Football
Theo Walcott names ‘favourite’ to win Champions League after Arsenal beat Real Madrid
Theo Walcott has revealed his pick for the Champions League winner following the confirmation of the 2025 semi-finalists. With Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Inter Milan still in contention, the race for Europe’s most prestigious club trophy is heating up.
All four teams have shown tremendous quality to reach this stage, but Walcott believes one side stands out.

Arsenal booked their spot in the final four with a dominant two-legged display over Real Madrid, finishing with a stunning 5-1 aggregate win.
A shock 3-0 result in the first leg at the Emirates gave the Gunners the upper hand, and they followed it up with a composed 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu.
Mikel Arteta’s side are brimming with confidence, having eliminated one of the tournament’s most decorated clubs in convincing fashion.
Their next test comes against French giants Paris Saint-Germain, who narrowly edged past Aston Villa in a thrilling quarter-final.
Despite losing 3-2 at Villa Park, PSG advanced 5-4 on aggregate, having done just enough in the first leg to survive the scare.
They had already dispatched Liverpool in an earlier round, underlining their status as serious contenders.
Barcelona, meanwhile, progressed to the semi-finals by defeating Borussia Dortmund 5-3 across two legs.
Although they suffered a loss in the second leg, their emphatic 4-0 victory in the first meeting proved too much for Dortmund to overcome.
The Spanish club is also in a tight title race domestically, sitting four points clear at the top of La Liga, adding another layer of intrigue to their campaign.
Inter Milan completed the semi-final line-up with an impressive result over Bayern Munich.
After winning 2-1 in Germany, the Serie A outfit secured a 2-2 draw at home to eliminate the Bundesliga champions. Their strong defensive setup and tactical discipline have made them a team to watch.

As the semi-finals approach, Walcott is backing his former side Arsenal to go all the way. Speaking to BBC Sport, he praised their mentality and execution against Real Madrid, calling them the favorites.
He did, however, point to Inter Milan as a potential dark horse due to their solid defensive structure. Walcott admitted that while Arsenal look the most complete, the competition remains wide open.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha echoed Walcott’s sentiments, suggesting this year could crown a first-time Champions League winner.
He sees Arsenal and PSG as the strongest remaining sides and predicts the winner will likely emerge from their semi-final clash.
Onuoha highlighted Arsenal’s maturity in Madrid, particularly their ability to manage pressure and stay composed.
Not everyone is convinced Arsenal will lift the trophy, though. Chris Sutton and Matt Upson are among those tipping PSG for glory.
Sutton praised their balance and focus, especially now that Ligue 1 is virtually secured, while Upson pointed to their consistency and grit, traits rarely seen in previous PSG squads.
With four elite clubs remaining, the Champions League is finely poised. Whether it’s Arsenal’s resurgence, PSG’s finesse, Barca’s flair, or Inter’s resilience, this season promises an epic finish.
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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