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Karen Carney names ‘favourite’ to win Champions League final as Arsenal book Barcelona meeting

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Karen Carney believes Arsenal have a genuine chance of upsetting Barcelona and winning the Women’s Champions League after both teams advanced to the final.

Arsenal showed incredible character by overturning a one-goal deficit against Lyon in the semi-finals, while Barcelona crushed Chelsea with an 8-2 aggregate victory. The 2025 Women’s Champions League final is set for May 24 at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Portugal.

Arsenal previously tasted success in the competition back in 2007, when they beat Umea to lift their first European trophy. Since then, Barcelona have risen to dominate women’s football, claiming the Champions League title three times and reaching the final five times since 2019.

Speaking to TNT Sports, former England midfielder Carney admitted Barcelona will go into the final as clear favourites, given their experience and quality. However, she emphasized that Arsenal should not be ruled out.

Carney highlighted the importance of Arsenal’s belief and praised manager Renee Slegers for her tactical acumen. She pointed out that with the right mindset and strategy, Arsenal could produce something special.

Arsenal’s path to the final wasn’t easy. They lost the first leg of their semi-final 2-1 at the Emirates but delivered a stunning performance in the return leg to eliminate Lyon.

Ian Wright, a club legend, shared his excitement on Instagram, congratulating the team and expressing his unwavering belief in their ability to succeed under pressure.

Kim Little, named Player of the Match, spoke to DAZN after the victory and emphasized the significance of reaching the final for a club of Arsenal’s stature. “

She praised the team’s execution of their game plan and highlighted their collective belief. Little also credited Slegers’ calmness and simplicity in communication, qualities that have clearly made an impact on the squad’s performances.

Facing Barcelona will be a massive challenge. The Spanish giants showcased their dominance by thrashing Chelsea, leaving no doubt about their quality. Carney did not hold back in her assessment of Chelsea’s performance, noting the massive gap between the two sides and criticizing Chelsea’s defensive efforts.

Despite their Champions League disappointment, Chelsea still have a strong domestic campaign. They are close to securing the Women’s Super League title, needing just four points from their final three matches. Under manager Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea have already won the League Cup and will compete in the Women’s FA Cup final against Manchester United on May 18.

Reflecting on the season, Bompastor admitted it has been good, though not perfect. Chelsea captain Millie Bright echoed this sentiment, pointing out that while the team has shown quality, they must learn to capitalize when they dominate against top sides like Barcelona. Bright stressed the importance of eliminating mistakes at the highest level, noting that achievements only matter if silverware follows.

The stage is now set for an exciting final between Arsenal and Barcelona, with the Gunners hoping to upset

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FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why

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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.

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)

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New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage

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.

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Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job

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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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