Football
Thomas Frank makes prediction for Real Madrid vs Arsenal Champions League showdown
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final second leg between Arsenal and Real Madrid.
With the Gunners carrying a commanding 3-0 lead into the Bernabeu, many are backing Mikel Arteta’s side to complete the job.
Frank is among them, expressing confidence that Arsenal will handle the challenge despite the pressure of playing away at one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums.
The Gunners delivered a stunning performance in the first leg, dismantling the reigning La Liga champions at the Emirates. Goals from Declan Rice and others ensured Arsenal took full control of the tie, putting them with.
However, Real Madrid are no strangers to dramatic comebacks and still pose a serious threat, especially with players like Jude Bellingham warning that “anything can happen” in the return leg.
Bellingham’s comments reflect the belief that Real Madrid never give up, particularly in the Champions League.
The Spanish giants have lifted the trophy a record 15 times and are the current holders. But Frank, speaking after Brentford’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, is optimistic about the Premier League side’s chances.
While he joked that he’s not the one going to the Bernabeu with a three-goal cushion, the Danish coach praised Arteta’s tactical maturity and believes the team will manage the occasion well.

Frank highlighted how far Arsenal have come under Arteta, crediting the Spaniard for making the club highly competitive over the past three seasons.
He pointed to Arsenal’s defensive organization, work ethic, and strength on set-pieces as key reasons why they are well positioned to see out the tie.
He said that from the outside looking in, it’s clear that Arsenal are disciplined and prepared, which should give them the edge in Madrid.
As for Arteta, he is fully focused on what he’s calling “the most beautiful game of the season.” While there are still important Premier League fixtures to play, all attention for now is on the Champions League showdown.
Arteta emphasized the need for proper recovery and preparation, acknowledging the high stakes and the level of performance required against a team coached by Carlo Ancelotti.
The Arsenal boss also dismissed any suggestions that players were distracted during the Brentford match by the looming clash in Spain.

According to him, the team understood the demands of the Premier League and were fully concentrated on the task at hand. That kind of mindset will be crucial as they enter the cauldron of the Bernabeu.
Injury concerns remain part of the build-up, with Arteta providing updates on key players like Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Ben White.
The fitness of these players could influence Arsenal’s approach on Wednesday night, especially in such a physically and mentally demanding environment.
With Arsenal just 90 minutes away from a historic moment in their Champions League campaign, all eyes now turn to Madrid, where history, pride, and a spot in the semi-finals are on the line.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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