Mbappe, Madrid eye Copa del Rey redemption

Real Madrid’s European failure this season stung, in particular for striker Kylian Mbappe and coach Carlo Ancelotti, but a Copa del Rey final victory would rapidly ease the pain.

Maresca: Chelsea’s season not a failure

Enzo Maresca insists his first season at Chelsea has not been a failure after criticism of the Italian’s conservative tactics in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

Europe’s most valuable star: Lamine Yamal

Lamine Yamal’s value is soaring — the 17-year-old is no longer a prospect, he’s already among football’s elite, writes Dylan Johnson. 

Liverpool on brink of title

Liverpool are on the brink of winning the Premier League title after Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Howe returns to work after pneumonia

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has returned to work at the club’s training centre after recovering from pneumonia, the Premier League outfit said on Thursday.

Camavinga set to miss rest of season with injury

Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is set to miss the rest of the season after he was diagnosed with a groin injury on Thursday.

‘Greatest-ever’ Vardy to leave Leicester end of the season

Jamie Vardy will leave former Premier League champions Leicester at the end of the season, the relegated club announced on Thursday, describing the lightning-quick forward as their “greatest-ever player”.

Real Madrid win at Getafe to keep La Liga title hopes alive

Arda Guler struck the only goal as Real Madrid won 1-0 at Getafe on Wednesday to claw back to within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Arsenal lacked ‘energy’ in Palace draw, Liverpool prepare to seal title

Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal have to get their “energy” back for the Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain after a lacklustre 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace left Liverpool on the brink of winning the Premier League.

Mabuza tops Portugal’s right-back rankings

Former KZN Academy defender Mhleli Mabuza has been named the best right-back in Portugal’s Campeonato de Portugal (fourth tier) following an outstanding season with Louletano Desportos Clube.