Match News
Match previews and recaps
In-depth match previews and recaps for football matches from leagues around the world. Each preview includes team form analysis, key player insights, head-to-head records, and score predictions to help you stay ahead of the game.
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano (1 - 0)
Crystal Palace claimed the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League title with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at Leipzig's Red Bull Arena, sealing their first continental trophy under Oliver Glasner. Jean-Philippe Mateta broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, guiding a composed left-footed finish into the top of the net from inside the box. Palace nearly doubled their lead five minutes later when Yéremy Pino rattled the left post with a direct free kick. Rayo pressed for an equalizer — Sergio Camello went close — but could not find a way through. Pathé Ciss was booked early for a dangerous challenge, one of several cautions in a feisty affair played without red cards or penalties. Glasner's Eagles finish the campaign with back-to-back trophies, following last season's FA Cup win. For Rayo Vallecano, participating in a continental final for the first time in their 102-year history is a milestone in itself, even as they leave Leipzig empty-handed.
Saint-Etienne vs Nice (0 - 0)
A cagey, goalless first leg at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard has left the Ligue 1 promotion-relegation playoff wide open. Saint-Étienne and Nice cancelled each other out across 90 tense minutes, with defensive discipline taking clear priority over attacking ambition. Nice were dealt an early setback when Charles Vanhoutte limped off injured inside the first quarter-hour, forcing an unplanned reshuffle. Despite shaking off that disruption to control 55% of possession, the visitors created just one big chance all night. Jonathan Clauss kept probing down the right with his deliveries, but nothing could unlock Saint-Étienne's backline. The evening's only booking fell to Saint-Étienne midfielder Abdoulaye Kanté, yellow-carded in the 63rd minute for serious foul play. With the aggregate score level at 0-0, everything rests on the second leg on May 29 at Nice's Allianz Riviera. Nice will have home advantage, but Saint-Étienne go there with nothing to lose and a clean sheet already in the bank.
Paderborn vs Wolfsburg (2 - 1)
SC Paderborn stunned VfL Wolfsburg 2-1 after extra time to seal a dramatic Bundesliga promotion, ending the Wolves' record 29-year unbroken run in the top flight. Laurin Curda's extra-time volley was the moment that made history. Wolfsburg flew out of the blocks — Dzenan Pejcinovic slotted in from Adam Daghim's pull-back inside three minutes. But the tie swung irrevocably when Joakim Maehle collected two yellows in quick succession, the second for a high boot on Mattes Hansen, leaving Wolfsburg a man down for the bulk of the contest. Filip Bilbija headed the equaliser from Curda's long throw, flicked on by Calvin Brackelmann, and Curda completed the turnaround with a volley in the 100th minute off Sven Michel's cross. It's a fairytale for Paderborn, back in the Bundesliga for a third time, and a historic low for Wolfsburg, who drop to the second division for the very first time.
Sint-Truiden vs Mechelen (3 - 0)
St. Truiden sent coach Wouter Vrancken off in style, dismantling KV Mechelen 3-0 at a rocking Stayen to close out an historic season. It was the perfect send-off for a manager who has quietly transformed the club. Arbnor Muja opened the scoring on 24 minutes before teeing up Taiga Hata to double the lead just before the break (45+3'). Ryan Merlen completed the rout on 71 minutes. Robert-Jan Vanwesemael had a strike ruled out for offside in the build-up, but the game was long settled. Muja, one of several players making their final STVV appearance, earned a warm standing ovation when he was replaced in the 80th minute. The victory sealed a third-place finish for St. Truiden — the club's best league campaign since 1966. For KV Mechelen, it was a painful finale; they needed a result to keep Conference League hopes alive but ended up bottom of the Championship Play-offs, their European dream extinguished.
Union Saint-Gilloise vs Anderlecht (5 - 1)
Union SG delivered a scintillating performance to dismantle Anderlecht 5-1 at Stade Joseph Marien in the Champions Play-offs. The standout figure was Besfort Zeneli, whose three assists drove a relentless first-half offensive that left the visitors completely exposed. The rout was built in rapid-fire fashion: Mateo Biondic opened the scoring (18'), Kevin Rodríguez doubled the lead three minutes later (21'), before Anouar Ait El Hadj (32') and Anan Khalaili (42') completed a four-goal first half. More damage followed in the second half — Thorgan Hazard was dismissed for serious foul play in the 47th minute, and Ross Sykes capitalised to make it five just after the hour (59'). Ibrahim Kanate grabbed a late consolation for Anderlecht (75'). This result could prove decisive in the title race. Union SG have firmly announced their championship ambitions, while for Anderlecht, the heavy defeat makes a late title challenge look increasingly difficult.
Club Brugge vs Gent (5 - 0)
Club Brugge put on a masterclass at Jan Breydel Stadium, brushing aside KAA Gent 5-0 in the Jupiler Pro League Championship Round. The show belonged to Nicolò Tresoldi, who bagged a hat-trick to steer the hosts to a dominant victory. Carlos Forbs set the tone early, finishing in the 21st minute after a Christos Tzolis assist. Tresoldi then took over completely, scoring in the 33rd, 41st, and 53rd minutes — with Hugo Vetlesen contributing two assists and Cisse Sandra one. Tzolis added a fifth in the 79th, assisted by Tresoldi himself. Gent's Leonardo Lopes was the only player booked, collecting a yellow card in the 67th minute. The comfortable win keeps Club Brugge firmly on top of the Championship Round standings. For Gent, sitting fifth, this heavy defeat lays bare how much ground they still need to make up on the league's best.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton (1 - 0)
Tottenham secured Premier League survival on the final day, edging past Everton 1-0 at home in a nervy but ultimately decisive display. The win snapped a 10-match home winless run and confirmed a 49th consecutive season in England's top flight for the Lilywhites. João Palhinha broke the deadlock on 43 minutes, heading against the post before bundling the rebound over the line from a corner. A tense second half followed, with Micky van de Ven blocking a dangerous effort from Beto late on, before goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky capped the performance with a stunning stoppage-time save to deny substitute Tyrique George. The result relegated West Ham, who won their own final-day fixture but couldn't overtake Spurs on points. Tottenham finish 17th with 41 points, survival secured under Roberto De Zerbi. For Everton, already safe, the day ended quietly — though Seamus Coleman captained the side in what is expected to be his final Premier League appearance.
Sunderland vs Chelsea (2 - 1)
Sunderland pulled off a remarkable final-day win at the Stadium of Light, beating Chelsea 2-1 to seal a place in European football for the first time in over 50 years. The Black Cats were dominant throughout, and Wesley Fofana's second-half red card extinguished any remaining hope of a Chelsea comeback.Trai Hume gave the hosts the lead on 25 minutes with a sharp toe-poked volley, before a deflected Bryan Brobbey effort cannoned off Malo Gusto to double the advantage just after the break. Cole Palmer pulled one back for Chelsea almost immediately (56'), but Fofana's dismissal for a second yellow card at 62 minutes effectively ended the contest.The result sends Sunderland into the Europa League in their first season back in the top flight — their first European campaign since 1974. Manager Regis Le Bris called it "perfect." For Chelsea, a 10th-place finish and no European football next season marked a deeply disappointing end to their campaign.
Nottingham Forest vs AFC Bournemouth (1 - 1)
Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth shared the spoils on the final day of the Premier League season, drawing 1-1 at the City Ground. Morgan Gibbs-White was the standout performer, scoring his 15th league goal of the campaign — just days after being left out of England's World Cup squad. Gibbs-White broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a well-taken free-kick, capping a commanding first-half display from the hosts. Bournemouth levelled shortly after the restart when Marcus Tavernier rifled home a superb strike, set up by Adrien Truffert from the left byline. There were no red cards or penalties, though Eli Junior Kroupi came close to snatching all three points late on. For Forest, the result sealed survival after a dramatic mid-season slump had briefly dragged them into the relegation zone. For Bournemouth, the point confirmed a historic sixth-place finish and the club's first-ever European qualification — a fitting farewell gift for departing manager Andoni Iraola.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa (1 - 2)
Aston Villa stunned Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad on the final day of the Premier League season, with Ollie Watkins' clinical brace turning the game on its head and capping a remarkable week for the visitors. Antoine Semenyo put the hosts ahead in the 22nd minute with a close-range corner finish, but Villa were irresistible after the break. Watkins equalized almost immediately after halftime (47'), then slid an elegant finish past John Stones (62') in a goal that survived a VAR offside check. Phil Foden thought he had leveled late on, only for VAR to correctly disallow it. The occasion was laced with emotion — Pep Guardiola bidding farewell as City manager, with guards of honor for departing stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones. City finished second on 78 points, while Villa — who had lifted the Europa League just three days prior — signed off a superb campaign in fourth.
Liverpool vs Brentford (1 - 1)
A bittersweet afternoon at Anfield ended 1-1 as Liverpool drew with Brentford on the final day — overshadowed by Mohamed Salah's emotional farewell after nine seasons at the club. Curtis Jones broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, bundling home a cross from Salah — an assist that lifted the Egyptian above Steven Gerrard as Liverpool's all-time Premier League assists leader with 93. Just six minutes later, Kevin Schade levelled for Brentford to make it 1-1. Salah's first-half free-kick had already rattled the upright, and he left the pitch to a standing ovation in the 74th minute. The point was enough for Liverpool, who finished fifth with 60 points and secured a Champions League berth despite a four-game winless run. Brentford ended ninth on 53 points — agonisingly missing European football on goal difference to Brighton.
Fulham vs Newcastle United (2 - 0)
Fulham signed off their Premier League season in style, beating Newcastle 2-0 at Craven Cottage on the final day. Substitute Tom Cairney capped the win with a stunning 25-yard strike in the 80th minute, the pick of the goals on a comfortable afternoon for the Cottagers. Issa Diop opened the scoring on 20 minutes, heading home after Kevin's free-kick rattled the crossbar. Newcastle reshuffled at half-time — Jacob Murphy making way for Harvey Barnes — but mustered just two shots on target despite controlling the majority of possession. Cairney, freshly introduced from the bench, then drove in from 25 yards following a corner, with Harry Wilson picking up the assist. With both sides finishing on 49 points, Fulham edged above their visitors in the final standings, leaving the Magpies in 12th — their worst league finish in five years. For manager Marco Silva, out of contract in June and linked with a move to Benfica, it may well prove a glorious farewell.
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal (1 - 2)
Arsenal rounded off their title-winning Premier League campaign with a 1-2 victory at Crystal Palace, combining championship celebrations with a professional display on the last day of the season. Gabriel Jesus broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, guiding a low finish past Henderson after a slick move down the left. Noni Madueke doubled the lead just after the restart (48'), finishing smartly at the back post following a corner. Crystal Palace pulled one back when Jean-Philippe Mateta headed home in the 89th minute — his 50th Premier League goal — but VAR denied the hosts a dramatic leveller moments later, ruling out a Pino effort for offside. For Arsenal, the win caps a historic season as they head to Budapest for the Champions League final against PSG. For Crystal Palace, it was a bittersweet farewell as manager Oliver Glasner took his bow at Selhurst Park, the Eagles finishing 15th on 45 points.
Burnley vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (1 - 1)
Two already-relegated sides signed off the Premier League season in style, as Burnley and Wolves drew 1-1 at Turf Moor. Zian Flemming's composed leveller just after the break was the moment that defined a spirited final-day affair. Adam Armstrong broke the deadlock from the spot in the 5th minute after VAR judged that Florentino's arm had deflected the ball inside the box. Burnley hit back almost immediately after the restart, Flemming curling a cool finish from the edge of the area to make it 1-1. Both sides went close to a winner — Burnley struck the post, and Wolves rattled the woodwork too — before late yellow cards for Yerson Mosquera and Ashley Barnes summed up the feisty mood at the final whistle. Ultimately, though, the scoreline barely mattered. Both clubs had already been relegated before kick-off. Burnley end up 19th on 22 points, Wolves finish bottom with 20, and both now face the challenge of rebuilding for Championship football next season.
West Ham United vs Leeds United (3 - 0)
West Ham rounded off their Premier League season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Leeds at the London Stadium, the standout moment arriving early when Taty Castellanos powered home a header from a Jarrod Bowen corner in the sixth minute. Mateus Fernandes set up the second, threading Jarrod Bowen through on the counter to finish calmly on 76 minutes. Substitute Callum Wilson completed the rout in the 91st minute, curling home with the outside of his foot from a short corner assisted by Crysencio Summerville. Leeds grew increasingly ragged across the 90 minutes, with Jaka Bijol, Brenden Aaronson, and Ethan Ampadu all picking up yellow cards. The win was exactly what West Ham needed on a tense Matchday 38, completing their side of the bargain in a desperate fight to avoid the drop. For Leeds — already safe and settled back in the top flight — the defeat stings but carries no lasting damage after a solid return to the Premier League.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United (0 - 3)
Manchester United ended the Premier League season in style, crushing Brighton 3-0 at the American Express Stadium on the final day. The standout moment came early: Bruno Fernandes teed up Patrick Dorgu on 33 minutes for his 21st league assist of the campaign — a new Premier League record, surpassing the previous marks of Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Dorgu's opener set the tone, and Bryan Mbeumo doubled the lead just before half-time with a 44th-minute finish set up by Diallo. Fernandes then got on the scoresheet himself three minutes after the restart, a goal that required a VAR check before being confirmed. Kobbie Mainoo picked up a yellow card in first-half stoppage time, the only blemish on an otherwise commanding afternoon for United. Manchester United sealed third place and Champions League football for next season. For Brighton, the defeat ended any lingering hope of European qualification — they had needed this win combined with results elsewhere going their way, and neither scenario came to pass.
Standard Liège vs Sporting Charleroi (0 - 2)
Sporting Charleroi put in a commanding away performance at Stade de Sclessin, defeating Standard Liège 2-0 in the Belgian Pro League playoffs. The visitors controlled the contest and were fully deserving of the three points. Jakob Romsaas broke the deadlock in the 75th minute, powering home a header from a Yacine Titraoui cross. Antoine Bernier sealed the win in the 86th, converting a composed left-footed finish after Aurélien Scheidler threaded him through with a precise through ball. Late drama arrived when Mardochée Nzita picked up his second yellow in the 89th minute, leaving Charleroi down to ten men — though the outcome was long settled. The visitors had dominated all evening, finishing with 57% possession and 13 attempts to Standard's seven. The win keeps Charleroi firmly alive in the Conference League playoff group, while Standard Liège — limited to just three shots on target — face a serious challenge to salvage their European ambitions.
OH Leuven vs Genk (0 - 2)
Genk produced a commanding away display at Den Dreef, beating OH Leuven 2-0 in the Conference League play-offs. The visitors did all their damage in a ruthless first half that left the hosts chasing shadows. Junya Ito broke the deadlock on 16 minutes, giving Genk an early foothold, and Ayumu Yokoyama made it two in the 33rd minute to effectively kill the contest before the break. Leuven offered little in response, and the second half passed without incident as the visitors controlled proceedings with ease. The result is a timely boost for Genk in the Conference League play-offs, strengthening their push for European qualification. For OH Leuven, a home defeat leaves them with serious ground to recover if they are to keep their continental ambitions alive.
Antwerp vs Westerlo (2 - 0)
Royal Antwerp rounded off a turbulent week with a polished home performance, beating Westerlo 2-0 at the Bosuilstadion on Saturday evening in the Conference League playoffs. The result was built on a moment of real quality right on the stroke of half-time. Rein Van Helden struck two minutes into first-half stoppage time to break the deadlock and give the hosts the foothold they needed. Modibo Fofana then made the game safe on 69 minutes, finishing off a sharp assist from the excellent Daam Foulon. The match saw five yellow cards shared across both sides, but no red cards — a feisty affair that never quite boiled over. Despite Westerlo edging possession, Antwerp dominated with 17 shots to eight and an xG of 1.55 against just 0.44. For Antwerp, the three points provide a welcome lift as they push higher in the playoff standings. Westerlo, who came in sitting third in the group, will need to regroup quickly if they want to protect their European ambitions.
Dender vs Lommel (0 - 0)
FCV Dender EH's relegation playoff campaign came to an abrupt end at Van Roy Stadium, as a second leg they desperately needed to win ended in a goalless draw. The 0-0 result was enough for Lommel SK, who progress 3-2 on aggregate after winning the first leg a week earlier. With nothing to separate the sides on the night, the story was told in yellow cards rather than chances. The match turned fractious inside the final quarter-hour, with bookings for Banguera (75'), Oware (77'), Marijnissen (86'), Boukammiri (88') and Moutha-Sebtaoui (90+4') — the last of those for dissent as tempers boiled over in stoppage time. No red cards, no penalties; just mounting frustration from a Dender side that never found a way through. Lommel SK, steered by manager Lee Johnson, advance in the playoff and live to fight another day. For Dender and coach Yannick Ferrera, it is a painful two-leg exit, leaving their top-flight future deeply uncertain.
PSV U19 vs Volendam U19
It's the final matchday of the U19 Divisie 1 Spring season, and PSV U19 are eyeing a strong closing statement in third place with 22 points. Visitors Volendam U19 sit seventh on just 10 — making this a contest with very different objectives. Volendam arrive in dire form, losing four of their last five including a 2-8 thrashing by AZ U19 and a 0-5 rout at the hands of Ajax U19. PSV, by contrast, just claimed an impressive away win at Ajax U19, arriving at De Herdgang in confident mood under 29-year-old coach Vincent Heilmann. Liam van Nistelrooy and Manuel Bahaty headline PSV's attack, with Benjamin Khaderi pulling the strings in midfield. Volendam's defensive frailties have been a recurring theme all spring, and there is little reason to expect that to change here. Our prediction: 3-0
Feyenoord U19 vs Ajax U19
With AZ sitting three points clear at the top of the U19 Eredivisie spring table, Feyenoord need maximum points from their final two home games to keep their title hopes alive. Ajax, sitting fourth, arrive at Sportpark Varkenoord desperate to end the season on a positive note. Feyenoord have been relentless this spring — 36 goals in 12 outings, including a 4-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam and a 5-2 thrashing away at NEC. Paulo Rudisill has been central to that attack. Ajax arrive in poor form after back-to-back defeats to PSV (1-3) and Volendam (0-2), and coach Yuri Rose will need sharp showings from forwards Jeshurun Simeon and Eternal Barron to trouble a confident home side. The sides drew 2-2 in Amsterdam in March, but Feyenoord had won both earlier meetings this season — 3-2 and 4-3. Home advantage and a genuine title push make the hosts clear favourites here. Our prediction: 2-1
Utrecht vs Heerenveen (3 - 2)
FC Utrecht booked a place in the Conference League playoff final with a dramatic 3-2 victory over SC Heerenveen at Galgenwaard. The match came alive in a breathless second-half spell, with four goals arriving inside just 12 frantic minutes. Artem Stepanov opened the scoring on 46 minutes after a goalkeeper error. Heerenveen's Dylan Vente levelled quickly (53'), only for Utrecht to storm back through a header from Mike van der Hoorn (55') and a crisp left-footed volley by Souffian El Karouani (57'). Jacob Trenskow's deflected free kick on 76 minutes made it nervy again, but Utrecht held firm. The afternoon had already been unsettled when Alonzo Engwanda was stretchered off with a hamstring injury just before the break. Utrecht now travel to Volendam on Sunday for the final against Ajax, with European football firmly on the line. For Heerenveen, a battling season comes to an end at the semifinal stage.
Wolfsburg vs Paderborn (0 - 0)
Wolfsburg and Paderborn played out a goalless first leg of their Bundesliga relegation play-off at the Volkswagen Arena. The game's best moment came in the 84th minute when Filip Bilbija's audacious lob looked destined for the net before Denis Vavro and Joakim Mæhle combined to clear it off the line. There were no goals but plenty of tension throughout. Wolfsburg goalkeeper Kamil Grabara was alert to deny Santiago Castaneda's volley early on, while at the other end Paderborn's Dennis Seimen produced a superb foot-save to keep out Adam Daghim on 32 minutes. Stoppage time brought the evening's biggest flashpoint: Jonah Sticker was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Kevin Paredes, earning an automatic red and a ban for the return leg. Everything remains to play for ahead of Monday's second leg in Paderborn. Wolfsburg will rue a wasteful night — they posted an xG of 1.26 — while Paderborn travel home encouraged by their defensive resilience, though they must navigate the decider without the suspended Sticker.
Mechelen vs Club Brugge (2 - 2)
A goalkeeper's own goal in the 87th minute threatened to derail Club Brugge's title party, but a 2-2 draw at KV Mechelen proved enough for the visitors to clinch their 20th Belgian championship. Christos Tzolis broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, before Myron van Brederode levelled on the counter just after half-time. Nicolò Tresoldi restored the lead in the 51st minute — a goal mired in controversy, as Mechelen's bench erupted over a handball by Joaquin Seys that VAR waved off, earning a yellow card for an incensed coach Frederik Vanderbiest. The hosts equalised in the 87th minute when goalkeeper Dani van den Heuvel fumbled a Van Brederode corner straight into his own net. It almost cost Club Brugge dearly — but Union SG's simultaneous goalless draw with Gent handed them the title regardless. For KV Mechelen, sixth in the playoff standings, it was a spirited farewell to the campaign against the new champions.
Gent vs Union Saint-Gilloise (0 - 0)
A tense evening at the Ghelamco Arena ended goalless as KAA Gent frustrated Royale Union SG in the Pro League Championship Round, landing a damaging blow to the visitors' title ambitions. Union SG were denied a dream start in the sixth minute when Willy Kanga's penalty was saved by the Gent goalkeeper. The visitors dominated — 54% possession, 15 shots to Gent's nine — but could not break through. Gent were combative throughout, picking up four yellow cards. The cruelest moment came in the 87th minute when Mathias Biondic's apparent strike was ruled out by VAR, leaving the visitors stunned. The 0-0 leaves Union SG in second place but further adrift in the title race, with their hopes of defending the Pro League crown looking increasingly fragile. Gent, still winless in the championship rounds, add another draw that does little to lift their playoff campaign.
Anderlecht vs Sint-Truiden (3 - 1)
Anderlecht beat Sint-Truiden 3-1 at Lotto Park on Thursday, with Danylo Sikan netting his first two goals for the club to seal a vital home win in style. Sikan opened in the 20th minute when a deflected shot fell kindly at his feet, then doubled the lead deep into first-half stoppage time (45+2') after a corner. Abdoulaye Sissako pulled one back for Sint-Truiden from a set piece in the 77th minute, but Adriano Bertaccini killed the game off with a late counter-attack finish in the 90th. The night also served as an emotional farewell for departing veterans Yari Verschaeren and Thorgan Hazard, who both received warm ovations from the Lotto Park faithful. The win confirmed Anderlecht's fourth-place finish and secured European football for next season. Sint-Truiden, already locked into third before kick-off, had little at stake but can reflect on a genuinely impressive campaign.
Ajax vs Groningen (2 - 0)
Ajax delivered a controlled 2-0 win over FC Groningen in the Conference League playoff semifinal, never truly threatened and fully in charge from the opening exchanges. Davy Klaassen opened the scoring in the 24th minute, powering home a header from a Mika Godts cross. Jorthy Mokio then doubled the advantage with a composed left-footed finish just after the hour mark. Groningen thought they had pulled one back when Brynjólfur Willumsson netted in the 70th minute, but VAR intervened to rule the effort out, extinguishing any hope of a late comeback. Four yellow cards for the visitors reflected their mounting frustration. The clean-sheet victory sends Ajax through to the next stage of the Conference League playoffs with momentum and confidence. For Groningen, it is a bitter exit — they registered barely a shot on goal and will need to regroup quickly heading into the summer.
Freiburg vs Aston Villa (0 - 3)
Aston Villa were simply magnificent in Istanbul, sweeping aside Freiburg 3-0 in the UEFA Europa League final to claim the club's first European trophy since the 1982 European Cup. A breathtaking closing spell to the first half effectively ended the contest before the hour mark. Youri Tielemans broke the deadlock on 41 minutes with a textbook first-time volley, arrowing Morgan Rogers' cross into the bottom corner. Three minutes into stoppage time, Emi Buendía curled a superb left-footed strike into the top corner after John McGinn's pressing had won the ball high up the pitch. Rogers completed the rout just after the hour, poking home from close range off a precise low cross from Buendía. Emi Martínez capped a fine night with a world-class late stop from Johan Manzambi's close-range header. For manager Unai Emery, it was a record fifth Europa League title — the crowning achievement of a remarkable Aston Villa tenure. Champions League football is now guaranteed next season. Freiburg, contesting their first-ever major European final, can still hold their heads high — the night simply belonged to an outstanding Villa side.
AZ U19 vs Nijmegen U19
AZ Alkmaar U19 go into this clash sitting second in the U19 Eredivisie spring standings, with a cup final also looming on the horizon — every point counts. NEC Nijmegen U19 arrive in fifth place, but three points here would still make for a strong finish to the campaign. AZ have been in blistering form, hammering Volendam 8-2 and beating Ajax twice in their last five outings. Leading scorer Hessel de Wit has bagged 12 goals this season, with winger Tycho de Wit adding pace and creativity. Nijmegen come in off the back of a 1-1 draw with Sparta Rotterdam, and will lean on centre-forward Jesaja Mustapha (8 goals) and energetic midfielder Joep Willems (6 goals) to test the home backline. With AZ's firepower and home advantage, the hosts look the clear favourites here. Our prediction: 3-1