PSG, UEFA Champions League and Arsenal
Digest more
We are officially at the business end of the season with just one Premier League side, Arsenal, still in the race for the European Cup.
Spain has clinched a bonus fifth entry into the Champions League next season, UEFA confirmed Friday, with Real Betis on course to earn the spot through the La Liga standings. Rayo Vallecano’s win against Strasbourg in the Conference League semifinals Thursday gave Spain an insurmountable edge over Germany in the race for an extra Champions League place.
PSG is the reigning champion and looking to repeat, while Arsenal has never won the competition and is making its first appearance in the final since 2006. The French side dispatched Bayern Munich in the semifinals while Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid to set up the showdown in Hungary.
A host of Premier League clubs will be backing Aston Villa to win the Europa League - as it could secure Champions League qualification for whoever finishes sixth.
Have you been following the big stories in football, snooker, cycling, tennis, rugby and Formula One?
The Japanese have an expression. Mono no aware. It articulates the bittersweet awareness of impermanence. To see the pink flowers of the cherry blossom is also to know they will soon fall and be gone.
2don MSN
Atletico Madrid's Simeone proud and 'peaceful' after Champions League hopes dashed yet again
MADRID (AP) — After yet another Champions League elimination, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone rallied with his players in front of the team's fans. He yelled, pumped his fists and applauded as the Atletico fans chanted support despite a 1-0 semifinal loss to Arsenal that ended the team's hopes of winning the European competition for the first time.