Hello and welcome to your Friday football update! The Champions League quarterfinals reached a thrilling conclusion on Wednesday. Although the competition takes a break, the quest for European trophies intensifies as we approach the final weeks. I`m Pardeep Cattry, bringing you the latest news for the weekend.
๐บ Match Schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
Friday, April 18
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Championship: Oxford vs. Leeds, 3 p.m. โก๏ธ Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
๐บ๐ธ NWSL: Seattle Reign vs. Portland Thorns, 10 p.m. โก๏ธ Amazon Prime Video
Saturday, April 19
๐ฉ๐ช Bundesliga: Heidenheim vs. Bayern, 9:30 a.m. โก๏ธ ESPN+
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ EPL: Everton vs. Manchester City, 10 a.m. โก๏ธ USA Network
๐ช๐ธ La Liga: Barcelona vs. Celta Vigo, 10:15 a.m. โก๏ธ ESPN+
๐บ๐ธ NWSL: Racing Louisville vs. San Diego Wave, 3 p.m. โก๏ธ Paramount+
๐บ๐ธ MLS: Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami, 4:30 p.m. โก๏ธ MLS Season Pass
Sunday, April 20
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ EPL: Fulham vs. Chelsea, 9 a.m. โก๏ธ USA Network
๐ช๐บ UWCL: Barcelona vs. Chelsea, 12 p.m. โก๏ธ DAZN
๐ฎ๐น Serie A: Bologna vs. Inter, 12 p.m. โก๏ธ Paramount+
๐ช๐ธ La Liga: Real Madrid vs. Athletic Club, 3 p.m. โก๏ธ ESPN+
โฝ Key Storylines
๐ช๐บ Champions League Semifinalists Confirmed
The Champions League semifinals are set! Arsenal triumphed over reigning champions Real Madrid with a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory. Inter Milan also secured their spot in the final four, defeating Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate.
Arsenal`s victory wasn`t without early drama. Real Madrid`s goalkeeper saved a penalty, and a VAR review overturned another penalty decision for Real Madrid. However, Arsenal maintained control, and a late goal surge sealed the win. Saka opened the scoring in the 66th minute, followed by a quick response from Real Madrid. But Gabriel Martinelli`s goal in stoppage time confirmed Arsenal`s first Champions League semifinal appearance since 2009. Analyst James Benge highlights that this win validates manager Mikel Arteta`s team-focused approach, contrasting it with Real Madrid`s reliance on individual stars.
- Benge`s Analysis: `This victory was about system over individual brilliance. Mikel Arteta has spent five years building a team that defends collectively and effectively. They weren`t fazed by talk of a comeback. Arsenal had a plan to defeat Madrid and executed it perfectly. They comfortably defended in a 4-4-2 formation, trusting their defenders in one-on-one situations. And when Madrid lost possession, Gabriel Martinelli was ready to exploit the space.`
Inter`s match against Bayern was closely contested, but the Italian team secured their second semifinal appearance in three years, reinforcing their ambition for the title. Francesco Porzio notes that Inter`s continued European success under Simone Inzaghi, since 2021, demonstrates his positive impact on the team.
- Porzio`s View: `Despite financial challenges that led to player sales, Inter has shown a strong European presence. Inzaghi has already won a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles, and three Supercoppa Italiana titles with Inter. However, winning the Champions League would be his ultimate achievement.`
In the Champions League semifinals, Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter will play against Barcelona. The Europa League and Conference League semifinals are also set, featuring Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bodo/Glimt, Athletic Club vs. Manchester United, Chelsea vs. Djurgarden, and Real Betis vs. Fiorentina.
๐ Title Races Across Europe
With only a few weeks remaining in the European season, several title races are nearing their conclusion. Champions League semifinalists Barcelona, Inter, and Paris Saint-Germain are still in contention for a treble.
PSG has already secured the French league title. Liverpool may soon join them as league champions, holding a significant 13-point lead over Arsenal with six games left. While mathematically Liverpool could clinch the title this weekend, it`s more likely to happen soon. Arsenal would need to lose to a relegation-threatened team, and Liverpool would need to win their match to secure the title this weekend.
In Spain and Germany, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are in strong positions to win their domestic titles. Barcelona leads Real Madrid by four points and is expected to maintain this lead. Bayern Munich has a six-point advantage over Bayer Leverkusen and is favored in their upcoming match. While neither team is expected to win the title this weekend, they are both in control and need to continue their form.
Italy`s Serie A remains the most competitive top league title race, with Inter holding a narrow three-point lead over Napoli. This weekend is crucial. Napoli is expected to win their match, but Inter faces a tougher challenge against Bologna. This match is also sandwiched between their Champions League draw with Bayern Munich and an upcoming Coppa Italia semifinal against AC Milan. Manager Simone Inzaghi faces team selection decisions as Inter aims for a treble.
๐ Top News
๐ฌ๐ฆ Aaron Boupendza Passes Away: Former FC Cincinnati player Aaron Boupendza tragically died at 28 after falling from a building in China.
๐ช๐บ Champions League Review: Updated power rankings for the Champions League semifinalists and potential final match-ups are available.
๐ฎ Real Madrid`s Future: Speculation surrounds Carlo Ancelotti`s future at Real Madrid, and reports suggest interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold.
๐ฌ Beckham on Arsenal: David Beckham praised Arsenal`s Champions League victory but won`t support them against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain.
๐ด Van Dijk Extends Liverpool Stay: Virgil van Dijk signed a new contract with Liverpool, following Mohamed Salah`s extension.
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Championship Preview: A look ahead at this weekend`s Championship matches, with several teams vying for Premier League promotion.
๐ U.S. Open Cup Draw: The U.S. Open Cup round of 32 is set, highlighted by Sacramento Republic vs. San Jose Earthquakes.
๐ฐ Weekend Betting Picks
๐ต Top Bets
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Premier League: Everton vs. Manchester City, Saturday, 10 a.m.
๐ฐ THE PICK: Draw 1-1 (+600) โ Manchester City, currently fifth, aren`t guaranteed a Champions League spot yet. Without Erling Haaland, a tough game against Everton is expected. A draw is a likely outcome. -
Premier League: Fulham vs. Chelsea, Sunday, 9 a.m.
๐ฐ THE PICK: Draw 1-1 (+550) โ Chelsea could move into the top five if City drops points. However, Chelsea`s inconsistent form and Fulham`s competitiveness suggest a draw is plausible.
For more betting insights and tips, visit betting home page.
Dominic Ashworth