Football

Barcelona's resurgence continued on Monday as they secured a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad, propelling them to second place in La Liga, just a point ahead of Girona. The win dealt a blow to Real Sociedad's Europa League aspirations, leaving them seventh in the standings.Despite having nothing but pride to play for in the final weeks of the season, Barcelona displayed a determined performance, eager to finish above their Catalan rivals. Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old winger, opened the scoring in the 40th minute, showcasing his impressive skills. Raphinha sealed the victory with a late penalty, ensuring Barcelona's second-place finish.Barcelona coach Xavi praised his team's performance, highlighting their control of the game and the importance of the victory. He also acknowledged the need to finish above Girona, a testament to the club's desire to salvage some pride from a disappointing campaign.Real Sociedad, on the other hand, were left frustrated by the result, which hindered their chances of securing European football next season. Midfielder Benat Turrientes expressed his disappointment, lamenting the missed opportunities that could have changed the outcome of the match.Barcelona's victory was marred by Robert Lewandowski's visible frustration after being substituted with 15 minutes remaining. The Polish striker, who is vying for the La Liga top scorer award, was visibly upset by the decision. However, Xavi defended his choice, emphasizing the need for fresh legs and energy to maintain their lead.Barcelona will face Almeria on Thursday and Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in their final two matches of the season, aiming to secure their second-place finish. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, will look to bounce back and secure a Europa League berth in their remaining fixtures.

Kylian Mbappé, the prodigious French forward, has been crowned France's Player of the Year for the fifth consecutive time. The prestigious award, presented at the UNFP (French players' union) Trophies gala in Paris, marks the culmination of an extraordinary season for Mbappé, who has scored an astonishing 44 goals in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain.As Mbappé prepares to bid farewell to PSG at the end of the campaign, the award serves as a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to French football. The 25-year-old captain has been a cornerstone of the national team, leading them to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.In his acceptance speech, Mbappé expressed his gratitude for the recognition and acknowledged the significance of Ligue 1 in his career. "It is a page that is turning, a chapter of my life that is going to close," he said. "Ligue 1 will always have an important place in my life. It is the only league I have known in my career up to now."Mbappé's departure from PSG has been the subject of intense speculation, with Real Madrid widely expected to be his next destination. While he remained tight-lipped about his future plans, he hinted at an exciting chapter ahead. "What is coming next is very exciting but that is something else," he said.Mbappé's final home game for PSG was a bittersweet affair, as the champions suffered a shock 3-1 defeat against Toulouse. However, he managed to score a consolation goal, taking his tally for the season in Ligue 1 to 27, eight goals more than his closest rival.With two more Ligue 1 games and the French Cup final against Lyon still to come, Mbappé's season is far from over. He will be determined to end his PSG career on a high note and cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in French football history.

Kylian Mbappé's tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has come to an end, marked by a tumultuous relationship that culminated in his departure. The French superstar joined PSG in 2017 as a teenage prodigy from Monaco, but his time at the club has been marred by ongoing tensions and a lack of Champions League success.Mbappé's relationship with PSG began to deteriorate after he signed a lucrative contract extension in 2022. The club had promised to sign key players, including a top-class center forward, to accommodate Mbappé's preferred position wide left. However, these promises were not kept, leaving Mbappé frustrated.In June 2023, Mbappé stunned PSG by informing the club that he would not exercise the option for an extra year on his contract. This put PSG in a difficult position, as they faced the prospect of losing their star player for free when his contract expired.Tensions escalated further when Mbappé was left out of PSG's pre-season tour to Japan. The club insisted he would be sold, but Mbappé refused to leave. He eventually returned to the team and scored a penalty in the opening league game.However, relations between Mbappé and PSG coach Luis Enrique became strained. Enrique showed his authority by benching or substituting Mbappé in important games. Mbappé's status as the club's untouchable star was suddenly in question.In mid-February, Mbappé informed PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi of his decision to leave. The club did not comment on the matter, and Mbappé made his departure official on May 10.Mbappé's last match for PSG will be the French Cup final against Lyon on May 25. His departure marks the end of an era for the club, as they have failed to win the Champions League despite investing heavily in star players.

Rodrigo De Paul's stunning volley propelled Atletico Madrid to a crucial 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday, solidifying their position in the Champions League qualification race. With just three games remaining in La Liga, Diego Simeone's side now holds an eight-point advantage over fifth-place Athletic Bilbao.Atletico's dominance throughout the match was evident, but they faced a formidable challenge in Celta's goalkeeper, Vicente Guaita. The former Crystal Palace shot-stopper made several impressive saves, denying Angel Correa, Rodrigo Riquelme, and Marcos Llorente.However, De Paul's moment of brilliance in the 84th minute broke the deadlock. Controlling a clearance on the edge of the box, the Argentine unleashed a powerful volley that soared into the top corner, sending the Metropolitano stadium into raptures.The victory marked Atletico's 16th home win in 18 La Liga matches this season. It also represented Diego Simeone's 400th victory as coach across all competitions. Despite their success in securing Champions League football, Atletico's season has been marred by disappointment in other competitions. They were eliminated in the Copa del Rey semi-finals by Athletic and fell short against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals."We have generated those expectations and they are welcome," said Simeone. "I know what I want, what I'm looking for, and I am convinced of where the path is. I will continue pushing until the last day I am here."Celta Vigo's defeat leaves them in 17th place, five points above the relegation zone. Rayo Vallecano moved a point ahead of Celta with a 0-0 draw at Valencia, while Granada's 4-0 home loss to Real Madrid confirmed their relegation to the second tier.In other La Liga action, Barcelona can overtake second-place Girona with a win against Real Sociedad on Monday. Betis rose to sixth place with a 3-2 victory over Almeria, inspired by the playmaking brilliance of Isco.

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been named the first player in Julian Nagelsmann's 26-man squad for Euro 2024, according to German media reports. The news was revealed by football website Kicker, citing a source close to the German Football Association (DFB).The DFB is reportedly unveiling players individually ahead of the official announcement in Berlin on Thursday to minimize the risk of leaks. Schlotterbeck, 24, made two appearances for Germany at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but was subsequently dropped by Nagelsmann.However, his impressive performances for Dortmund, who have qualified for the Champions League final against Real Madrid, have earned him a recall to the national team. Germany will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Scotland in Munich on June 14.Schlotterbeck's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his resurgence at Dortmund. After a difficult start to his career at the club, he has become a key player under Edin Terzić, forming a formidable partnership with Mats Hummels at the heart of the defense.His performances have not only helped Dortmund secure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga but also reach the final of the Champions League. Schlotterbeck's versatility, as he can also play as a left-back, makes him a valuable asset to Nagelsmann's squad.With Euro 2024 being played on home soil, Germany will be eager to make a strong impression. Nagelsmann has a wealth of talent at his disposal, and Schlotterbeck's inclusion is a sign that he is willing to give opportunities to players who are in form.

Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten streak extended to 50 games with a dominant 5-0 victory over 10-man Bochum on Sunday. The triumph marked a significant milestone for Xabi Alonso's side, who are now on the cusp of an unprecedented treble.Bochum, who had previously defeated Leverkusen in May 2023, were unable to replicate their success as Leverkusen's attacking prowess proved too much to handle. Five different players found the net for the league champions, showcasing their depth and versatility.Robert Andrich, Leverkusen's midfield maestro, expressed his aspirations for a historic treble. "We couldn't have imagined how much the Bundesliga title meant to the club and the fans," he said. "Next week, we'll hold the trophy high in our own stadium, which will be emotional and beautiful. After that, we're off to Dublin and Berlin, and we want to grab both titles and go on holiday with the triple in our backpacks."Within three days in late May, Leverkusen will face Atalanta in the Europa League final in Dublin before taking on second-division Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final.Bochum's hopes were dealt a blow early on when Felix Passlack was sent off for a last-man foul on Nathan Tella. With Florian Wirtz absent due to injury, Alonso opted for a two-striker formation with Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick leading the line. Both forwards found the net before halftime, with Schick scoring a superb first-touch finish and Boniface converting a penalty.Amine Adli, who replaced Schick in the second half, headed in a corner to make it 3-0. Josip Stanisic, who had scored a crucial goal against Roma in the Europa League, added a fourth with three minutes remaining before setting up Alex Grimaldo's goal in the final moments.Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, bounced back from their Champions League disappointment with a 2-0 victory over Wolfsburg. Despite making eight changes to the team that lost to Real Madrid, Bayern controlled the game from start to finish.Lovro Zvonarek, making his first start, opened the scoring after just four minutes, while Leon Goretzka doubled the lead ten minutes later. Bayern's dominance continued throughout the match, with Bryan Zaragoza having a goal ruled out for offside.The win moved Bayern into second place in the Bundesliga, two points ahead of Stuttgart. Captain Manuel Neuer praised his team's resilience after the setback against Real Madrid. "We were in control for over 90 minutes and got into the game well, that was crucial," he said.In other Bundesliga action, Hoffenheim boosted their chances of European qualification with a 6-0 thrashing of already-relegated Darmstadt. Ihlas Bebou and Maximilian Beier scored doubles, while Pavel Kaderabek and Ozan Kabak also found the net.

As Germany prepares to host Euro 2024, the 2006 World Cup remains a pivotal moment in the nation's collective memory. Known as the "Summer Fairytale," the tournament transformed Germany's image both domestically and internationally.On the field, Jurgen Klinsmann's German team defied expectations, reaching the semi-finals despite pre-tournament skepticism. Their performance ignited a decade of dominance, culminating in the 2014 World Cup triumph.Off the field, the tournament had a profound impact on German society. Philipp Lahm, a key player in 2006, recalled the nation's unwavering support: "We experienced the whole nation standing behind the team, giving us energy."Sociologist Gunter Gebauer noted the tournament's transformative effect: "Before the World Cup, Germany was in a gloomy mood. But during the first game, when Lahm scored and the sun burst through, it was like something from the Bible."The tournament shattered stereotypes of Germans as reserved and rule-bound. Foreign visitors were surprised by the welcoming and festive atmosphere. Wolfgang Maennig, a former Olympic rower, observed that Germany's international perception improved significantly after 2006.Sports sociologist Jan Haut highlighted the tournament's impact on German self-perception: "Germans became less stiff and more comfortable celebrating victories." They realized that the world's view of Germany was more positive than they had imagined.Despite the passage of time, the legacy of the 2006 World Cup remains relevant. Germany faces similar challenges today, including economic uncertainty and concerns about infrastructure. However, the tournament's unifying power remains a source of hope.As Germany prepares for Euro 2024, the world's attention will once again be focused on the nation. The tournament offers an opportunity to showcase Germany's progress and address any lingering issues.

Arsenal's title hopes received a significant boost as they overcame a historical hurdle at Old Trafford, defeating Manchester United 1-0 to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League. Leandro Trossard's 20th-minute goal proved decisive, marking only Arsenal's second victory in 17 away matches against United.Despite Manchester City's remaining advantage in the title race, Arsenal's triumph keeps the pressure on Pep Guardiola's side ahead of their challenging trip to Tottenham. The Gunners have now won 15 and drawn one of their 17 league games since the turn of the year, showcasing their remarkable form.United's defeat further diminishes their chances of European qualification next season. Erik ten Hag's team, despite showing more spirit than in their dismal 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace, has now won only one of their last eight Premier League matches. They remain eighth in the standings, three points behind both Newcastle and Chelsea.Arsenal's victory was far from their usual flowing style, as an injury-ravaged United failed to mount the expected onslaught under the oppressive heat. Ten Hag's decision to retain Casemiro as a makeshift center-back after his poor performance against Palace drew criticism, as the Brazilian's error led to Trossard's goal.United's new co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, witnessed the match at Old Trafford, highlighting the challenges facing the club. Despite their efforts to rally the crowd, Arsenal's defense held firm, securing their sixth clean sheet in their last seven away league games.Alejandro Garnacho posed a threat for United, but his best chance to equalize went wide. Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice were denied by brilliant saves from Andre Onana, preventing the Gunners from extending their lead and setting up a tense finale.Arsenal's desperation to secure the victory was evident as Martinelli wasted time in the corner with 10 minutes remaining. However, they managed to hold on, leaving City with the task of responding when they host West Ham on the final day of the season.

Inter Miami's resilience was on full display as they overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer. Luis Suarez continued his impressive scoring form, netting his 11th league goal of the season.Montreal seized the early initiative, with Bryce Duke capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give them the lead. Jules-Anthony Vilsaint doubled their advantage with a composed finish. However, Miami refused to be deterred. Matias Rojas converted a free-kick in the absence of Lionel Messi, who had briefly left the field for treatment. Suarez then leveled the score just before halftime, bundling the ball home from close range.After the break, Miami emerged as a transformed team. Rojas's exquisite pass over the Montreal defense found Benjamin Cremaschi, who slotted home the winning goal. Despite late pressure from Montreal, Miami held firm to secure their eighth win in 13 games.In the Ohio derby, FC Cincinnati avenged their Eastern Conference final loss to Columbus Crew with a 2-1 victory. Luciano Acosta starred for Cincy, scoring both goals. Maximilian Arfsten's late strike proved to be a consolation for Columbus.Christian Benteke's hat-trick of headers propelled D.C. United to a 3-2 triumph over Atlanta. Luis Muriel's brace inspired Orlando City to a 3-2 win at Philadelphia Union. Joao Klauss scored twice as St. Louis defeated Chicago Fire 3-1 in the derby. Dallas edged Austin 2-1 in the Texas derby.