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Arsene Wenger rates Arsenal’s chances of beating PSG to Champions League final spot

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Arsène Wenger has expressed strong confidence in Arsenal’s ability to defeat Paris Saint-Germain and secure a place in the Champions League final this season.

The former Arsenal manager praised the team’s improved defensive structure and believes they have what it takes to go all the way.

Arsenal’s path to the semifinals was highlighted by an emphatic victory over Real Madrid, a 15-time European champion, which marked the club’s return to the last four for the first time in 16 years.

In the quarter-final tie, Declan Rice delivered a standout performance, scoring two spectacular free-kicks to ignite Arsenal’s dominance. Mikel Merino added a third goal in a convincing 3-0 home win.

The Gunners carried their momentum into the return leg at the Bernabeu, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli finding the net to seal the aggregate win, despite a lone response from Vinicius Junior for Real Madrid.

As Arsenal now prepare to face PSG at the Emirates, the French champions approach the clash with just one win from their last four matches across all competitions.

Under manager Luis Enrique, PSG have undergone a transformation in playing style and remain in pursuit of a Champions League title that has eluded them, much like their English counterparts.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Wenger emphasized that reaching this stage means facing only top-tier opposition and that Arsenal’s chances hinge on their form and discipline.

He noted the importance of avoiding red cards or emotional reactions, highlighting how defensive consistency could be decisive over the two legs.

Wenger’s sentiments were echoed by Freddie Ljungberg, a member of Arsenal’s 2006 final squad that fell short against Barcelona. Ljungberg believes Mikel Arteta’s current team has a legitimate shot at lifting the trophy.

He pointed to the strength of Arsenal’s set-pieces, the confidence of Declan Rice, and the game-changing ability of Bukayo Saka as key factors in their favor. Ljungberg remarked that Saka’s lethal quality could be the difference and that Rice’s ability to win the ball and launch counters would be vital.

Despite falling short in the Premier League title race, Arsenal are viewed by both Wenger and Ljungberg as serious contenders for European glory. Ljungberg was adamant that this could be their moment, describing their Champions League opportunity as a realistic path to silverware.

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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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