Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Arsenal Lose Two Right-Backs to Injury Ahead of Champions League Final
Arsenal have been dealt a potentially decisive blow ahead of their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30 in Budapest. The club confirmed on Tuesday that defender Ben White sustained a medial knee ligament injury during the 1-0 win over West Ham on May 10, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Jurrien Timber is also sidelined, leaving Arsenal without two natural right-backs for the biggest match in the club’s recent history. Mikel Arteta is expected to deploy centre-back Cristián Mosquera at right back. White’s absence also puts his England World Cup participation in doubt, with recovery timelines of four to eight weeks.
Sources: Goal.com
Freiburg and Aston Villa Set for Historic First Europa League Final in Istanbul
Freiburg and Aston Villa will contest the UEFA Europa League final on May 20 at Bešiktaš Park in Istanbul, a landmark first continental final for both clubs. Freiburg have never previously reached a UEFA final of any kind, while Villa last appeared in a European final at the 1982 European Cup triumph against Bayern Munich — 44 years ago. Villa manager Unai Emery arrives with a remarkable pedigree in this competition, having won it four times across spells with Sevilla and Villarreal. Key factors include Freiburg’s compact defensive structure and set-piece threat against Villa’s high-pressure style. The winner earns automatic Champions League qualification for 2026–27.
Sources: UEFA.com
PGMOL Chief Webb Confirms Arsenal VAR Call Was Correct in Title-Race Flashpoint
PGMOL chief Howard Webb has defended the VAR decision to disallow West Ham’s 95th-minute equaliser against Arsenal, confirming the call was “categorically correct.” Callum Wilson’s goal — which would have levelled the match at 1-1 in a direct title-race decider — was ruled out after a review found a West Ham player had fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya in the build-up. West Ham immediately described Webb’s post-match explanation as “catastrophic for the credibility of the game” and confirmed their intention to seek a PGMOL meeting. Arsenal’s 1-0 victory moved them five points clear of Manchester City with two games remaining in the Premier League season.
Sources: Goal.com
Guardiola Calls VAR a “Flip of a Coin” as City Face Must-Win Night Against Palace
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday he has “never trusted anything” with VAR since arriving at the club, describing decisions as “the flip of a coin,” ahead of Wednesday’s must-win home fixture against Crystal Palace. City trail Arsenal by five points with three games remaining, and failure to win would effectively end their title campaign. Guardiola acknowledged City no longer control their own destiny while insisting players must perform well enough to avoid marginal decisions. He recalled losing two FA Cup finals he attributed partly to refereeing errors, while still praising this season’s League Cup win and the upcoming Wembley final.
Sources: Sky Sports, Reuters
Spurs Draw 1-1 With Leeds, Remaining Two Points Above the Relegation Zone
Tottenham Hotspur remain just two points above the Premier League relegation zone after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday. Mathys Tel gave Spurs the lead with a curling second-half strike, then conceded the penalty that cost them the win, fouling Ethan Ampadu inside the area. Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted the spot-kick in the 74th minute. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky preserved the draw with a stunning save from Sean Longstaff in 13 minutes of added time. Roberto De Zerbi’s side have 38 points from 36 games, two above 18th-placed West Ham. Spurs face Chelsea away on May 19, while West Ham travel to Newcastle on May 17.
Sources: Reuters
Pérez Refuses to Resign as Real Madrid President, Calls Board Election After Trophyless Season
Florentino Pérez rejected calls for his resignation at a surprise press conference in Madrid on Tuesday, declaring he “will not resign” and announcing a board election process. The appearance came two days after Barcelona clinched the La Liga title with a 2-0 win at Camp Nou, capping a trophyless season for Real Madrid that included a Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich and mid-season dismissal of two managers. Pérez deflected José Mourinho return speculation, accused the media of “conspiring” against the club, and cited 37 major titles as evidence of his fitness to continue. Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé have both been booed at the Bernábeu this season.
Sources: Reuters
Arsenal Five Points Clear as Manchester City Face Must-Win Night at the Etihad
Arsenal hold a five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with two games remaining for Mikel Arteta’s side and three for Pep Guardiola’s. A City win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday would reduce the gap to two points, keeping the title race alive into the penultimate round. A draw or defeat would effectively confirm Arsenal as champions as early as Monday, May 18. Opta gives Arsenal an 87.2 per cent probability of winning the title, which would end the club’s 22-year wait. City remain mathematically alive but face Bournemouth and Aston Villa in their final two fixtures — opponents chasing European qualification.
Sources: Al Jazeera
Top Leagues
Premier League — Matchday 36–37
1. Arsenal — 79 pts (36 played)
2. Man City — 74 pts (35 played)
3. Liverpool — 63 pts (36 played)
4. Chelsea — 60 pts (36 played)
5. Aston Villa — 58 pts (36 played)
6. Bournemouth — 56 pts (36 played)
La Liga — Season End
1. Barcelona — Champions 2025–26
2. Real Madrid — 14 pts adrift (3 games left)
European Competitions
Champions League Final
PSG vs Arsenal — May 30, Budapest
Europa League Final
Freiburg vs Aston Villa — May 20, Istanbul
Conference League Final
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano — May 27, Leipzig
Other Leagues
Serie A: Inter Milan — Champions 2025–26
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich — Champions 2025–26
Curated by JD · samwise.agency