Keira Walsh happy as ‘special club’ Barcelona land another Champions League
England midfielder Keira Walsh outlined her ambitions to stay at serial winners Barcelona for the long haul after they sealed a stunning 3-2 comeback against Wolfsburg to lift the Champions League trophy for the second time in three years. Saturday’s sold-out Eindhoven showpiece was the first time Walsh was part of a title-winning side in the European competition, while club and country team-mate Lucy Bronze is now a four-time champion following a trio of victories with Lyon. Walsh, 26, joined Liga F champions Barcelona on a three-season deal last September, less than two months after winning the Euros with England, and admitted she is loving the look of her trophy cabinet. She told DAZN: “It’s been a pretty good year. The Euros, the Champions League, I think if someone was to tell me this was going to happen I wouldn’t believe them. “To play for Barcelona, for these fans, it’s a special, special feeling,” adding of her future at the club: “Yeah. I think you want to be playing in these games and winning Champions Leagues and this is the club that does that.” Walsh’s side beat Chelsea to reach their fourth final in five seasons, and had redemption on their minds after a crushing 3-1 loss to Lyon in Turin last year. Despite being heavy favourites there was a sense of deja vu for Barca, who conceded their fastest-ever opener in the competition when Ewa Pajor netted on just two minutes and 57 seconds. That brought back memories of Turin, where Barcelona fell behind after just six minutes and conceded twice more before the break. This time it was just a two-goal deficit at the restart after Alexandra Popp headed home on 37 minutes, but the shock nonetheless forced Walsh and her team-mates to dig deep. They did so in spectacular style through Patricia Guijarro, who netted twice in two minutes to ensure it was all square after just five minutes of the second period, and Fridolina Rolfo sealed the result with a 70th-minute winner. Walsh said: “First half, not great for us. I think we kept the ball but didn’t score on our chances, so to score three goals in the second half was incredible. “We just came in at half-time and Alexia [Putellas] said that if there’s any team that can overturn a two-nil it’s this team and that’s what we did. Patri Guijarro, she’s a special, special player and I think today it’s about time that people recognised that. “For me the best player in the world.” Bronze, meanwhile, made history by becoming the first English player to win the Women’s Champions League with two different clubs in her first game back since recovering from an April knee injury. It was enough to require surgery, which some feared might see her added to the list of Lionesses set to miss the World Cup, but the defender played the full final and looks fit to start England’s opener against Haiti in exactly seven weeks. Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman was on trophy-presenting duty at Saturday’s final, which got off to a shaky start for Bronze after her error led to Wolfsburg’s opener. Bronze, who played the full match, said: “Once there was two goals we shut up shop, we made it really difficult defensively, created loads of chances in attack. “It was difficult for myself and Frido, we both haven’t played for five weeks, obviously I’ve had surgery – I’ve only trained a couple of times. It was definitely difficult but I’m so happy to have played my part for the team.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Pep Guardiola urges Man City to cement greatness by winning Champions League Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to use FA Cup final defeat as motivation Mirra Andreeva feared French Open disqualification for ‘really stupid move’
2023-06-04 02:45
Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to use FA Cup final defeat as motivation
Erik ten Hag says Manchester United must use the pain of their narrow FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City to improve and eventually catch their dominant neighbours. The eyes of the footballing world were on Wembley as these rivals went toe-to-toe in a major cup final for the first time on Saturday afternoon. Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring with a stunning volley after 12 seconds, with Bruno Fernandes’ penalty cancelling out the quickest goal in FA Cup final history. But City regained the lead through another Gundogan volley to seal a 2-1 win, giving them a chance to emulate United’s 1999 treble heroes in next weekend’s Champions League final. Many United fans had started the long, train strike-impacted journey home when their rivals lifted the trophy, but Ten Hag and his team watched those celebrations. “First of all, show respect always,” the Dutchman said. “But, yeah, of course, it’s a motivation. “You have to feel it in your stomach. This hurts and it has to be fuel. You have to feel it in your stomach. This hurts and it has to be fuel Erik ten Hag “We want to be there and our team, my players, deserved it, but you have to grab it and that is the next step we have to make.” It was a galling end to a promising first season under Ten Hag, who is proud to have overseen a third-placed finish, Carabao Cup win and narrow FA Cup final loss. “I want to congratulate City for winning the FA Cup, but I think it was very narrow, it was head to head,” he said. “We played very competitive out of a very good organisation. “We didn’t allow them out from open play against probably the best team in the world in this moment. “We fought back after going a quick goal down and I think we are the only team in the world who is capable of fighting back against this team from City. “So, yeah, I was happy with the performance of my team.” David De Gea’s role has been debated all season and his part in City’s second goal has been called into question, leading Ten Hag to be asked whether he was comfortable having him going into next season. “In this moment, I don’t want to talk about such issues, about criticism because we played all a great season, including David De Gea,” he said of the goalkeeper, who has yet to extend his contract beyond the summer. “He played a fantastic season. If you consider that City and us before today both had 42 wins. “Now they have one win more, so the difference was made today. Then you can tell we played a fantastic season and it’s more than we could have expected before. “We were third in the league, we are qualified for the Champions League, and we won a trophy and we were in another final. “So, yeah, I’m really happy with the performance from my team all over.” Ten Hag bemoaned “soft goals” after a loss and season where the lack of quality and depth compared to treble-chasing City has been clear. United have work to do in the summer but the interminable takeover process continues to hang over the club as the Glazer family drag the process out. Co-owner Avram Glazer was at Wembley for the final and ignored questions about the takeover as he left through the interview area. “I think in this moment I don’t want to discuss that,” Ten Hag said when asked about the takeover and summer improvements. “It’s about finalising the season. We have to be quiet, analyse the season, go into the depth, then set the right conclusions and then take action. It’s about that. “Of course, during the season you continually make your considerations and already some actions are into process. “But, yeah, now the season is finished and the conclusion all over is we played a brilliant season.” Asked if he has different plans for whether there is a takeover or not, Ten Hag said: “I have only one plan and that is to improve this club and to improve this team. “I will fight for (that). I have my ideas and I already talked with the club about what we have to do for that. “But also what I said, yeah, I have to work with my staff, with my players to be better in next season.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Mirra Andreeva feared French Open disqualification for ‘really stupid move’ Casper Ruud and Holger Rune close on French Open rematch after third-round wins Hugo Lloris contemplating Tottenham exit as he has ‘desire for other things’
2023-06-04 02:24
5-star running back with the absolute perfect name commits to Alabama
A 5-star running back named Turbo has committed to Nick Saban and Alabama football. You've all been warned.The Alabama Crimson Tide football program is frequently listed near the top of every recruiting database, but of late they've had to deal with threats within their own conference,...
2023-06-04 02:15
Barcelona come from two goals down to beat Wolfsburg and win Champions League
Fridolina Rolfo’s strike completed a stunning second-half comeback to secure Barcelona the Champions League trophy with a 3-2 victory over Wolfsburg at Eindhoven’s sold-out Philips Stadion. The Spanish side were favourites to win a second title in three years but were stunned by Ewa Pajor’s opener after just three minutes, while skipper Alexandra Popp extended Wolfsburg’s advantage to two before the break. Two goals inside two second-half minutes for Patricia Guijarro brought Barcelona back into the contest immediately following the restart before they benefited from a Wolfsburg error to seal the win. Barca’s victory also made English history, with Lioness Lucy Bronze becoming the first from her country to win the Champions League title with two clubs having previously done so three times with Lyon. Both sides had eliminated English opponents to get here, with Wolfsburg seeing off Arsenal and Barcelona reaching their fourth showpiece in five seasons after drawing 1-1 with Chelsea in their second leg to advance 2-1 on aggregate. Current England and former Netherlands boss Sarina Wiegman brought out the trophy on a sunny afternoon in her native country, and was no doubt delighted to see Bronze, recovered from knee surgery, back in the Barcelona starting line-up exactly seven weeks before the Lionesses open their World Cup campaign. It was the England defender’s mistake, however, that led to her side conceding after just two minutes and 57 seconds – the fastest Barcelona had ever fallen behind in the competition. Barca had a shot stopped by Merle Frohms before Pajor won the ball off Bronze and made her way into the centre before drilling past Sandra Panos into the top right corner. That likely conjured up painful memories for Barcelona, who conceded to eventual 3-1 winners Lyon after six minutes last year in Turin. Irene Paredes cringed after wasting a free header, while at the other end Sveindis Jonsdottir had a half-volley saved for the Frauen-Bundesliga runners-up. Caroline Graham Hansen found herself in a perfect position to level from Mapi Leon’s excellent delivery but the Norwegian could not connect and seemed thrown off by the bounce the ball took en route to the six-yard box. As the Liga F champions struggled to settle into a dominant rhythm, Pajor turned provider and sent a fine delivery in the direction of her skipper to dutifully head home – Popp in the process equalling Ada Hegerberg’s UWCL record as she got herself on the finals scoresheet in a fourth separate season. It took an alert Frohms to deny Salma Paralluelo late in the period and send her side into the second half with a two-goal advantage. That was erased within five minutes after the restart when Guijarro collected Graham Hansen’s cut-back, then nodded her second past a leaping Frohms two minutes later from Aitana Bonmati’s delivery. Barcelona’s comeback was complete after Lynn Wilms’ attempted clearance instead deflected off team-mate Kathrin Hendrich, allowing Mariona Caldentey to tap the ball to Rolfo, who fired in the 70th-minute winner from the edge of the six-yard box. Both benches showed nerves during seven minutes of stoppage time, but it was Barca who ultimately survived a late scare to secure the trophy. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Hugo Lloris contemplating Tottenham exit as he has ‘desire for other things’ Manchester City one win away from sporting immortality after winning FA Cup Resistance of Ireland tail-enders ensures England must bat again at Lord’s
2023-06-04 00:59
Manchester City one win away from sporting immortality after winning FA Cup
Manchester City are one win away from sporting immortality after underlining their greatness by completing a Premier League and FA Cup double. Not even arch-rivals Manchester United, in the white-hot atmosphere of a Wembley derby, could throw a spanner in the works as their seemingly relentless charge towards the treble continued on Saturday. As the only previous side to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same season – back in 1999 – United and their fans would have loved nothing more than to halt Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut. Yet, although they were not eviscerated in the manner Arsenal and Real Madrid were in two other high-profile City fixtures recently, they were ultimately no match for a side who have become far more than just their ‘noisy neighbours’. City will now head to Istanbul for next week’s Champions League final against Inter Milan riding high on confidence and the prize they have coveted most, for so long, should finally be within their grasp. One of the great features of this City side is how, despite the brilliance of headline names such as Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, other players are often ready to seize the moment when it matters. In the semi-final against Sheffield United, it was Riyad Mahrez with a brilliant hat-trick, and on this occasion – and not for the first time – it was Ilkay Gundogan. The German midfielder, who scored twice against Aston Villa as City clinched the Premier League title on the final day of last season, was magnificent all afternoon, scoring both goals in a deserved 2-1 win. City arrived at Wembley in casualwear but there was nothing casual about their start. Gundogan volleyed them ahead with a blistering strike after just 12 seconds, the fastest goal in FA Cup final history and yet another notable achievement in this remarkable season. Further chances came in the opening five minutes and it seemed United could have quickly been overrun. Their fearsome attack, so fluid during a brilliant spring run that saw them reel in Arsenal and claim the title, seemed in fine fettle, banishing doubts rustiness might have set in after a couple of dead-rubber fixtures. Yet, while that was encouraging, so too was their resilience after United fought their way back into the game. Jack Grealish could consider himself unfortunate to have been penalised for handball in the box, but such rulings often go against defenders when VAR gets involved. City soon regained their composure after Bruno Fernandes levelled from the spot and retook the lead early in the second half, again through Gundogan. The club captain is out of contract in the summer and will be sorely missed should he decide to move on. That, however, is a matter that can be dealt with later. For now, the chief concern is for a side already one of the best England has ever produced to go on and cement their status by winning the Champions League. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Hugo Lloris contemplating Tottenham exit as he has ‘desire for other things’ Resistance of Ireland tail-enders ensures England must bat again at Lord’s Rafael Nadal sets return date after undergoing hip surgery
2023-06-04 00:57
Ilkay Gundogan, Man City’s master of timing, sets up chance for perfect goodbye
The previous time a Manchester City captain lifted the FA Cup it represented his perfect goodbye. Vincent Kompany announced his departure the following morning. He had spent the second half, he subsequently admitted, soaking it all in, surveying the fans, with victory against Watford long since assured. As City, a game away from the treble, may make history, there is a way in which it might repeat itself. Partly, anyway. Once again, the captain is out of contract, wondering what comes next. This time, he has one more game, a Champions League final. And this time the skipper was not a spectator standing on the Wembley pitch. He was the match-winner. He often is. When a season reaches its business end, the man City increasingly rely upon is Ilkay Gundogan, the nice guy with a tendency to finish first and, as his winning goals demonstrate, score last. He can trace two of a growing medal collection directly to his strikes; to his doubles, really, as a brace decided the Premier League on the final day of last season and another secured the FA Cup. The platform for this season’s league title was laid by Gundogan, his pairs of goals against Leeds and Everton demoralising Arsenal. No wonder Mikel Arteta wants to recruit him. If you can’t stop Gundogan, sign him. On a landmark occasion, the first time both captains had scored in an FA Cup final, City found a curiously old-fashioned way of claiming a prize that dates back to 1872. There are places where the armband is simply given on grounds of seniority or longevity. In England, it can come with the expectation of inspirational leadership; the watching Sir Alex Ferguson had first Bryan Robson and then Roy Keane as warrior captains. The onlooking David Beckham’s greatest act in an England shirt was the 2001 free kick against Greece to send his country to the World Cup. The previous captain to deliver two FA Cup final goals in the No. 8 shirt was Steven Gerrard. Each had an element of Roy of the Rovers; so does Ilkay of the City. Which, to rewind a few years, would have seemed surprising. Gundogan was the stylist: amiable, multilingual, injury-prone but scarcely appeared Kompany’s natural heir. But the reinvention of German reached its apotheosis in record-breaking time at Wembley. Gundogan may yet have a place in history alongside Keane as a treble-winning captain. He has secured a spot as the scorer of the quickest FA Cup final goal; he was the scourge of both the modern-day United and a former United striker, Louis Saha, whose 2009 goal for Everton is now merely the second quickest. And 2009 had another relevance. Fourteen years after Ferguson said United would never go into a derby as underdogs in his lifetime, their outsiders were behind after 13 seconds. Often an elegant presence, Gundogan had an explosive impact. A crouching David de Gea watched a half-volley fly past him. The sedate technician has been converted into a dynamic, goalscoring force. Perhaps his innate calmness equips him for the big moments; he is both relaxed and ruthless. His second had an oddity. There are few purer strikers of a ball than Gundogan but his left shin sufficed, meeting Kevin De Bruyne’s free kick to find De Gea wanting. Few can score from 20 yards in an FA Cup final, fewer still with each foot – or leg – in arguably the biggest Manchester derby of all. But for an offside flag, he would have had a hat-trick. And yet City’s methods felt instructive. The opener stemmed from route one, from Stefan Ortega’s punt forward and Victor Lindelof’s header, as well as Gundogan’s more advanced role. The German can hang around Erling Haaland, looking for the flick-ons and knockdowns. This, instead, was a second ball, the sort of thing Pep Guardiola rarely had to consider when his Barcelona side monopolised possession. He was unmarked for his second goal. As subsequent corners suggested, it was as though City had spotted a flaw in United’s set-piece marking and realised there was space on the edge of the box. Guardiola directed Gundogan to lurk their, leaving one of his best goalscorers outside the penalty area, where he could do most damage. But City’s goals came not from intricate passing moves but from a long ball and a set-piece: Guardiola’s mutation into the Catalan Sam Allardyce is complete. Admittedly there are times this season, when Manchester City’s back four has comprised of four centre-backs, when he might have been more of a Spanish Tony Pulis. He had emerged from the tunnel in a hoodie, apparently dressed as a teenager. Erik ten Hag turned up dressed instead like Sean Dyche, a business-like figure in dark suit and white shirt. But like Dyche’s Everton, his United were defeated by a Gundogan double. He had a second trophy to lift. He is one game away from completing City’s greatest season as their greatest captain. And maybe taking his leave. It would seem odd, but in his own way Ilkay Gundogan has become City’s master of perfect timing. Read More Man City vs Manchester United LIVE: FA Cup final result and final score after Ilkay Gundogan double Man City vs Man Utd result and player ratings as Ilkay Gundogan wins FA Cup final Even in defeat, Alejandro Garnacho shows he’s the future of Man United Manchester City one win away from sporting immortality after winning FA Cup Victor Lindelof struck by object thrown from crowd in FA Cup final Gundogan breaks record for fastest-ever goal in an FA Cup final
2023-06-04 00:51
Hugo Lloris contemplating Tottenham exit as he has ‘desire for other things’
Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris admitted he “desires for other things” and is contemplating what life could look like away from the north London club at “the end of an era.” The 36-year-old retired from international duty with France in January, one year after signing a contract extension that would keep him at Spurs through to the end of next season. There has been speculation, however, that the goalkeeper might have already played his last game for the side he joined in 2012 following his season-ending thigh injury against Newcastle in April. Lloris told French newspaper Nice-Matin: “We are coming to an important moment, whether for the club or for me. It’s the end of an era. I have desires for other things, I will ask myself quietly to study what will be possible. “But I don’t forget that I still have a year of contract with Tottenham and that in football it is always difficult to predict what will happen. “What is essential at the moment is to recover well from my injury. I’m on vacation but I continue to talk and do my training. My goal is to be on top in July, then we’ll see what the future holds for me.” Lloris acknowledged Spurs, who finished eighth this term after securing a Champions League berth last season, had failed to live up to expectations and cited injuries as part of the problem. He said: “We failed as a team by not being able to reverse the course of things. It’s disappointing but it’s part of the life of a top-level football club. The most important thing is to prepare as well as possible for next season and to learn from our mistakes.” The Frenchman did not rule out a return to Nice, where he started his senior career before moving to Lyon and then north London, though he was adamant he was not forcing his current club into a move. He added: “Nice is my city, my club, my roots. There is a season that must end, as best as possible, with the goalkeepers in place. I am not demanding, I have never forced things. We’ll see where fate takes me.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-04 00:51
Man City vs Man Utd result and player ratings as Ilkay Gundogan wins FA Cup final
Manchester City defeated Manchester United to win the FA Cup and take another step closer to completing the treble at Wembley. Ilkay Gundogan scored the fastest-ever FA Cup final goal after just 13 seconds but Bruno Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot in a thrilling first half. But Gundogan struck for the second time to restore City’s lead after the restart and although substitute Alejandro Garnacho went close, Pep Guardiola’s side held on. City can complete the treble and match Manchester United if they defeat Inter in the Champions League final next week. Manchester City Stefan Ortega, 7 Pep Guardiola made the big call to start him in the FA Cup final and the goalkeeper didn’t do anything to let his manager down. Made a big save in stoppage time to tip over the crossbar. Kyle Walker, 6 The full-back’s recovery pace was needed at times but he wasn’t really troubled until Garnacho’s introduction. Ruben Dias, 7 A picture of authority in the centre of defence. The Portuguese is back to his best and he looked like he coasted through the final. Manuel Akanji, 7 Another key City performer who makes everything look so simple. Wins his individual duels and creates the platform for players like Gundgoan to be match-winners higher up the pitch. John Stones, 9 Outstanding in the second half as his growing influence helped City take back control. May have been man of the match if it wasn’t for Gundogan’s double. Rodri, 8 Hardly put a foot wrong defensively - or with the ball. Such a reliable performer week after week. Bernardo Silva, 6 A quieter afternoon for the Portuguese - didn’t have his usual big-game impact on the right. Kevin De Bruyne, 7 Mesmeric in the second half and showed his class to take the game away from United. Taken off after 75 minutes with the Champions League final in mind. Ilkay Gundogan, 9 City’s man for the big occasion. His record-breaking opener after 13 seconds was a dream strike, the second wasn’t struck as purely but the German’s sense of timing is extraordinary. Player of the match. Jack Grealish, 6 Didn’t look sharp enough in the first half. Unfortunate with the penalty, but his place in the team ahead of the Champions League final could be uncertain now. Erling Haaland, 7 The striker had some good moments against Raphael Varane but the match was won elsewhere. His work rate remained high. Manchester United David de Gea, 5 Gundogan’s second looked soft and although De Gea may argue he couldn’t see it through a pack of bodies, what’s clear is United need an upgrade in goal. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 5 The right back won his individual battle with Grelaish but was unable to offer much else. Victor Lindelof, 4 Beaten by Haaland in the move for Gundogan’s opener inside 15 seconds and replaced in the closing stages as Ten Hag rolled the dice. Raphael Varane, 5 Looked to get tight with Haaland and be physical but the City striker was still able to roll him on a couple of occasions. Luke Shaw, 5 Managed to keep Bernardo Silva quiet but was pinned back by City’s relentless pressing. Casemiro, 4 Unable to influence the game from midfield apart from putting in a couple of robust challenges - needed more help from elsewhere. Fred, 4 Struggled to match De Bruyne in the second half and gave away the free kick that led to Gundogan’s second with a foul on the Belgian. Bruno Fernandes, 5 Tucked away a first-half penalty to equalise for United but his team needed more from their influential captain. Christian Eriksen, 3 Looked off the pace and struggled to match City’s intensity in midfield. Taken off on the hour. Jadon Sancho, 3 The winger didn’t turn up and was fortunate he wasn’t removed too with half an hour to play. Sancho didn’t take the warning and was hooked just 17 minutes later. Marcus Rashford, 5 Starved of service for large spells and didn’t look fully fit. Centre forward just doesn’t suit his abilities but wasn’t too far away with a touch and hit from outside of the area. Subs Alejandro Garnacho, 7: Took responsibility and went close with a bending effort. Should have started. Wout Weghorst, 4: Didn’t make an impact and was frustratingly caught offside when the ball was played long to him. Read More Man City vs Manchester United LIVE: FA Cup final latest goal updates as Ilkay Gundogan scores second Victor Lindelof struck by object thrown from crowd in FA Cup final Gundogan breaks record for fastest-ever goal in an FA Cup final Even in defeat, Garnacho shows he’s the future of Manchester United
2023-06-04 00:17
Man City stay on course for treble after beating Man United in FA Cup final
Ilkay Gundogan’s jaw-dropping double fired treble-chasing Manchester City to an unforgettable FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester United. Wembley witnessed an all-Manchester epic on Saturday as the neighbours met in a major final for the first time, bringing the curtain down on the domestic season in enthralling fashion. City emerged triumphant thanks to Gundogan’s fine volleys in a 2-1 victory that gives Pep Guardiola’s men the chance to emulate United’s 1999 treble heroics next weekend. The 32-year-old midfielder has proven to be a man for the big occasions during his time with the Premier League champions and lashed home a record-breaking opener after just 12 seconds. Gundogan’s stupendous volley was the quickest FA Cup final goal and looked set to spark a derby humiliation, only for United to draw level against the run of play. City were enraged by the decision to award handball against Jack Grealish, but captain Bruno Fernandes kept his cool from the spot to slot home in front of the opposition support. But Guardiola’s men would not be denied a seventh FA Cup triumph, with Gundogan volleying home what proved to be the winner from the edge of the box early in the second half. Victory in arguably the biggest Manchester derby of all time now means City can win the treble in next weekend’s Champions League final against Inter Milan. As for United, this was a galling end to a promising first season under Erik ten Hag. They hit the woodwork in stoppage time, but a second equaliser was beyond them. Wembley was rocking to City’s tune at the final whistle, just as it was after 12 seconds. Gundogan played the kick-off straight to back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who fired a long ball forward for Erling Haaland to flick on. Victor Lindelof looked to have dealt with the danger when heading clear, only for Gundogan to produce a moment of magic. The City skipper met the looping ball with a stupendous right-footed volley from 22 yards that flew past a statuesque David De Gea. It was a start as remarkable as the strike, rocking United on their heels. City fans thought they had a second in the fourth minute as Rodri rippled the side-netting from a Kevin De Bruyne free-kick. Grealish soon dragged wide. Haaland fired a hopeful effort over and De Bruyne lasered wide after De Gea received treatment as City probed for what felt like an inevitable second. United looked uneasy and were creating precious little, only for a moment of fortune to bring a chance to level from the spot. Handball appeals against Grealish from an Aaron Wan-Bissaka header appeared to have fallen on deaf ears, only for VAR David Coote to intervene. Referee Paul Tierney checked the pitchside monitor and pointed to the spot, with Fernandes keeping his cool to send Ortega the wrong way after a stuttering run-up. United celebrated in front of the City hordes and Lindelof was hit by an object from the stands. Guardiola’s men were aggrieved and were soon haranguing the referee, claiming Fred fouled De Bruyne in the box. Those appeals were ignored and Raphael Varane fired over a decent chance before the break. City returned from the break reinvigorated and skipper Gundogan struck again in the 51st minute. Having been fouled by Fred on the right flank, De Bruyne arrowed a ball to the Germany international on the edge of the box. Inexplicably unmarked, Gundogan volleyed into the ground and his shot bounced past De Gea, sneaking into the bottom right-hand corner in front of the City faithful. Lindelof nearly turned a De Bruyne cross into his own goal and the Belgian maestro was then denied by De Gea as they looked to put the final to bed. Marcus Rashford whistled over before Gundogan thought he had completed his hat-trick. De Gea denied Haaland’s initial attempt and the skipper followed in, only to be ruled offside. Lively substitute Alejandro Garnacho bent just wide from the edge of the box as United pushed for another equaliser, giving City gaps to exploit. Bernardo Silva’s cross-shot flashed across the face of goal and Haaland nearly bundled in a clearance. United so nearly found a stoppage-time equaliser, with Varane and Scott McTominay involved in a scramble that ended with the ball hitting the bar and then just going over. But that was it as City celebrated the league and FA Cup double – achievements that could be added to in Istanbul next weekend. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Josh Tongue claims five on debut as England beat battling Ireland by 10 wickets Resistance of Ireland tail-enders ensures England must bat again at Lord’s Coco Gauff makes progress but French Open loses Elena Rybakina to illness
2023-06-04 00:16
Victor Lindelof struck by object thrown from crowd in FA Cup final
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof was struck by an object thrown from the crowd celebrating his team’s equaliser against Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Lindelof was hit as the Manchester United players celebrated in front of the Manchester City supporters following a controversial penalty, which was scored by Bruno Fernandes. The object, which appeared to be a lighter, was thrown from the end where the Manchester City fans were sitting and hit Lindelof near his left eye. City took the lead after just 13 seconds - the fastest goal in FA Cup final history - but United were awarded a penalty later in the first half for a handball on Jack Grealish. Lindelof continued to play on after being hit by the object and appeared to escape injury. More follows Read More Man City vs Manchester United LIVE: FA Cup final latest score and goal updates after controversial penalty
2023-06-03 22:51
Ilkay Gundogan breaks record for fastest-ever goal in an FA Cup final
Ilkay Gundogan’s fantastic volley at Wembley put Manchester City ahead against rivals Manchester United - and made history in the process as the fastest-ever goal in an FA Cup final. The German midfielder ran onto an attempted header clear and thundered a dipping strike into the top corner past David de Gea, with just 12 seconds on the clock - taking more than that amount of time again off the previous record. Back in 2009, Louis Saha scored after only 25 seconds, on that occasion playing for Everton in an eventual 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. After that goal, Roberto Di Matteo’s goal after 43 seconds for Chelsea against Middlesbrough in 1997 is now third-fastest. FOLLOW LIVE: All the FA Cup final action from Wembley This time around at Wembley, Man City’s lead lasted only half an hour, with Bruno Fernandes scoring from the penalty spot for United to mark another minor piece of history: the first time that both starting captains scored in the final for their respective teams. Both teams were chasing multiple pieces of silverware heading into the match, after City wrapped up the Premier League title last month and United won the League Cup final earlier this year. After the FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola’s team will also be playing the Champions League final, hoping their bid for a treble remains intact when they face Inter Milan in Istanbul. Read More A closer look at the goals that lit up the 2022-23 season Ilkay Gundogan urges Manchester City to keep standards high in quest for treble Manchester City players and fans celebrate step one of the treble
2023-06-03 22:48
Man City vs Manchester United LIVE: FA Cup final latest score and goal updates after controversial penalty
Manchester City take on Manchester United in a historic FA Cup final at Wembley. In the first ever FA Cup final played between the Manchester clubs, talk of the “treble” has dominated the build-up to the showpiece occasion. City are attempting to equal United’s treble-winning campaign of 1999 this season, with the Premier League title secured and the Champions League final to come next week. Such an achievement would be a landmark moment for the English game, as well as in the rivalry between the teams. United therefore have all the motivation they need as they look to deny City. Erik ten Hag’s side have added the Carabao Cup to their trophy collection this season but Pep Guardiola’s team have looked unstoppable in recent weeks, with striker Erling Haaland set to feature in the FA Cup final for the first time after his record-breaking 36-goal Premier League campaign. There are storylines everywhere you look as Wembley gets ready to host an unmissable final. Follow live updates from the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United, below: Read More Manchester United are obsessed with stopping Man City – their history depends on it The unlikely Manchester United answer to derail Man City’s treble hopes Ruben Dias interview: ‘Man City have done nothing yet - thinking too far ahead will kill us’
2023-06-03 22:46