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'Not The Time To Discuss Future': Xabi Alonso Amid Real Madrid Links

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso on Friday refused to shut down speculation he could be set for a move to Real Madrid in the summer. Madrid's heavy Champions League quarter-final defeat by Arsenal could bring an end to Carlo Ancelotti's second stint at the club, with Alonso believed to be the preferred replacement. Alonso spent five seasons at Madrid during his playing career, winning the Champions League and La Liga. After taking over as Leverkusen boss in October 2022, his first top-flight job, Alonso led the club to an unbeaten league and cup double last season, the first time they had ever won the Bundesliga.

Arsenal's Kai Havertz Could Return For Champions League Final

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said he would bet on Kai Havertz returning before the end of the season as his recovery from a hamstring injury is ahead of schedule. The German international had initially been ruled out for the campaign after having surgery on the injury suffered during a Dubai warm-weather training camp in February. Arsenal have survived the loss of both Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to make the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009 with a famous 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid. Arteta cooled speculation Havertz could return in time to face Paris Saint-Germain in the last four. But he is on track to be available should Arsenal get the final in Munich on May 31.

Pep Guardiola Motivated For Manchester City's Champions League Push

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said being forced to watch the Champions League latter stages from his sofa instead of the touchline is providing motivation to qualify for the competition next season. City bowed out at the play-off round to Real Madrid in February -- failing to reach the last 16 for the first time since the 2012-2013 season. It was also the first time in Guardiola's managerial career that he failed to reach the last 16, but he has enjoyed the spectacle this week as Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Inter Milan booked their places in the last four.

Lyon needs Renard and Hegerberg to shine against Arsenal in women’s CL semis, Barca faces Chelsea

PARIS: When Wendie Renard scored in front of 14,000 fans in the women’s Champions League final 14 years ago, she helped Lyon win the trophy for the first time. Seven more titles and much bigger crowds have followed since for Renard and Lyon, along with a truck-load of domestic trophies. The 34-year-old Frenchwoman has scored more than 150 goals for the club in almost 500 appearances, a remarkable ratio for a central defender. Lyon teammate Ada Hegerberg — the first Ballon d’Or winner — is in her 11th season at the club and has won the competition six times. She scored a hat trick in the 4-1 rout of Barcelona in the 2019 final. They are among the most iconic names in women’s soccer and Lyon might need big performances from both to win a record-extending ninth European crown. Lyon’s last victory came three years ago and since then Barcelona have taken over as the leading team in the sport.