Arne Slot said on Friday that winning the Premier League title with Liverpool at Anfield was one of the best days of his life, as he turned his thoughts towards next season. The Reds crushed Tottenham 5-1 on Sunday to seal a record-breaking 20th English league title with four games to spare, basking in a sensational atmosphere at their packed home ground. “Maybe for all the Liverpool fans [it was] one of the best days of their lives, and I think it was the same for me,” said Slot. “Scoring the goals, seeing how much it meant to the players but also to the fans, for me, was really special to be part of,” he added. Also Read: De Bruyne fires Man City to 1-0 win over Wolves Liverpool travel to face fifth-placed Chelsea on Sunday before taking on Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace in their remaining games. “It’s nice that we play some very strong teams like Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Palace, so that gives us an immediate challenge. It’s the end of the season, but we also have to look at this as the start of next season already,” said Slot. The Dutchman said he was surprised by the 22-point between his side and Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, whom he felt were the better team when they met in October, even though Liverpool won 2-1. “We found a way to win, but in that game we had to suffer more than any other game. So to be so many points ahead of them is a big compliment for everyone here at this club,” the Reds manager added. Meanwhile, Chelsea have it all to play for, as finishing in the top five would secure a Champions League spot for next season. Enzo Maresca’s inconsistent team have hit a purple patch recently, winning the five of their last eight league games. They come into this fixture with one foot in the Conference League final having dispatched Norwegian side Djurgarden 4-1. “My feeling is that we are in the right direction and hopefully this gap [between Chelsea and Liverpool] can be closed,” said an optimistic Maresca. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 07:53 AM IST | Liverpool | AFPKevin De Bruyne scored to give Manchester City a crucial 1-0 win over Wolves, lifting Pep Guardiola’s team to third place in the Premier League on Friday. De Bruyne side-footed home a cut back from Jeremy Doku 10 minutes before half-time, but the goal surprisingly came against the run of play. Wolves will be aggrieved at not taking something from the game, but were undone by poor finishing. Also Read: Draper defeats Musetti, to battle Ruud for title Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, squashed rumours that he’ll take a break from coaching once his contract expires in 2027. “I didn’t say I’m leaving at the end of contract, I said when I finish my time here [I’ll take a break], be it one, two, three, four, five years.” Guardiola said. Saturday’s results >> Aston Villa 1-0 Fulham>> Leicester 2-0 Southampton>> Everton 2-2 Ipswich This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 May,2025 07:50 AM IST | Manchester | AP | PTINuno Santo’s Nottingham Forest suffered a huge blow in their push for a return to the Champions League after decades away as Brentford came away with a 2-0 win on Thursday. A third defeat in four games, courtesy of goals from Kevin Schade (44th minute) and Yoane Wissa (70th min), left Forest outside the league’s top five with four games left. The top five qualify for the Champions League. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 May,2025 07:14 AM IST | Nottingham | AFPArsenal head coach Mikel Arteta conceded that losing out on the Premier League title to Liverpool was ‘very painful,’ but admitted Arne Slot’s side deserved it. Liverpool’s 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur last week means there’s nothing riding on Arsenal’s last four EPL games, beginning with the home clash against Bournemouth tonight. “I understand that [Liverpool] is a team that has been more consistent and they have a lot of ingredients that you need to win it [the title] and they deserve to be champions. But it’s very painful [for us],” said Arteta in a press conference. Arsenal are on course to finish second for the third season in a row as their title drought has now extended to 21 years, with their last league title coming in 2002. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 May,2025 07:13 AM IST | London | IANSChelsea strolled to a comfortable 4-1 win at Djurgarden in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final here on Thursday. First-half goals from Jadon Sancho (12th minute) and Noni Madueke (43rd min) put Chelsea in control, before Nicolas Jackson grabbed a second-half brace (59th min and 65th min). Isak Mulugeta scored the home team’s only goal in the 68th minute. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 May,2025 07:13 AM IST | Stockholm | AFPTottenham Hotspur closed in on a place in the Europa League final after winning their semi-final first leg clash against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt 3-1 here on Thursday. Johnson’s quick-fire opener within 38 seconds was followed by James Maddison’s 34th minute strike. Dominic Solanke then converted a penalty in the 61st minute, but a late goal from Ulrik Saltnes (83rd min) ensured the second leg on May 8 will be a nervous occasion for Ange Postecoglou’s team. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 May,2025 07:13 AM IST | London | AFPBruno Fernandes struck twice as Manchester United put one foot in the Europa League final with a clinical first leg performance to beat 10-man Athletic Bilbao 3-0 on Thursday. Casemiro opened the scoring for the Red Devils in the 30th minute after Harry Maguire’s enterprising run down the right flank. Five minutes later, Athletic defender Daniel Vivian was sent off for pulling back Rasmus Hojlund. Fernandes duly stepped up to the spot and slotted away the penalty to put his team two goals to the good. Ruben Amorim Fernandes then put the icing on the cake in the 45th minute, scoring from 10-yards out after taking Manuel Ugarte’s flicked the ball into his stride. “I think it’s the best result [of my tenure] because nobody expected this result,” said United coach Ruben Amorim. Despite the scoreline, United started the game on the back foot. Alex Berenguer forced a smart low save from United goalkeeper Andre Onana before Inaki Williams headed narrowly over. Victor Lindelof then made a vital block to thwart Berenguer, as the visitors just about managed to hang on. Bilbao’s Inaki made no excuses for their performance. “We weren’t particularly great, so we shouldn’t make excuses. We’re three goals down but we’re capable of mounting a comeback,” he said. Languishing in 14th spot in the English Premier League, Champions League qualification for United is only possible with a Europa League triumph. 27No. of goals scored by Bruno Fernandes in Europa League; third-highest ever This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 May,2025 07:13 AM IST | Bilbao (Spain) | AFPBayern Munich veteran Thomas Mueller can win his 13th league title with victory at RB Leipzig on Saturday, as his summer departure after 25 seasons at the club draws near. Eight points clear of defending champions Bayer Leverkusen with three games remaining, Bayern will clinch the title if they beat Leipzig this weekend. Bayern's last league win at Leipzig came in 2021. If the Bavarians falter, they will still wrap up the Bundesliga crown if Leverkusen fail to beat Freiburg on Sunday. Another league title would be a fitting farewell for Mueller, who joined Bayern aged just 10 and played his 500th Bundesliga game last week. A one-club player, Mueller has amassed a remarkable 32 trophies with Bayern, including two Champions Leagues, but will leave at the end of the season after he was not offered a contract extension. No player has ever won 13 Bundesliga titles and only Manchester United's Ryan Giggs has hit that mark in any of Europe's top five leagues. "It sounds good doesn't it?" Mueller said of the record in an interview with the Bundesliga website on Wednesday. "I won my first title in 2010. You're holding something heavy in your hands and it gives you the feeling that it's not really easy to win the thing. "There's always a lot of work and you have to perform over a long period. "That's why the satisfaction when you win the league trophy is greater than the Champions League or the German Cup." With his departure edging closer, Mueller has been celebrated by fans at home and away, but has been quick to remind everyone he is not on a farewell tour -- and that there is a title at stake. "On the topic of pride, I'm someone who lives life looking forward rather than looking back too much," said Mueller. "Looking back is nice and then you can toast to it and ask: 'What are you doing tomorrow?'" At the other end of the table, Bochum will be the first side relegated if they lose at Heidenheim on Friday. Bochum's struggles this season have come not against the top teams, but against mid-table sides and fellow relegation battlers. Bochum have only won two of their past 14 games, but those wins came against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Veteran coach Dieter Hecking said his side should have "no fear", adding "it's a final and one we're hugely anticipating." One to watch: Niklas Suele Perhaps no player better illustrates Borussia Dortmund's turnaround under coach Niko Kovac than much maligned defender Niklas Suele. A European champion with Bayern in 2020 and a former fixture in Germany's central defence, Suele has struggled for club and country since his high-profile move to Dortmund in 2022. But Kovac, who in his introductory press conference promised to return the centre-back to Germany reckoning, has Suele back in form. The 29-year-old started just three times from October to April but has been in the line-up in each of Dortmund's past four matches in all competitions, coinciding with three wins and a draw. Suele's performances, along with injuries to Germany centre-backs Nico Schlotterbeck and Antonio Rudiger, have him in the frame for a call-up for the Nations League finals in June. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 May,2025 05:32 PM IST | Berlin | AFPFor 22 minutes Barcelona did not seem to believe they would reach the Champions League final, and then Lamine Yamal decided enough was enough. Inter Milan raced into a two-goal lead by the 21st minute of their first leg semi-final clash, but the 17-year-old star’s brilliance helped the Catalan giants come from behind to secure a 3-3 draw on Wednesday and leave the tie in equilibrium ahead of the return leg in Milan next Tuesday. Inter began the game in spectacular fashion with Thuram’s back-heel finish within 30 seconds — the fastest ever UCL semi-final goal — giving the visitor’s an early lead. Just as Barcelona were finding their footing, Dumfries struck an acrobatic goal in the 21st minute via a corner to put the Italian side two to the good. Also Read: Inter’s Martinez likely to miss second leg But barely three minutes later, Yamal sparked the home team to life. The winger, on his 100th appearance for the club, showed strength to shrug off Thuram, skill and speed to ditch Henrikh Mkhitaryan and then produced a precise finish into the far post, leaving Inter custodian Yann Sommer rooted to the spot.The Blaugrana coach Hansi Flick showered praise on the young Spaniard for pulling them back into the game. “In the big matches you see the quality of this player and he showed it today, it’s really good to have him,” said the German manager. Ferran Torres then drew Barcelona level after a brilliant lob from Pedri found Raphinha in the box, who headed it into the path of Torres in the 38th minute. Despite Barcelona’s dominance, Inter delivered a sucker-punch in the 63rd minute as Dumfries headed in from a corner. But it took less than two minutes for the Catalans to reply as Raphinha’s rasping effort smashed against the crossbar and then went in, off the back of a diving Sommer’s head. Although the game ended all square, Yamal exuded confidence in his team’s ability to get to the final. “I have always thought [the quadruple was possible], I have a lot of trust in the team... I think we will go through,” said Yamal. When asked by CBS what separates him from the rest, Yamal simply said, “I try and enjoy myself, I think that is the secret, to enjoy it.” 100No. of games Yamal, 17, has played for Barcelona This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 May,2025 07:41 AM IST | Barcelona | AFPInter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez had to be substituted at half-time in the first leg of his team’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Wednesday and is unlikely to recover in time for the return match next week. Also Read: Messi, Ronaldo falter in semis Lautaro looked in pain as he started hobbling shortly before half-time. The Argentina World Cup winner managed to play out the final seconds of the first-half, but didn’t come out after the break. “It will be very difficult to have him for the return match. Probably we’ll play without our captain,” Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 May,2025 07:37 AM IST | Barcelona | AP | PTIAgeing football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo failed to rescue their respective teams as both Inter Miami and Al-Nassr lost their respective continental semi-finals. Also Read: Coco Gauff stuns reigning champ Iga Swiatek in semi-finals Messi’s dream of winning Inter Miami’s first CONCACAF Champions Cup title ended on Wednesday as the Vancouver Whitecaps beat them 1-3 to seal an aggregated 1-5 in Miami, USA. Elsewhere, Ronaldo’s wait for a major trophy in Saudi Arabia continued after Al-Nassr lost 2-3 to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in the Asian Champions League semi-final in Jeddah. Both, the Argentine ace and the Portuguese star, failed to score. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 May,2025 07:34 AM IST | Jeddah | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
