Football Stories in Midweek

Premier League returns with City scoring three past Arsenal



The Premier League made its return yesterday after a hundred day absence due to the coronavirus pandemic. Aston Villa and Sheffield United played the first game of the restart which ended goalless. However, there was a moment of controversy at the end of the first half when the Blades played a free-kick that Villa keeper Orjan Nyland fumbled over the line. Goalline technology, which is usually faultless, didn't read the ball going over the line which bemused those around Villa Park. Manchester City hosted Arsenal at the Etihad in the second game where they won 3-0. It was a day to forget for Mikel Arteta and more particularly David Luiz, who had a horrible show when he came on for Pablo Mari. The Brazilian was at fault for Raheem Sterling's opener before giving away a penalty early in the second half, which was converted by Kevin De Bruyne and was sent off. Phil Foden scored City's third capping off a horrible evening for the Gunners. The game was blighted which City defender Eric Garcia was taken off by paramedics after an altercation with his goalkeeper Ederson, which had a big impact on everyone at the Etihad. Let's hope for a speedy recovery for the Spaniard.

La Liga action



The Spanish top flight continued in midweek with Sevilla dropping points against Levante while Real Betis drew 2-2 in Granada. Espanyol gained a point against Champions League chasers Getafe as the Catalan side are pushing for safety as they are in a close relegation battle. Mallorca are still searching for their first win from the restart after losing to Villarreal 1-0 which still keeps them in the bottom three. Barcelona continued their pursuit on the La Liga title beating Leganes 2-0 with Ansu Fati and Lionel Messi scoring. Atletico Madrid scored five goals in a game for the first time this season beating Osasuna 5-0 with Joao Felix scoring a brace with Marcos Llorente, Alvaro Morata and Yannick Carrasco scoring as well. This puts Diego Simeone's side in the top four, two points behind third place Sevilla and two points ahead of fifth place Real Sociedad, who have a game in hand.

Bayern crowned champions for the eighth time




Bayern Munich have successfully defended the Bundesliga title for the eighth consecutive year after beating relegation threatened Werder Bremen 1-0 on Tuesday. Robert Lewandowski scored the only goal in the game which took his goal tally in the Bundesliga to 31 goals, the most he has scored in a league season. It has been quite a turnaround for the Bavarians this season, sacking Nico Kovac after losing 5-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt back in November. Credit has to go to manager Hansi Flick who has made Bayern a formidable side with Lewandowski going supernova and releasing a new lease of life in attacking midfielder Thomas Muller, who has been one of the best creators in Europe this season. Despite the best efforts from RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach, Bayern remain the top dog in Germany, winning another league in the process.

Napoli win Coppa Italia Final



Despite having an underwhelming season, Napoli had something to cheer about as they won the Coppa Italia Final after beating Juventus on penalties to win the first major silverware since 2014. Juventus were looking to win the Coppa Italia for the fifth time in six seasons with Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri looking for his first piece of silverware in Italian football. At an empty Stadio Olimpico, the game was goalless after extra time leading to the penalty shootout. Napoli keeper Alex Meret was the hero for the Naples side, saving Paulo Dybala's spot kick with Danilo's blazing over the bar. Arkadiusz Milik scored the winning spot kick condemning the Old Lady to another Cup final defeat. Sarri, who took Napoli to challenging for the Scudetto, will have to continue for his piece of silverware with Juventus with the Serie A and the Champions League still in contention.

Champions League and Europa Leagues Finals in August



UEFA have announced that the finals of the Europa League and Champions League will take place in August with the final of the Champions League taking place in Lisbon and Germany hosting the final of the Europa League. Both European competitions were suspended following the global health crisis in March. Four round of 16 games in the Champions League whose second legs matches have not taken place, will hold on the 7th and 8th of June. The 12th to 15th of August will hold the quarterfinals, the semifinals will hold on the 18th to 19th while the Fianl will hold on the 23rd. The Europa League will follow the same format as the Champions League with the final taking place on the 21st in Germany. The original venues for both finals, Istanbul and Gdansk, will host next year's final as compensation.