Champions League Semi’s Leg 2 Tues Atletico @ Arsenal (1-1) 3 pm on CBS/Univ
Wed PSG @ Bayern (5-4) 3 pm on CBS & Univision
My god I love Champions League – last Tues’ 5-4 thriller between PSG and Bayern Munich was spectacular and down to the last minute – both teams are good at scoring so it was an up and down affair with little defense and 1 huge Horrible call for a handball on PSG that lost the game. (9 goal thriller Highlights). Many are calling that the best semi-final ever played – thank goodness this is a 2 legged affair as the 2 giants will square off at Bayern Wed 3 pm in what is must watch TV on CBS. The other Semi was equally fun if not as high scoring as my Atletico Madrid tied Arsenal 1-1 at home (Highlights). Atleti should have had another as they pushed for the lead but settled for the tie – It will all be decided at the Emirates. Despite the lead, the prediction market projects Bayern have a 56% chance of winning within 90 minutes, with PSG at 26% and a draw at 19%. The French side is two goals away from matching the all-time Champions League goal record (45) in a single campaign, albeit in an expanded competition, set by Barcelona in the 1999-00 season. Bayern are three goals away. Preview I see Bayern winning at home 4-2 to take it 8-6 overall.
UEFA Champions League semi-finals (May 5): Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid (Agg 1-1). Arsenal beat Atletico 4-0 at the Emirates during the league phase of this year’s competition, and the Spaniards have lost six of their last seven away games against English sides in the Champions League. However, Atletico have faced English teams in three previous Uefa semi-final ties and won all three, as well as six of their last seven Uefa semi-final ties overall. Of course American Johnny Cardoso (Johnny on his shirt) . See possible line-ups here. Preview As for this draw I see reluctantly agree Arsenal will probably win this 2-1 at home to take a 3-2 overall win into the finals in Budapest on May 30th. Coverage starts at 2 pm on CBS — 12:30 pm on Paramount plus also David Beckham and Friends will have an alternate broadcast on Para+ as well as pregame and postgame inclusion. Set those recorders early – take a late lunch or call in sick to school – Champions League Semi-Finals are here baby !!
UEFA Champions League semi-final leg 2 (May 6): Bayern Munich vs. Paris Saint-Germain, agg 4-5, 3 pm ET. The first leg saw the highest scoring European Cup semi-final match since Eintracht Frankfurt beat Rangers 6-3 in 1959-60. While Bayern trail by one goal going into this match, PSG have lost more away games against the German side (5) than any other opponent in major European competition. However, when losing the first leg in five previous semi-finals, Bayern have been eliminated each time. See possible line-ups here.
Indy 11 lose 1-0 to Tampa Bay – Host Jax Sat 7 pm
St. Petersburg, Fla. – Indy Eleven battled the only undefeated team in the USL Championship to the final whistle in a 1-0 setback at the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday. That snapped the Boys in Blue’s five-match unbeaten streak dating back to the season opener on March 8. Midfielder Cam Lindley’s free kick from long range to the far post in the final minute of second half stoppage time was headed by forward Bruno Rendon toward the near post, but Rowdies keeper Jahmali Waite tipped it wide with his right hand to keep the Boys in Blue from equalizing.The Boys in Blue return home to Carroll Stadium for “The World’s Game Night” vs. expansion club Sporting JAX on Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. Ticket options include Family Four-Packs and Flex Mini-Plans. The Family Four-Pack is available for all 2026 home games and can be purchased online only. Priced at only $49, the Family Four-Pack includes four tickets, FREE parking, $20 in Concession Vouchers, and a 20% Merchandise Discount, along with access to the Fun Zone/Kids Activation Area.
NWSL Stays with Summer Schedule / Women’s Champs League Final 4
Great news that the NWSL is keeping the summer schedule – I really think their TV deals with CBS/ESPN/ABC/Prime Video & Tubi will only grow – as Fox would be nuts not to add some NWSL games with the Women’s World Cup being next year in Brazil then to follow in 2031 in the US. Will be interesting to see if the USL stays with the summer schedule and gains ground on MLS with them moving to a fall schedule. (Listen I am a soccer fan -but I will not Watch MLS over College Football or the NFL). MLS is going to severely limit their fans and stadium availability and TV coverage *(though NO ONE WATCHES MLS NOW – just ask your kids). Dang shame – I hope MLS doesn’t go the way of the NASL. Congrats to Lindsay Heaps (Horan) who along with Lily Yohannes helped OL Lyonnes advance to the Champions League finals vs Barcelona May 23.
Notes
Champions League Tues/Wed 3 pm on CBS/Univision is must Watch TV this week. In case you missed it here’s the 9 goal thriller Highlights from PSG vs Bayern last week. They play Wed. This vlog from the Leti vs Arsenal game gives you a sense for what’s its like at a Letico game. I was blown away in 2018 when my family went to the most electrifying pro event we have ever witnessed an Atletico Madrid game. We sat in just this location in the Caldron their old stadium. With over 80K fans Atletico’s Metropolitan Stadium is one of the loudest in the world. Speaking of Letico – Gotta love this as Deigo Simeone’s kid sings Atletico Madrid’s Fight song – Atletico Song by Simione’s kid. (here Atletico Song with words). Not to be outdone here’s some Arsenal chants along with fight song. Arsenal vs Atletico Semi- Final Leg 2 anthem.
Sunday gives us El Classico as Barcelona can win La Liga with a win at home over Real Madrid at 3 pm on ESPN & ESPND. For fans of Ryan Reynold’s We Are Wrexham out there – Wrexham AFC narrowly missed out on a fourth consecutive promotion during the 2025-26 season, failing to secure a Championship playoff spot on the final day. After a final-day draw against Middlesbrough, Wrexham finished 7th, missing the top-six playoffs by one point after Hull City overtook them, ending their immediate Premier League promotion hopes. Its 100% MLS teams now in the US open Cup QF – Schedule. Hey the World Cup is just over 2 months away – and don’t worry – while I hope to be in LA for the opening group stage games – I will still be running a pool. Details soon.
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Tues, May 5
3 pm CBS, Para+ Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal USL Semi
9:30 pm FS1 vs Tigres UNAL 1 vs Nashville SC 0 CCC Cup
Wed, May 6
3 pm CBS, Bayern Munich vs PSG (4-5) UCL Semi
7 pm CBSSN NY Red Bulls vs NYCFC US Open Cup
10 pm Victory+ Washington Spirit (Rodman) vs Houston NWSL
9:30 pm FS1 LAFC vs Toluca CCC
Thurs, May 7 Europa League
3 pm Para+ Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
3 pm Para+ Crystal Palace (Richards) vs Shakthar Donesk 1-3
Fri May 8
3 pm USA Dortmund vs Frankfurt
8 pm Prime Orlando Pride vs NC Courage NWSL
Sat, May 9
7:30 am ?? Liverpool vs Chelsea
9:30 am ESPN+ Ausburg vs MGladbach (Reyna & Sally)
9:30 am EPNS+ Stuttgart vs Leverkusen (Tilman)
10 am USA Fulham (Jedi) vs Bournemouth (Adams)
12 noon Para+ Lazio vs Inter Milan
12:30 pm NBC Man City vs Brentford
12:30pm ESPN+ Atletico Madrid (Cardoso) vs Celta Vigo
1 pm Apple Miami (Messi) vs Toronto
2:45 pm Para+ Juventus (Mckinney) vs Lecce
7 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 vs Jax 6:30 pm
8pm Tubi Gothem vs Boston Legacy NWSL
9 pm FS1 Nashville SC vs DC United
10:30 pm Apple Seattle Sounders vs San Diego
11:15 pm CBSSN Cruz Azul vs Atlas
Sun, May 10
9 am Peacock Everton vs Crystal Palace (Richards)
9 am USA Nottingham Forest vs New Castle
11:30 am USA West ham United vs Arsenal
12 pm Para+ Parma vs Roma
12:30 pm ESPN KC Current vs Chicago Stars NWSL
2:45 pm {Para+ AC Milan (Pulisic) vs Atalanta
3 pm ESPN Barcelona vs Real Madrid (el Classico)
4:30 pm Apple NYCFC vs Columbus Crew
7 pm Victory+ Seattle Reign vs Washington Spirit (Rodman) NWSL
Mon, May 11
3 pm USA Tottenham vs Leeds United (Aaronson)
3 pm Para+ Millwall vs Hull City (Champ Playoff)
Sun, May 31
3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal
Sat, June 6
2:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Tix
Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP
9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup
Fri, June 19
3 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
Thur, June 25
10 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
Complete 2026 World Cup schedule featuring match dates and start times
NWSL Schedule
MLS Schedule
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Champions League
Arsenal trio not in team training ahead of Champions League semi-final second leg
‘Good news’ for Arsenal as Ødegaard, Havertz fit
Bayern to debut new home kit with gold fringe vs. PSG in UCL semifinal
How a new UEFA rule could help Arsenal reach the Champions League final
Atleti play fresh XI in LaLiga pre-UCL 2nd leg
PSG, Bayern Munich show how fun soccer can be. Why don’t we see this more often?
Why the Champions League tells us nothing about the Premier League
Who are top scorers in Champions League this year?
USA
USMNT World Cup roster watch: Sergiño Dest is back, but the real concern is the back line
USMNT’s Dest Returns
Mauricio Pochettino to Reveal USMNT World Cup Roster on May 26
It’ll take more than home soil: why hosting isn’t enough for a USMNT World Cup run
USMNT Form Check – who’s hot and cold as the World Cup approaches
MLS
Six MLS teams have booked their spot in the US Open Cup quarter-finals (More) |
The primary group hoping to purchase the Vancouver Whitecaps and relocate the MLS club to Las Vegas is being led by Grant Gustavson (More) |
San Jose roll on, Atlanta correct course & more from Matchday 10
MLS Year-End Awards: Favorites for MVP, Coach, Newcomer & more
LAFC stun Toluca in Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals
Nashville SC drop Leg 1 to Tigres in Champions Cup semis
Matchday 11: Everything to know for this weekend’s biggest matches
Who can save Inter Miami?
World
The madcap 13 minutes that could cost Manchester City the title
Manchester City cede title advantage to Arsenal after Guehi’s Gerrard moment
Carrick hits outstanding new benchmark for English managers in Liverpool win
Van Dijk slams ‘unacceptable’ Liverpool season
GK
The Best Semi-Final 1st Leg Saves From Europa & Conference …
Great saves: Champions League semi-final, first legs
Tim Howard WC GK Record
MLS: Best Saves of the Week
Reffing
Horrible call PSG vs Bayern
NWSL & Women’s Champs League
Power rankings NWSL
Bonmatí returns and Barcelona beats Bayern to reach 6th straight Women’s
Women’s Champions League semi-final second-leg report, highlights: OL Lyonnes 3-1
NWSL moves to maintain summer calendar
The NWSL calendar is staying put, as the league announced it will not shift to the previously proposed fall-to-spring schedule anytime soon. The Board of Governors declined to vote on any significant changes this week, committing to the current spring-to-fall schedule until at least 2030.“This does not close the door on future change, but any such change would not occur sooner than 2031,” the NWSL stated. (See full release) Big picture: While US men’s league MLS is shifting next season’s framework to mirror Europe’s transfer market, benefits for the NWSL’s flip appear slim — and faced significant pushback. The players union publicly opposed the idea after ESPN reported the impending vote, saying necessary league-wide infrastructure to winterize facilities doesn’t yet exist.“NWSL has made the right decision to provide stability and certainty over the calendar footprint,” said NWSLPA executive director Meghann Burke. (See full report)
Arsenal won January’s inaugural international club competition. (Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
FIFA Women’s Champions Cup heads to Miami
The Women’s Champions Cup is heading Stateside, as FIFA announced plans to stage the 2027 international club competition’s final phase in South Florida. Running January 27-31, the semifinals, third-place game, and final are set to take over the Miami area, though specific venues have yet to be announced.ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf reported Florida was expected to host the inaugural January 2026 event, but eventual winner Arsenal pushed for London.
Big picture: The 2027 tournament serves as the second official warmup for the 2028 Women’s Club World Cup, when six teams from different confederations compete for a world title. Gotham took third in 2026, and has a shot to represent Concacaf once again as regional Champions Cup winner alongside the Washington Spirit, Club America, and Pachuca. (See full FIFA release)
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USMNT midweek viewing guide: Reaching for the final
Follow along with all the USMNT action this week. by Justin Moran May 4, 2026, 9:39 AM EDT
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MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Viktor Gyoekeres of Arsenal battles for possession with Johnny Cardoso of Atletico de Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at Metropolitano Stadium on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Midweek action is here. All kickoff times are in EST. Let’s get into it!
Tuesday
- Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid, 3p on CBS, Paramount+, TUDN, Univision, Fubo (free trial), ViX: Johnny Cardoso and Atléti are even 1-1 with Arsenal going into the second leg of this Champions League semifinal.
- Toronto FC vs Atlético Ottawa, 7:30p on FS2, Fubo: Josh Sargent and Toronto host Atlético Ottawa in a preliminary round of the Canadian Championship.
- Tigres vs Nashville SC, 9:30p on FS1, TUDN, Fubo, ViX: Matthew Corcoran and Nashville are down 0-1 to Tigres going into the second leg of this Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal.
Wednesday
- CF Montréal vs Calgary Blizzard, 7:30p on FS2, Fubo: Jalen Neal and CF Montréal host Calgary Blizzard in a preliminary round of the Canadian Championship.
- Botafogo vs Racing Club, 8:30p on beIN Sports, Fubo: Matko Miljevic and Racing Club visit Botafogo in Group E of Copa Sudamericana.
- Toluca vs LAFC, 9:30p on FS1, TUDN, UniMás, Fubo, ViX: Timothy Tillman and LAFC are up 2-1 on Toluca going into the second leg of this Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal.
Thursday
- Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Chris Richards and Palace are up 3-1 on Shakhtar going into the second leg of this Conference League semifinal.
Friday
Standard Liège vs OH Leuven, 2:45p: Marlon Fossey and Standard host Leuven in the Belgian Pro League.
Paderborn vs Karlsruher, 12:30p on ESPN Select, Fubo: Santiago Castañeda and SC Paderborn host Karlsruher SC in the 2. Bundesliga.
Venezia vs Palermo, 2:30p on Fox Soccer Plus, Fubo: Gianluca Busio and Venezia host Palermo in Serie B.
Champions League semi-final second legs: The numbers to know
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
May 5, 2026 3:20 am EDT
We were served up an all-timer of a game at the Parc des Princes last week, and the second leg promises more of the same. For Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, the 2025-26 season will be measured by the Champions League. The contest resumes at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, with PSG holding a one-goal lead.wenty-four hours after the fireworks in Paris came a different sort of game. Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, two coaches who have built reputations on defensive identity, played out a tense, attritional first leg that finished 1-1.Two ties, two shades of intensity. A reminder that the same sport can grip you in entirely different ways. The second legs will decide who walks out at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30. But who will be in the final? Here are the numbers and trends that may give us a clue…
Arsenal v Atletico Madrid (agg 1-1)
Diego Simeone has rarely walked into a Champions League knockout against a side more defensively drilled than his own. Under Mikel Arteta in the European competition, Arsenal concede just 0.65 goals per game across his 37 matches in charge, the lowest ratio of any manager in the competition’s history with 20-plus games. Atletico, on the other hand, have evolved. They have scored 35 goals in this Champions League, their highest in a single edition, and arrive at the Emirates as the most attacking iteration of Simeone-ball we have seen.
At the Metropolitano, Atletico produced 2.22 expected goals. Only Aston Villa in December (2.52) have managed more against Arsenal in any competition this season. The threat ran through the strike partnership of Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez, two forwards given the freedom to roam, with a chemistry that comes alive in transition. Alvarez alone accounted for 1.00 xG, more than any other player on the pitch. He scored his penalty, and now has 14 goal involvements (10 goals, four assists) in 14 Champions League games this season, making him the first Atletico player ever to reach double figures for goals in a single edition.
Gyokeres scored in the first leg and has 21 goals for Arsenal this seasonDan Mullan/Getty Images
While Atletico’s strike partnership is symbiotic, intricate and cerebral, Arsenal have an explosive focal point in Viktor Gyokeres — a different model of striker entirely. He is an orthodox shoulder-runner, explosive and vertical in his movement: a wrecking ball among the finesse around him. In Madrid, he buried his penalty. Against Fulham at the weekend, he scored twice and added an assist, all in the first half. He now has 21 goals in his debut Arsenal season.
The contrast with Alvarez extends from profile to involvement, and it showed clearly in Madrid. Gyokeres had 15 touches. Alvarez had 49. The two strikers have two very different jobs. One pins the last line. The other drops deep to facilitate and dictate, weaving himself into the very fabric of Simeone’s build-up.
The first leg was defined by two contrasting halves. Atletico were under the cosh in the first, and Simeone used half-time to change both personnel and shape. He switched from a back four to a back three, with Robin Le Normand replacing Giuliano Simeone alongside David Hancko and Marc Pubill. The effect was almost immediate. Atleti drew level and seized control: possession climbed from 48 per cent to 55 per cent, and their xG rose from 0.22 in the first half to 1.99 in the second.In the first half, Atleti’s midfield pairing of Koke and Johnny Cardoso was overrun by Arsenal. Declan Rice, as he has been throughout the season, was metronomic. His 83 passes, 12 line-breaking passes and 12 progressive carries were the most of any player on the pitch in all three categories.
The head-to-head reads in Arsenal’s favour. Atletico have shipped 16 goals in seven Champions League away games this season and lost six of their last seven away games against English sides. The 4-0 defeat at the Emirates in October is their joint-heaviest in continental history.
The new UEFA format rewards the top two league-phase finishers with the home leg in the semi-final. Tuesday will test whether Arsenal can convert that reward, at the same stage where they were knocked out last year.
Bayern Munich v Paris Saint-Germain (agg 4-5)
PSG take a one-goal lead to the Allianz Arena, and the precedent in two-legged ties favours the Parisians. Bayern have lost the first leg of a UEFA two-legged semi-final on 10 previous occasions and overturned the deficit only once — more than 40 years ago. They have lost their last five two-legged Champions League semi-finals. PSG, by contrast, have won 36 of their 43 previous UEFA two-legged ties when winning the first leg, and 14 of 17 when the lead was a single goal. An 82 per cent conversion rate.
The first leg was scintillating, and neither manager intends the second to be any different. Both Vincent Kompany and Luis Enrique have hinted, in their own ways, at more of the same.What unfolded in Paris was not random. It was controlled chaos: a breathless exchange of punches across 90 minutes. Both teams pressed man-to-man with relentless intensity, and the game became a chain of one-on-one duels.Michael Olise celebrates after scoring against Paris Saint-Germain in the first legAnne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP via Getty ImagesThe only space was behind the defensive lines, so both teams played long passes at almost double their season average to exploit it. In midfield, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Joshua Kimmich played 24 line-breaking passes between them, more than PSG’s four midfielders managed combined (17, of which Vitinha contributed seven). It was the only time this season a midfield facing PSG has out-line-broken Vitinha.Possession told the same story. PSG average 64 per cent possession in this Champions League, the highest of any side in the competition. In the first leg, though, they had just 43 per cent. PSG concede an average of 17 touches per game in their own box across this Champions League campaign. Against Bayern, they conceded 52. The xG read 3.06 to Bayern, 1.90 to PSG.
The underlying numbers suggest Bayern had the better game. PSG had five shots on target and scored five goals, a mark of exceptional finishing.
When the press creates one-on-ones, talent decides and the talent on the pitch was supreme. Bayern’s front three of Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz have hit 100 goals across all competitions this season, only the third trio since 2013-14 to reach the mark.
PSG’s three of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele are arguably the most fluid attacking unit in Europe. They chop and change, switch flanks, drag defenders into empty space, and become impossible to defend against in full flight. Kvaratskhelia has been involved in 15 Champions League goals this season, a record by a PSG player in a single campaign.
Bayern have lost just one of their last 29 Champions League home games. They have won all six this season, and have averaged five goals per game across their last eight at the Allianz. The fortress is intact. Both sides also walk in fresh. PSG and Bayern rotated heavily over the weekend, with Luis Enrique resting almost his entire expected XI for Lorient, and Vincent Kompany doing the same against Heidenheim.
Barcelona one point from La Liga title ahead of El Clasico after Real Madrid beat Espanyol
Vinicius Junior scored twice in 11 minutes against Espanyol Judit Cartiel/Getty Images
By Colin Millar and Tomás Hill López-Menchero May 3, 2026
Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champions if they avoid defeat against Real Madrid in the upcoming El Clasico. Hansi Flick’s side require just one point to take an unassailable lead over second-place Madrid, who defeated Espanyol 2-0 on Sunday. Vinicius Junior scored twice in 11 minutes in the second half of the fixture to keep Barca from taking the title this weekend. Barca are 11 points clear of Alvaro Arbeloa’s side with four rounds of matches remaining, with the visitors needing to win at Camp Nou if they are to keep alive the mathematic possibility of catching their rivals. If Barca were to win, it wold be the first time that a La Liga title was decided in a Clasico.Madrid could be without Ferland Mendy — who went off injured in the 14th minute of the Espanyol victory — and Kylian Mbappe, who sustained a hamstring injury last week. “We’ll see how Mbappe is this week,” Arbeloa said in his post-match press conference. “After last week’s tests, it looked as though it might take a bit longer.”Since February, Madrid have fallen behind their rivals with league defeats to Osasuna, Getafe and Mallorca, alongside more recent draws against Girona and Real Betis.Barca, meanwhile, have won each of their last 10 league matches following a mid-February defeat to Girona, to pull clear of Madrid.That run has allowed Flick’s side the possibility of crowning their season with clinching the title against their rivals next Sunday at Camp Nou.
Mendy went off injured early in the first half on SundayJosep Lago / AFP via Getty Images
Analysis
By Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana
Real Madrid’s win only seemed to postpone the inevitable — Barcelona’s La Liga title win, which they could wrap up in next week’s Clasico at the Camp Nou.
Arbeloa’s team appeared uninterested during the first half before the individual quality of their players made the difference. Within the first four minutes, Espanyol failed to score from two opportunities.
The overall impression was the same as usual for Madrid in La Liga this season, and especially since their Champions League quarter-final elimination to Bayern Munich. This was a side who didn’t press, moved the ball slowly and allowed their opponents to attack them with ease.
Victory won’t quieten the noise around a side plagued by serious internal problems. This week, a veteran player treated the squad and staff to lunch at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground, but the atmosphere behind the scenes is far from ideal.
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TV cameras caught left-back Alvaro Carreras laughing when Arbeloa turned to Fran Garcia instead of him to replace the injured Ferland Mendy in the first half. The previous matchday, captain Dani Carvajal had also been seen apparently criticising Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive work from the dugout.
A personal trip Kylian Mbappe took to Italy while recovering from a muscle injury did not help either, and has not gone down well internally. Mbappe remains a doubt for El Clasico.
For all those reasons and more, these three points solve nothing, and in fact could lead to an even more painful situation next week — Madrid watching their eternal rivals win the league, and celebrating in their faces, for the first time in the history of El Clasico.What You Should Read NextReal Madrid and Jose Mourinho: For Florentino Perez, it just makes senseThe 63-year-old Mourinho is Florentino Perez’s favoured candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as Real Madrid manager
How significant would this be for Barcelona?
It goes without saying, but winning the title with victory in El Clasico against their arch-rivals would be particularly satisfying for Barcelona fans.
It would also confirm their recent dominance over Madrid domestically. Flick won a domestic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana titles in his first season with the Catalans last year, finishing four points ahead of their biggest rivals in the league and beating them in both the Copa and Supercopa finals.
Barcelona’s main aim this season, however, was a first Champions League title since 2015. After reaching the semi-finals last year before being beaten by eventual runners-up Inter, they made the quarter-finals this time but suffered a 3-2 aggregate defeat by Atletico, with red cards shown after VAR reviews hampering them in both legs.
Diego Simeone’s team also beat them in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, including a 4-0 thrashing in the first leg. Barca almost mounted a spirited comeback in the return but a 3-0 home win was not enough to see them through to the final, where Atletico lost on penalties to Real Sociedad. Injuries to key players have hampered them, as Flick commented on in his post-match press conference on Saturday.
Barca could win at Camp Nou against their rivalsMaciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
“We had to manage a lot of injuries,” he said when asked about the biggest difficulties this season. “That’s a thing we need to make better next season. But how the team is playing is fantastic. They improved a lot in these things. It makes me feel positive for the future. It is a young team with a lot of potential. We have just started our project and we want to move on.”
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Still, winning the title in a match against Madrid would be hugely celebrated on the streets of Catalonia — and there is a chance the season could get even better. Winning their remaining four matches would mean matching the joint-record 100 points total the late Tito Vilanova’s Barca team achieved in La Liga 2012-13, a year after a Jose Mourinho-managed Madrid side had also finished with the same figure. But there will still be a sense of regret that they were not able to get over the line in Europe’s premier competition.What You Should Read NextWhen can Barcelona win La Liga? Could they do it in El Clasico against Real Madrid?A second Spanish league title in two seasons is in Barca’s sights after they opened up a 14-point lead to Real Madrid
What is the view from Real Madrid?
This has been an awful season for Real Madrid, which started with hope under new coach Xabi Alonso but looks certain to finish with his January replacement, Alvaro Arbeloa, overseeing a trophyless campaign. The fact that could be confirmed in El Clasico only underlines how galling this season has been for the side from the Spanish capital.
Madrid played out a thrilling Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich but were ultimately undone in the second leg in Germany after a late red card for Eduardo Camavinga. From being level in the tie as that match headed for added time, they lost 6-4 on aggregate thanks to 89th- and 94th-minute goals from Luis Diaz and Michael Olise.
Arbeloa’s position is very much in danger and widespread changes are expected at the Bernabeu over the summer. The Athletic reported last week that former Madrid coach Mourinho is club president Florentino Perez’s favoured candidate to return for a second spell in the dugout.
The effects of finishing a second consecutive season with no major trophies will certainly be felt by Madrid fans — particularly if they ‘lose’ La Liga to Barca in a Clasico.
Colin Millar|Senior Editor
A history of Diego Simeone’s touchline antics
Diego Simeone is always a compelling watch on the touchline Soccrates Images via Getty Images
By Andy Jones
May 5, 2026 12:12 am EDT
Nobody in football works the touchline quite like Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone.
The Argentinian’s actions are often as absorbing and compelling as what happens on the pitch.
The latest installment came during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal last Wednesday, particularly after the away side were awarded a second penalty of the game in the 80th minute, when Eberechi Eze went down under a challenge by David Hancko.
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As Danny Makkelie waited for instructions from the video assistant referee (VAR) Dennis Higler, Simeone could be seen trying to grab the Dutch referee’s attention by waving his arms in the air and imitating the ‘TV screen’ VAR signal.
Makkelie was advised to review the incident and, after watching it 13 times, reversed his decision. Footage on social media showed Simeone being prevented from approaching the referee while again waving his arms in his direction as the official studied the pitchside screen.
“I thought the behaviour of Diego Simeone and his assistants when the referee was trying to come over and look at the monitor was atrocious,” said former Liverpool, Real Madrid and England midfielder Steve McManaman, who was working as a pundit on the game for TNT Sports.
Simeone’s response to the overturned decision, keeping the score at 1-1, was to try to pump up his players. After the final whistle, with the sides still level at that scoreline, fan videos on social media appeared to show him confronting Ben White after the Arsenal defender walked across the Atletico club badge near the tunnel entrance.
Just a normal day at the office, then, for the 56-year-old Simeone, who lives and breathes every second of the action as if he were still playing.
Atletico have carried the ‘dark arts’ label during his 15-year spell in charge and reflect Simeone’s intensity on the touchline, where he plays the role of the pantomime villain to perfection.
They may have changed in footballing terms from rugged defenders to a more free-flowing outfit, but their boss, who regularly wears an all-black suit, shirt and tie during games, has not.
He can also be a joker. When asked before the second leg against Arsenal at the Emirates whether superstition was the reason for Atletico changing their London hotel from the one they used before the 4-0 league-phase defeat at the same ground in October, Simeone said: “We’re better now than we were in October. And the hotel was cheaper. That’s why we changed.”
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Before what is sure to be an emotionally-charged match tonight (Tuesday), The Athletic has looked back at some of his most memorable touchline moments.
It is probably not a surprise that we begin with a game involving Atletico’s neighbours Real Madrid, given how many times the 15-time European champions have knocked their city rivals out of the Champions League — and it doesn’t get more high profile than the competition’s 2014 final.What You Should Read NextDiego Simeone, Atletico Madrid and a Champions League ‘obsession’ fuelled by painThe 56-year-old manager has twice suffered Champions League final heartbreak with Atletico. He wants to put that right
Simeone’s side had been moments away from the trophy that night in Lisbon, until Sergio Ramos headed a 93rd-minute equaliser. Madrid then ran out 4-1 winners thanks to three more goals in extra time but, after Cristiano Ronaldo scored their fourth from the penalty spot, his team-mate Raphael Varane kicked a stray ball in the direction of the opposition dugout.Simeone controlled the ball before firing it back in the defender’s direction, with Varane having to duck to avoid it. The Atletico coach then went onto the pitch in an attempt to confront the France international, before being escorted back off it by his own staff members and players.“Varane provoked me by kicking the ball at me,” Simeone told his post-match press conference. “Us older guys don’t like people doing that kind of thing to us. I also made a mistake with my reaction. He’s a young guy with a bright future.”Three months later, against the same opponents in the second leg of the Supercopa de Espana, Simeone learnt another valuable lesson — don’t tap the fourth official on the back of the head.After 25 minutes, home side Atletico were leading 1-0 (and 2-1 on aggregate) but Simeone took issue with the amount of time it took his defender Juanfran to be allowed to return to the pitch after getting treatment for a cut lip.The Argentinian repeatedly gestured on the sidelines and then, when fourth official Antonio Santos walked past him to return to his position, tapped him on the back of the head twice.
Simeone was shown a red card, and eventually left the field after further protests, then apologised for his actions after the game. He received an eight-match suspension — four for touching the linesman’s head, two for protesting, one for sarcastically applauding his sending-off and another for remaining in the stands instead of heading down the tunnel.
Diego Simeone was shown a red card in 2014 for tapping fourth official Antonio Santos twice on the headDani Pozo/AFP via Getty Images
As an 11-year-old, Simeone had been a ball boy at a 1982 game featuring Argentine sides Velez Sarsfield and Boca Juniors, when he was sent off for throwing an extra ball on the pitch to try and confuse Boca goalkeeper Hugo Gatti as Velez tried to launch a counter-attack.Thirty-four years later, there was more ball-boy controversy involving Simeone, but this time as a manager.As Atletico and Malaga approached half-time in a La Liga game in April 2016 with the scores level, the latter launched a counter-attack. From close to the Atletico dugout, a second ball was thrown onto the pitch, halting play.
It was not initially clear who the guilty party was, although TV footage found the culprit to be a ball boy. Simeone did not return to the bench after half-time due to La Liga rules that state that a head coach is responsible for the behaviour of his bench personnel and other staff.Whether Simeone was involved or encouraged the ball to be thrown on remains a mystery, although footage appeared to show him turning towards the ball boy before the Malaga move was stopped.“It’s clear that the referee took the correct decision, following the rules,” Simeone, who was later banned for three matches for the incident, said post-match. “He did what he had to do, sending off the coach. It was a kid who was beside us, but that does not change anything.”There have been other occasions when Simeone has been unable to resist getting involved.During a Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich 10 years ago, he ended up tussling with winger Franck Ribery while engaging in a verbal back-and-forth with their manager Pep Guardiola.More recently, he has clashed twice with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior this season, during Atletico’s 2-1 defeat in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final in January and then in a 3-2 league loss in March. The Brazil international played a key role in his side winning both games.In the first incident, TV footage appeared to show Simeone goading Vinicius Jr after an Atletico penalty appeal, suggesting Madrid president Florentino Perez wanted to sell him.The pair exchanged words when the winger was substituted after 81 minutes and both received yellow cards. Real’s then head coach Xabi Alonso said that his Atletico counterpart wasn’t “an example of a good sportsman”, and Simeone again apologised for his actions four days later in a press conference.
In March, Simeone took issue with Vinicius Jr’s actions as he was substituted in the 87th minute, with the player raising his arms and encouraging the Bernabeu crowd to increase the noise levels.
England supporters will doubtless remember the former Argentina midfielder’s role in David Beckham’s red card during their 1998 World Cup round of 16 tie. But while his antics are regularly criticised in England and by rival fans, they come from a mentality of wanting to win — and he is beloved by his players.
Simeone’s competitive edge is never clearer than in his goal celebrations.
Perhaps his most controversial one was against Juventus in a 2019 Champions League round-of-16 first leg win. When Jose Maria Gimenez opened the scoring for Atletico, Simeone turned to the crowd and grabbed his crotch, which he later explained was because his side “have balls”. Simeone was fined €20,000, and another apology was issued as he said the gesture came “from the heart”.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, appeared to imitate the move after scoring a hat-trick in his side’s return leg victory, and also received a €20,000 fine.
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Against Barcelona in the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League, Simeone performed a ‘go to sleep’ gesture towards Barca fans in the closing stages of the second leg to indicate the tie was over.
As much as he enjoys celebrating goals, however, he does not always respond well to setbacks, as those near the away dugout at Anfield found out in the aftermath of Virgil van Dijk’s winner in Atletico’s 3-2 league-phase defeat to Liverpool earlier this season.
Simeone appeared to be angered by the home supporters, with footage showing him heading towards the same section of that stand twice.
Stewards and staff members had to restrain him and, when his attention turned towards the fourth official, with Simeone appearing to gesture towards the crowd, it was not long before he was shown a red card.
After the game, Simeone described his reaction as “not justifiable” but said he had been insulted throughout the match.
The only moment of the game Simeone has no interest in engaging in is the traditional post-match handshake with his opposite number. He is often the first to leave the scene once the final whistle blows, making a beeline for the dressing room.
It is something those who face him regularly in Spain are used to, but former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was not aware of that when his side played Atletico in the Champions League in 2021.
Klopp was left looking bemused as he held out his hand while watching his counterpart hurry away…
…before sarcastically offering a thumbs-up and wagging his finger in the direction of the tunnel.
Klopp initially aired his frustration during his post-match media duties but was then informed of Simeone’s routine and said in his press conference: “He’s running off and I could have just turned around. He doesn’t do anything wrong, and I’m not overly happy with my reaction, to be honest.”
Simeone offered his own explanation as to why he does that.
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“I always go without shaking hands at the end of the game,” he said. “I don’t think it’s healthy or natural, because there will always be one (of the managers) who’s not happy with the game. I always leave quickly if I lose or win.”
With Atletico’s semi-final against Arsenal finely poised, the cameras are likely to be trained on Simeone once more tonight.
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Dale JohnsonMay 16, 2025, 04:00 AM ET
Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards and Matt Turner are hoping to win the FA Cup. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tim Howard won the 2004 FA Cup with Manchester United, which shut out Millwall 3-0 in the final (Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images; John Peters/Manchester United/Getty Images)
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