on leverkusen in dublin, in their europa league final, their first ever european final, later this month. british hopes fell with aston villa in the europa conferencehey were soundly beaten again, by olympiacos in greece, in the second leg of their europa conference league semi—final. ian dennis was watching. a night to forget for aston villa, a night that will be cherished by olympiacos, as they reach their first ever european final. thoroughly deserved over the two legs where el kaabi followed up his hat—trick with a goal in each half. his first from close range after ten minutes, his second after 78 minutes, following a long var delay, created bedlam inside the stadium. villa rarely look like scoring, bailey's effort tipped over before half—time. they appeared to run out of steam in the second half. olympiacos are only the second greek club to reach a european final after an absence of 53 years. and they will play fiorentina 5 miles up the road in athens. it will feel like home for their biggest night in the club's history. relegation matters in the english premier league are going down to the wire. nottingham forest, luton town and burnley are

take on leverkusen in dublin in their europa league final, their first ever european final, later this month. british hopes fell with aston villa in the europa conferenceatching.

they beat fiorentina i—nil in the final of the europa conference league in athens.up to the final with ten in the competition before kick off. five, of course, in the semifinals against aston villa, while the hero on the day scoring the only goal of the match. it came four minutes from the end of extra time due. spare a thought for the italian side, though, it's the second consecutive year fiorentina have lost in the final of this competition. for olympiakos, though, it's greek immortality. now it's that time of year, the off—season managerial merry—go—round. this one from burnley to bavaria. vincent kompany has been appointed bayern munich head coach on a three—year deal. former manchester city captain retired from playing in 2020. he moved from anderlecht to manage burnley in 2022 and then guided them to promotion to the premier league last year in his first season in charge. clarets, though, suffered relegation from the top flight in may, afterfinishing 19th. barcelona have confirmed hansi flick as their new manager on a two—year deal— it ends months of uncertain

emery has guided them to tonight's europa conference league semifinal, which kicks off in 90 minutes side olympiacos. but this manager has vast experience in european competitions — emery has won the europa league four times. this is europe, and my experience in europe, it's very difficult. and of course the level is as well different. but every team, they are very motivated in europe, very motivated, and for the english team, now is the only team in europe, we are really in good connection, everybody, enjoying the competition, enjoying what each moment we are playing. for us, we are in the moment. well, for more on this, we can cross live now to villa park, where we can speak to our sports correspondentjoe wilson. joe, welcome to the programme. this is a huge night for villa? absolutely. you may be able to hear and possibly see behind me the atmosphere they are trying to create with some fireworks and some players, and standing here in the west midlands, jane, it is taking me back to being in east london about 11 months ago, west ham, having won this competition, incredible celebrati

mission impossible for aston villa — but there's a big battle ahead if they're to reach the europa conference league. we'll be live in greece shortly. issues off the pitch are affecting everton on it. manager sean dyche admits he can't plan ahead, as uncertainty over the club's takeover intensifies. and a telling—off from the bosses — billy vunipola is given a formal warning by the rfu, following his arrest in majorca last month. also coming up on sportsday... the countdown is on — just two days to go until olympic champion lauren price aims to become a world champion, too. i a world champion, too. want to be a i a world chamion, too. want to be a . , , i want to be a massive fight because i want to be a massive fight because i want to be a massive fight because i want to be — i want to be a massive fight because i want to be a _ i want to be a massive fight because i want to be a champion. _ i want to be a massive fight because i want to be a champion. it's - i want to be a champion. it'sjust the start. welcome along to the progamme. plenty of support to bring you this thursday evening. —— plenty o

villa face their biggest game fax of the season tonight as they take on 0lympiakos in the europa conference leaguedefeat after the first leg. their manager says his side will need to be much improved if they're going to reach the final. an 18—month—old girl who was born deaf has had her hearing restored after becoming the first person in the world to take part in a new medical trial. 0pal sandy, from 0xfordshire, was treated shortly before herfirst birthday, and, six months on, is starting to talk. michelle roberts met her. recorder plays note. yay! 18—month—old 0pal is learning how fun making noise can be. yeah! she's the first person to get a new type of gene therapy treatment for an inherited deafness she was born with. her parents, jo and james, say it was a really hard decision to make. it was really scary, but i think we'd been given a really unique opportunity, with no real evidence that any harm or adverse effects was likely to come to her. surgeons carried out 0pal�*s procedure just before her first birthday. the infusion delivers a working copy of the 0tof gene that 0pal is missing. ever

here and now, it's the europa conference league.ere shocked, then relieved, then shocked again. given offside on the pitch, it was ruled on by var — just. such is the modern roller—coaster. villa's defence only confused themselves when ayoub el kaabi took another chance in his stride. where was villa's shot at glory? their manager was inquiring urgently. the prince of wales — villa fan — was keeping calm... ..and so, when it mattered, was ollie watkins. 2—1, back in the game. then level. moussa diaby scored from there. it was not finished. douglas luiz, arm raised. referee said penalty, ayoub el kaabi said thank you. when the ball flew from konsa's back into the net, olympiacos led 4—2. still time for a villa penalty and for douglas luiz to miss. this semifinal has a second leg, if you have anything left. joe wilson, bbc news, villa park. back to our main story and the local elections across england and wales. laura will be presenting special coverage on bbc one throughout the night as the results start rolling in, and she's here wi

the battle for europa league and europa conference league is going right to the wire.a boosted their hopes of a top 6 finish with a 2—1 win at brighton in the premier league. mauricio pochetino�*s side made it 4 straight wins in a game that saw cole palmer score his 22nd league goal of the season. cheslea climb to 6th in the table with bournemouth to play on the final day. the victory, i think — must be great for our players and, yes, i am so happy because the three point put us in a very good position on the table to attack, you know, in the last game against bournemouth and the possibility of being in europe. (tx sot) manchester united could miss out on europe completely despite beating newcastle 3—2 at old trafford. anything other than a win for erik ten hag's side would have condemned them to their lowest league finish in sa years. rasmus hojlund broke his 10—game scoring drought to score united's 3rd of the evening. they go to brighton for their final game of the season on sunday. as always nice to win any game. but, yeah, it's important to win the last game in ol

first greek side to win a european club trophy as they beat fiorentina in the final of the europa conference leagueg to start at the french open in paris,

first greek side to win a european club trophy as they beat fiorentina in the final of the europa conference league're going to start at the french open in paris, where there was a thrilling and dramatic contest between defending champion and world number one, iga swiatek, and quadruple grand slam winner naomi 0saka. in a tense first set, the in—form swiatek, with four titles to her name already this season, took it on a tie—break. 0saka dominated the second overpowering her opponent to take it 6—1. the third set was an absolute nail—biter. swiatek 4—1 down and seemingly out, somehow surviving break points, and even a match point to take the set 7—5. the dream of achieving three in a row at the french open is alive and well. but for 0saka, who only returned to the sport four months ago after having daughter shai, a valiant end to her tournament. honestly, it's not the worst. like, i've felt worse for sure.

(full frame gfx)so whatever aston villa achieve in the europa conference league won't now affect that. but they might not mind as the only english team left in europe are currently fourth in the premier league anyway. their semi final is against olympiakos with the first leg at villa park... fiorentina play club bruges in the other tie... our league is the toughest league. we have to prepare well for every match in order to be successful. to share with europe is always difficult. the only team who could stop aston villa playing in the champions league next season is spurs although if they win their two games in hand they'll still be a point behind fourth place. the first of those is tonight at chelsea — the team that emphatically ended tottenham's long unbeaten start to the season last november. for us, it's a constant evolution of overcoming different challenges. we are in pretty good shape from a squad point of view. we have had a good run of games. they have been some disruptions in many areas. the boston celtics cruised past the miami heat to book their place in the nba's eastern

they beat fiorentina 1—0 in the final of the europa conference league in athens.illa. the hero on the day scoring the only goal of the match it came four minutes from the end of extra time. do spare a thought for the italian side, though. it's the second consecutive year fiorentina have lost in the final of this competition. for 0lympiakos, though, it's greek immortality. it's that time of year — the off—season managerial merry—go—round — this one from burnley to bavaria. vincent kompany has been appointed bayern munich head coach on a three—year deal. the former manchester city captain retired from playing in 2020. he moved from anderlecht to manage burnley in 2022 and guided them to promotion to the premier league last year in his first season in charge. the clarets though suffered relegation from the top flight in may after finishing 19th. barcelona have confirmed hansi flick as their new manager on a two—year deal. it ends months of uncertainty at the club. the 59—year—old former germany manager takes over from xavi, who was sacked last week. england'sjude bel

he agreed a deal with west ham earlier this month and succeeds david moyes, who won the europa conference leagueam last year. i'm here because i want to be here. for us, it's a fantastic day. we've committed 100% to be here. that's why we had all the possibility, but i repeat, i am very happy that it wasn'tjust me. because i also chose west ham. the managerial career of the former england and manchester united star wayne rooney could take another turn this week, as rooney is set to have talks with the championship club plymouth argyle. his last appointment was a disappointing spell at birmingham last season, when he lost nine games out of 15. argyle are looking for a new head coach after the dismissal of ian foster last month. it's been an amazing week for phil foden — the manchester city forward was named the premier league player of the season, he scored twice on the final day to win his sixth league title and he was one of the first names in england's provisional euros squad, oh he'll be playing in the fa cup final on saturday. all that and he's only 23. he's been speaking with our sports edi

moyes guided west ham to theirfirst european trophy since 1965, winning the europa conference leagueast season. he's set to be replaced by this man — the former wolves and real madrid boss, julen lopetegui — who agreed a deal in principal to take charge. i caught up with spanish football expert guillem balague earlier, to ask why the hammers want lopetegui. one thing is he wanted to stay in portugal in the premier league. one of the historic clubs, and one club that had the potential to actually get better and challenge the top 6-7. get better and challenge the top 6—7. when west hamm approached him and it wasn't the first conversation, it became clear but that was the kind of club he was after. there's no doubt there has been success. no one can argue that. but it is at least two years in which the club were thinking if they should change direction or not. more spectacle, more procession, this and that. the kind of thing you get with lopetegui, the omission with everyone was to get west ham into change it places. everyone was to get west ham into change it places-— change it places.

champions in 1982 unai emery�*s side need to overcome the disappointment of their exit in the europa conference leagueemi—finals last week but the liverpool manager is a big fan of the villa boss. unai emery is one of the best we have in our business, 100%. where ever he was he was a success. sometimes clubs were not ready to wait. he always organises the team extremely well. thejob he is doing is exceptional and we all know how important it is for a club to qualify for the champions league, how difficult it is to do that and he probably very what likely will do that. he is absolutely exceptional. the women's super league all time top scorer vivianne miedema will leave arsenal at the end of the season. the dutch strikerjoined from bayern munich in 2017 and has scored 125 goals in her 172 appearances for arsenal. she won the 2019 wsl title but was out for ten months last year with a serious knee injury and has only played 13 times this season. she's only 27, but the club have not offered her a conract extension. the england manager gareth southgate has distanced himself from the manchester united job t

europa league semi final second leg. xabi alonso's side still unbeaten in all competitions. atalanta and marseille are level at 1—1. the europa conferencey has one finalist after fiorentina got there for the second year in a row, beating club bruges 4—3 on aggregate. aston villa face what their manager unai emery has called the biggest game of their season as they attempt to overturn a 4—2 first leg deficit against olympiakos in greece. keeper emi martinez, whose penalty saves got them this far, could be back from injury for the match in piraeus. of course, it is going to be very difficult here because always with with the atmosphere, supporting the home team, could be more difficult to hear the supporters as they push a lot. the biggest challenge we are going to face is here, playing in the semifinal. the former interpreter for baseball's biggest name shohei ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to fraud after prosecutors alleged he stole $16 million from the los angeles dodgers player to pay off betting debts. the scandal engulfed the sport in march when news broke that ippei mizuhara had been accused of exploiting his relationship with o

under moyes, west ham have twice finished in the top seven and won the europa conference league, butcent criticism for his style of play. well underway on monday in the final of the world snooker championship, where kyren wilson orjakjones are hoping to lift the trophy for the first time. wilson led 11—6 after the first day's action and after losing the opening two frames on monday, wilson responded with a half century break to preserve his five frame advantage. it is currently 13—8 and wilson just missing that black, tightly poised in this 22nd frame. the first to 18 is a winner. you can follow that one on the bt sport website. that is all our support for now. let's get more on british formula one driver, lando norris, winning his first grand prix. he came first in miami beating reigning world champion, red bull's max verstappen, and ferrari's charles leclerc. matt gallagher from the f1 podcast, p1 with matt and tommy, joined me earlier and gave me his reaction to lando's win. very popular up and down the paddock amongst fans. and it was a win yesterday that really did feel good for

champions league, europa league, conference league. ther club tournament among professional teams is held under the auspices of uefa. champions league, europa league, conference league and uefa super cup, my friends, we start with minus five points for dmitry, artyom, the topic is football, we stay on the topic of football, let's go, the final of the 2000 world cup. 18 and the final of the 2022 world cup. in which match v were more goals scored during regular time? dmitry, let's try to improve? unfortunately, this is the wrong answer, but here , actually, the option is clear. world championship in the eighteenth year, france-croatia - 4:2, twenty-second year, regular time, argentina, france - 2:2. in extra time they scored another goal, then in a penalty shootout. argentina took the trophy. topic: dmitry, let's go to the olympics. at the 2008 home olympics, the chinese team took first place in the medal standings. how many medals did you win? athletes from china? the total number of medals won by chinese athletes is a round number, 100

villa lost to brighton last time out in the league and then saw their europa conference league hopesnals last thursday night. unai emery is one of the best we have in our business, 100%. where ever he was he was a success. sometimes clubs were not ready to wait. he always organises the team extremely well. the job wait. he always organises the team extremely well. thejob he is doing is exceptional and we all know how important it is for a club to qualify for the champions league, how difficult it is to do that and he probably very what likely will do that. he is absolutely exceptional. gareth southgate he is fully focused on the euro championship in this summer. he has visited the hospital in newcastle that treated sir bobby robson during his cancer diagnosis. well, excited, which i think everybody i seemed to bump into feels the same. i think everybody knows we've got some really exciting players. gareth southgate is one of the longest—serving england managers. he has been in charge for nearly eight years. this summer, he and the squad will head to germany for his fourth major tourn

the europa conference league already has one finalist after fiorentina got there for the second yearvilla face what their manager unai emery has called the biggest game of their season as they attempt tojoin fiorentina by overturning a 11—2 first leg deficit against 0lympiakos in greece. keeper emi martinez, whose penalty saves got them this far, could be back from injury for the match in piraeus. of course it is going to be very difficult here in a way because always, with the, they have the most fans, supporting the home team, it could be more difficult. here their support pushes a lot, helping them. the biggest challenge we are going to face this year, playing in the semifinal. naomi 0saka is attempting to claim another scalp

borussia dortmund and atalanta, losing to another — olympiakos — in the semifinals of the europa conference leagueng to reach their first final in 42 years, villa were beaten 2—0 in greece last night. ayoub el kaabi adding two more to the hat—trick he scored for olympiakos in the first leg, as they completed a 6—2 aggregate win. but still, villa's disappointment might be short—lived. that's because unai emery�*s side are fourth in the premier league right now and need just one win from their remaining two matches to secure a place in next year's champions league. villa haven't played in the top tier of european football since 1983. we had the opportunity and we have two matches against liverpool and crystal palace to get fourth position. it's an amazing, amazing motivation, a very great motivation we have with our supporters. we have to be disappointed a little bit, but a little bit. and we have to react quick in our mind to focus for the match on monday. villa's conquerors meanwhile have made history in reaching the conference league final. it's the first in europe that olympiakos have reached. a

champions in 1982 unai emery�*s side need to overcome the disappointment of their exit in the europa conference leagueanager is a big fan of the villa boss.

the europa conference league already has one finalist after fiorentina got there for the second yearn a row, beating club bruges 4—3 on aggregate. aston villa face what their manager unai emery has called the biggest game of their season as they attempt tojoin fiorentina by overturning a 4—2 first leg deficit against olympiakos in greece. keeper emi martinez, whose penalty saves got them this far, could be back from injury for the match in piraeus. of course it is going to be very difficult here in a way because always, with the, they have the most fans, supporting the home team, it could be more difficult. here their support pushes a lot, helping them. the biggest challenge we are going to face this year, playing in the semifinal. naomi osaka is attempting to claim another scalp at the italian open, where on wednesday the four time grand slam champion beat a top 50 player on clay for the first time since 2019. she's taking on ukrainian marta kostyuk in the second rounds and it's currently 4—1 to osaka. meanwhile, rome provides the next stop on what is expected to be rafael nadal�*s

he agreed a deal with west ham earlier this month and succeeds david moyes, who won the europa conference league last year. i'm here because i want to be —— be here. for us, it's a fantastic— —— be here. for us, it's a fantastic day. we've committed 100% _ fantastic day. we've committed 100% to— fantastic day. we've committed 100% to be here. that's why we had all— 100% to be here. that's why we had all the _ 100% to be here. that's why we had all the possibility, but i repeat, _ had all the possibility, but i repeat, i_ had all the possibility, but i repeat, i am very happy that it wasn't — repeat, i am very happy that it wasn'tiust_ repeat, i am very happy that it wasn'tjust me. the managerial career of the former england and manchester united star wayne rooney could take another turn this week — as rooney is set to have talks another turn this week — as rooney is set to have talks with the championship club plymouth argyle. his last appointment was a disappointing spell at birmingham last season, when he lost nine games out of 15. argyle are looking for a new head coach after the dismissal of

those hopes remain in the hands of aston villa, but they have work to do to reach the europa conference leaguerail olympiakos 4—2 ahead of the second leg of their semi—final tonight, which manager unai emery says is the biggest game of their season. it will be difficult to come back but for me, it is a very good moment to watch. and we have to try to be competitive like they were at home against us, improving some things we didn't do. i've been speaking to villa fan dom phillips and the athletic�*s jacob tanswell, who's in piraeus for the game, which dom says rightly represents a big moment in the club's history. it's the first european semifinal in it's the first european semifinal in i don't know how long. we have hand a number of massive games throughout the season. this is a game where you are 2—0 down going into the european semifinal, it is a kind of like that villa fans have dreams of. it is a massive night.— villa fans have dreams of. it is a massive niuht. ., . ., ., ., . massive night. you are aware of what rouress massive night. you are aware of what progress will — massive night. y

under moyes, west ham have twice finished in the top seven and won the europa conference league, butsm for his style of play. joe root is leading calls to reduce the amount of domestic cricket and review a schedule that he calls "not fit for purpose". the former england test captain is speaking out after the professional cricketers' association revealed a large number of players have concerns about the physical toll of the fixture list, while many are worried about unsafe travel between matches. information from players was gathered in preseason meetings. leading to this collective call for action. today marks 70 years since one of sport's greatest feats. british runner roger bannister was warned by doctors not to even attempt running a mile in underfour minutes because they thought it would kill him. but on 6th of may 1954 the then medical student, who died in 2018, ran the distance in three minutes and 59.1; seconds. patrick gearey has the story. 25—year—old roger bannister, third from the left, gets away for the rest of his life.— from the left, gets away for the rest of his life.

first greek side to win a european club trophy, as they beat fiorentina in the final of the europa conference league

the fa cup final next weekend, before finding out if that is good enough for the europa league or the uefa europa conferenceed, it will be the europa league. luton are officially down, they needed a huge win over fulham to have any chance of staying up, coupled with a big defeat for nottingham forest. neither of those things happened. they lost 4—2 to fulham sojoin sheffield united and burnley in going down, the same three that came up last season. nottingham forest made doubly sure of their survival by winning 2—1 at burnley. chris wood scored twice in the first half. they finish 17th, it was 16th last season. they won't want it to go down to the wire next season. after nine years at liverpool jurgen klopp signed off with victory in his final game in charge. they beat wolves 2—0 in what was always going to be an emotional afternoon at anfield. there was nothing riding on the game so it was all about saying farewell to the man who brought the club its first top division title in 30 years — amongst a total of eight trophies in nine seasons, from winning the european cup in madrid against tottenham, to an fa

the sole british club left in the latter stages of a competition, they're in action in the europa conference leaguece, with their manager unai emery saying his side must handle a "difficult" atmosphere on what is the biggest game of their season. it will be difficult to come back, but this is a really good moment to watch, and we have to be competitive like they were at home against us, and improving on some things we didn't do. two semi—finals in the europa league later to tell you about later, as well. xabi alonso's bayer leverkusen team have won the bundesliga and reached

under moyes, west ham have twice finished in the top seven — and won the europa conference league, but

hosted a european semi—final — but tonight unai emery�*s side will play olympiacos in the europa conference league

europa league next season. dundee and st mirren battling for a europa conference league spot.feat to motherwell. there were just two games today in the women's super league. aston villa beat brighton 1—nil in their first match since manager carla ward announced she'd be leaving at the end of the season. and tottenham hotspur came back from two goals down to get a draw at everton. drew spence and beth england scoring either side of half time. the result means no change of position in the table with spurs remaining sixth and everton staying in ninth. chelsea play tomorrow evening, when they host bristol city at kingsmeadow. but there was a shock announcement today that their record goal scorer fran kirby will leave the club at the end of the season. kirby has been at chelsea for nine years, making more than 200 appearances and scoring 115 goals. she's helped the club win six wsl titles, four fa cups and two league cups. kirby said it had been an incrediblejourney. let's take a quick look at some of the other sports news stories making the headlines. it was a difficult miami spri

europa league in 2020. under moyes, west ham have twice finished in the top seven — and won the europa conference league, butre's no doubt about that. nobody can argue that. but it is at least i know two years that the clubs were thinking, should they change direction are not? should theyjust keep more spectable to the fans, more posession, more this and that. quite clearly, with the success in last season, they had to stay.

under moyes, west ham have twice finished in the top seven — and won the europa conference league, butd recent criticism for his style of play. there has been success. there's no doubt about that. nobody can argue that. but it is at least i know two years that the clubs were thinking, should they change direction are not? should theyjust keep more respectable to the fans, more profession, more this and that. quite clearly, with the success in last season, they had to stay. there's one game in the premier league on monday, with european qualification the focus for manchester united, who travel to crystal palace. eric ten hag's side slipped to eighth, outside to european places, following results at the weekend. seventh or an fa cup win will be enough. of course is important. but we have two opportunities. that is one of the league and one in fa cup final. definitely— the league and one in fa cup final. definitely will have an impact on the pitch — definitely will have an impact on the pitch. but i'm sure manchester united _ the pitch. but i'm sure manchester united is _ the pitch. but i

hosted a european semi—final — but tonight unai emery�*s side will play olympiacos in the europa conference leagueng. john swinney looks set to become scotland's new leader after the woman expected to challenge him decided to back him instead. kate forbes confirmed she would not be standing for the snp leadership after humza yousaf�*s resignation. instead, mr swinney, scotland's former deputy first minister and party leader, has offered her a "significant" role in his government. our scotland editor, james cook, reports. please show your appreciation forjohn swinney. the snp is in trouble — divided, distracted and struggling to govern. john swinney says it's time to get a grip and he is the man for the job. i could have stood back and hoped others would sort things out. but i care too much about the future of scotland, and the scottish national party, to walk on by. you've said there you can't walk on by because, essentially, your party is a disunited mess. what specifically is wrong with it? well, the party is not cohesive just now. we are not together, we are not operating as one big unified tea

he agreed a deal with west ham earlier this month and succeeds david moyes who won the europa conference league vacant managerjob, his last appointment was a disappointing speu appointment was a disappointing spell at birmingham last season where he lost nine games out of 13. they are looking for a new coach after the dismissal last month of the previous manager. they know rooney from his previous time at everton academy. a couple of scottish football matches tonight and are currently advantage ross county in the first leg of the play—off final which decides the last team who goes up or down into the top flight. there into the final few minutes and ross county are beating raith rovers 2—1. six goal of the season from a penalty in the second half and jack baldwin doubled their advantage with 20 minutes to go before sam stanton pulled one back for rows rovers. the second leg is on sunday. they have got three minutes of added time there at the moment. the scottish women's premier league play—off isjust moment. the scottish women's premier league play—off is just one game. dundee united havejust wo

europa league next season. as do cheslea who started the day in 7th which is a europa conference league spot. scottish premiership champions for the 54th time. all they have to do is avoid defeat at kilmarnock and they lead by 3 goals to nil. brendan rodger�*s side need just a point, there to close

the battle for europa league and europa conference league is going right to the wire. palmer. reece james was sent off late on. wolves are calling on the premier league to scrap var next season. they've triggered a vote at the agm on the 6th ofjune by formally submitting a resolution to have it removed. wolves say that after five seasons of the video assistant referee "it's time for a constructive and critical debate on its future". in response, the premier league say they fully support its use and remain committed, alongside the pgmol, to making continued improvements for the benefit of the game and fans." joe lynskey has more. this is the club whose manager has just received a one match touchline ban for comments about a var decision. gary o'neill called the disallowed goal for his team against west ham last month, "one of the worst decisions i have ever witnessed" and throughout and he has not shied away from criticising on field in the video officials right from last august when they were denied a penalty at the last minute. now his club, the club itself have gone

so, in the second and third european club tournaments in the europa league, in the conference league,night before. in the europa league , bayern and atalanta will play in the match for the trophy. the german champions beat italian roma on aggregate. during the match in liverpool, roma was close to overcome the 0:2 deficit after the first match. team. for russia, by the 83rd minute the lead was just 2:0. both goals were scored from the penalty spot by world champion argentinean leandro paredes, but the miracle did not happen, bayar made another comeback. they scored on the eighty-third, and... 2:2 in the match and 4:2 in the confrontation. thus, in addition to bayar reaching the europa league final, bayern maintained its remarkable unbeaten streak. considering the end of last season, bayarne has already lost 49 matches in a row. this is an all-time record european football. another europa league finalist, italian atalanta, beat marseille 1:1 in the first leg and 3:0 in the return. alexey mironchuk's team claims two trophies ahead. atalanta, the italian cup final and, accordingly, the e

the europa conference league already has one finalist after fiorentina got there for the second yearrow, beating club bruges li—3 on aggregate. aston villa face what their manager unai emery has called the biggest game of their season, as they attempt to join fiorentina by overturning game of their season, as they attempt to join fiorentina by overturning a li—2 first leg deficit against olympiakos in greece. keeper emi martinez, whose penalty saves got them this far, could be back from injury for the match in piraeus. of course it is going to be very difficult here away because always, with the, they have the most fans supporting the home team, it could be more difficult. here their supporters push a lot, helping them. the biggest challenge we are going to face this year, playing in the semifinal. now, a lot of mexican fans were excited when it was announced that the azteca stadium will host five matches of the 2026 football world cup. but not everyone is happy with the upcoming tournament. box owners at the stadium in mexico city say they are not planning on giving up their seating

but before that, we've the next of the major european finals — with the culminaton of the europa conference leagueake on last year's runners up fiorentina. former bolton wanderers and hull city midfielder stelios giannakopoulos played nearly 200 games for olympiakos, and says winning the conference league would be hugely beneficial for the greek club. this type of wins put you in the football map, no doubt about that. so it attracts better players to the greek league, the greek super league. of because olympiacos attracts even bigger stars in order to make a similar run to european competitions next year. it's very, very good in general for greek football. it's a good motivation for the young players who have dreams, to chase their dreams to the end. at the end of the day you see that everything is possible, even in a greek club to go all the way to the final and lift the trophy like this. it's very, very huge in every aspect you analyse it from. let's have a quick look at some of the other football stories doing the rounds today. barcelona have appointed hansi flick as their new head coach. the f

the sole british club left in the latter stages of a competition, they're in action in the europa conference leagueemifinal. they have some work to do, if they're to reach the final. they trail olympiakos 4—2 before the second leg in greece, with their manager unai emery saying his side must handle a "difficult" atmosphere on what is the biggest game of their season. it will be difficult to come back, but this is a really good moment to watch, and we have to be competitive like they were at home against us, and improving on some things we didn't do. two semi—finals in the europa league later to tell you about later, as well. xabi alonso�*s bayer leverkusen team have won the bundesliga and reached the final of the german cup — and are in a healthy position to do the same in this competition. leverkusen, who knocked out west ham in the last round, have a 2—0 lead in their semifinal, heading into the second leg against roma after a victory in italy last week. finishing the job with a draw or better later will not only deliver a trip to dublin, but also extend their unbeaten run from the beginning of t