a debut to reserve keeper Finlay Herrick.The 20-year-old, who was on loan at non-league side Boreham Wood earlier this season, saved Piroe's penalty.But there was no fairytale ending for Herrick as Leeds celebrated a semi-final berth almost four decades in the making.

Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin (third right) and team-mates celebrate in the penalty shoot-out during the Emirates FA Cup, quarter-final match at the London Stadium. Picture date: Sunday April 5, 2026.

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Leeds beat West Ham to reach FA Cup semis for 1st time since 1987

Lens suffered a potentially fatal blow to their unlikely Ligue 1 title bid with a 3-0 loss away t...

Lens suffered a potentially fatal blow to their unlikely Ligue 1 title bid with a 3-0 loss away to northern derby rivals Lille on Saturday.Pierre Sage's team have surprisingly been Paris Saint-Germain's closest challengers in France this season but they were swept aside by an in-form Lille.Hakon Haraldsson turned in Matias Fernandez-Pardo's clever pass just before half-time at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Felix Correia pounced on a stray back-pass from Matthieu Udol to score a second for Lille five minutes after the break. Fernandez-Pardo sealed a fifth win in six games for Lille from the penalty spot after a handball by Ismaelo Ganiou."You can lose but not in the way we did in a game like this. Now we have a duty to react," Sage told broadcaster Ligue 1+."We didn't turn up. It's as if we were looking at ourselves in the mirror and seeing a different version of us."Lille climbed up two places to third after extending their unbeaten run to eight matches, with Lens still four points behind PSG and having played a game more than the league leaders, who brushed past Toulouse 3-1 on Friday.Strasbourg beat Nice 3-1 despite losing Argentina striker Joaquin Panichelli, the league's joint leading goalscorer, to a long-term knee injury suffered while on international duty last week.Martial Godo, Julio Enciso and Samir El Mourabet all struck in the first half for Strasbourg before Antoine Mendy bagged a late consolation for Nice.Esteban Lepaul joined Panichelli on 16 goals for the season as he converted a pair of penalties to lift Rennes to a 4-3 win at Brest. Swiss forward Breel Embolo also scored as Rennes moved up to sixth after inflicting a third straight loss on mid-table Brest.

Lens' French defender Pierre Ismaelo Ganiou (L) fights for the ball with Lille's French defender #15 Romain Perraud (R) during the French L1 football match between Lille LOSC and RC Lens at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, northern France, on April 4, 2026.

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Lens' title push hit hard by Lille defeat: 'We didn't turn up'

Robert Lewandowski shouldered home a dramatic late winner for Barcelona as they edged Atletico Ma...

Robert Lewandowski shouldered home a dramatic late winner for Barcelona as they edged Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Saturday to move seven points clear at the top of La Liga after Real Madrid slipped up.Second-placed Real were beaten 2-1 at Mallorca earlier on and Barca capitalised at the Metropolitano stadium to take a big step towards defending the league title.Marcus Rashford pulled Barca level after Giuliano Simeone opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Atletico midfielder Nico Gonzalez was sent off just before the break and his team dug deep with 10 men to try and avoid defeat, which they almost managed.Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski had other ideas and used his shoulder to deflect home a rebound from point-blank range after 87 minutes."We all knew what happened in the afternoon," Barca defender Eric Garcia told DAZN."We knew that if we won today we would be taking a big step (towards the title), so we're very happy..."They are a hard team to score against when they close up at the back, they defend very well, so the team did well."This was the first of a trilogy of matches between the sides, clashing in the Champions League quarter-finals over the next fortnight.With little left to play for in La Liga, Atletico coach Diego Simeone rotated heavily with Wednesday's visit to Camp Nou in mind.His Barca counterpart Hansi Flick opted for Dani Olmo as a false nine to rest Lewandowski, while starting Rashford in place of the injured Raphinha on the left wing.The England international, on loan from Manchester United, tested Juan Musso early on with a free-kick which the goalkeeper fielded comfortably.At the other end Antoine Griezmann, playing for Atletico for the first time since announcing his departure at the end of the season to MLS side Orlando City, was profligate.The forward skipped into the box and cleverly nutmegged Gerard Martin but his shot was too close to Barca stopper Joan Garcia to trouble the new Spain international.Fermin Lopez was similarly wasteful at the other end, unable to find Rashford who had a clear sight of goal, and prodding wide himself when Lamine Yamal sent him scuttling through with a sensational pass.Barca's 18-year-old star Yamal hit the post with a dinked effort after Lopez laid the ball off to him as the game flowed from end to end.Atletico took the lead in the 39th minute through Giuliano Simeone, the coach's son bursting in behind Barca's high defensive line onto Clement Lenglet's pass and slamming past Garcia.The visitors pulled level just three minutes later, Rashford exchanging passes with Olmo and drilling past Musso on only his third league start since January.<h3>Red card incidents</h3>Atletico were reduced to 10 men just before half-time when Gonzalez scythed down Yamal on the edge of the box as he ran towards goal.Barcelona defender Martin was dismissed early in the second half as he thumped the ball away but then clattered Thiago Almada with a high foot. However after a VAR review the red card was revoked, much to Atletico's fury.Barca substitute Ferran Torres, without a goal since January, was twice thwarted by Musso as the visitors probed for a winner but struggled to make their numerical advantage count.Eventually their winner came when Joao Cancelo cut his way into the penalty area and his shot was pushed out by Musso, only for wily striker Lewandowski to knock it home with his shoulder."We played a great first half... the red card penalised us, it's very hard with one fewer player," Musso told DAZN."I think it was a red card for them too, the referee saw it on the pitch... but this doesn't take our confidence away."When it was 11 against 11 we were better, that gives us confidence."

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 04: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 04, 2026 in Madrid, Spain.

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Lewandowski claims vital Barca win at Atletico after Real Madrid lose

Arsenal suffered a shock FA Cup quarter-final exit as the Premier League leaders crashed to an em...

Arsenal suffered a shock FA Cup quarter-final exit as the Premier League leaders crashed to an embarrassing 2-1 defeat against second tier Southampton on Saturday.Mikel Arteta’s side were stunned by Shea Charles’ late winner in a memorable quarter-final giant-killing at St Mary’s.Ross Stewart put Southampton ahead in the first-half and Viktor Gyokeres’ equaliser couldn’t save Arsenal from only their fifth loss in all competitions this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After losing the League Cup final against Manchester City before the international break, the Gunners have squandered another chance to end their six-year trophy drought.Arsenal are still firm favourites to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004 thanks to their nine-point lead over second-placed City.That remains their primary target after three successive runners-up finishes in the top-flight, with the domestic cups lower down their list of priorities.But Arteta will be concerned about Arsenal’s sudden wobble, given their habit of choking away strong positions in the title race in recent years.The withdrawals of 11 Arsenal players from international duty due to apparent injuries over the last two weeks had raised pointed questions about whether they had put the club ahead of their countries.Arsenal’s England stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice remained absent, while Arteta started with Gyokeres, William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi on the bench.The north Londoners need to get back on track quickly, starting with their trip to Sporting Lisbon for the Champions League quarter-final first-leg on Tuesday.While Arsenal lick their wounds, Southampton celebrated one of the greatest results in their history.<h3>Arsenal blown off course</h3>Fifty years after their shock win over Manchester United in the FA Cup final, the Saints claimed another famous scalp as a second tier side.Wearing yellow and blue commemorative kit to mark the anniversary of Bobby Stokes’ Wembley winner against United in 1976, Southampton delivered the kind of vibrant display they struggled to produce during last season’s relegation from the Premier League.Southampton had already enjoyed a surprise win at Fulham in the fifth round in March, but dispatching Arsenal was a once in a lifetime upset.They are into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2021 when they lost to Leicester.Returning to the top-flight is the main aim for Tonda Eckert’s team, who are unbeaten in their last 15 games in all competitions.Southampton sit seventh in the Championship ahead of Tuesday’s crucial clash at sixth-placed Wrexham, who are one point above them in the last play-off berth.Arsenal never looked comfortable on a windy evening on the south-coast and their FA Cup hopes were blown away in the 32nd minute.A rapid counter-attack caught Arsenal out of position and James Bree’s cross was completely misjudged by Ben White, allowing Stewart to drill a low shot past Kepa Arrizabalaga from close-range.Arsenal equalised in the 68th minute when Kai Havertz cut his pass back to Gyokeres, who slotted home from six yards for his 17th goal this season.But Brazil centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes limped off with a knee injury soon afterwards and Arsenal never recovered their rhythm.Southampton took advantage of Arsenal’s defensive uncertainty in the 85th minute.Tom Fellows surged to the edge of the Arsenal area and found Charles, whose composed finish flashed into the far corner as St Mary’s erupted.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Shea Charles of Southampton scores a goal to make it 2-1 during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton and Arsenal on April 04, 2026 in Southampton, England.

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Arsenal eliminated from FA Cup quarterfinals by 2nd-tier Southampton

Liam Rosenior insisted his relationship with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is in a "good plac...

Liam Rosenior insisted his relationship with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is in a "good place" despite his controversial decision to ban the Argentine for two matches.Blues boss Rosenior opted to drop Fernandez for Saturday's 7-0 win over Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-finals after he hinted he would be willing to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.Fernandez's agent slammed the suspension as "completely unfair" but he was forced to watch the demolition of third-tier Vale from the stands.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 25-year-old will be axed again when the Blues face Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash next weekend in the race to qualify for the Champions League.Having appeared to court Real Madrid, Fernandez left Rosenior determined to stamp his authority on the squad during a four-game losing streak, including Champions League elimination against Paris Saint-Germain.But Rosenior said his issues with Fernandez will not fester once the ban is over."That's his opinion," said Rosenior of the agent's remarks. "I don't have anything to say on someone else's opinion. Enzo knows what I think of him and it was brilliant to see him here to support the players today."In the right time, in the right moment, which isn't now, going through what we've gone through, I'm sure the discussion will happen in terms of what's been said between me and Enzo."Enzo and I are in a very good place. I saw him today, had a really good conversation with him today one-to-one. Things aren't what people maybe think they are."Jorrel Hato and Joao Pedro scored for Chelsea in the first half against Vale before Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel's own goal increased their lead by the interval.Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos, Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho netted after the break to complete the rout.In the absence of Fernandez and Reece James, Cole Palmer was given the captain's armband for the first time, a role which Rosenior believes the England forward is ready to take on.Palmer is another who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after reports in January claimed he was eager to return home to Manchester."I think it's a natural step for Cole where he is in his career," Rosenior said. "He shows leadership. You have different types of leadership. You have players who talk, who organise."What Cole does and where he leads is he's so brave and he'll take the ball on the pitch. And if he makes a mistake, he'll take the ball and be positive again. "That reflects what I want in this team. I felt Cole led the team magnificently in the game today."

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea on the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain FC at Stamford Bridge on March 17, 2026 in London, England.

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Rosenior in a 'good place' with Fernandez despite Chelsea star's ban

Bayern Munich came from two goals down in the last 10 minutes to win 3-2 at Freiburg in the Germa...

Bayern Munich came from two goals down in the last 10 minutes to win 3-2 at Freiburg in the German Bundesliga on Saturday, ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Real Madrid. Trailing 2-0 and without injured talisman Harry Kane, Tom Bischof scored twice from distance before Lennart Karl grabbed the winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time. Bischof said the comeback win was the ideal preparation for Tuesday's European tie in the Spanish capital. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"A game like this is the perfect match for us right now before Real Madrid, because we realise what type of team we are -- we stick together," said the 20-year-old Bischof, who scored his first Bayern goals since arriving from Hoffenheim last summer.Real lost 2-1 to Mallorca in La Liga on Saturday but Bischof said the 15-time European champions always perform on the biggest stage."It will be a different game, that much is clear, because Real are simply on a different level," he said. "They can always be dangerous, even if things aren't going so well in the league."With Kane sidelined by an ankle complaint, Vincent Kompany opted to leave Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano on the bench ahead of the trip to Madrid, whom Bayern have not beaten since 2012. Veteran Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer returned from injury and rescued the visitors with two superb saves in the first half. Freiburg took the lead just after the break when Johan Manzambi blasted a long-range effort into the corner with Neuer flat-footed. Lucas Holer doubled Freiburg's lead on 71 minutes to seemingly put his side on track for a first league win over Bayern since 2015.The defending champions sparked into life late however, with Bischof scoring in the 81st minute and again in stoppage time. Substitute Alphonso Davies set up Karl for the winner with an excellent low pass across the face of goal.<h3>Dortmund sink Stuttgart late</h3>Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt scored in stoppage time to snatch Borussia Dortmund a fiery 2-0 win at Stuttgart. Both sides had few chances and the match looked headed for a goalless draw until Dortmund broke through on the counter, Adeyemi blasting in from near the penalty spot in the fourth minute of added time. Two minutes later, Dortmund again went on the counter and Brandt rippled the top of the net with a superb volley. As Dortmund celebrated in front of the Stuttgart fans, several supporters breached the fence and came close to the field, with a folding chair thrown onto the pitch. The win keeps Dortmund nine points behind Bayern, while Stuttgart drop from third to fourth behind RB Leipzig, who beat Werder Bremen 2-1, on goal difference. Leipzig's win came thanks to two pieces of individual brilliance.Antonio Nusa put Leipzig in front with an excellent shot from outside the box and Romulo drove a low shot into the corner to pad the visitors' advantage.Bremen sit four points ahead of St Pauli, who occupy the relegation play-off spot. Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen came from behind twice to win 6-3 in a wild clash at home to Wolfsburg to stay in Champions League contention.Wolfsburg's Danish contingent Jonas Wind, Joakim Maehle and Christian Eriksen all scored before half-time to put the Wolves 3-1 up against a Leverkusen side coached by former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand. Leverkusen pulled one back before the break and then responded with four second-half goals to grab control of the match. Alejandro Grimaldo bagged a brace, while Patrik Schick, Ibrahim Maza, Edmond Tapsoba and Malik Tillman also scored as Leverkusen moved four points behind fourth-placed Leipzig. Leverkusen's win took them a point behind Hoffenheim, whose 2-1 home defeat to Mainz continued their slide.Cruising in third in February, Hoffenheim are now fifth and have won just one of their past six matches. Borussia Monchengladbach drew 2-2 with last-placed Heidenheim, while 10-man Hamburg drew 1-1 at home with Augsburg.

FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY - APRIL 04: Lennart Karl of FC Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between SC Freiburg and FC Bayern München at Europa-Park Stadion on April 04, 2026 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.

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Bundesliga roundup: Bayern storm back for remarkable win at Freiburg

Chelsea crushed Port Vale 7-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to provide a welcome boost for Blues...

Chelsea crushed Port Vale 7-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday to provide a welcome boost for Blues boss Liam Rosenior.Rocked by four successive defeats and Rosenior's controversial decision to suspend Enzo Fernandez for two games after the midfielder hinted he might leave in the summer, Chelsea could not afford an embarrassing loss to a team bottom of the third tier.Jorrel Hato and Joao Pedro put Chelsea in command in the first-half before Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel's own goal was followed by second-half goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos, Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's seventh goal with teammate Tosin Adarabioyo during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Chelsea and Port Vale at Stamford Bridge on April 04, 2026 in London, England.

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Chelsea knock minnows Port Vale out of FA Cup with 7-0 thumping

Brazilian club Botafogo said on Saturday it had filed lawsuits against Lyon to recover unpaid deb...

Brazilian club Botafogo said on Saturday it had filed lawsuits against Lyon to recover unpaid debts totalling 125 million euros ($144 million) from the French club.According to Botafogo, owned by John Textor, the complaint concerns the loan of several players to Lyon when US businessman Textor was in charge of both clubs, as well as payments linked to alleged phantom transfers. Textor was replaced as Lyon president last June by Michele Kang and then removed from all operational roles within Eagle Bidco, the club's majority shareholder, at the end of January. The Eagle group also owns Botafogo and Belgian side Molenbeek.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Botafogo filed lawsuits against Olympique Lyonnais in court due to debts exceeding 745 million reais," or 125 million euros, the Brazilian club wrote in a statement.Lyon are currently fourth in Ligue 1 and contending for a Champions League spot. They won an appeal last year against relegation on financial grounds to the second division."Eagle Football acquired Olympique Lyonnais in a state of insolvency at the end of 2022," it said, pointing out the club at the time was at risk of being heavily sanctioned by French football's financial watchdog.Botafogo explained it made "financial contributions in the form of loans, with the clear expectation of repayment" and blasted the "unilateral" termination by Kang of an agreement between the two clubs.Botafogo won the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian league title in 2024 but have run into financial difficulties.The club was banned by FIFA from signing players in December for a debt relating to the signing of Argentina international Thiago Almada from MLS side Atlanta United. The ban was lifted in February after the clubs reached a settlement.

American businessman John Charles Textor is testifying at the Federal Senate's Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (CPI) into match-fixing and sports betting in Brasilia, Brazil, on April 22, 2024. John Textor, the owner of Botafogo in Brazil and Olympique Lyonnais in France, is claiming to have evidence that proves match-fixing in soccer matches in the Brazilian championship.

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Botafogo suing Lyon in effort to recoup €125M debt

Vedat Muriqi snatched Mallorca a surprise 2-1 La Liga win over Real Madrid on Saturday to deal Lo...

Vedat Muriqi snatched Mallorca a surprise 2-1 La Liga win over Real Madrid on Saturday to deal Los Blancos a significant blow in the Spanish title race.Alvaro Arbeloa's side thought they had rescued a point after Eder Militao nodded home with two minutes remaining before Muriqi pounced in stoppage time to help the hosts climb to 17th.The defeat leaves second-place Real Madrid four points behind leaders Barcelona, who visit Atletico Madrid later on Saturday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"For me it is easy to see but the hard thing is for the players to know that without giving 200 percent today, we were not going to win," Arbeloa told reporters."We were on top in the first half but because of one mistake, they scored. Here if you slip up for a moment... you end up paying the price."This is the elite, the top flight... not having a better second half than we did is what hurts me the most."Arbeloa started the game with Vinicius Junior on the bench, with Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich in mind.Madrid lacked spark in the first half, creating few openings of note. The best was for top scorer Kylian Mbappe, fit after a knee sprain that has troubled him for months.Arda Guler rolled a ball in behind Mallorca's defence for the French superstar to dart on to but Leo Roman saved with his leg.The goalkeeper denied Mbappe again after Eduardo Camavinga fed him and Antonio Rudiger also nodded over from a corner.Manu Morlanes threatened for Mallorca, heading just over, but Madrid did not heed the warning.The midfielder opened the scoring a few minutes later, losing Camavinga and arriving into the box to fire Pablo Maffeo's cross into the bottom corner past Andriy Lunin.<h3>2 difficult weeks</h3>Leo Roman saved from Mbappe early in the second half as Madrid searched for an equaliser.Arbeloa sent on Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Militao for his first appearance since December after injury.Madrid huffed and puffed but to little avail as Martin Demichelis's Mallorca stayed solid at the back until the final stages.They were eventually undone by Trent Alexander-Arnold's corner, whipped towards Militao, who powered a header into the top corner.However there was a sting in the tail for Madrid.Muriqi, second top scorer in the division behind Mbappe with 19 goals, lashed past Lunin in the 91st minute to claim three points for his side.The striker was visibly emotional after scoring, having missed a penalty in the team's previous game, a defeat by relegation-battling rivals Elche."It's been two difficult weeks... emotions and nerves get the better of me, I'm human," said Muriqi, who also missed out on World Cup qualification with Kosovo in a play-off against Turkey."Many thanks to the fans for the enormous support and everything you've given me. I hope we can stay in the top flight."Mallorca climbed two points clear of the drop zone after recording a famous victory, which the players celebrated gleefully with the fans at the end."I've really wanted the boys to feel joy like this," said Demichelis."It doesn't mean we are safe, but they needed it, we kept taking blows. The boys were beaten down but training very well."

MALLORCA, SPAIN - APRIL 04: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Son Moix on April 04, 2026 in Mallorca, Spain.

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Mallorca deal blow to Real Madrid's title hopes with late winner

Arne Slot urged his Liverpool flops to stick together after admitting Saturday's dismal 4-0 defea...

Arne Slot urged his Liverpool flops to stick together after admitting Saturday's dismal 4-0 defeat at Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals summed up their turbulent season.Slot's side wasted a series of early chances at the Etihad Stadium before capitulating when Erling Haaland bagged City's opener late in the first-half.Haaland struck again on the stroke of half-time and completed his treble after the break following Antoine Semenyo's goal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Liverpool's wretched performance, which also including a missed Mohamed Salah penalty when the score was 4-0, increased the pressure on Slot after a miserable campaign."It's very disappointing to be out, not only in the manner but also the result and the score. Another big disappointment for us," said Slot, whose team have only two wins in their last seven games."The first 35 minutes was the sort of team I would like to see but the 20 minutes after that, we have to defend so much better than we were doing today."It's not nice to go in at 2-0 just before half-time, not helpful for your mood especially after the season we have had. That was really hard to take."In a frank admission of Liverpool's problems, Slot said he was concerned with avoiding an even bigger thrashing ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first-leg at Paris Saint-Germain."The only good thing was that we didn't concede more. If you want to have a good game on Wednesday, a 4-0 loss is already not helpful but an even bigger loss would be a bigger problem for us to go there," he said."I tried to get us back into the game, to make it 4-1 or 4-2 but make sure that it stays at four and that was the main thing I thought about."The Reds are languishing in fifth place in the Premier League, with their title defence in tatters and their bid to qualify for next season's Champions League far from certain to have a happy ending.<h3>'A lot of setbacks'</h3>Slot was taunted by City fans who chanted "you're getting sacked in the morning" and while that might be premature the Dutch coach is under increasing scrutiny.Liverpool supporters have grown frustrated with their team's limp performances.The Champions League represents Liverpool's last chance for silverware this season, but they face a daunting task against holders PSG.Calling for his team to stand up to the pressure against PSG, who knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League last term, Slot said: "We are really looking forward to playing against a very good side again."We have had a lot of setbacks and disappointments but that is also part of being a football player and being a human being. You have to stand there when things are not so positive and that's what it is about now."Players that have shown so much quality in the past now have a fantastic chance to show that against PSG."With City boss Pep Guardiola serving a touchline ban, his assistant Pep Lijnders took the post-match media duties."Pep is really pleased, that is the most important. It's not easy to please him," Lijnders said. "The first 25 minutes we were too open. Then we started to control the game and created more chances."Erling's header was insane. I love when a striker flies and attacks the ball What a goal."City's eighth successive FA Cup semi-final appearance keeps them in contention to win the competition for the first time since 2023.They have already won once at Wembley this season, beating Arsenal 2-0 in the League Cup final just before the international break."Pep was really happy because it's special if you go eight times to Wembley," Lijnders said. "It's the part of the season where the business has to be done. The boys feel that."

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool, acknowledges Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool after the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool on April 04, 2026 in Manchester, England.

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Erling Haaland hit a hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 on Saturday to reach the...

Erling Haaland hit a hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 on Saturday to reach the FA Cup semi-finals and increase the pressure on Reds boss Arne Slot.Haaland netted twice late in the first half of the quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium and completed his treble after the interval following an Antoine Semenyo strike.With Liverpool trailing by four, Mohamed Salah had a penalty saved by City goalkeeper James Trafford to compound a miserable afternoon for the under-fire Slot.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Liverpool's tame surrender was a bitter blow to Slot, who had to endure chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" from gloating City fans.They head to Paris Saint-Germain for the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday with Slot desperately needing a victory over the holders to keep the critics at bay."We have had a lot of setbacks and disappointments but that is also part of being a football player and being a human being. You have to stand there when things are not so positive," Slot said.Liverpool, who have just two wins in their last seven matches in all competitions, are fifth in the Premier League and far from certain to qualify for next season's Champions League.It is a remarkable decline for Slot, who just 12 months ago was on the brink of leading Liverpool to their record-equalling 20th English title."It's very disappointing to be out, not only in the manner but also the score. Another big disappointment for us," Slot said."The only good thing was that we didn't concede more."City's ruthless performance took them into the FA Cup semi-finals for an eighth successive season.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Watch all three of his quarter-final goals 😍 <a href="https://t.co/9Re25KIF9S">pic.twitter.com/9Re25KIF9S</a>— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesFACup/status/2040444025304387933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>After beating Liverpool twice in the Premier League this term, City have enjoyed three successive victories over the Reds for the first time since 1937.City have also won 18 consecutive home FA Cup matches, setting a new record in the competition.Guardiola's men have found a rich vein of form at just the right time to salvage their season.Trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal by nine points and knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, City bounced back to beat the Gunners 2-0 in the League Cup final just before the international break.Now they can set their sights on winning the FA Cup for the first time since 2023 while retaining an outside chance of catching Arsenal in the title race.<h3>Haaland hot streak</h3>Fresh from scoring twice in the League Cup final, Nico O'Reilly was key to City's 39th-minute opener.Matheus Nunes picked out O'Reilly in the Liverpool area and as he twisted away from Virgil van Dijk, the defender's clumsy trip conceded a penalty that Haaland converted in clinical fashion.Haaland had scored just once in his previous six games in all competitions.But the prolific Norway striker is never far from a hot streak and he doubled City's advantage on the stroke of half-time.Rayan Cherki found Semenyo's run and he lofted a pin-point cross towards Haaland, who made a perfectly-timed run in front of Ibrahima Konate to glance a superb header past Giorgi Mamardashvili.Liverpool were in disarray and Semenyo landed the knockout blow five minutes after the interval.Cherki's pass sent Semenyo sprinting in behind the flat-footed Van Dijk to clip a deft finish over Mamardashvili.Haaland completed the 28th treble of his career in the 57th minute, drilling home via the underside of the bar after O'Reilly teed him up 12 yards from goal.On a prolonged farewell tour after announcing he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, Salah produced the latest in a long line of lacklustre performances.The Egyptian's struggles were encapsulated by his second-half penalty miss after Nunes fouled Ekitike.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal, and his hat-trick during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Manchester, England.

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Former England defender Kieran Trippier announced Saturday that he will leave Premier League side...

Former England defender Kieran Trippier announced Saturday that he will leave Premier League side Newcastle at the end of the season when his contract expires.The 35-year-old full-back has made over 150 appearances in all competitions since joining Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in January 2022. He played a major role in the Magpies winning the League Cup last season, their first major trophy in 70 years, and also helped them to qualify for the Champions League twice in the last three campaigns.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The time has come to leave this amazing club after four and a half years," Trippier told the club website. "This is where I have felt most at home. It's emotional, and I'm really going to miss it."The former Burnley and Tottenham player, capped 54 times by England, paid tribute to his teammates."It's going to be emotional, it's been an amazing journey with you guys," he said.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Gennaro Gattuso quit as Italy coach on Friday as the Azzurri failing to reach a third straight Wo...

Gennaro Gattuso quit as Italy coach on Friday as the Azzurri failing to reach a third straight World Cup continued to send shockwaves through Italian football.A World Cup winner in 2006, Gattuso leaves after less than a year in charge of Italy, a team which has fallen far behind historic rivals like France and Spain in the last two decades.Defeat on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday's qualification play-off final ended up costing Gattuso his job, as the man who hired him also stepped down as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Gabriele Gravina had asked Gattuso to stay on immediately after elimination in Zenica but his departure, and that of national team general manager Gianluigi Buffon, paved the way for the 48-year-old to resign.Gattuso took charge of Italy in June last year following the sacking of Luciano Spalletti, himself a victim of a dismal title defence at Euro 2024 and a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Erling Haaland's Norway in their first World Cup qualifier.His record is impressive on paper, with six wins, one defeat and one draw in eight matches with 22 goals scored and 10 conceded.But that draw was the 1-1 with Bosnia which preceded a penalty shoot-out in which Italy missed twice, while the loss was another humiliating one to Norway, this time 4-1 at the San Siro.Gattuso was considered by many a strange choice to replace Spalletti due to his spotty club coaching record, and he was heavily criticised after Tuesday's elimination.

BERGAMO, ITALY - 2026/03/26: Gennaro Gattuso, head coach of Italy, celebrates their victory at the end of the match during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Play-off semifinal match between Italy and Northern Ireland at New Balance Arena. Final score Italy 2 : 0 Northern Ireland.

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Bayern Munich turned the match with a quick-fire late double to beat Manchester United 2-1 at hom...

Bayern Munich turned the match with a quick-fire late double to beat Manchester United 2-1 at home on Wednesday and reach the women's Champions League semi-finals, winning 5-3 on aggregate.Melvine Malard's early goal had the tie on track for extra time and United on course to become the first English side to win in Munich.After peppering the United goal since Malard's opener, Bayern broke through in emphatic fashion when Glodis Viggosdottir and Linda Dallmann both scored inside the final 10 minutes.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We needed patience today. In the first half, we couldn't find the solutions we needed," Dallmann told Disney Plus."In the second half, we were so much better and patient on the ball."The result ended United's hopes of a first Champions League semi-final appearance and put Bayern on track for a likely meeting with title favourites Barcelona.United coach Marc Skinner lamented his side's exertions in Saturday's 3-0 loss to derby rivals Manchester City, while Bayern cruised past lowly Nuremberg."The one regret I have from this is that if we had our freshness and our fit players, we could have gone toe-to-toe with them and changed that second half," Skinner said.Bayern's 3-2 win at Old Trafford, headlined by a double for childhood United fan Pernille Harder, gave the German side the advantage before the second leg.But with 11 minutes gone, Malard made the most of a Bayern defensive mix-up to give United the lead on the night and level up the tie.Jayde Riviere launched a ball up-field and Bayern 'keeper Ena Mahmutovic failed to clear, allowing Malard to nab the ball and roll it into an empty net.United held firm despite waves of Bayern pressure. Harder forced a last-ditch save from United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce early in the second half.Germany captain Giulia Gwinn went close just inside the final quarter-hour.The dam finally broke after 81 minutes when Viggosdottir headed in a rebound from Bayern's 13th corner of the match.Bayern took just three minutes to score again and put the result beyond doubt, Dallmann thumping an excellent effort from the edge of the box past Tullis-Joyce and into the top corner.The win sends Bayern to the semis for the first time since 2021, where they are likely to take on Spanish champions Barcelona, who beat them 7-1 in the group stage."That's football -- you get to see each other again. It was a very hard lesson for us but we learned a lot," Dallmann said."Now we have a second chance."Barcelona have appeared in the past five Champions League finals, winning three. The Catalans destroyed Spanish rivals Real Madrid 6-2 in their opening quarter-final leg, with the return match on Thursday.

Bayern Munich's German midfielder #10 Linda Dallmann (L) celebrates her 2-1 with Bayern Munich's German defender #07 Giulia Gwinn during the UEFA Women's Champions League, Quarter Final second-leg football match between FC Bayern Munich and Manchester United in Munich on April, 1 2026.

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Spanish police on Wednesday said they were investigating "Islamophobic and xenophobic" chants tha...

Spanish police on Wednesday said they were investigating "Islamophobic and xenophobic" chants that were heard during a Spain-Egypt international football match in Barcelona, which the prime minister said "tarnish" the country.Egypt's national anthem was also jeered ahead of the 0-0 draw on Tuesday in a pre-World Cup friendly, while authorities at La Liga side Espanyol's RCDE Stadium appealed to fans more than once over the public announcement system to refrain from making offensive comments.It was the latest in a string of similar incidents to overshadow Spanish football in recent years, with Real Madrid's Brazilian attacker Vinicius Junior in particular repeatedly racially abused.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We are investigating yesterday's Islamophobic and xenophobic chants at RCDE Stadium during the Spain-Egypt friendly match," Catalonia's regional police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, wrote on X.A section of supporters had chanted: "Whoever doesn't jump is Muslim."One of Spain's starters during Tuesday's match, forward Lamine Yamal who plays for Espanyol's city rivals Barcelona and is Muslim, slammed the chants as "a lack of respect and something intolerable"."To those who sing these things: using a religion as a form of mockery on a pitch shows you up as ignorant and racist," the teenage star wrote on Instagram.Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned an "unacceptable" incident on X, adding: "we cannot allow an uncivil minority to tarnish the reality of Spain, a diverse and tolerant country."Justice Minister Felix Bolanos said on X that "racist insults and chants embarrass us as a society"."The far right will not leave any space free from their hatred, and those who remain silent today will be complicit," he added.<h3>'Intolerable'</h3>The Egyptian Football Association expressed in a statement its "total condemnation of the vile racist incident" by some spectators who "went beyond the limits".The Spanish Football Federation also condemned the chants, as did most major political parties.But the leader of the far-right Vox party, Santiago Abascal, reposted a photo taken at the match of fans waving red and yellow Spanish flags along with the message: "Proud fans, proud country"."When Spain plays, there's no room for doubts or division," the message added.The game in Barcelona was moved from Qatar due to the war in the Middle East and was played out in a hostile environment from the start.A message urging fans to stop xenophobic chants and remarks was displayed on the screen at half-time and read aloud by the stadium announcer at the ground. The announcement was repeated early in the second half, prompting some sections of the crowd of 35,000 to respond with whistles."I don't know exactly what the protocol is, but I think it was the right decision to display the message on the screen and make the announcement," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said after the match, calling the chants "intolerable"."Violent people use football to carve out a space for themselves. They must be removed from society, identified, and kept as far away as possible," the 64-year-old added.<h3>First conviction</h3>Spain has struggled to stamp out racism at football matches.Vinicius, 25, has become a lightning rod for racist abuse since arriving in the Spanish capital in 2018 from Brazilians Flamengo.In January 2023, Atletico Madrid fans hung an effigy of Vinicius from a bridge near Real Madrid's training ground.In 2025, five Real Valladolid fans, who racially abused Vinicius in a 2022 match, were found guilty by a court of committing a hate crime -- the first such ruling in Spain regarding insults at a football stadium.Spain's game with Egypt was a warm-up fixture for this summer's World Cup, with both nations qualified for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.La Roja will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H, while Egypt are scheduled to play against Belgium, New Zealand and Iran in Group G.

Barcelona, Spain - March 31: Lamine Yamal of Spain during an international friendly match between Spain and Egypt at RCDE Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

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Japan made history with their first ever win against England as Kaoru Mitoma sealed a 1-0 victory...

Japan made history with their first ever win against England as Kaoru Mitoma sealed a 1-0 victory in Tuesday's friendly at Wembley.The Samurai Blue ended their long wait for a maiden success over England thanks to Mitoma's early strike in the World Cup warm-up.Japan had lost twice and drawn once in their previous meetings with England, but in the first clash between the countries since 2010, Hajime Moriyasu's side enjoyed an evening to remember.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>England could have no complaints about the boos that greeted their first ever defeat to an Asian nation in 11 matches.Japan's composed performance underlined their emergence as a genuine force on the world stage, to the delight of hundreds of Japanese fans who noisily celebrated the victory in the Wembley stands.Currently 18th in FIFA's rankings, Japan are on a five-match winning streak that includes an impressive victory over Brazil in October and a 1-0 win in Scotland on Saturday.Beaten in the last-16 in four of the last six World Cups, Japan have set their sights on reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.The ease with which they swatted aside England suggested that target should be well within their reach in the tournament in North America in June and July.While Japan left Wembley with their confidence soaring as they look ahead to the World Cup, lacklustre England finished the international break with more questions than answers.It was far from a rousing farewell for England in their final match on home turf before launching their latest bid to win a major trophy for the first time since the 1966 World Cup.In the last chance to earn a place in the 26-man World Cup squad, Thomas Tuchel's fringe contenders fluffed their lines once again.A drab 1-1 draw against Uruguay on Friday had exposed the lack of depth available to Tuchel, who fielded an experimental line-up against the South Americans before selecting a slightly strong group to face Japan.<h3>Tuchel's frustration</h3>Tuchel names his World Cup squad in May, with England facing a pair of friendlies with New Zealand and Costa Rica in Florida before their tournament opener against Croatia on June 17.The German will hope any doubts about Harry Kane's fitness have been erased well before then after England's captain missed the Japan clash with a "minor issue".Tuchel said this week he did not know who would deputise for Kane if he was injured at the World Cup.There were no answers on display against Japan as Phil Foden laboured in the 'false nine' role as Kane's replacement.Foden has endured a disappointing season for Manchester City and delivered a woeful performance in the number 10 role against Uruguay.The forward's latest flop will spark suggestions he might miss out on a World Cup berth despite his undoubted talent.Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Marc Guehi, Kobbie Mainoo and Anthony Gordon also failed to catch the eye and Tuchel grew visibly frustrated as passes went astray with alarming regularity.England's lethargy was punished by a vibrant Japan counter-attack in the 23rd minute.Palmer carelessly conceded possession to Mitoma in the Japan half and the Brighton forward pounced, starting a rapid raid that sliced through the England defence.Ben White was caught out of position as Mitoma found Keito Nakamura on the left flank, before making a perfectly-timed into the England area to slot home with a clinical finish from 12 yards.England finally mustered a noteworthy attack when Anthony Gordon teed up Elliot Anderson for a long-range curler that forced a fine save from Zion Suzuki.England were no better in the second half and Tuchel hauled off Palmer, Foden, O'Reilly and White, who departed to boos after being jeered during his return from a self-imposed international exile against Uruguay.It was a fitting coda to a depressing evening for England, but Japan were too busy celebrating their memorable triumph to notice.

Japan's Kaoru Mitoma (right) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the international friendly match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday March 31, 2026.

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Harry Kane missed England's final World Cup warm-up match at home on Tuesday after suffering a "m...

Harry Kane missed England's final World Cup warm-up match at home on Tuesday after suffering a "minor issue in training".The captain, who only joined the squad at the weekend after being rested for the first half of the international camp, has enjoyed a spectacular season for Bayern Munich, scoring 48 goals in 40 matches."Harry Kane is rested tonight as a precaution having picked up a minor issue in training, but remains with the squad receiving further assessment," the Football Association said in a statement on X.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>England boss Thomas Tuchel, speaking ahead of kick-off at Wembley, said the injury came "from basically out of nothing". "It just happened," he told ITV. "He had to step out of training yesterday after 15 minutes. No chance to be involved, not even today. "He is being further assessed now and will be in the stadium to watch. It is serious enough to not be able to play."Kane, 32, is England's all-time record goalscorer, with 78 goals.

ENFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 28: Harry Kane of England runs with the ball during a training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 28, 2026 in Enfield, England.

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Tottenham appointed Roberto De Zerbi as the club's third manager of the season on Tuesday as they...

Tottenham appointed Roberto De Zerbi as the club's third manager of the season on Tuesday as they battle to avoid relegation from English football's top-flight for the first time in nearly 50 years.Former Brighton and Marseille boss De Zerbi has reportedly been handed a lucrative five-year deal to convince him to take the job immediately rather than waiting to see which division Spurs are in next season.Tottenham sit just one point outside the relegation zone with seven games of the Premier League season remaining.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>De Zerbi replaces Igor Tudor, whose interim reign lasted just seven games after Spurs crashed out of the Champions League and fell ever closer to the Premier League drop zone."I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world," said De Zerbi in a club statement."I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it."Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season."De Zerbi established a positive reputation for himself in England during a two-year spell as Brighton boss between 2022 and 2024.His time at Marseille started positively, finishing second to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 last season to qualify for the Champions League.But he left the French club in February after failing to make it out of the Champions League group phase and a humiliating 5-0 defeat by PSG.Tottenham have not tasted life outside the top flight of English football since the 1977-78 season.Despite boasting a new 63,000-capacity stadium, state-of-the-art training ground and revenues that make them among the top 10 richest clubs in world football, they are at severe risk of a humiliating relegation to the Championship.Just a few years ago they were Champions League regulars under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, reaching the final in 2019.Last season they ended a 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League.But the warning signs of a battle for survival were there as Ange Postecoglou was dismissed despite victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final after finishing 17th in the Premier League.Thomas Frank was appointed as the Australian's successor, but the Dane was sacked in February after a run of two wins in 17 league games and replaced by Tudor.De Zerbi's first match in charge will be away to Sunderland on April 12.

Marseille's Italian head coach Roberto De Zerbi shouts instructions to his players from the touchline during the French L1 football match between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and Touloue FC (TFC) at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France, on November 29, 2025.

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Tottenham hire De Zerbi as Tudor's replacement

Desire Doue struck twice as a much-changed France beat Colombia 3-1 in a friendly in the United S...

Desire Doue struck twice as a much-changed France beat Colombia 3-1 in a friendly in the United States on Sunday, with regular captain Kylian Mbappe limited to a late substitute appearance.France completed a successful pre-World Cup trip stateside with a second win over South American opposition in four days following a 2-1 victory over Brazil earlier in the week.Didier Deschamps changed his entire starting line-up for the game played at the home of the NFL's Washington Commanders in Landover, Maryland, the last before he names his World Cup squad in May.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Paris Saint-Germain forward Doue gave France the lead on 30 minutes when his low drive from the edge of the box was accidentally diverted in by Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz.Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram headed in a cross from Monaco playmaker Maghnes Akliouche just before half-time to double France's advantage.Thuram teed up Doue for his second of the match on 56 minutes, with Jaminton Campaz crashing a shot in off the post to pull a goal back for Colombia moments before the introduction of Mbappe.The Real Madrid star netted in the win over Brazil on Thursday to move within one goal of equalling France's all-time scoring record, but he was rested for much of the afternoon against Colombia after recently returning from three weeks out with a knee injury.Mbappe remains on 56 goals after making his 96th appearance for his country, leaving him just one goal away from equalling the France record of 57 goals held by the recently-retired Olivier Giroud.

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - MARCH 29: Desire Doue of France celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the international friendly match between Colombia and France at Northwest Stadium on March 29, 2026 in Landover, Maryland.

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