Wolfsburg Held 0-0 by Paderborn in Bundesliga Relegation Playoff First Leg

VfL Wolfsburg drew 0-0 with second-division SC Paderborn at the Volkswagen Arena on Thursday in the first leg of their Bundesliga relegation playoff. Wolfsburg, who have played continuously in the Bundesliga since 1996–97, dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge to break down a disciplined Paderborn backline. Former Denmark international Christian Eriksen started but was unable to unlock the visitors. Paderborn, appearing in their first-ever Bundesliga promotion playoff after finishing third in Bundesliga 2 with 62 points this season, proved resolute and presented a genuine counter-attacking threat throughout. The second leg takes place at Paderborn on Monday, May 25, with Wolfsburg’s top-flight status on the line.

Sources: Bundesliga.com, ESPN

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Aston Villa Welcomed Home in Birmingham After Historic Europa League Triumph

Aston Villa returned home to a rapturous reception in Birmingham on Thursday after winning the UEFA Europa League final 3–0 against SC Freiburg in Istanbul on Wednesday. Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendía and Morgan Rogers scored to deliver the club its first European trophy in 44 years, with manager Unai Emery winning a record fifth Europa League title with a third different club. An open-top bus parade through Birmingham city centre drew tens of thousands of supporters. Prince William, a committed Villa fan, attended the Istanbul final in person. Emiliano Martínez reportedly played the final with a broken finger, while celebrations extended to beers with the future King.

Sources: Sky Sports, UEFA.com

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Tuchel Drops Foden, Palmer and Maguire from England’s 2026 World Cup Squad

Thomas Tuchel named his 26-man England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday, delivering several high-profile omissions that have sparked immediate debate. Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire was left out, as were Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer and Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden, despite both having been among the most creative players in the Premier League this season. Ivan Toney earned a surprise recall from Brentford. England begin their tournament against Croatia on June 17 in the United States. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers kept his place after a standout domestic season. Harry Kane remains the clear No. 1 striker and captain.

Sources: ESPN, Sky Sports

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Luis Enrique Hails Arsenal as World’s Best Without the Ball Ahead of Budapest Final

PSG manager Luis Enrique praised Arsenal as the best team in the world without the ball at his pre-final press conference this week, warning that Mikel Arteta’s side can score a lot in the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30. PSG, defending champions after their 2025 title, reached the final by edging Bayern Munich 6–5 on aggregate in a thrilling semi-final. Arsenal beat Atlético Madrid 2–1 on aggregate, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal in the second leg. Enrique described Arteta as a leader as a manager who has instilled a winning mentality, while Harry Kane tipped PSG as favourites going into the showdown.

Sources: ESPN, Goal.com

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Arsenal Confirm May 31 Trophy Parade Through Islington — Possible Double Celebration

Arsenal have confirmed plans to parade the Premier League trophy through the streets of Islington on Sunday, May 31, the day after their Champions League final against PSG in Budapest. An open-top bus procession departing from Emirates Stadium will travel through Highbury and Upper Street before returning to the ground, the club announced Thursday. The parade could become a double celebration should Arsenal win the Champions League 24 hours earlier. Arsenal clinched their first league title in 22 years on Tuesday when Manchester City drew 1–1 at Bournemouth, finishing on 82 points with the Gunners four points clear at the summit.

Sources: ESPN, Goal.com

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Salah’s Anfield Farewell Shadowed by Tensions Over Slot Criticism

Mohamed Salah’s nine-year Liverpool career will conclude amid tension at Anfield on May 24, with analyst Jamie Carragher saying he is unsurprised by the Egyptian’s recent public comments criticising manager Arne Slot. Salah posted on social media following Liverpool’s 4–2 defeat to Aston Villa last week, appearing to call for a return to the heavy metal football of the Jürgen Klopp era. Liverpool confirmed the 33-year-old will leave as a free agent at the end of the season. Salah recovered from a minor muscle injury in time for the final Premier League match. Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad have renewed interest in signing him this summer.

Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN

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Pep Guardiola to Leave Manchester City After Ten Years, Enzo Maresca Tipped to Succeed Him

Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the Premier League season, ending a ten-year tenure that delivered six league titles, two Champions League trophies, and an unprecedented treble in 2023. Sources told Sky Sports News this week that Guardiola has informed his squad of his decision, exercising a break clause in his 2027 contract. Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is the club’s top internal candidate to succeed him. Guardiola’s probable final game will be City’s last Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday, May 24. Guardiola leaves as the second-most decorated manager in Premier League history.

Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN

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