The Guardian

It was a showpiece that held the football world in its grip, the tension mounting exponentially, everything on the line. For Paris Saint-Germain, there was the opportunity to make it clear that this is a dynastic team; the rarity of retaining a Champions League title. For Arsenal, it was simple. Never mind the Invincibles. They stood to be immortal, a first triumph in this competition to follow t…

Club’s flawed recruitment meant coach did not deserve the vitriol, but Anfield boos led to executives needing to act Mohamed Salah’s parting shot was to demand the return of heavy-metal football at Liverpool and, in their reasoning for sacking Arne Slot , the club’s hierarchy have concurred. It is a brutal, but understandable decision to remove Slot on the basis that Liverpool’s style must evolve…

2nd T20i: Eng, 168-5, bt India, 142-9, by 26 runs India’s decision to retire out Bhatia in run chase backfires Freya Kemp smashed an unbeaten 39 from 13 balls as England finally unleashed some batting firepower to post 168 for five and beat India by 26 runs in the second T20 international. Kemp found able support from Dani Gibson as England’s two finishers added 39 from the final two overs to lev…

Ian Rush among those from Liverpool and Juventus at ceremony New Anfield Road monument replaces original plaque Liverpool have unveiled a new memorial on the 41st anniversary of the Heysel Stadium tragedy to the 39 fans who died. Representatives from Juventus, Liverpool’s opponents in the 1985 European Cup final, attended the unveiling ceremony at Anfield on Friday along with the Liverpool ambass…

Tim Payne identified as least-known player by Argentinian influencer Campaign launched to make defender a ‘hero’ before tournament New Zealand defender Tim Payne has become an unlikely star after an influencer from Argentina called on his followers to unite and make the little-known 32-year-old a “hero” of the upcoming World Cup. El Scarso, a football influencer also known as Valen Scarsini, iden…

Wigan 40-10 Hull KR Warriors’ Walters dismissed late for dangerous tackle Wigan produced another Challenge Cup masterclass to extend their record as the kings of rugby league’s most prestigious competition, ruthlessly picking apart the holders in imperious fashion. The meeting was, on paper, set to be one of the most intriguing in recent history. The most recent two Super League and Challenge Cup…

Russia’s Shnaider played in Gazprom-funded event Oliynykova defeated Shnaider 7-5, 6-1 in French Open Oleksandra Oliynykova has called for Diana Shnaider to face sanctions for her participation in a Gazprom-funded exhibition in Russia and the Ukrainian criticised the sport’s “hypocritical” governing bodies after her 7-5, 6-1 defeat by her Russian opponent. “She doesn’t want to comment on the war,…

Former England and Chelsea star arrested on M3 on Thursday under suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs Raheem Sterling has been made to feel “disposable” after a decade at the top of football, a source close to the former England star has said, after his arrest on suspicion of driving “whilst unfit through drugs”. The source said the former Man City and Chelsea winger, who is now playing…

Overall leader leaves nothing to chance on final climb Dane will claim first Giro by reaching Rome finish Jonas Vingegaard all but won the Giro d’Italia on Saturday and his attention will soon turn to the Tour de France as he attempts to become the ninth male cyclist to complete the Giro-Tour double. The Dane wrapped up the first part in style, soloing to victory atop Piancavallo at the end of th…

Expectations were raised after a first semi-final at Qatar 2022 and Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will hope history can repeat itself This article is part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network , a cooperation between some of the best media organisations from the 48 countries who qualified. theguardian.com is running previews from three countries each day in the run-up to the tournament kickin…

The England head coach has five key challenges to address in the buildup to next week’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s For all that the series was obviously a failure, England were competitive for periods of most of the Ashes Tests. But McCullum has repeatedly conceded that in the key moments when matches tend to be decided his side have a habit of stumbling. The question is why, and on…

In the early stages, Scotland looked to be opting for something different. That is, heading to a major tournament while completely unburdened by expectation. Little Curaçao were embarrassing Steve Clarke and his team. Scottish Football Association big wigs, who handed Clarke a four-year deal in recent days , were shuffling uncomfortably in the plush seats. Excitement was surely raising in Haiti, …

Prem Rugby: Saracens 26-12 Harlequins Bonus point gained in final minute Not exactly a blaze of glory to send off Mark McCall on his last home match, but to win a good old-fashioned London scrap in such a way will no doubt be its own source of satisfaction. All the more so in that it means Saracens attain the top four for the first time since October with one round to play. All the more so given …

With three top stadiums, Inglewood is remaking itself as a host of world-class events – and while some locals love the transformation, others feel left behind Melisa Arnold’s morning walks around the neighborhood are orchestrated by the staccato beat of jackhammers and the roar of airplanes pointed to and from Los Angeles international airport. This is Inglewood, she says, and its soundscape. Aft…

Dutchman departs after disappointing title defence Live reaction: Slot leaves Anfield after two years Liverpool have sacked Arne Slot after a troubled Premier League title defence and are likely to turn to Andoni Iraola to replace him. Slot has been dismissed with immediate effect and, Liverpool say, with great reluctance after a review into a season that was overshadowed by the death of Diogo Jo…