LIVE — Manchester United vs Athletic Bilbao: Europa League semifinal second leg, MUN v ATH updates
Welcome to Sportstar's live coverage of the second leg of the Europa League semifinal between Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao, being played in Manchester, United Kingdom.
Manchester United Starting XI
📋❤️🔥 Introducing your Reds squad for tonight's huge game…
"UNITED! UNITED! UNITED!" 🗣️💯#MUFC || #UEL — Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 8, 2025
Athletic Bilbao Starting XI
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Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
With shades of Man Utd, Urawa vow to bring the noise at Club World Cup
Their raucous fans are the self-styled bad boys of Japanese football and the team's red shirts, white shorts and black socks bear more than a passing resemblance to Manchester United. But while the fallen English giants won't be at the Club World Cup, Urawa Reds will and are set to be roared on in the United States by more than 5,000 followers. Japan's best-supported club face Inter Milan, River Plate and Monterrey in the opening round when the revamped competition starts on June 14. Urawa is a nondescript suburb about an hour north of Tokyo and the team have been known to draw crowds of over 50,000 to their Saitama Stadium home. Crowd trouble is extremely rare in Japan but Urawa were banned from last season's domestic cup after "ultra" supporters ripped down barriers and threatened opposition fans. In 2014 they were forced to play a game behind closed doors after fans displayed a racist banner. Supporters say they are misunderstood and are looking forward to hoisting their flags and belting out their songs in front of a global audience. "People who aren't really interested in football think that we're scary people, but I always tell them that's not true," Urawa fan Kakeru Inoue told AFP before a recent game. "I often bring workmates to games to show them what it's really like." Urawa began life as Mitsubishi's company team and their official name of Urawa Red Diamonds is a nod to the industrial behemoth's corporate logo. They were originally called Mitsubishi Urawa Football Club, or MUFC, another link to the Premier League side. Despite having been crowned Asian champions three times, Urawa have only won the domestic J. League once, in 2006 under German former player and 1990 World Cup winner Guido Buchwald. Urawa have appeared at the Club World Cup three times, most recently losing 3-0 to Manchester City in the semi-finals in 2023. Veteran goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa says they are proud to be the only Japanese team at the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup. "The competition will get a lot of attention from around the world and it has a big meaning for us," he said. "Who knows whether a Japanese team will play in it again because you need to become Asian champions to earn that right." Professional football only started in Japan in 1993 but it took root quickly in Urawa. The club signed overseas players including Buchwald and brought through homegrown internationals like Shinji Ono, Makoto Hasebe and current Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The club's achievements have at times been overshadowed by their fans, who hung a banner reading "Japanese only" over an entrance to the stands before a 2014 game. The incident earned Urawa the dubious distinction of becoming the first Japanese club to be ordered to play a game behind closed doors. One Urawa fan who has attended games since the J. League began said the club were "all about ultra culture". "That's something you can only get in Urawa," said the supporter, who gave his name only as Nakaji. "No other club can match us." Urawa are coached by Poland's Maciej Skorza, who is back for a second spell after leading the club to the Asian Champions League title in 2023. The Club World Cup is being played in the middle of the J. League season, which runs from February to December. Urawa have made a strong start to their domestic campaign and look poised to challenge for the title, having finished 13th last season. Norwegian defender Marius Hoibraten says the Club World Cup is "a motivation rather than a distraction". "Being able to meet the best teams from other countries is a nice experience for us, everyone is buzzing," said the 30-year-old, one of the few non-Japanese players in Urawa's squad. "It's a little bit of unknown water. Everyone is really looking forward to it." amk/pst/as Manchester United
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Brazil could reach World Cup with a win on Ancelotti's home debut; Ecuador also close
SAO PAULO — Two more South American teams could qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday. Second-placed Ecuador will do it by winning in Peru. Fourth-placed Brazil or third-placed Paraguay could secure a berth with a win in Sao Paulo as long as Venezuela loses at Uruguay. The most anticipated match of the round is in Sao Paulo, where Carlo Ancelotti will make his home debut as Brazil coach. The host, which drew Ecuador 0-0 last Thursday, is two points behind Paraguay. Only World Cup champion Argentina has qualified from South America. Lionel Messi's team takes on Colombia in Buenos Aires in a match in which coach Lionel Scaloni will continue deepening his squad. The two final rounds of South American qualifying are in September. The top six teams earn direct spots for the World Cup next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Whoever finishes seventh goes to an international playoff. Also on Tuesday, eighth-placed Bolivia will host 10th-placed Chile. Ancelotti's changes to shore up the defense at Ecuador worked. Defender Alex impressed on debut and veteran midfielder Casemiro improved the defense. More changes are expected on Tuesday. Striker Richarlison lost his place in the starting lineup to Matheus Cunha during training, and teenager Estêvão is expected to make way on the left wing for Raphinha, who was suspended last week. Casemiro enjoyed success with Ancelotti at Real Madrid, and said on Sunday he returned to the national team after more than a year's absence due to his performances at Manchester United. 'I am glad to be back and back playing well, I want to stress that," Casemiro said. 'I am not here because I know the coach, but because I deserve it. This was undoubtedly one of the most important years of my career.' Paraguay will not be an easy challenge for Brazil. Since coach Gustavo Alfaro took over, the Paraguayans have been unbeaten for nine matches. The Argentine coach has already equaled the all-time record for qualifying points set by coach Paulo César Carpegiani in the campaign for the 1998 World Cup in France. As the only South American team that has never made it to the World Cup, Venezuela will be under extra pressure at Centenario Stadium against coach Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay. Uruguay is fifth and could be overtaken by Venezuela. A win for Venezuela and coach Fernando Batista will almost lock up seventh place and boost its chances of fighting for a direct spot. A defeat could give Bolivia a chance to bid for the international playoff position in the two final rounds. 'We have three finals in which we can't overlook, we can't fail. We are ready for that," Batista said after the 2-0 win against Bolivia. 'We are focused on getting the most possible points.' Uruguay has been enduring a shaky patch with no wins in its last four qualifiers. A home victory against Venezuela is key for the team to regain momentum and confidence. Bielsa, who has been clashing with Uruguay players since the Copa America last year, said he was to blame for the poor performance in the 2-0 loss at Paraguay. 'I truly feel responsible for the situation of the team because the problem is the lack of creation of scoring opportunities, and my position before this problem is to propose solutions,' a soft-toned Bielsa said. 'When I propose and I have players who are special in their clubs, but can't do it in the squad I have ... I have no option to recognize my lack of efficiency." Uruguay remained without key midfielder Federico Valverde, who was injured, and striker Darwin Núñez, suspended. soccer: /hub/soccer
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Zodiac signs and the football club they might associate with
Astrology reflects our personality traits, values, and preferences. When connected with football, each zodiac sign may naturally align with the identity and spirit of certain top football clubs. Based on qualities like leadership, creativity, discipline, and flair, here's a simple look at which football clubs from Europe's top five leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1) might best match each zodiac sign. Aries – Manchester United (England) Bold, ambitious, and competitive, Aries matches well with Manchester United—a club known for its fiery spirit, historic comebacks, and aggressive playing style. Taurus – Juventus (Italy) Taurus values consistency and strength. Juventus, with its solid defense, strong tradition, and dominant presence in Italian football, suits the dependable and determined nature of Taurus. Gemini – FC Barcelona (Spain) Geminis are energetic, intelligent, and love creativity—qualities that define Barcelona's famous style of play (tiki-taka). Their flair and focus on young talent resonate with this air sign. Cancer – AS Roma (Italy) Cancers are emotional, loyal, and deeply connected to roots. AS Roma, with its passionate fanbase and strong ties to its city, reflects the sentimental and home-loving Cancer. Leo – Paris Saint-Germain (France) Leos love glamour, leadership, and attention. Paris Saint-Germain, known for its star-studded lineup and flashy style, mirrors the confident and royal energy of Leo. Virgo – Bayern Munich (Germany) Virgos are detail-oriented, disciplined, and hardworking. Bayern Munich, known for its structured approach, efficiency, and dominance in German football, is a perfect match. Libra – Real Madrid (Spain) Libras admire balance, beauty, and elegance. Real Madrid, with its winning history, stylish play, and global appeal, suits the graceful and refined Libra. Scorpio – Atlético Madrid (Spain) Scorpios are intense, strategic, and resilient. Atlético Madrid's tough defensive play, emotional spirit, and fight-until-the-end attitude connect well with Scorpio energy. Sagittarius – Liverpool (England) Sagittarius loves energy, freedom, and adventure. Liverpool, with its fast-paced play and emotional fans, resonates with the open-minded and passionate nature of Sagittarius. Capricorn – Inter Milan (Italy) Capricorns are ambitious, traditional, and focused. Inter Milan's strong work ethic and structured style suit Capricorn's disciplined mindset. Aquarius – Borussia Dortmund (Germany) Innovative and rebellious, Aquarius aligns with Borussia Dortmund—a club that focuses on youth, talent, and breaking expectations with creativity and teamwork. Pisces – Liverpool Pisces are emotional and dreamy, often drawn to strong community spirit. Liverpool, with its passionate supporters and emotional connection to its city, suits the sensitive and artistic Pisces. Each zodiac sign finds a natural connection with clubs that reflect their core nature, creating a unique link between astrology and the world of football Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
