Football
Joe Cole reveals the ‘huge advantage’ PSG have over Arsenal for Champions League semi-final
Joe Cole believes Paris Saint-Germain hold a significant edge over Arsenal heading into their Champions League semi-final clash.
The two European heavyweights are set to face off for a place in the final, with PSG benefiting from the second leg being held at their home ground.
Arsenal are riding high after a dominant display against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, sweeping the reigning champions aside with a 3-0 win at the Emirates and a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu to secure a 5-1 aggregate result.
Mikel Arteta’s men stunned the football world with their high-intensity performances, outplaying the Spanish giants over both legs. PSG, on the other hand, had to dig deep to overcome Aston Villa.
The French side claimed a 3-1 win at home but were made to sweat in the second leg at Villa Park, eventually scraping through with a narrow 5-4 aggregate scoreline despite a 3-2 defeat in England.

Arsenal will host the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on April 29 before traveling to Paris for the return fixture on May 6. According to Cole, the location of the second leg gives PSG a vital advantage, especially with the abolition of the away goals rule.
The former England international praised Arsenal’s stunning quarter-final performance but emphasized that playing the decisive match in Paris could tilt the tie in PSG’s favor.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Cole said Arsenal’s display against Madrid was “absolutely brilliant” and commended Arteta for leading his team to one of their most memorable European nights. He highlighted that with the Premier League title seemingly out of reach, Arsenal can now channel all their energy into the Champions League, giving them a genuine shot at glory. Still, Cole warned that playing the second leg away could be a critical hurdle.

Arteta, thrilled with his team’s performance, described the victory over Real Madrid as one of the best nights of his footballing career.
The Arsenal boss lauded his squad for rising to the occasion against a club with such rich European pedigree, expressing pride in their belief and execution across both legs.
Arteta noted that Arsenal’s Champions League history is relatively limited, making this achievement even more special for the team and its fans.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan booked their place in the other semi-final after knocking out Bayern Munich, setting up a clash with Barcelona, who eased past Borussia Dortmund. With Arsenal facing PSG and Inter meeting Barcelona, the stage is set for a thrilling finale to the Champions League season.
Joe Cole remains hopeful about Arsenal’s chances, particularly since their domestic title hopes have faded, giving them a singular focus on Europe. He acknowledged that if the Gunners were still in a tight Premier League title race, their odds in Europe would be slimmer.
Now, with full attention on the Champions League, Arsenal may yet find themselves one step closer to lifting the trophy for the first time in their history.
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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