Nuno Espirito Santo hailed Anthony Elanga after the "special" Nottingham Forest winger's wonder-g...

Nuno Espirito Santo hailed Anthony Elanga after the "special" Nottingham Forest winger's wonder-goal sealed a 1-0 win against Manchester United on Tuesday.Elanga sprinted 85 metres in just nine seconds in a blistering solo effort that carried him from deep inside the Forest half to the edge of the United area.The Swede, who was sold by United in 2023 after being deemed surplus to requirements, capped his electric surge by drilling a cool finish past Andre Onana to put Forest on course for victory at the City Ground.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"He's a special boy and he gives this team his speed. He does it by himself and we are delighted," Forest boss Nuno said."I think the game was going away from us. We had to suffer. Hard work, believe, helping each other, clearance on the line. It was a very hard game."Elanga's fifth-minute moment of magic clinched Forest's latest eye-catching success in a fairytale season.Nuno's team are sitting third in the Premier League just a year after battling to avoid relegation.A place in the Champions League is within touching distance, while they have also reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years."The records, the boys are breaking all of them and today the City Ground was part of the game. We were against the ropes. The City Ground helps us," Nuno said.But asked if he was ready to think about leading Forest to Europe's elite club competition for the first time since 1980-81, Nuno said: "Let's focus on the next one. It is day-by-day."Elanga's pace was the key to Forest's success as they sat deep and hit United on the counter."It is about attacking the space and getting to the opposite goal as quick as I can," the 22-year-old said."I saw the space and I believe I'm one of the fastest players in the league. The finish is something I have been trying to work on."<h3>'Togetherness is important'</h3>Praising the impact of former Tottenham manager Nuno, Elanga added: "The manager came in December last season and we struggled, but he got his ideas across in pre-season."We have been able to play different systems. That togetherness is important and it says it on the pitch."United manager Ruben Amorim admitted his side's lack of attacking quality was the key factor in their first defeat in eight games in all competitions."We controlled the game. We tried with good opportunities, but the last pass, the last assist wasn't there. Then if we don't have that we cannot score," he said."This season is like that. We had a lot of shots on goal, we pushed the opponent, but in the last third we had a lack of quality. "We need to win games and we deserved more in this game, that is clear, but it is our fault and we need to be better in the last third. We should have won this game."United are languishing in 13th place in the Premier League, with only the Europa League left to salvage a wretched campaign as they look ahead to a quarter-final against Lyon.Amorim, who was hired in November to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag, insisted his team were making progress despite their lowly position."I see it in the game. I don't lie to myself. Everyone can say whatever they want to say, but we need to win games," he said."We have Europa League and we have the next game in the Premier League (against Manchester City) and that is the focus."

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 1: Nuno Espirito Santo Head Coach of Nottingham Forest and Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest after winning the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC at City Ground on April 1, 2025 in Nottingham, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30818146/related

Nuno salutes 'special' Elanga after stunning strike sinks Man United

Nottingham Forest moved a step closer to qualifying for the Champions League as Anthony Elanga's ...

Nottingham Forest moved a step closer to qualifying for the Champions League as Anthony Elanga's superb solo goal sealed a 1-0 win against Manchester United on Tuesday.Elanga returned to haunt his former club with a dazzling effort that took the winger over half the length of the pitch before he delivered a clinical finish.The 22-year-old Swede was sold by United for £15 million ($19 million) in 2023 after being deemed surplus to requirements by then manager Erik ten Hag.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Forest have been the beneficiaries of that mistake and Elanga's stunning strike at the City Ground helped Nuno Espirito Santo's side cement their grip on third place.Sitting eight points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea, who face Tottenham on Thursday, with eight games left, Forest are within touching distance of reaching the Champions League for the first time since 1980-81.Just a year after battling to narrowly avoid relegation, Forest are enjoying an unexpected fairytale season that also includes progressing to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.Although his players were drained by Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Brighton, which they won on penalties after extra-time, Nuno said Forest would adopt a "no excuses" policy against United.Despite the absences of leading scorer Chris Wood and winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, Forest rose to Nuno's challenge.Forest have completed their first league double over United since 1991-92.The last time they avoided defeat against the Old Trafford club twice in the league in a single season was 1994-95, when they finished third.It was a first defeat in eight games in all competitions for United, who still haven't won successive league matches this term.United won at Leicester in their last game before the international break -- their second consecutive victory after beating Real Sociedad 4-1 in the Europa League.But they reverted to the spluttering form that has frustrated Ruben Amorim since his arrival in November, leaving them languishing in 13th place ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester City.<h3>Dream season </h3>In a raucous atmosphere by the banks of the River Trent, Elanga raised the decibel level even louder with his memorable strike in the fifth minute.When United failed to make the most of a corner, Elanga seized possession deep inside his own half and launched a blistering break, covering 85 metres in just nine seconds.With United's under-manned defence fatally backing off too long, Elanga shrugged off Alejandro Garnacho's tackle, advanced to the edge of the area and drilled a fine low finish past Andre Onana.Only lowly Leicester have conceded the opening goal more often than United among Premier League sides this season.Amorim's men almost mounted an immediate response through Bruno Fernandes, but his header from Diogo Dalot's pin-point cross was straight at Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.Casemiro wasted an even better chance to equalise when the Brazilian headed wide from Fernandes' corner.Dalot was inches away from hauling United level, the defender meeting a corner with a looping header that hit the bar and fell to Matthijs de Ligt, whose attempt from the rebound was saved by Sels.Amorim sent on Rasmus Hojlund at half-time, but the much-maligned striker did little to improve United's cutting edge.Garnacho carried more menace, curling just over from long range and then smashing a 25-yard blast past the post. On his first United appearance in 2025, injury-plagued Mason Mount fired narrowly wide before Harry Maguire's close-range effort was cleared off the line by Murillo as Forest celebrated another memorable moment in their dream season.

Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga celebrates at the final whistle with Nikola Milenkovic following the Premier League match at the City Ground, Nottingham. Picture date: Tuesday April 1, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30817796/related

Elanga haunts Man United, pushes Forest closer to UCL berth

Bologna have one foot in the Italian Cup final after strolling to a 3-0 win at Empoli on Tuesday ...

Bologna have one foot in the Italian Cup final after strolling to a 3-0 win at Empoli on Tuesday and giving joyous fans hope of a first major trophy in over half a century.In-form Riccardo Orsolini opened the scoring with a smart first-time finish in the 23rd minute, after which further goals in each half from Thijs Dallinga secured a big first-leg advantage for Bologna in the last four tie.Bologna haven't been in a major tournament final since last winning the Italian Cup in 1974, the second of their two domestic cup triumphs.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>But the seven-time Italian champions are almost certain to play one of the two Milan giants, who face off in their first leg on Wednesday, in next month's final in Rome after a sixth straight win in all competitions.Vincenzo Italiano's side are one of Italy's form teams and made light work of Empoli who are contesting their first ever Italian Cup semi-final.Bologna sit fourth in Serie A and look a good bet to return to the Champions League after their disappointing debut appearance in the competition this season.Italiano has been helped by Orsolini, whose opening strike was his fifth in as many games and will increase calls for the 28-year-old to be brought into the Italy set-up.Orsolini rattled in his 13th goal of the season in front of Luciano Spalletti and the winger then did the "knock-knock" gesture into a pitchside TV camera in a clear message to the Azzurri coach.Italiano is also hunting his first major honour as a coach as he lost three finals with his previous club Fiorentina, including the Italian Cup final in 2023.Empoli beat Fiorentina and Juventus on their way to their first cup semi-final but their dream looks over after yet another defeat.Roberto D'Aversa's team sit in the relegation zone in Serie A after failing to win since early December, racking up 11 defeats and four draws in that time.

EMPOLI, ITALY - APRIL 01: Thijs Dallinga of Bologna celebrates his goal during the Coppa Italia Semi Final match between Empoli FC and FC Bologna at Stadio Carlo Castellani on April 01, 2025 in Empoli, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30817745/related

Bologna thump Empoli, close in on 1st Coppa Italia final since 1974

German Cup holders Bayer Leverkusen suffered a shock 2-1 elimination at Arminia Bielefeld in the ...

German Cup holders Bayer Leverkusen suffered a shock 2-1 elimination at Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals of the competition on Tuesday. Xabi Alonso's side were heavily favoured to reach their second successive final but were outclassed from start to finish by their underdog opponents.Jonathan Tah's 17th-minute goal was cancelled out by a Marius Woerl strike for the hosts three minutes later.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Maximilian Grosser's goal in first-half stoppage time would prove the difference for Bielefeld, who have now beaten four top-division opponents on their way to the final.Bielefeld, who have never made a German Cup final, became just the fourth third-division team to reach the showpiece event.Should Bielefeld win in Berlin in May -- they will face either RB Leipzig or Stuttgart -- the club will be rewarded with a Europa League spot next season.Leverkusen coach Alonso came into the game having never lost in 10 matches in the competition and needed just one more victory to beat Louis van Gaal's all-time record set as Bayern Munich manager.Everything seemed to go according to plan when Leverkusen took the lead after 17 minutes, Tah tapping in unmarked at the far post.The hosts hit back almost immediately however, Woerl taking advantage of a sloppy clearance attempt by Piero Hincapie to curl the ball home. As the half wore on, Leverkusen were unable to make their possession count, with Bielefeld fast and threatening on the counter. The hosts once again caught Leverkusen napping to take the lead moments before halftime, Grosser hammering in a Louis Oppie free kick from close range.Bielefeld continued to out-energise their opponents, fighting in the duels and giving Leverkusen few chances to drag themselves back into the game.Patrick Schick, so often Leverkusen's late hero over the past two seasons, had a chance to level the scores while unmarked after 81 minutes but hit a header against the post.This year's German Cup is one of the more open in recent memory, with recent champions Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt all suffering early eliminations from the competition.On Wednesday, RB Leipzig play away at Stuttgart in the other semi-final.Leipzig, who have won two of the past three German Cups, will be managed by interim coach Zsolt Low, who took over after Marco Rose was sacked on Sunday.

BIELEFELD, GERMANY - APRIL 01: Maximilian Grosser of Arminia Bielefeld celebrates the team's second goal during the DFB Cup Semi Final between DSC Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Schueco Arena on April 01, 2025 in Bielefeld, Germany.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30817409/related

3rd-tier Bielefeld stun holders Leverkusen to reach DFB-Pokal final

Bukayo Saka marked his return from a lengthy injury absence with a goal as Arsenal beat Fulham 2-...

Bukayo Saka marked his return from a lengthy injury absence with a goal as Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 on Tuesday to cut the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to nine points.Saka came off the bench to head in on his first appearance since December 21, after Mikel Merino's deflected effort had given Arsenal a first-half lead.However, victory came at a cost as key defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off injured.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It was a good opportunity to see how much people love him and missed him," said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on Saka's ovation before he even stepped foot back on the field."The reception he got was magnificent. He lifts the stadium and I am so happy for him because he fully deserves it."Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but defeat is a blow to Fulham's ambitions of European football next season.The Cottagers remain in eighth, three points outside a top-five finish that would almost certainly secure Champions League football next season.Just one week away from the Gunners' Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Real Madrid, the sight of Gabriel pulling up with a hamstring problem added to Arteta's injury woes.Jurrien Timber was also forced off late with a knee injury."(We are) worried because he never wants to come off and he had to," added Arteta. "He felt he could not continue."<h3>Enter Saka</h3>However, the return of Saka is a massive boost to Arsenal's faint hopes of chasing down Liverpool and a shot at becoming European champions for the first time.Arsenal's place in the top five is looking assured as they move 14 points clear of sixth-placed Newcastle.Arteta's men are on course to finish second for the third consecutive season given Liverpool's commanding lead.But the Spaniard showed no sign of having one eye on a blockbuster Champions League tie against the holders with his team selection.Gabriel would be a massive miss and the centre-back will now be a major doubt for that tie after pulling up inside the first 15 minutes.Arsenal never got going as an attacking threat in a first half short on clear-cut chances, but Merino maintained his impressive record as a makeshift striker due to season-ending injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.The Spanish international now has five goals in eight games in his new role, but had fortune on his side to break the deadlock.Ethan Nwaneri was Arsenal's biggest threat in the first 45 minutes and his cross picked out Merino, who needed the benefit of a big deflection to see his shot loop into the far corner.Saka's introduction was greeted with the biggest cheer of the night until that point at the Emirates Stadium when he replaced Nwaneri 25 minutes from time.The England international took just eight minutes to net his 10th goal of the season.Saka was in the right place to head in from close range after Gabriel Martinelli flicked on Merino's cross.Muniz should have set up a grandstand finish when he headed wide a glorious chance to pull a goal back for the visitors 10 minutes from time.The Brazilian made amends to net a consolation in stoppage time but it was too little, too late for Fulham as Arsenal maintained some pressure on Liverpool ahead of their Merseyside derby at home to Everton on Wednesday.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 1: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Fulham FC at Emirates Stadium on April 1, 2025 in London, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30817388/related

Saka scores on return as Arsenal beat Fulham

Erling Haaland will be out of action for up to seven weeks after suffering an ankle injury, Manch...

Erling Haaland will be out of action for up to seven weeks after suffering an ankle injury, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Tuesday.The prolific 24-year-old Norwegian was injured in Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win at Bournemouth.Having just scored his 30th goal of the season to level the tie, he was then hurt in a challenge with Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>City said in a statement on Monday that they expected the forward would be fit in time to play before the end of the season, including the FIFA Club World Cup."They told me the doctors between five and seven weeks, so hopefully at the end of the season we can be ready," Guardiola said on Tuesday."We don't have another player with his skills or his specific qualities," he added. "We know that, but we have to adapt."For many years we have played in different ways up front. It depends on the quality of the players. We are going to try to find a solution."City are currently fifth in the Premier League and battling to secure a spot in the Champions League next season.Guardiola's side host struggling Leicester on Wednesday and face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: Erling Håland of Manchester City goes off injured during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on March 30, 2025 in Bournemouth, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30805713/related

Injured Haaland out 5-7 weeks but remains in contention for final games

BERLIN (AP) — Bayern Munich favorite Thomas Muller could be about to end his career as media repo...

BERLIN (AP) — Bayern Munich favorite Thomas Muller could be about to end his career as media reports suggest the club will not extend his contract at the end of the season.The 35-year-old Muller’s current deal runs only through June and both SportBild and Kicker magazine were reporting that Bayern would prefer to save his considerable wage packet than offer him a new one.Muller made his Bayern debut under Jürgen Klinsmann in 2008 and his breakthrough came under Louis van Gaal the following season. He has since made more appearances than any other player at the club, 742 across all competitions (with 247 goals) including super cups and club world championships.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He has gone on to win a record 12 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues – and he may win more because Bayern leads the former by six points with seven games remaining, and faces Inter Milan in the Champions League quarterfinals. Munich hosts the final in May.Muller, who joined Bayern’s youth setup in 2000, brings vast experience and intelligence to the team, but his playing time has been limited. Of his 23 Bundesliga appearances, 15 were as a substitute this season. It’s similar in the Champions League with just three starts from 10 appearances. If he plays at all it’s often just for the final minutes. Last weekend, he went on in the 85th against St. Pauli, and the 87th against Stuttgart last month.SportBild reported that Bayern’s board member for sport Max Eberl informed the player’s representatives two weeks ago that the club decided not to renew his deal, in contrast to the new contracts for teammates <a href="https://apnews.com/article/bayern-munich-manuel-neuer-contract-872e66b9b0355816abd2adbd01b70f00">Manuel Neuer</a>, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/bayern-munich-alphonso-davies-contract-58b00c1f9d2b95827cb886138f9eac3d">Alphonso Davies</a>, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/bayern-musiala-contract-50ac83a5977bf3f29f5c1673c461608d">Jamal Musiala</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/article/bayern-munich-kimmich-contract-ccc962fa2993d2470bc5baa25589636f">Joshua Kimmich</a>, all recently announced.Muller reportedly wanted to play on for another season.Bayern may opt to give the player a short contract extension so he can play at the inaugural Club World Cup in the United States this summer, but Muller will likely have to be content with “just” 13 Bundesliga titles.Muller retired from international soccer <a href="https://apnews.com/article/thomas-muller-retires-germany-353131eff6d5394a510ce0bc49b94b4d">after the European Championship</a> last year, having clocked 131 appearances for Germany. He wore No. 13 for Germany, and always said it was his lucky number.<h2>___</h2>AP soccer: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/soccer">https://apnews.com/hub/soccer</a>

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 29: Head coach Vincent Kompany of FC Bayern München talks to Thomas Müller of FC Bayern München during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and FC St. Pauli 1910 at Allianz Arena on March 29, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30805020/related

Report: Bayern against bringing club favorite Muller back for another season

Napoli stayed on the heels of Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Sunday after beating AC Milan 2-1 to...

Napoli stayed on the heels of Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Sunday after beating AC Milan 2-1 to remain three points off the pace in the Scudetto race.Antonio Conte's side were ahead with a minute on the clock through Matteo Politano's thumping low finish, and once Romelu Lukaku scuffed in his 400th career goal in the 19th minute the hosts had a big enough cushion to claim the three points.Sunday's win was huge for Napoli as next week's fixture at fourth-placed Bologna is the only one of their final eight league matches to be against a team in the top half of the division.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>And unlike Inter, who squeezed past Udinese 2-1 earlier on Sunday, Napoli have no European or Italian Cup commitments and can focus exclusively on trying to win their second league crown in three seasons."We can only to take it one game at a time," said Politano told DAZN."We believe in ourselves, we have to try to make our fantastic fans happy and then we'll see where we are at the end of the season."Milan, who lost Ruben Loftus-Cheek to acute appendicitis, were dismal in the first half but the introduction of Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez after the break helped shake Sergio Conceicao's team from their stupor.Gimenez could have cut the gap from the penalty spot in the 69th minute but Alex Meret saved his low effort, following a foul on Theo Hernandez by Philip Billing.Another substitute in Luka Jovic pushed home Hernandez's low cross with six minutes to go, but Milan stay ninth and nine points away from the Champions League positions after leaving it too late to mount a comeback.Milan now face Inter in the first leg of their Italian Cup semi-final on Wednesday before Fiorentina visit the San Siro next weekend, with their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread."We were too slow to get into the game, the first pass they sent forward led to their first goal," said Conceicao to DAZN."It wasn't the opening 20 minutes we prepared... we fixed some things in the second half and created lots of chances. I think a draw would have been a fair result."<h3>Nervy Inter</h3>Goals in the opening half an hour from Marko Arnautovic and Davide Frattesi were just enough to give Inter their third straight win ahead of the first cup derby with Milan.But nervy Inter almost threw the points away after coach Simone Inzaghi made a series of changes midway through the second half and Oumar Solet halved the deficit for Udinese with a rocket of a shot in the 71st minute. Inter have a huge month coming up as they also face a titanic Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich and tricky fixtures with fourth-placed Bologna and Roma which could be crucial to their title defence."We almost failed to win a match which we started really well. At a certain point we just stopped playing," said Inzaghi, who was sent off after blowing his top at his team and officials in the final minutes.Inzaghi will be happy to have seen second-string players step up given his team's upcoming commitments, with Arnautovic and Frattesi giving Inter a fully-deserved two-goal lead at half-time by sweeping home Federico Dimarco crosses in the 12th and 29th minutes.And Inter have also all but ended Atalanta's slim hopes of winning their first league crown, with the Bergamo outfit nine points off the pace with eight matches remaining after slumping to a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3254007" href="https://thescore.com/news/3254007">1-0 defeat</a> at Fiorentina.

Players of SSC Napoli celebrate with Alex Meret at the end of the serie Serie A Enilive match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30794664/related

Napoli beat Milan to stay on heels of nervy Serie A leaders Inter

Maximilian Beier scored twice as Borussia Dortmund won 3-1 at home to Mainz in the Bundesliga on ...

Maximilian Beier scored twice as Borussia Dortmund won 3-1 at home to Mainz in the Bundesliga on Sunday, keeping their slim hopes of European qualification alive.Champions League finalists last season, Dortmund had lost four of their past six games to sink to 12th before the match. Dortmund were without injured striker Serhou Guirassy but Beier filled the void as he gave the hosts the lead after 32 minutes, finishing off a goal he initiated.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 22-year-old Germany forward gathered the ball in midfield, shed a defender and found Julian Brandt who whipped in a cross and Beier threaded the ball to Karim Adeyemi, who returned the favour, giving him a simple tap-in. Emre Can doubled Dortmund's lead just four minutes later, heading in a Nico Schlotterbeck corner.Schlotterbeck supplied Dortmund's third as well in the 72nd minute, floating in a superb ball which allowed Beier to head home, before Mainz pulled one back through Paul Nebel.Dortmund manager Niko Kovac said there was "nothing more beautiful than winning in football", but added his side's work was only just getting started."We won today but with seven games left, we've got plenty more to do," Kovac told DAZN. The win was Dortmund's first victory over Mainz in four attempts, including the infamous 2-2 draw against the same opponents on the final day of the 2022-23 season which cost them the title.Dortmund now sit 10th, four points behind the European places and seven points back from Mainz, who are in fourth. Despite the loss, Mainz are two points clear of fifth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach and are in with an excellent chance of a first-ever Champions League appearance.

30 March 2025, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Soccer: Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund - FSV Mainz 05, Matchday 27, Signal Iduna Park. Dortmund's Maximilian Beier (M) scores with a header to make it 3-0. Photo: Bernd Thissen/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30793779/related

Dortmund beat Mainz to keep European hopes alive

Manchester City came from behind to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for a record seventh consecutive...

Manchester City came from behind to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for a record seventh consecutive season with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday, but victory came at a cost as Erling Haaland hobbled off injured.Haaland had seen a first-half penalty saved before Evanilson put the Cherries in front.The Norwegian made amends by equalising four minutes into the second period before being forced off with an ankle injury.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>His replacement, Omar Marmoush, took just two minutes to score the winner from a second assist by the impressive Nico O'Reilly as City booked a semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest. Crystal Palace face Aston Villa in the other final-four encounter."Seven times in a row reaching semi-finals in the FA Cup...this is outstanding. This generation of players, they have done this," said City boss Pep Guardiola.City have been a shadow of the side that won four consecutive Premier League titles this season and Guardiola said prior to the game that even FA Cup glory would not save a miserable season.The English champions' collapse in the Premier League began at Bournemouth back in November with a 2-1 defeat that kicked off a run of six defeats in eight games.But Guardiola hailed the difference in attitude in his side between then and now."We came here (in November) with the flip flops on against a team that if you don't compete, it is impossible," added Guardiola."In football you have to run. People say about my teams 'how good they play' but no, it is how much we run, how much we fight and for many games this season it didn't happen."<h3>Haaland's hat-trick of misses</h3>Haaland should have punished a makeshift Cherries defence missing the suspended Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez with a hat-trick before half-time.He headed wide his first chance from Matheus Nunes' driven cross.A Tyler Adams handball then gifted City the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot.But for the third time in his last six spot-kicks, Haaland failed to find the net as Kepa Arrizabalaga made a fine save.That miss seemed to be still in Haaland's mind when he dinked over Kepa and over the bar with just the Spanish goalkeeper to beat moments later.City were then hit with a sucker punch by Bournemouth on 21 minutes.Nunes, deputising in an unfamiliar right-back role, gave the ball away to David Brooks, whose cross was turned across goal by Justin Kluivert and bundled in from point-blank range by Evanilson.Guardiola responded by introducing 20-year-old midfielder O'Reilly as a makeshift left-back.O'Reilly made an instant impact with a rampaging run down the left and inch-perfect cross as this time Haaland did not miss for his 30th goal of the season.Moments later he was forced off in concerning scenes for Guardiola with City still involved in a battle just to qualify for next season's Champions League in their last nine Premier League games.But City's January transfer window move for Marmoush is already looking a shrewd deal.The Egyptian has now scored six times in 11 appearances since a £59 million ($76 million) transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt. If Kepa was a Bournemouth hero in the first-half, he was at fault for the winner as Marmoush's effort slipped through his grasp from O'Reilly's pass."First half we played very well but second half the game was definitely for them," said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola."We couldn't keep the same intensity second half, we were a lot more passive and lacking in energy, especially up front."

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks up to Nico O'Reilly of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on March 30, 2025 in Bournemouth, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30793328/related

Man City rally to beat Bournemouth, reach FA Cup semifinals

Union Berlin won 2-1 at Freiburg on Sunday, denting their opponent's Champions League hopes while...

Union Berlin won 2-1 at Freiburg on Sunday, denting their opponent's Champions League hopes while taking a major step towards maintaining their own status as a top-flight team next season. Freiburg took the lead with 29 minutes played when Lucas Holer hammered in a Vincenzo Grifo low cross. The visitors hit back just one minute later, captain Rani Khedira firing in following an Andrej Ilic assist. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ilic then got on the scoresheet three minutes into the second half, heading a Tim Skarke cross into the top corner. Freiburg dominated possession for the remainder of the game but struggled to break down Union.The loss, just Freiburg's third home defeat of the season, leaves them in seventh, three points off the top four. Freiburg have never played in the Champions League. The win took Union, who needed a final-day victory last season at home against Freiburg to beat the drop, to 30 points, eight clear of the relegation playoff spot. Union's recent form looks to have lifted the club out of the relegation mire. In the past three weeks, Union have beaten top-four hopefuls Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg, while holding league leaders Bayern Munich to a draw at home.

30 March 2025, Baden-Württemberg, Freiburg im Breisgau: Soccer: Bundesliga, SC Freiburg - 1. FC Union Berlin, Matchday 27, Europa-Park Stadium. Berlin's goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow and the team celebrating victory with the fans. Photo: Harry Langer/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30792966/related

Union Berlin dent Freiburg's top-4 hopes with victory

Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace as Barcelona eased to a 4-1 victory over Girona to move three p...

Robert Lewandowski bagged a brace as Barcelona eased to a 4-1 victory over Girona to move three points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday.After second-placed Real Madrid pulled level on points with them on Saturday by beating Leganes, Hansi Flick's side restored their advantage at the Olympic Stadium.Lewandowski responded to Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe's double with one of his own to stay three goals ahead in the race for Spain's golden boot.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Barcelona, unbeaten this year in 20 matches, took the lead through a Ladislav Krejci own goal near the end of the first half.Arnaut Danjuma pulled Girona level but Lewandowski netted twice and Ferran Torres finished off the rout.Girona beat Barcelona twice last season but have struggled to hit those heights again and sit 13th."We played with patience, we had a plan and if we play with that plan we can always score a lot of goals and win the game," veteran striker Lewandowski told DAZN.The 36-year-old said he had the legs to keep playing for seasons to come."I know a lot of people are talking abut my age but... I want to play more years at the top level," said the Poland international."I feel very good physically, I think looking at the stats there's no difference now to a few years ago."Flick rotated some of his usual suspects with the Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid in mind.Barca were below their free-flowing best in the first half despite dominating, occasionally threatening through the dynamic running of teenage star Lamine Yamal and frantic energy of Fermin Lopez.Paulo Gazzaniga saved well from Lopez on the counter-attack after Viktor Tsygankov blazed over Girona's first decent opportunity.Gazzaniga saved well from Lewandowski and then Yamal, who also fired over.Barcelona wanted a penalty when Fermin was brought down by Yaser Asprilla on the edge of the box and a free-kick was given.A VAR review showed the contact was inside the area but the referee decided Lopez fouled Asprilla as they came together, much to Barcelona's chagrin.<h3>Breakthrough</h3>Gazzaniga produced a sensational save with his fingertips to push out a Ronald Araujo header but Barca found a way through before half-time.Yamal's dangerous free-kick aimed at Eric Garcia was deflected into his own net by Krejci at the near post.Girona had produced very little of note in the first half but were back level eight minutes into the second through Danjuma.Daley Blind played the Dutch striker through and he beat Wojciech Szczesny with a clinical low finish.However Barcelona were swiftly back in front as La Liga's top goalscorer Lewandowski notched his 24th of the campaign.Lopez nodded the ball across the six-yard box and Lewandowski contorted his body to reach it and flick it between Gazzaniga's legs.The forward secured Barcelona's victory with his 25th, slotting home after substitute Frenkie de Jong pushed forward into space and fed him.There was time for Torres to add a fourth after Gerard Martin found him and the brilliant Yamal to bend a strike against the crossbar.This was remarkably the 20th time this season Flick's side have scored four goals or more from 45 games, with a potential treble in their sights."This is what I love about my team, they always want to score goals, it's always like that," Flick told reporters."This is the mentality and the attitude of the team and it's good, I think everyone loves it, you love it, the fans love it, the club loves it, and everyone is happy at the moment."

Robert Lewandowski celebrates a goal during the match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC, corresponding to week 29 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on March 30, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30792788/related

Barcelona restore Liga lead in Girona romp

Marcus Rashford's first goals for Aston Villa inspired a 3-0 win against Preston that sent his si...

Marcus Rashford's first goals for Aston Villa inspired a 3-0 win against Preston that sent his side into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 10 years on Sunday.Rashford struck twice in the second half at Deepdale to end Preston's stubborn resistance before Jacob Ramsey wrapped up Villa's long-awaited return to the last four.Villa will face Crystal Palace -- 3-0 winners at Fulham on Saturday -- in the semi-finals at Wembley on the weekend of April 26-27.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Revitalised since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United during the January transfer window, Rashford is beginning to show the form that made him one of England's brightest stars prior to his steep decline over the last two years.Amid concerns over his attitude and off-field behaviour, Rashford was deemed expendable by United manager Ruben Amorim, after also clashing with former Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.The 27-year-old hadn't scored since netting for United against Everton on December 1.Deployed in the central striker's role that often seemed to dent his confidence at United, Rashford was too dynamic for second-tier Preston to handle in the latest sign that his career might not be destined to end in disappointment after all."It's a great feeling, I feel like I've been getting fitter and playing better football since I've been here. It's always nice for a forward to get a goal so hopefully it continues," Rashford said."I missed a lot of football before joining up with Villa. It's step by step. My body feels good and I'm enjoying my football for now."We're very ambitious. We'll see where it takes us."While struggling United have been mired in turmoil, Rashford has benefited from moving to upwardly mobile Villa.<h3>Memorable climax</h3>Unai Emery's side have enjoyed a memorable run to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in April.They also have an outside chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League.Rashford could be part of a memorable climax to the campaign for Villa, who haven't won the FA Cup since 1957, with their last final ending in defeat against Arsenal in 2015."His commitment to work, to adapt quick is very important, and he's doing it," Emery said."To feel comfortable, playing in his best level, there is still work but today he did one step forward, getting confident, scoring goals."He was obviously getting better but this was one more step in his adaptation and helping us."Emery added it was "not yet" the right time to discuss whether Rashford might make a permanent move to Villa in the close season.Rashford's free-kick forced Preston goalkeeper David Cornell into action before Ezri Konsa's glancing header whistled just wide from Marco Asensio's cross.Stefan Thordarson wasted a golden opportunity to give Preston a shock lead when he poked wide.Villa broke the deadlock in the 58th minute as Rashford timed his run perfectly to meet Lucas Digne's low cross with a clinical finish from 12 yards.Morgan Rogers was denied by Cornell moments later as Villa went for the kill.And it was Rogers who earned Villa's penalty in the 63rd minute when the England midfielder was tripped by Andrew Hughes.Rashford stepped up to send Cornell the wrong way with a nerveless spot-kick.Ramsey put the result beyond doubt eight minutes later, surging towards the Preston area and drilling a powerful strike past Cornell for his fourth goal this season.

PRESTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot with team mates Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Preston North End and Aston Villa at Deepdale on March 30, 2025 in Preston, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30791721/related

Rashford scores 1st goals for Aston Villa to book FA Cup semifinal trip

Atalanta are nine points behind Inter Milan in third place after slumping to a 1-0 defeat at Fior...

Atalanta are nine points behind Inter Milan in third place after slumping to a 1-0 defeat at Fiorentina without registering a single shot on target.Moise Kean continued his excellent season with the only goal on the stroke of half-time in Florence, pushing the hosts to within a point of the European places.Italy striker Kean, who scored twice for his country against Germany a week ago, inflicted a first league away defeat for Atalanta since August when he confidently netted his 16th league goal of the season after robbing Atalanta defender Isak Hien on the halfway line. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Last year's Europa League winners Atalanta, who looked like title candidates following an 11-match winning streak between October and December, have fallen away since the turn of the year.Gian Piero Gasperini's team have won just four league matches in 2025, all of them away from home, and are now only two points ahead of Bologna."We lacked the dynamism and energy to give Fiorentina any difficulty... we just have to put it behind us and look ahead," said Gasperini.

FLORENCE, ITALY - MARCH 30: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina scores a goal during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Atalanta at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 30, 2025 in Florence, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30792108/related

Atalanta's title hopes dented after Fiorentina defeat

Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami after his injury layoff and scored just two minut...

Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami after his injury layoff and scored just two minutes after entering as a second-half substitute in his team's 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.Messi had missed Argentina's World Cup qualifiers in South America during the recent international window after picking up an adductor strain in Miami's most recent Major League Soccer game, a 2-1 win at Atlanta on March 16.Finnish winger Robert Taylor had put Miami ahead in the 23rd minute, slotting home a low pass from Benjamin Cremaschi after Jordi Alba had broken down the left flank.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Messi was brought on by coach Javier Mascherano in the 55th minute and within two minutes was on target -- his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez picked him out on the right and he jinked to make space and fired a low, right-footed effort into the far corner.Philadelphia pulled a goal back in the 80th minute when Quinn Sullivan whipped in a cross from the right and Hungarian midfielder Daniel Gazdag brought the ball down before firing home a crisp shot.Unbeaten Miami are top of the Eastern Conference with four wins from their opening five games of the season.Inter face a busy spell with a trip to Los Angeles to play LAFC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final, first leg on Wednesday. They have a home game against Toronto the following Sunday with the return against LAFC three days later.Mascherano said it had been a cautious move to start with Messi on the bench."We didn't want to risk him from the start because we thought he might be at risk playing the whole game, but we did want him to get some minutes," said the Argentine coach."The plan is that he can recover and travel to Los Angeles. He played today because he was fine. Maybe he wasn't ready for the full 90 minutes but it was good for him to play 45 minutes. If nothing unusual happens the plan is for him to travel," he added.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MARCH 29: Lionel Messi #10 celebrates with Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami CF after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union during the second half at Chase Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30788000/related

Messi scores, lifts Inter Miami to win in 1st game back from injury

Paris Saint-Germain moved to within touching distance of an 11th French title in 13 seasons as th...

Paris Saint-Germain moved to within touching distance of an 11th French title in 13 seasons as they came from behind to thrash Saint-Etienne 6-1 on Saturday.Second-placed Marseille crashed 3-1 to Reims earlier in the day.PSG would have won the league with seven games still to go if Nice and Monaco drew in Saturday's late match, but Monaco came back from one goal down to claim a 2-1 victory and delay PSG's inevitable coronation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>PSG can clinch the title next week.The visiting Parisians were stung after nine minutes on Saturday when Lucas Stassin headed in Zuriko Davitashvili's cross to put Saint-Etienne ahead.Goncalo Ramos brought the reigning champions level from the penalty spot just before half-time, slotting home after he had been tripped in area by Florian Tardieu.PSG took control early in the second half when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia intercepted a misplaced back pass on the halfway line and tore towards the Saint-Etienne goal before shifting the ball to his left foot to score.As Saint-Etienne's effort level dropped, Desire Doue notched a double for PSG, either side of a goal from Joao Neves.Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye completed the job with PSG's sixth goal, side-footing home from Bradley Barcola's cross.Marseille slumped at Reims where Japanese international Keito Nakamura put the home side ahead midway through the first half before Mamadou Diakhon and Valentin Atangana added to the visitors' misery.Valentin Rongier scored a spectacular goal to give Marseille hope in the final 15 minutes, but Roberto De Zerbi's side lost further ground on leaders PSG and are now 22 points behind in second.Reims went ahead when Nakamura turned in the box and fired into the bottom corner for his ninth league goal this term.Marseille dominated as the match progressed but as they pushed forward, Reims broke on 51 minutes to double their lead.Nakamura turned provider this time, galloping onto Junya Ito's pass and prodding the ball to Diakhon, who rounded the last defender before finishing emphatically.The relegation battlers then had De Zerbi scratching his chin in disbelief when they netted their third.Reims struck on the counter again as Atangana raced onto Hafiz Ibrahim's through ball and slotted past Geronimo Rulli.On 78 minutes, Rongier received the ball near the Reims box and surged forward before smashing the ball home.Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot could not hide his displeasure at his teammates after a defeat which leaves them in an increasingly tight scrap for the Champions League places."It hurts to show this kind of spirit. I feel like I'm seeing guys who don't want to go into the Champions League and don't want to fight to get a taste of that," Rabiot told BeIN Sports.

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #49 Ibrahim Mbaye (R) celebrates scoring his team's sixth goal during the French L1 football match between AS Saint-Etienne and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne, central France on March 29, 2025.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30780539/related

PSG on verge of winning Ligue 1 title for 11th time in 13 years

Nottingham Forest reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years as Belgian 'keepe...

Nottingham Forest reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years as Belgian 'keeper Matz Sels starred in a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Brighton on Saturday.After the quarter-final clash at the Amex Stadium finished 0-0 following extra-time, Sels took centre-stage to send Forest to Wembley.Sels saved spot-kicks from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez and, although Forest's Neco Williams blazed over, Ryan Yates held his nerve to stroke home the winner.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Forest also needed shootouts to get past third-tier Exeter and top-flight strugglers Ipswich in the fourth and fifth rounds respectively this season.Nuno Espirito Santo's side are enjoying a remarkable season that could culminate in Champions League qualification and a first FA Cup final appearance since 1991.Forest, who last won the FA Cup in 1959, have climbed to third in the Premier League, leaving them within touching distance of appearing in the Champions League for the first time since 1980-81.They are five points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea and six ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City with nine games to go.Brian Clough's men were the last Forest team to make the FA Cup semi-finals, beating West Ham before losing the final to Tottenham.Forest join Crystal Palace in the last four after the Eagles won 3-0 at Fulham in Saturday's other quarter-final.On Sunday, Manchester City travel to Bournemouth and Aston Villa visit Championship side Preston, the last club from outside the top tier in this season's tournament.Forest crushed Brighton 7-0 at the City Ground in Premier League in February, a result that ranked as the Seagulls' heaviest defeat for 67 years.Since that humbling loss, Brighton had won four times in a five-game unbeaten run in the league, but they were unable to stop Forest's penalty mastery.Nuno surprisingly dropped wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga to the bench in a move that appeared to prioritise Tuesday's league clash with Manchester United.Forest were also without Chris Wood after their leading scorer suffered a hip injury on international duty with New Zealand.Wood's replacement, Taiwo Awoniyi, went close to an early opener, accelerating on to Ola Aina's pass for a stinging strike that Bart Verbruggen saved at his near post.But, shorn of their best attacking options, Forest struggled to make headway after that.Brighton were hardly much more incisive, with Pervis Estupinan's long-range blast pushed away by Sels.Carlos Baleba was inches away from putting the Seagulls ahead on the stroke of half-time, lashing just wide from the edge of the area.After their tepid start, Forest finally showed signs of life when Morgan Gibbs-White's strike from distance forced a superb save from Verbruggen.But Nuno had seen enough and sent on Hudson-Odoi and Elanga.Verbruggen repelled Elanga's close-range effort to force the tie into extra-time.Gomez nearly won it for Brighton in the closing stages, but his header from Brajan Gruda's cross was brilliantly saved by Sels, foreshadowing the 'keeper's heroics in the shootout.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 29: Nottingham Forest players celebrate after winning the penalty shoot-out during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest at Amex Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Brighton, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30782626/related

Forest win another shootout to make FA Cup semis for 1st time in 34 years

Juventus returned to winning ways under new coach Igor Tudor with Saturday's 1-0 win over Genoa w...

Juventus returned to winning ways under new coach Igor Tudor with Saturday's 1-0 win over Genoa which kept them a point away from Serie A's Champions League positions.Kenan Yildiz made sure fifth-placed Juve would stay on Bologna's heels in the race for a spot in Europe's top club competition with a fine individual strike in the 25th minute in Turin.Turkey attacker Yildiz lifted home his seventh goal of the season in all competitions for Juve after skipping into the box and around Genoa defender Koni De Winter.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tudor's reign began with a limp display similar to those which cost his predecessor Thiago Motta his job, with Yildiz's strike one of the few moments of quality in a largely lacklustre match. Former Croatia international Tudor was hired until the end of the season to get Juve, with whom he spent the bulk of his playing career, into the Champions League after Motta flopped.And the result on Saturday was at least the right one after Juve conceded seven goals without reply in Motta's final two matches in charge against Atalanta and Fiorentina.Genoa are 12th and 12 points above Empoli who sit just inside the relegation zone after drawing 1-1 at ambitious Como.Juve stayed outside the top four due to Bologna winning 1-0 at struggling Venezia earlier in the day, Riccardo Orsolini's stunning volley securing a hard-fought win on the Venetian Lagoon.Italy international Orsolini guided home a superb finish from Nicolo Cambiaghi's cross three minutes after half-time to ensure Bologna of a fifth straight win and fourth place for at least another week.Venezia have failed to win in 13 league matches and are second from bottom, five points behind Parma who are just outside of the relegation zone and face Verona on Monday.Lecce, in 16th, are level on 25 points with Parma and host in-form Roma in Saturday's late match.

TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 29: Igor Tudor of Juventus celebrates at the end of the match of the Serie A match between Juventus and Genoa at on March 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30779830/related

Saturday in Serie A: Juve win on Tudor's debut, Bologna stay in 4th

Atletico Madrid's slim Spanish title hopes faded further with a disappointing 1-1 draw at Espanyo...

Atletico Madrid's slim Spanish title hopes faded further with a disappointing 1-1 draw at Espanyol on Saturday in La Liga.Javi Puado earned the Catalan side a point with a penalty after Cesar Azpilicueta put the visitors ahead, leaving the Rojiblancos six points behind league leaders Barcelona despite having played an extra match.Barcelona host Girona on Sunday in a Catalan derby.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Two points escaped, two important ones, I don't know why this is happening to us," Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak told Movistar."If we don't have consistency, we can't fight for the title."We don't have it, we're losing points and I think the teams behind us are catching up."Simeone admitted his team did not deserve the three points."It was a flat game in which the draw was fair," the coach told reporters, although he said he was not throwing in the towel."I say the leagues are decided in the last five weeks ... until then you don't know."After Barca beat Atletico 4-2 in their previous top-flight outing, before the international break, Diego Simeone's side knew they could not afford to lose further ground in the title race.<h3>'A tricky point'</h3>Simeone put Julian Alvarez and Rodrigo de Paul on the bench after they featured in midweek for Argentina against Brazil in South American World Cup qualifying.Uruguay international Jose Gimenez also began on the bench but was needed to replace Robin Le Normand midway through the first half after a clash of heads.Espanyol, battling relegation and provisionally 15th, fought gamely against an Atletico side that played within themselves.Marcos Llorente had a goal disallowed early on for offside but Atletico failed to create further chances until Azpilicueta blasted the visitors ahead from distance.It was his first goal for three years and also his first for Atletico Madrid, but it was worth the wait as he hit a sumptuous volley into the top corner after Antoine Griezmann's cross was cleared to the edge of the box.Conor Gallagher came close before the break and Alexander Sorloth dragged a shot wide of the post as Atletico sought a second.Manolo Gonzalez's Espanyol had created little danger but found a way back level when Clement Lenglet blatantly pulled Leandro Cabrera's shirt in the box.Puado rammed the resulting penalty into the top corner past Oblak's outstretched arm after 71 minutes.Alvarez, on from the bench, hit the side-netting as the clock ran down on Atletico's ambitions, with Joan Garcia saving from a Griezmann header at the death.Eliminated from the Champions League by rivals Real Madrid, Simeone's side's last realistic hope of silverware is in the Copa del Rey, where they face Barcelona in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday.Espanyol are now two points above the relegation zone."It's a good point against a side fighting for the title ... we got a tricky point, a good one, and we're doing well," said goalscorer Puado.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 29: Javi Puado of RCD Espanyol scores the team's first goal during the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at RCDE Stadium on March 29, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30780266/related

Atletico's La Liga title hopes fading fast after draw with Espanyol

Leroy Sane spared Bayern Munich's blushes with two second-half goals on Saturday, as the Bundesli...

Leroy Sane spared Bayern Munich's blushes with two second-half goals on Saturday, as the Bundesliga leaders beat relegation-threatened St. Pauli 3-2 to stay six points clear at the top of the table.Sane settled Bayern's nerves after an uneasy first half, as Vincent Kompany's side struggled once again against weaker opposition.Having dropped unexpected points against Bochum and Union Berlin in recent weeks, Bayern were under pressure to avoid a third slip after reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen narrowed the gap to three points with a 3-1 win over Bochum on Friday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Yet they looked sluggish against a fearless St. Pauli side who almost took the lead early on when a Jackson Irvine header hit the bar.The visitors handed Bayern the opener on a silver platter just two minutes later when left-back Siebe Van der Heyden was caught napping at left-back.Van der Heyden was mugged of possession by Jamal Musiala and Bayern swarmed into the box, allowing Harry Kane to sweep the ball in from close range.It was Kane's first goal against St. Pauli, meaning he has now scored against every team he has played against in the Bundesliga.Unbowed, the visitors snatched a deserved equaliser just before the half-hour mark through Elias Saad.The Tunisian forward slipped under the radar in the Bayern box and tapped in a Manolis Saliakas cross to score his first goal since September.Sane restored the lead after half-time, smashing the ball in unchallenged after a clever switch of play left him with acres of space on the left.He sealed the win 20 minutes from time, turning in a Kane cross from close range after a ruthless Bayern transition. Yet Bayern still had to survive a nervy final few minutes after Lars Ritzka pulled one back for St. Pauli in added time.

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 29: Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates Michael Olise, Harry Kane and Raphael Guerreiro during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and FC St. Pauli 1910 at Allianz Arena on March 29, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30779357/related

Bayern survive St. Pauli scare to stay on course for Bundesliga title

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/agence-france-presse/content_cards