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BAYERN MUNICH WIN HISTORIC NINTH STRAIGHT BUNDESLIGA TITLE AS LEIPZIG LOSE AT DORTMUND

Bayern Munich have won their ninth consecutive Bundesliga title thanks to RB Leipzig’s 3-2 defeat to Borusia Dortmund on Saturday which came before Hansi Flick’s side celebrated with a 6-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Bavarians could have clinched the championship crown two weeks ago, but fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at Mainz. Leipzig’s subsequent victory over Stuttgart kept the title race alive through the break for the DFB Pokal semifinals. But their loss in Dortmund makes Bayern national champions for the 31st time, with 30 coming in the Bundesliga era.

Jadon Sancho scored in the final minutes of the match to seal victory for Dortmund, and spark celebrations in Bavaria.

Nine Bundesliga titles in succession extends Bayern’s own record, with no one else — including the Munich giants — having won more than three in a row prior to this run.

The 2020-21 campaign also marks the end of an era at the Allianz Arena as David Alaba, Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez are set to leave this summer.

Bayern manager Flick will also leave the club after just over 18 months where he won seven trophies and became only the second coach after Pep Guardiola at Barcelona in 2009 to win six trophies in a single calendar year. Flick has been linked with the managerial role at Germany, where he could take over from Joachim Low after this summer’s European Championship. Flick will be replaced as Bayern manager by Julian Nagelsmann, who will leave Leipzig at the end of the season.

Last term, Bayern completed an historic second Treble of Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League.

They kicked off this season the with an 8-0 win over Schalke, Bayern led for most of the season and have been in first place since a 2-1 away win at Bayer Leverkusen in December when striker Robert Lewandowski scored a brace including a stoppage-time winner.

Bayern never looked back as they picked up key wins in the latter stages of the season. Against Dortmund in early March they turned an early 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 win, and a month on they won 1-0 away at Leipzig, who had been threatening a title challenge.

Chief executive officer Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is also set to vacate his position in December 2021. Rummenigge will leave after 30 years at the club, with 20 of those as the CEO. Former Germany and Bayern captain Oliver Kahn is set to take over in the front office.

Boateng, Alaba and Martinez have each enjoyed two Treble successes at the club, having been with Bayern when they achieved the same feat in 2013.

The rift between Flick, who succeeded Niko Kovac in November 2019, and sporting executive Hasan Salihamidzic overshadowed a large part of 2021. The pair fell out over the club’s transfer strategy and Flick in mid-April confirmed he believed his time at Bayern is coming to an end despite having a contract until 2023.

With Bayern out of the Pokal and the Champions League, they have now set their sights on helping attacker Lewandowski to the all-time record of goals scored in a single season. That record is held by Gerd Muller, who scored 40 goals in the 1971-1972 season.

Lewandowski now has 36 goals after his consolation strike in the defeat to Mainz and needs five more from the final five matches of the campaign to break Muller’s record.

The 32-year-old Poland striker this season rose to second in the all-time Bundesliga scorer list and is on 272 goals but remains well behind Muller, who scored 365 times for Bayern.

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NEYMAR SIGNS NEW PSG DEAL, EYES CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GLORY

Neymar has put an end to speculation over his future by signing a new four-year deal at Paris St Germain and pledging to help them achieve their Champions League dream.

The Brazil star has long been linked with a possible return to Barcelona, the club he left for a world record fee approaching £200million in 2017, but has now made a fresh commitment to PSG.

The 29-year-old had just one more year on his existing contract but has agreed to stay until 2025 in a deal that will reaffirm his status as one of the sport’s highest-paid players.

Securing European football’s top prize is top of the agenda, with the club having been beaten finalists in 2020 before being knocked out by Manchester City in the last four of this year’s edition.

“I’m very happy, very happy to be extending my contract with Paris until 2025,” he told PSGtv.

“The truth is that I’m very happy to be staying here for four more years, to be a part of the club’s project, to try and win titles, to try and achieve our biggest dream which is the Champions League.

“My goal when I came was to help get Paris St Germain to the top, among the very best, and we are getting close.

“We are gaining more and more experience to help us negotiate these types of games, to know how to play in the Champions League.

“Paris is on the right track, we are getting closer and closer to the taste of winning the Champions League. I’m sure we can do it.”

Neymar acknowledged that the relationship between player and club had not always been flawless but took his own share of responsibility as he looked towards a harmonious future.

“Things have happened that should not have happened. We had fights, a few sad times, but overall, the evolution has been very positive,” he said.

“I think I have improved as a person, as a human being, and as a player too. So, I am very happy to be extending my contract, to be part of the history of Paris and I hope to put many more trophies on the shelf.”

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MANE, THIAGO HIT TWO PAST SOUTHAMPTON TO KEEP LIVERPOOL IN TOP FOUR RACE

Sadio Mane and Thiago Alcantara scored in each half as Liverpool beat Southampton to maintain their hopes of finishing in the top four.

Liverpool started strongly with Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota forcing Fraser Forster into saves, while Georginio Wijnaldum hit the bar.

Che Adams was denied one-on-one by a brave Alisson stop at the other end but Mane broke the deadlock just after the half-hour, heading in Salah’s pinpoint cross for his ninth league goal of the season.

Ibrahima Diallo stung the palms of Alisson and the Brazilian goalkeeper was later forced into a recovery save after gifting the ball to Adams as Southampton pushed for an equaliser.

However, Thiago curled the ball into the bottom corner in the last minute to score his first Liverpool goal and secure victory.

Liverpool leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur into sixth place, six points adrift of fourth-placed Leicester City having played a match fewer.

Southampton stay 16th, 10 points above the relegation zone.

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LA LIGA: TITLE RIVALS, BARCELONA, ATLETICO MADRID SHARE THE SPOILS IN NOU CAMP STALEMATE

LaLiga title rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid drew a blank in Saturday’s contest at the Nou Camp.

The hosts would have gone top with a victory but the 0-0 draw means Diego Simeone’s team preserve their two-point advantage at the top, with three matches remaining.

However, city rivals Real can join them on 77 points if they can win Sunday’s match against fourth-placed Sevilla.

The visitors had the best chances before half-time, with Barca – and Lionel Messi in particular – looking more threatening after the break.

Atletico’s Thomas Lemar had an early chance before the France international midfielder was forced off with a muscular injury in the 18th minute, replaced by Saul Niguez.

Angel Correa threatened for the Rojiblancos, who were playing away for the third successive match, before Marc Andre ter Stegen denied Marcos Llorente.

Atletico’s former Barca star Luis Suarez was the next to be denied by the Germany goalkeeper, before Felipe was off-target with a shot.

However, Ronald Koeman’s team did most of the creating in the second half of a tight contest.

Saul was himself replaced by Joao Felix in the 68th minute, the Portugal international introduced from the bench for a third successive match as he steps up his return to full fitness following ankle trouble.

Messi, who had fired wide in the first half, saw a free-kick saved by Jan Oblak, before Ousmane Dembele headed over for the home side.

Messi came closest to finding a winner in the closing stages – but the Argentinian was narrowly wide with a 25-yard free-kick.

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ZIYECH, ALONSO ON TARGET AS CHELSEA DELAY CITY’S TITLE CORONATION

Chelsea stopped Manchester City claiming the 2020/21 Premier League title as they came from behind to win 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Raheem Sterling opened the scoring on 44 minutes, taking the ball off the toes of Sergio Aguero to score his first league goal since 21 February.

Aguero missed a fantastic chance to double City’s advantage in first-half stoppage time, chipping a penalty into the arms of Edouard Mendy after Billy Gilmour had fouled Gabriel Jesus.

Chelsea equalised just after the hour mark when Hakim Ziyech’s fierce shot found the corner.

They snatched the win in stoppage time when Marcos Alonso swept home to earn Chelsea a third straight league win.

City remain 13 points clear of Manchester United, who must avoid defeat at Aston Villa tomorrow to keep the title race alive.

Chelsea leapfrog Leicester City into third with 64 points, six above West Ham United in fifth.

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EZE STARS AS PALACE THRASH SHEFFIELD UTD TO CONFIRM PREMIER LEAGUE STATUS

Eberechi Eze scored one goal and set up another as Crystal Palace confirmed their Premier League status for another season in a 2-0 victory at Sheffield United.

Christian Benteke marked his 100th PL start with a goal after only 66 seconds as his shot from Eze’s through-ball deflected in.

Palace largely controlled play and were denied a second when Aaron Ramsdale brilliantly kept out Benteke’s header just before half-time.

Sheff Utd improved in the second half and 17-year-old striker Daniel Jebbison nearly had a dream debut as he headed over Ben Osborn’s cross.

Eze capped the win late on with a solo run from inside his own half before his deflected shot beat Ramsdale.

A first win in five matches lifts Palace to 13th with 41 points, 14 above the relegation zone.

Sheff Utd remain bottom on 17 points.

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LEEDS BEAT TOTTENHAM 3-1 TO DENT SPURS’ TOP FOUR HOPES

Goals from Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo handed Leeds United a 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur that hit their opponents’ hopes of a top-four finish.

In an open contest, Leeds went ahead on 13 minutes, with Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris saving Sergio Reguilon from an own goal but being powerless to stop Dallas’s follow-up.

Son Heung-min levelled in the 25th minute when he converted from Dele Alli’s through-ball.

But Bamford’s first goal in six league matches put Leeds back in front before half-time as he tapped in from Ezgjan Alioski’s cross.

Spurs pushed for another equaliser but Illan Meslier denied Serge Aurier’s drive before Harry Kane’s free-kick hit the crossbar.

Leeds then made the points safe with six minutes remaining when substitutes Raphinha and Rodrigo combined to seal a first win in four matches that lifts Leeds to ninth with 50 points.

Spurs stay sixth on 56 points, five off Chelsea in fourth.

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HAZARD APOLOGISES TO REAL MADRID FANS FOR JOKING WITH CHELSEA PLAYERS AFTER UCL EXIT

Eden Hazard has apologised to Real Madrid supporters after criticism aimed his way following the defeat to Chelsea FC in the Champions League semi-final.

Los Blancos headed to Stamford Bridge after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, but were easily beaten 2-0 by the Blues, who could realistically have doubled their tally on the night.

Hazard, meanwhile, was as ineffective as most of the rest of his team-mates, so drew the ire of some for his lacklustre showing against his old side – but it was his post-match antics which upset others.

After full time he was pictured talking and joking with former team-mates, with a vocal few on social media calling for him to be sold and the Spanish media going all-in on their disappointment of the Belgian, with TV show El Chiringuito front and centre among them.

One clip circulating on social media showed presenter Josep Pedrerol venting at Hazard – complete with damning background music and sighs of seriousness before he began talking – suggesting that he was “laughing” at Real Madrid supporters and didn’t deserve to continue at the club, comparing his perceived lack of commitment to the cause to that of Gareth Bale.

Hazard himself has responded with a post on his Instagram story, writing a short message of apology.

“I am sorry. I have read lots of opinions about me today and it was not my intention to offend any Real Madrid fans,” Hazard wrote.

“It has always been my dream to play for Real Madrid and I came here to win. The season is not over and together we must battle for La Liga! Hala Madrid!”

After their exit from Europe, Real are now in a three-way battle for the title in Spain.

They sit second, two points behind city rivals Atletico Madrid and level on points with third-place Barcelona. Sevilla are four points back, with their own title hopes hit by a defeat last time out.

All four clubs have four matches remaining, with no further cup or Continental distractions for any of them.

Barcelona are at home to Atletico on Saturday afternoon in one pivotal clash, before Real host Sevilla on Sunday night in another.

Hazard has made just seven league starts this season due to several injuries, scoring twice and claiming one assist.

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ARSENAL MISS OUT ON EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL AFTER GOALLESS DRAW AT VILLAREAL

Arsenal face a first season without European football in 25 years after drawing a blank in their Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal.

The Gunners were trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Spain and failed to overturn the deficit as Unai Emery got one over his former club to once again reach the final of a competition he thrives in.

A 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium means Arsenal’s hopes of playing in Europe next season rely on an unlikely string of results in the Premier League.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit the post with Arsenal’s best chance as another tactical tweak from manager Mikel Arteta failed to pay off.

Emery won the Europa League three times as Sevilla manager and took Arsenal to the final in 2019, where they lost to Chelsea.

Manchester United will be waiting for Emery’s Villarreal this time around as Arsenal’s exit prevented both Europa League and Champions League finals from being all-English affairs.

Arsenal lost Granit Xhaka after complaining of a tight muscle in the warm-up, but it was in attack where Arteta’s side were again found wanting.

Recalled Bernd Leno was the first goalkeeper tested, having to push a curling Samuel Chukwueze strike behind for a corner.

The next threat to his goal came from a team-mate as Thomas Partey’s overhit back-pass had to be headed clear by the retreating goalkeeper.

Leno would have got nowhere near a Dani Parejo free-kick at the midway point of the half, but fortunately for the hosts his effort whistled over the crossbar.

Arsenal had started much nervier than Villarreal but could have taken the lead when Aubameyang hit a dropping volley which clipped the post on the way behind.

The Arsenal skipper came close with an effort as the half wore on, shooting straight at Geronimo Rulli in the Villarreal goal only for him to spill through his legs and scrabble back to save.

Nicolas Pepe, whose penalty have Arsenal their away goal, fired just wide as the hosts came out on the attack straight after the restart.

Arteta was then left with his head in his hands as Emile Smith Rowe attempted an audacious chip when well-placed, seeing the shot drift wide.

But it was not all going Arsenal’s way. Partey was robbed of possession just outside his own penalty area but Villarreal could not make him pay as Gerard Moreno’s shot was easily held by Leno.

Substitute Yeremi Pino was next to force Leno into action with a low strike well saved by the German.

With tempers starting to flare, Aubameyang saw a header kept out by a combination of goalkeeper and post with the rebound hacked off the line.

That would be his last action as Alexandre Lacazette came on in his place with Gabriel Martinelli, Willian and Eddie Nketiah all thrown on in search of the goal required to send Arsenal to the final in Gdansk.

But the attacking changes were in vain as Villarreal held on to reach a first major final in their history and all but end Arsenal’s season.

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VILLA PARK OFFERED AS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL VENUE ALTERNATE

Aston Villa have reportedly offered to host the Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea amid ongoing doubts about the suitability of the match being played in Turkey.

The all-Premier League affair is currently scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 29th at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul.

Turkey is currently under lockdown following a surge in Covid-19 cases.

With City and Chelsea now the confirmed finalists, supporter groups, UK MPs and health experts are among those calling for the high-profile fixture to be switched to England.

Wembley is already committed to hosting the Sky Bet Championship play-off final on May 29th, but Villa Park in Birmingham has emerged as an alternative.

UEFA has insisted the venue will not change and is due to announce further details on ticketing, travel and capacity for the game on Friday.

The PA news agency understands at this stage only a request from the Turkish government would prompt the final to be hosted elsewhere.

Switching the game to England would pose a number of logistical issues, including visitors – such as delegates from national associations – being required to self-isolate for up to 10 days upon arrival.

UEFA would also have to inspect and approve the replacement stadium.

Villa fuelled rumours earlier on Thursday by tweeting an aerial footage of their ground, accompanied by a heart emoji.

PA has approached the West Midlands club for comment.
Chelsea booked their spot in the final on Wednesday by overcoming Real Madrid 3-1 on aggregate on Wednesday, while City defeated Paris St Germain the previous evening, winning 4-1 over two legs.

The meeting of the two Premier League rivals could be the second of two all-English European finals as Manchester United and Arsenal are in Europa League semi-final action on Thursday evening.

United travel to Roma holding a resounding 6-2 first-leg lead, while the Gunners must overturn a 2-1 deficit at home to Spanish side Villarreal.

The Europa League final will be staged in Gdansk, Poland on Wednesday, May 26th.