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Showing posts from May, 2025

Rugby League | Hull KR 34 - 4 St Helens

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This was a concerning match for St Helens Hull Kingston Rovers maintained their grip on the Super League summit with a commanding victory over St Helens, sending them into next Saturday’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley full of confidence. Author | Josh D Pre match at Craven Park The home side led 28-4 at the break, thanks to two tries by Jack Broadbent and strong finishes from Peta Hiku, Mikey Lewis and Elliot Minchella. Saints’ sole first-half try came from Lewis Murphy, who later almost reduced the deficit with an acrobatic effort ruled out just before Lewis added his second of the evening at the opposite end. Rovers’ dominant performance against the long-time Super League powerhouse, which lifted a record tenth title only three years ago, gives them ideal momentum ahead of their London showdown with Warrington Wolves. READ MORE |  Rugby League news and stories from the 2025 season READ MORE |  Wigan keep up pressure at the top of Super League Saints arrived in east Hull...

Football | Can Real Betis shock Chelsea in Conference League final?

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Chelsea v Real Betis Preview Former Premier League winner Manuel Pellegrini has guided Betis to the 2024-25 final, having overseen the renaissances of Isco and Antony over the past several months, and the former was the star of the semi-finals. Author | Peter Grainger A closer look at that semi-final Real Betis traveled to Italy with a 2-1 lead from the first leg against Fiorentina. They found themselves 2-1 down and facing the possibility of penalties. However, Antony, who had scored with a free kick earlier, provided a crucial assist to Abde Ezzalzouli in the 97th minute, allowing Betis to progress under dramatic circumstances with a 2-2 draw. There are plenty of other familiar names in the Betis squad, this includes goalkeeper Adrian, former Barcelona defender Marc Barta and Switzerland stalwart Ricardo Rodriguez. Who can forget their legend Isco.  READ MORE |  Chelsea's Conference League final preview Unfortunately, that draw marked the beginning of a challenging perio...

Football | Aberdeen beat Celtic on penalties

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A dramatic Saturday afternoon at Hampden Park Aberdeen beat Celtic 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw Author | Sean M Aberdeen claimed their first Scottish Cup triumph in 35 years in dramatic fashion, as Dimitar Mitov's heroics in a penalty shootout denied Celtic a domestic treble at Hampden Park. Brendan Rodgers’ side, heavy favourites going into the final, looked to be cruising after Alfie Dorrington inadvertently turned the ball into his own net shortly before the break, giving the holders a slender lead and a sense of control. But Aberdeen, resolute and undeterred, stayed in the contest and found their breakthrough on 83 minutes. A dangerous cross from substitute Shayden Morris caused chaos in the Celtic box, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel turning the ball into his own net under minimal pressure — a bizarre moment that shifted the momentum entirely. READ MORE | Sporting stories from Super News Affiliate READ MORE | News from across Scotland on European Super Football From...

Football | A new era dawns at Real Madrid

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Xabi Alonso announced as Real Madrid manager The announcement follows Alonso’s decision earlier this month to step down from his role at Bayer Leverkusen, having guided the German club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a domestic cup double in his first full season.  Author - Ajay The former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder returns to the Bernabeu on a three-year contract, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti. It brings to a close Ancelotti’s second spell in charge. Though expected, the departure of the club’s most successful manager is still tinged with melancholy. The transition is complete. Ancelotti, one of the game's most respected figures, now turns his attention to Brazil, while Alonso, the heir apparent, steps into one of football’s most demanding roles. This is more than a change in personnel. It marks the end of one era and the start of another, a quiet passing of the baton from the seasoned elder to the ambitious newcomer. That it happened so seamlessly owes much to Leve...

Music | Neighbourhood Weekender Day 1

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A recap of the Saturday of Neighbourhood Weekender Festival season is here Author | Josh T The start of the festival Starting the summer festival season in the right way Neighbourhood Weekender Festival in Warrington’s Victoria Park  Becoming increasingly popular, masses of people travel to the park to hear their favourite alternative and indie rock artists. With several  different stages across the park, there’s something for everyone and this hits you straight away as you queue to have your ticket scanned.  Let's explore some of the best moments. If you were in attendance, let us know what you thought of a slightly rainy Saturday. James were a worthy headliner  Who doesn't love James? They're a fantastic live band who have fans across the generations. This environment at Neighbourhood is perfect for them and they proved this once again. Sally told us: "There was some great bands throughout the day but James were just special. A fantastic day and evening." ...

Football | Arsenal 1 - 0 Barcelona

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Arsenal beat Barcelona to clinch historic Champions League title Stina Blackstenius fired Arsenal to victory over Barcelona in Lisbon, sealing the club’s first UEFA Women’s Champions League title in 18 years. Author |  DJ The Swedish striker latched onto a pinpoint pass from Beth Mead before finishing with clinical precision past Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll from close range. It proved to be the decisive moment in a fiercely contested final, one that will live long in the memory of Arsenal fans. Few had tipped Arsenal to emerge victorious. Barcelona came into the final as reigning champions, having lifted three of the past four Champions League trophies and fielding two Ballon d’Or winners in Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas. Yet the Spanish side failed to find their rhythm against a disciplined and defiant Arsenal performance. The Gunners thought they had taken the lead in the first half when defender Irene Paredes turned the ball into her own net, only for the goal to be ...

Rugby League | Warrington Wolves 12 - 31 Hull KR

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Hull KR tighten grip at Super League summit with a dominant win Hull KR extended their lead at the top of Super League to four points with a commanding victory over fellow Challenge Cup finalists Warrington Wolves, securing their 11th league win of the season. Author | Amy W Jack Broadbent opened the scoring for the Robins following a lapse in Warrington’s defence, but Dan Russell responded quickly with a try for the visitors. From there, Hull KR began to assert control. Tom Davies and Mikey Lewis crossed the line before half-time, while Joe Burgess added another try after the break to strengthen the home side’s position. Tyrone May’s score took the Robins 18 points clear and, although Josh Thewlis replied for Warrington to briefly narrow the margin, Davies’ second of the evening and a bold last-minute drop goal from Lewis confirmed a comfortable victory. The result maintains Hull KR’s impressive momentum in the 2025 campaign and gives them breathing space at the top of the table,...

Football | How a former Manchester United player became a Napoli legend

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He's one of two Scottish players that helped Napoli win Serie A Scott McTominay was already a hero at Napoli after some defining goals. However, as he collapsed to the ground in tears of joy after helping them to the Serie A title, he cemented his place as a legend of the club. Author | Jamie P McTominay hooked in a fine acrobatic volley - his 12th goal of the season - to give Napoli the lead against Cagliari, before former Manchester United team-mate Romelu Lukaku made the game safe with a second. That home win ensured they held off Champions League finalists Inter Milan to claim their fourth Serie A title. As soon after the final whistle went, the 28-year-old Scotland midfielder was named Serie A's Most Valuable Player for 2024-25. READ MORE | The day McTominay moved from Manchester United to Napoli READ MORE | The match report from European Super Football   READ MORE | Napoli news and stories from European Super Football  Leaving United, the club where he had spent near...

Football | Arsenal v Barcelona preview

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Arsenal and Barcelona meet in the final of the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League  Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade playing host to a fixture that pits Europe’s reigning giants against one of its most compelling comeback stories. Author - Lauren W As expected, Barcelona return to defend their crown. The Spanish champions, winners on three previous occasions, are now seasoned contenders on this stage. Their opponents, however, are a rather more unexpected presence. Arsenal are appearing in the final for the first time in 18 years, having failed to progress beyond the first round of qualifying only a year ago. It is a classic contest between the perennial powerhouse and the resurgent underdogs. Arsenal have shown extraordinary resilience to reach this point, coming from behind in both the quarter-final and semi-final to underline the grit and belief behind their remarkable run. Barcelona, in contrast, have marched through with clinical precision, dispatching Chelsea 8–2 on aggregat...

Football | The Women's World Sevens has kicked off

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There has been an interesting new addition to the women's game  Smoke cannons erupted behind the goal, live music pumped from a DJ booth during corners, and free shirts were hurled into the crowd at half-time.  This wasa all a far cry from the typical matchday experience for Europe’s elite women footballers. Author - Amy W "Carnage. Just chaos," were the words from Manchester United manager Marc Skinner, fresh from his side's 3-2 win over Roma in Portugal. The Women's World Sevens kicked off in Estoril on Wednesday with Manchester United and Manchester City among the eight clubs involved. The new seven-a-side competition has a huge prize money pool and is reportedly more than what the Women's Champions League winners will earn three days later in Lisbon. With rolling substitutes, no offsides and 15-minute halves, it's a format that brings out flair and creativity, as well as loads od attacking intent. England international Jess Park began lighting thin...

Football | More change at Everton

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Abdoulaye Doucouré to leave Everton at end of season as contract expires The player confirmed he will leave Everton this summer when his contract expires, bringing an end to a four-year spell at Goodison Park. Author - Sarah W The 32-year-old Mali international joined the Toffees from Watford for £20 million in September 2020 and has made 165 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals.  Doucouré battling against Newcastle United in 2021 Source | Football Pictures Flickr Among his most significant contributions was the decisive strike in Everton’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth on the final day of the 2022–23 season, a goal that secured the club’s Premier League survival. Doucouré is one of several senior players departing Merseyside at the end of the campaign. Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia are also set to leave, while the futures of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Idrissa Gueye, Michael Keane and Seamus Coleman remain uncertain, with all out of contract this summer. READ MORE ...

Rugby League | Hull KR 34 - 0 Huddersfield Giants

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A fantastic win and performance for Hull KR The home side moved back to the top of Super League with a comfortable victory over a struggling Huddersfield side Author - Amy W After Wigan Warriors had overtaken them on Friday by beating Leigh Leopards, the Robins did what was required, and in emphatic fashion. The game started off slowly before Hull KR displayed their class Joe Burgess scored the only points of the first half. Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Kalepi Tanginoa, Jack Brown and Burgess again all picked up points in the second half. The Giants were unable to breach the league's meanest defence as they stay 11th with a 10th defeat out of 11 games. What was alarming from a neutral perspective was the clear gulf in class between a side at the top and a side at the bottom. Is that something that the organisers of the Super League should be concerned about? A closer look at what happened and why it happened With the Challenge Cup final on the horizon at Wembley on 7 June, the moo...

Rugby Union | Details announced for Six Nations 2026

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There has been some interesting changes to the next edition of the Six Nations England host Wales for the Anglo-Welsh clash that will conclude the opening weekend of the Championship Author - Peter Grainger French influence on the schedule Ireland will travel to defending champions France in the first-ever Thursday night fixture in Six Nations' history when the 2026 tournament begins on 5 February. Ireland and France have won the past four titles between them and their blockbuster encounter has been brought forward to avoid a clash with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan the following day. The shift has reportedly been designed to maximise audiences in France. The finale of last year's tournament, when France beat Scotland to secure the title, returned record Six Nations audiences in France. The 2025 tournament recorded a 6.3% increase in audience in domestic markets overall. It has also been confirmed there will be only one rest weekend, rather than the p...

Football | Chelsea 3 - 0 Manchester United

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Chelsea secured a domestic Treble  They achieved this with a composed and clinical display to beat Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley. Author - Olivia T Sandy Baltimore struck twice, while substitute Catarina Macario added a third, capping off a remarkable first season in charge for Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor. Pre match scenes Among those watching from the stands was Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, newly appointed to the club’s board. He attended the final alongside his wife, Serena Williams, following the announcement of a £20 million investment. Baltimore opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Erin Cuthbert was caught by a high boot from Celin Bizet. The goal came as Chelsea began to take control, with Mayra Ramirez and Aggie Beever-Jones having already threatened the United defence. READ MORE | Latest news and match reports from European Super Football Macario, introduced in the second half, made sure of the result with a powerful header....

Football | Manchester United v Chelsea preview

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Women's FA Cup final preview Chelsea and Manchester United face off in the Women’s FA Cup final. Author - Liam C youtu.be/U98BEN-swPs?... Women's FA Cup Final preview from @stretfordpaddck.bsky.social This is a good watch. [image or embed] — Super News Affiliate ( @eurosuperfootball.bsky.social ) 17 May 2025 at 10:17 United are looking to retain the trophy after last season’s triumph, while WSL champions Chelsea aim to complete a domestic treble, having finished their league campaign unbeaten last weekend. A closee look at what's on the line? United will go for a second consecutive FA Cup trophy against a Chelsea side in hot pursuit of their third piece of English silverware this season in Sunday's FA Cup final at Wembley. Sonia Bompastor's side have already added the Women's Super League title to their League Cup triumph and only the FA Cup remains to make it a memorable first season for the French manager. Chelsea want to make more history  Bompastor...

Television | In defence of modern era The Simpsons

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I love The Simpsons. You love The Simpsons. Let’s face it, everyone used to love The Simpsons. But at some point, that affection began to fade.  Author - Amy W Most fans agree that the golden age ended somewhere around the twelfth or thirteenth season. It is hard to say exactly when things started to go wrong, but many critics refer to the episodes that followed as part of the ‘Zombie Simpsons’ era. The show, while still on air, is often described as a lifeless version of what it once was. So now, the popular verdict seems to be that The Simpsons is a show people no longer enjoy. Worst. Show. Ever. Let’s take a breath. Let’s look again. There have still been moments of brilliance since 2005, and some episodes are every bit as sharp, funny and moving as the classics. Here are some of the best episodes from the later years that prove The Simpsons still has something to offer. Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind (Season 19, Episode 9) This inventive episode plays with memory and s...

Rugby League | St Helens 42 - 0 Catalans Dragons

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St Helens cruised past Catalans Dragons Teenager George Whitby delivered a standout performance as his side secured a dominant Super League victory. Author - Jamie P Whitby, who turns 19 this weekend, scored a hat-trick of tries and landed six conversions from seven attempts to finish with 24 points. His composed display helped Saints to only their third win in eight league matches, reigniting hopes of a strong second half to the season. Tries from Alex Walmsley, Deon Cross, Tristan Sailor and Lewis Murphy added to the one-sided scoreline at the Totally Wicked Stadium, in a match that brought back memories of the club’s 2022 Grand Final-winning campaign. The result intensifies scrutiny on Catalans Dragons boss Steve McNamara, whose side has now suffered three consecutive defeats. The former England coach is also facing an RFL investigation following critical remarks made after last weekend’s Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Hull KR. Both clubs began the season with top-two ambit...

Football | Arsenal 4 - 3 Manchester United

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A confidence boosting win for the home side Arsenal secured second place in the Women's Super League after a frenetic 4-3 victory over Manchester United, who finish the season in third. Author - DJ Chloe Kelly put the Gunners ahead early on after a mistake by United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Ella Toone swiftly equalised, but Arsenal took control after the break with a flurry of goals in a 16-minute spell. Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty, Frida Maanum marked her 150th appearance for the club by slotting in following Katie McCabe's incisive pass, and Kim Little added a fourth with a powerful low strike. United mounted a late fightback. Elisabeth Terland pulled one back with a deflected effort and Maya Le Tissier scored from the spot after McCabe brought down Celin Bizet, setting up a tense finish. Arsenal conclude their league campaign with 48 points from 22 matches, four clear of United. The result secures a place in next season’s Champions League final qualifyi...

Football | Real Madrid 3 - 2 Celta Vigo

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Mbappé brace keeps Madrid in title hunt ahead of El Clásico The French striker struck twice as Real Madrid edged a nervy 3-2 win over Celta Vigo, ensuring they remain within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona ahead of next weekend’s El Clásico. Author - Ed Carlo Ancelotti’s side went ahead in the 33rd minute, with a short corner routine culminating in Arda Güler curling a deflected effort into the top corner.  The lead was then doubled shortly after, when Mbappé finished emphatically at the end of a swift Madrid counterattack. The Frenchman added a second early in the second half, coolly slotting left-footed past Vicente Guaita after being picked out by an incisive Güler through ball. READ MORE | News from across Spain Madrid appeared to be cruising, but Celta rallied. Javi Rodríguez halved the deficit with just over 20 minutes remaining, pouncing after the hosts failed to deal with a corner. Iago Aspas then rolled back the years with a superb assist, threading a pinpoint...

Gaming | Top 5 FIFA games ranked

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For fans of football gaming, the FIFA series (now known as EA FC) has long set the standard.  From retro glory to next-gen realism, each release has left a lasting impression. But which entries stand out as true legends? Here is personal ranking of Super News author Josh D and his top 5 favourite FIFA games ever, starting with the very best and working down. 1. FIFA 07 (PS2, GameCube, Xbox) – EA delivers a comeback 2006/2007 was the year of established organisations in football coming back to the top of their game. Manchester United won the title back from a Jose Mourinho inspired Chelsea and FIFA became the best football again after years of PES being top dog.  FIFA 07 offered the perfect mix of accessible gameplay, immersive career mode and a soundtrack that defined an era. Released during a golden period for sports gaming, this edition thrived on the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox. It introduced smarter AI and more realistic ball physics, creating a smoother, more lifelik...

Football | Harry Kane finally wins a trophy

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Let's have a look at how Harry Kane helped Bayern Munich regain their Bundesliga crown  This was the first major honour of Kane’s career. Author - Jack L For all his goals and personal accolades, Harry Kane has long been dogged by one persistent criticism: he had never won a major trophy with club or country. That narrative shifted this weekend, albeit in somewhat ironic circumstances. Suspended due to a fifth yellow card of the season, Kane watched from the stands as Bayern Munich faced RB Leipzig on Saturday. He was even on the touchline, ready to join the celebrations, until a late equaliser for Leipzig delayed any title confirmation. READ MORE: News and stories from across Germany via European Super Football. Instead, the decisive moment came the following day. Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-2 draw at Freiburg ensured Bayern were crowned German champions, clinching the Bundesliga title and finally allowing Kane to lift the first major trophy of his senior career. It marks a signific...

Rugby League: Magic Weekend preview

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A look at this weekend's Super League action Magic Weekend makes its return this early May bank holiday weekend as all the sides feature in a feast of Rugby League on Saturday and Sunday. Author - Peter Grainger   The event also returns to Newcastle United's St James' Park after a year's absence when Leeds' Elland Road played host in 2024. Why this stadium for the Magic Weekend? It is almost 20 years since the first Magic Weekend event was held in 2007 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and it has been a staple on the Super League calendar ever since. But now the event has settled on Newcastle as its most logical and loved home, can that inspire the game to break out of its heartlands? Check out some of the best Magic Weekend moments Source | Super League YouTube St. James' Park first hosted it in 2015 and it quickly became a favourite on the calendar for fans and players alike. One of the perks of St James' Park is the fact it's centrally locat...

Football: Aston Villa 5 - 2 Arsenal

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Arsenal’s Women's Super League title hopes were extinguished as they suffered a 5-2 defeat at Aston Villa This was just hours before Chelsea sealed the championship. Author - DJ Arsenal arrived at Villa Park still mathematically in the race, trailing Chelsea by six points with three matches remaining. Their hopes, already faint, were quickly dismantled. Fresh from the elation of reaching their first Women’s Champions League final in nearly two decades after beating Lyon on Sunday, the Gunners were stunned by a dominant Villa display.  First-half goals from Jordan Nobbs and Kirsty Hanson set the tone before Chastity Grant added a third just after half-time. Rachel Daly then tapped in a fourth to leave Arsenal reeling. READ MORE: Football news from Super News Affiliate Brief resistance came as Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo netted in quick succession to reduce the deficit, but Grant struck again almost immediately to put the result beyond doubt. For Villa, it marked a third...