Football

Toni Kroos, the German maestro, has etched his name into the annals of football history by winning his sixth Champions League title, a feat that places him among the most decorated players in the competition's illustrious history.Kroos's swansong at Real Madrid culminated in a fitting triumph as the Spanish giants defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium. The German midfielder played a pivotal role in the victory, orchestrating Madrid's midfield with his trademark precision and vision.Alongside teammates Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Luka Modric, Kroos joined Real Madrid legend Paco Gento as the most decorated players in European Cup history. The 34-year-old's exceptional career has been marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a remarkable ability to control the tempo of the game.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his admiration for Kroos, stating that his door remains open should the midfielder reconsider his decision to retire after Euro 2024. "He's finished at the top. It is not possible to go out better," said Ancelotti. "He is a legend of this club and obviously we all thank him for what he has done."Kroos's Champions League journey began at Wembley Stadium in 2013 when he was part of the Bayern Munich team that won the competition. However, injury prevented him from featuring in the final. After helping Germany win the World Cup in Brazil, Kroos joined Real Madrid in 2014 and became an integral part of a generation that has dominated European football.In his farewell match, Kroos was at the heart of Madrid's resurgence after a sluggish first half. His trademark free-kick was denied by Gregor Kobel, but he played a crucial role in Carvajal's opening goal. Vinicius Junior quickly added a second to seal the victory and allow Kroos to receive a standing ovation from the Madrid faithful.Kroos's retirement from international football after Germany's Euros exit in 2021 was short-lived. He has answered the call from manager Julian Nagelsmann to return for one last major tournament at Euro 2024.Toni Kroos's illustrious career has come to an end, but his legacy as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation will endure. His exceptional talent, unwavering professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the game of football.

Vinicius Junior's meteoric rise to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. After enduring a challenging start to his Real Madrid career, the Brazilian winger has transformed into one of the most feared attackers in the world. Now, on the cusp of his second Champions League triumph, Vinicius has his sights set on even greater heights.Vinicius's journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and unwavering determination. Despite being ridiculed for his early profligacy, he remained steadfast in his belief and worked tirelessly to improve his game. The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti as manager proved to be a turning point, as the Italian tactician recognized Vinicius's potential and provided him with the confidence and guidance he needed to flourish.Under Ancelotti's tutelage, Vinicius has blossomed into a complete forward. He has developed a keen eye for goal, scoring 23 goals in each of the past two seasons. His versatility has also been a key factor in his success, as he has seamlessly adapted to playing as a central striker or on the wing.Vinicius's transformation has not gone unnoticed. He has become a fan favorite at Real Madrid and has earned the respect of his opponents. However, his rise to prominence has also been accompanied by a disturbing trend of racial abuse. Vinicius has faced numerous incidents of hate speech when playing away from home in Spain.Despite these challenges, Vinicius has remained composed and focused on his football. He has refused to let the abuse deter him and has instead used it as motivation to prove his worth. His resilience and determination are a testament to his character and his unwavering belief in himself.As Real Madrid prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, Vinicius is determined to make history once again. He is eager to add a second European Cup to his collection and cement his status as one of the greatest players in the world. However, for Vinicius, individual accolades are secondary to the team's success."I've never thought about (winning the Ballon d'Or)," said Vinicius. "The best thing that can happen this season is winning the Champions League."Vinicius's humility and team-first mentality are a reflection of his maturity and his understanding of the importance of collective achievement. He knows that his individual brilliance is only valuable if it contributes to the success of Real Madrid.As the countdown to the Champions League final continues, Vinicius is poised to make his mark on the biggest stage of club football. His journey from a raw talent to a world-class star has been an inspiration to many, and his story is far from over.

Borussia Dortmund's remarkable Champions League journey culminates in a daunting clash against the formidable Real Madrid in Saturday's final at Wembley Stadium. The Spanish giants, boasting an unparalleled 14 European Cup triumphs, are overwhelming favorites against a Dortmund side that has defied expectations to reach the showpiece event.Real Madrid's unwavering resilience has been a hallmark of their Champions League campaign. They overcame a relentless Manchester City in the quarterfinals on penalties and staged a dramatic late comeback against Bayern Munich in the semifinals. Their confidence is sky-high as they seek to cap a memorable season with another European crown.In contrast, Dortmund's domestic campaign has been less impressive, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga. However, they have reserved their best performances for the Champions League, topping a challenging group featuring Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan. They then eliminated PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid before a heroic defensive display against PSG in the semifinals.Dortmund's success has been built on a strong team spirit and the emergence of young talents. Jude Bellingham, who left Dortmund for Real Madrid last year, believes his former club has prepared meticulously for this moment. "They've played amazingly, the character and mentality they've shown in a lot of games," he said.However, Dortmund recognize the magnitude of the task ahead. Real Madrid's rich history and star-studded squad make them a formidable opponent. "Our goal is to win the Champions League," said Dortmund coach Edin Terzic. "And if you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the champions."For Real Madrid, the final presents an opportunity for several personal milestones. Carlo Ancelotti could become the first coach to win the European Cup four times, while Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos could join Paco Gento as the only players to win the competition six times.The match will also be a test of UEFA's security measures after the chaos that marred the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. The English Football Association has invested heavily in improving safety and infrastructure to ensure a smooth and incident-free event.

Real Madrid, the self-proclaimed kings of the Champions League, are poised to claim their 15th European crown against Borussia Dortmund in Saturday's final. However, the competition's future hangs in the balance as Madrid and Barcelona push for a breakaway European Super League.Dortmund, led by CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, have vehemently opposed the Super League, which would create a closed-shop league for Europe's elite clubs. An initial attempt to launch the league in 2021 failed due to widespread backlash.Despite their dominance in the Champions League, Madrid is concerned about the growing financial disparity in European football. State-backed clubs like Manchester City and PSG have emerged as formidable challengers, threatening Madrid's position as the competition's most successful club.Dortmund, with a wage bill significantly lower than Madrid's, has experienced firsthand the challenges of competing with these financial powerhouses. However, they have defied the odds, reaching the final after defeating PSG and Newcastle.Dortmund's managing director, Carsten Cramer, acknowledges the financial gap but takes pride in their competitive spirit. "We are competitive even though the tools and weapons we have are not the same ones the others have," he said.The Germans are aware of the significance of this rare final appearance, having lost the 2013 Champions League final to Bayern Munich. They may draw inspiration from Atalanta's Europa League triumph, proving that teams without vast budgets can achieve great things.Dortmund faces an uphill battle against the European giants, but they are determined to dethrone the kings and claim their first European trophy. The outcome of the final will not only determine the Champions League winner but also the future of European football amidst the Super League controversy.

Barcelona's women's team has reached the pinnacle of European football by claiming their third UEFA Women's Champions League title. The Catalan giants defeated eight-time champions Lyon 2-0 in a thrilling final at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.The victory marks a historic moment for Barcelona, who had previously lost to Lyon in the 2019 and 2022 finals. This triumph completes a remarkable quadruple for the team, who have also won the Spanish Primera División, Copa de la Reina, and Supercopa de España this season.Aitana Bonmati opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on a clever pass from Mariona Caldentey. Substitute Alexia Putellas sealed the victory in stoppage time with a stunning strike into the top corner.Barcelona's victory is a testament to their dominance in women's football. The team has assembled a squad of world-class players, including Ballon d'Or winners Putellas and Bonmati. Their attacking prowess and defensive solidity have made them a formidable force in Europe.Lyon, who have been the dominant force in women's football for over a decade, were unable to match Barcelona's intensity and quality on the night. The French giants missed the services of star striker Ada Hegerberg, who was left on the bench due to injury.Barcelona's victory is a significant moment for women's football. It shows that the gap between the top teams in Europe is narrowing, and that Barcelona are now the team to beat. The Catalan giants will be looking to continue their dominance in the years to come and establish themselves as the undisputed queens of European football.

Girona capped off their historic La Liga campaign with a resounding 7-0 victory over relegated Granada on Friday, securing third place and a spot in the Champions League for the first time.Artem Dovbyk, on loan from Dnipro-1, stole the show with a hat-trick, reclaiming the lead in the league's goalscoring charts. The Ukrainian striker's treble propelled him to 24 goals for the season, one ahead of Villarreal's Alexander Sorloth.Michel's side, already assured of a top-three finish, dominated the match from the outset. Eric Garcia, on loan from Barcelona, opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, followed by goals from Viktor Tsygankov and Dovbyk's first-half penalty.Tsygankov extended Girona's lead nine minutes into the second half, before Dovbyk and Cristhian Stuani added to Granada's misery. Manchester United loanee Facundo Pellistri was sent off for two yellow cards, compounding Granada's woes.Dovbyk sealed his hat-trick with a second penalty in the 90th minute, securing his place as La Liga's top scorer. Girona's victory was a fitting end to a remarkable season, which saw them qualify for Europe's elite club competition for the first time in their history.

Barcelona has parted ways with coach Xavi Hernandez after a disappointing season that saw the Catalan giants fail to win a single trophy. Xavi will oversee the team's final La Liga match on Sunday at Sevilla before departing.The decision to sack Xavi was made by Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who informed the coach that he would not continue in his role for the 2024-25 season. Former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick is the frontrunner to replace Xavi.Xavi's departure marks a swift reversal from his earlier commitment to stay with Barcelona for the next campaign. In April, he and Laporta agreed to extend his contract, which was set to expire in June 2025. However, the situation changed abruptly after Xavi's comments suggesting that Barcelona's financial struggles made it difficult to compete with elite European clubs.Barcelona expressed gratitude for Xavi's contributions as coach, acknowledging his legendary status as a player and captain. The club wished him well in his future endeavors and announced that the new coaching structure for the first team staff would be revealed soon.Despite winning La Liga last season, Barcelona failed to defend their title this campaign. They were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Paris Saint-Germain, suffered a humiliating defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, and lost to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey.Xavi's departure leaves Barcelona facing a crucial period of transition. The club must now find a suitable replacement who can restore their competitiveness and guide them back to trophy-winning ways.

In a thrilling encounter that could potentially shape Thiago Motta's future, his Bologna side surged ahead against Juventus but ultimately succumbed to a dramatic 3-3 draw on Monday.Motta, whose contract with Bologna expires at the end of the season, has been linked with a move to Juventus following Massimiliano Allegri's dismissal. His team, a revelation this season, has already secured Champions League qualification and currently sits third in the Serie A standings.Juventus, playing their first match since Allegri's departure, started sluggishly. Bologna capitalized on their lethargy, with Riccardo Calafiori and Santiago Castro scoring within the first 11 minutes. Jens Odgaard's goal was ruled offside, but Bologna continued to dominate.After a halftime pep talk from interim coach Paolo Montero, Juventus emerged with renewed vigor. Castro's error in midfield allowed Federico Chiesa to pull one back for the visitors. Substitute Arkadiusz Milik equalized with a deflected free kick, and Kenan Yildiz completed the comeback just a minute later.Montero celebrated wildly on the touchline, while Motta's Bologna imploded in the closing stages. The draw preserved Bologna's third-place position, but it also raised questions about Motta's ability to handle the pressure of a top club like Juventus.Motta has remained coy about his future, stating that he has not made any decisions or signed any contracts. However, the speculation surrounding his potential move to Juventus is likely to intensify following this rollercoaster match.

Antoine Griezmann's hat-trick propelled Atletico Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Getafe, securing their place in the Champions League for the 12th consecutive season. The triumph at Getafe's Coliseum Alfonso Perez ensured Diego Simeone's side will finish in the top four of La Liga.Griezmann, inspired by his recent performances for France, led the Rojiblancos to a dominant victory in the Madrid suburbs. The 33-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 27th minute, running onto Rodrigo De Paul's pass and beating Getafe goalkeeper David Soria with a low effort.Before halftime, Griezmann converted his second goal from Angel Correa's low pass across the area, which was confirmed after a VAR review. The former Real Sociedad striker completed his hat-trick after the break, finishing a sharp Atletico move with a prodded effort at the near post.Griezmann's goalscoring exploits have been a welcome sight for Atletico, who have endured a challenging season. Despite a strong start and becoming the only side in Spain to defeat Real Madrid this season, their campaign began to unravel with exits in the Copa del Rey and Champions League.However, the victory over Getafe has guaranteed their return to Europe's top competition next season. "It's been a lot of years getting into the Champions League, which is something to value," Griezmann said. "But with the team we have and the talent we have, and the coach we have, it's something we have to do."Celta Vigo's 2-1 comeback win over Athletic Bilbao has left Cadiz's hopes of survival hanging by a thread. Williot Swedberg and Hugo Alvarez's goals helped Celta triumph at Balaidos, moving them five points clear of the drop zone. Sergio Guardiola's 96th-minute winner for Cadiz means they are four points from safety with two matches remaining.