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Arsenal stun Barcelona to win Women’s Champions League final

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Arsenal pulled off one of the most memorable victories in the history of the Women’s Champions League, defeating Barcelona 1-0 in a dramatic final on Saturday.

Coming into the match as underdogs, the Gunners found their breakthrough in the 75th minute when Swedish forward Stina Blackstenius, who came on as a substitute, calmly slotted the ball past Barcelona goalkeeper Catalina Coll after receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Beth Mead.

Throughout the game, Arsenal had to absorb relentless pressure from a Barcelona side that was heavily favored to lift the trophy for a third consecutive season.

Barcelona had breezed past Chelsea with an emphatic 8-2 aggregate win in the semi-final and looked poised to extend their European dominance. Despite the odds, Arsenal’s disciplined defensive display held firm against wave after wave of attack.

This victory marks Arsenal’s second Women’s Champions League title, their first coming in 2007. They remain the only English club to ever win the competition.

Their journey to the final this season was nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the turbulent start they had. After securing just one win in their opening four Women’s Super League fixtures and suffering a heavy 5-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the group stage, few believed they could mount a serious European campaign.

In October, Jonas Eidevall stepped down as manager and Renee Slegers took over as interim head coach. Her positive impact was immediate, and she was rewarded with a permanent role in January. Under her guidance, Arsenal began to turn things around domestically and carried that momentum into Europe.

After falling to a 2-0 defeat away to Real Madrid in the quarter-final, Arsenal delivered a stunning response in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium, winning 3-0 to reach the semi-final.

They faced another uphill battle against Lyon, losing 2-1 at home in the first leg before overturning the deficit with a sensational 4-1 victory in France to earn a place in the final.

In Saturday’s final in Lisbon, Barcelona dictated the tempo and registered 20 shots, but Arsenal’s resilient defense limited their opportunities. Leah Williamson, who was famously a mascot during the Gunners’ 2007 triumph, played a crucial role in keeping Polish striker Ewa Pajor — who has scored 41 goals this season — at bay. Her leadership and composure at the back were key to the victory.

Speaking after the match, Williamson praised her teammates for delivering when it mattered most. She noted how several players rose to the occasion and described how the team adapted their game plan during the week to feel more confident.

Reflecting on the winning goal, she emphasized how they believed they only needed one chance — and Blackstenius delivered.

Earlier in the match, Arsenal thought they had taken the lead when Frida Maanum’s low cross deflected off Irene Paredes into the net, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR check that revealed Maanum was offside.

After the break, Arsenal continued to defend deep and eventually capitalized on a swift counterattack, with Blackstenius finishing the move clinically to put her side ahead.

Manager Renee Slegers expressed her pride in the team’s belief and mental strength. She spoke about preparing for shifts in momentum and emphasized how crucial it was to manage the opening phases of the match, acknowledging Barcelona’s quality.

She credited her players’ mentality and willingness to adapt, describing their attitude in training and matches as outstanding.

Slegers added that this triumph means a great deal to the club, highlighting Arsenal’s long-standing influence in women’s football and suggesting that their success this season is a reflection of years of dedication and progress.

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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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