Egypt's mercurial striker, Hossam Hassan found his run towards goal impeded by Zimbabwe's long-serving captain and centre back, Francis Shonhayi.
On this day, the Warriors "Dream Team" caused a major upset after knocking out the highly fancied Pharaohs in a replayed World Cup qualification match in Lyon, France.
#Flashback
Lyon relegated to Ligue 2 after an audit by French football financial watchdog; seven-time French champions will appeal against decision; Lyon are owned by John Textor, who has sold his stake in Crystal Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson; Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season
French giants Lyon have confirmed they will appeal against the "incomprehensible" decision to relegate them to Ligue 2 after failing to convince authorities they have resolved their financial difficulties.
The seven-time French champions were hit with a provisional relegation back in November after racking up massive debts, and although they have since sold a number of first-team players, French football watchdog the National Directorate of Management Control (DNCG) upheld the relegation following meetings on Tuesday.
Lyon are owned by John Textor, and the decision to relegate them comes a day after the American businessman sold his stake in Crystal Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.
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| Lyon owner John Textor has sold his stake in Crystal Palace |
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| Lyon can appeal against the decision to relegate them to Ligue 2 |
"They will appeal now, but the thing is, they won't have much time between now and the appeal to put a plan in place that was different from the one they presented today.
"They sold Rayan Cherki to Manchester City - that was part of the plan. (But) you can't take money off Botafogo to just put it on the Lyon account. They've been trying to put a plan like that together, but that didn't work.
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| Lyon sold Rayan Cherki to Man City this summer for £34m |
"Now, I'm just not sure what else they can do apart from maybe selling Malick Fofana to an English club, maybe another player or two. But again, they will be really running against the clock, and other clubs will also know that they need money very quickly, so they won't be in a powerful position in terms of transfer markets and transfer fees.
"I'm actually quite worried now because we've seen in the past clubs who were relegated, then appealed, then find a way with new investors, money coming in from one way or another, to stay up. But for Lyon, the clock is ticking massively now.
"It's terrible. Since John Textor took over and bought the club from Jean-Michel Aulas, who is this historic figure in Lyon who took the club mid-table in the second division in the mid-eighties to seven league titles in a row and the semi-finals of the Champions League, to this now, to being relegated to the second tier in France.
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| Could Nemanja Matic be playing in Ligue 2 next season with Lyon? |
"John Textor's made this club a mess. There's no other way of putting it. He's been one of the worst owners, spending money everywhere, sacking managers, hiring the wrong managers.
"I just don't know how you get out of this. If you're Lyon, this is a terrible position to be in."
- Sky Sports
Legendary former France international Bernard Lacombe has passed away at the age of 72.
The prolific striker is perhaps best remembered as one of the victorious European Champions of 1984 alongside Michel Platini, and netted 12 times for Les Bleus in his 38 international appearances.
One of those strikes remains a record-breaker today, after Lacombe scored within 30 seconds of the World Cup clash with Italy back in 1978, France's fastest at football's greatest competition.
Beyond success on the international scene, Lacombe was known in the seventies and eighties as one of the most lethal forwards in France.
In fact, he has the second-most goals of any player in Ligue 1 history, registering 255 strikes in 497 appearances across stints with Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Bordeaux.
French giants Lyon, where he played 258 times, paid tribute to their former star and manager on social media in the wake of the tragic news.
'It is with immense sadness that we learned on Tuesday evening of the passing of Bernard Lacombe,' they wrote.
'All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, as well as with the fans of Olympique Lyonnais and football.
'Rest in peace, Bernard.'
After hanging up his boots, Lacombe went on to manage Lyon - where he came through the ranks having been born in the city - for four years between 1996 and 2000, winning the Intertoto Cup in 1997.
He would also spend 20 years as a special advisor to owner Jean-Michel Aulas, and was reportedly crucial to the retention of a number of the club's Brazilian players, such as Juninho.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, added an emotive response to the news, saying: 'It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Bernard Lacombe. Bernard Lacombe left an indelible mark on French football, as a player, coach, and manager.
'He was one of the greatest strikers in the history of French football. The second-highest scorer in Division 1, he made his mark on the glorious history of Lyon, Saint-รtienne, and Bordeaux. He also shone with the French national team. His goals helped establish Les Bleus on the international stage.
'Bernard Lacombe was a major contributor to the 1984 European Championship title. He performed some of France's greatest feats, including his goal in the opening seconds of the game against Italy at the 1978 World Cup. He was undoubtedly a source of inspiration for many strikers.
.'After his remarkable playing career, Bernard Lacombe put his footballing knowledge to work for Olympique Lyonnais, his beloved club.
'With Jean-Michel Aulas, whom I am thinking of very much in these difficult moments, he formed a duo that transformed OL into a successful club.
'Deeply attached to his city, his club, and his friends, Bernard Lacombe will be deeply missed.
'The Federation will pay tribute to him. On behalf of all French football, I extend my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.'
Bordeaux, for whom he featured 297 times and scored 137 goals, added on X: 'With immense sadness, Bernard Lacombe has just left us at the age of 72.
'Having played for [Bordeaux] between 1979 and 1987, this legendary striker left his mark on the club's history with his talent and generosity.
'The entire Marine et Blanc family mourns today a striker of rare elegance, one of the greatest players in the club's history. Thank you, Bernard.'
- Dominic Hoogan
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| Arsenal.com |
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Arsenal will need a big performance if they are to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League second leg. Ousmane Dembele's goal gave the Parisians a first-leg victory at the Emirates with the Gunners heading to France needing a win to remain in contention. TNT Sports looks at whether history is on their side at the Parc des Princes.
Arsenal are facing an uphill task if they are to reach the UEFA Champions League final for the first time since 2006.
Mikel Arteta’s side put in a lacklustre display in the first leg of their semi-final as they were beaten 1-0 by an impressive Paris Saint-Germain, thanks to Ousmane Dembele's early goal.
And ahead of the second leg, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, the Gunners find themselves in inconsistent form, losing their most recent Premier League outing against Bournemouth leaving them with just three league wins in 10.
Europe remains their last shot at silverware this season and Arsenal will have to produce something special to overturn the first-leg deficit and advance to the final in Munich at the end of the month.
The trip to France may be a daunting one, but it presents an opportunity, and Arteta’s side might look to take inspiration from previous trips to the country.
Ahead of their latest showdown in Paris, Arsenal have played away in France in European competition a total of 15 times, winning eight, drawing five and losing twice. They have scored 20 times and conceded 14 in that time.
While Gunners fans will be encouraged by the victories, there will be concern that only one of these has arrived by more than a single goal, which would only be enough to force extra time this week.
Another concern would be that, after a run of seven victories between 2000 and 2015, their last two trips to France against Stade Rennes and Lens have ended in defeat.
Winning in normal time would require Arsenal scoring twice, something they have managed five times in total in France, and have only ever failed to score in the country on one occasion.
Defensively, Arsenal know a clean sheet is probably needed if they are to realise their ambitions, something they have managed six times on previous trips to France.
FC Rouen 1969/70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup third round first leg – 0-0
Arsenal first visited France in the third round of the 1969/70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – the predecessor to the UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League – taking on FC Rouen in a first-leg stalemate.
The Gunners won an equally tight second leg 1-0 with a last-minute winner from Jon Sammels on their way to lifting the trophy.
Arsenal’s next trip to France in European competition was coincidentally to the Parc des Princes to face PSG back in their successful 1994 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup run.
The leg of the semi-final in France saw Ian Wright put Arsenal in front 10 minutes before half-time, though David Ginola levelled for the home side in the second half.
Kevin Campbell secured a 1-0 win in the return match to send Arsenal to the final.
The following year saw Arsenal win in France for the first time courtesy of an Ian Wright screamer in the second leg of the Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final, following a 1-1 draw at home.
The Gunners were left frustrated in their opening match of the group as Tony Vairelles’ stoppage-time equaliser denied Arsene Wenger’s side victory after Marc Overmars had given them a second-half lead.
Leading 3-0 from the first leg, Arsenal were 6-1 up on aggregate by half-time at Stade de la Beaujoire after Gilles Grimandi, Thierry Henry and Overmars cancelled out Antoine Sibierski’s opener for the home side.
Nantes did rally, however, as Sibierski and Marama Vahirua restored pride by salvaging a draw.
With a 1-0 lead from the Highbury fixture, Henry’s goal before the break at Stade Bollaert-Delelis doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the tie.
Although Pascal Nouma reduced the deficit, Nwankwo Kanu restored the two-goal advantage late on to book the Gunners’ place in the final.
Henry was once again the scourge of his countrymen with the winning goal in this clash at Stade de Gerland.
Another hard-fought victory on French soil, with Gilberto netting the only goal of the game at the start of the second half.
A now familiar scoreline when Wenger returned to his homeland with Arsenal. This time the Gunners left it late with Aaron Ramsey snatching the winner deep into stoppage time to steal the three points.
An electric start saw Younes Belhanda fire the home side ahead from the penalty spot but within ten minutes, Arsenal were ahead through Lukas Podolski and Gervinho with no further scoring.
Theo Walcott volleyed Arsenal into the lead at the Velodrome with 25 minutes to play before Ramsey wrapped up victory with 5 minutes to play.
Jordan Ayew scored a late penalty, but it was ultimately inconsequential.
A seventh successive win on French soil, but there was little cause for celebration as Arsenal crashed out of the competition.
A shock 3-1 home defeat left the Gunners with all to do in the return match, but goals from Olivier Giroud and Ramsey weren’t enough and the Ligue 1 side advanced on away goals.
Edinson Cavani headed PSG in front after three minutes and threatened a rout but wasteful finishing allowed Alexis Sanchez to snatch a late point for the Gunners.
A first defeat in France came against an inspired Rennes side who were eyeing a huge scalp.
Alex Iwobi put the Gunners 1-0 up but a red card for defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos turned the game on its head as Benjamin Bourigeaud, a Nacho Monreal own-goal and Ismaila Sarr compounded Unai Emery’s side to defeat.
The Gunners recovered to blitz their opponents 3-0 in the return leg to advance.
Arsenal’s most recent trip across the channel also ended in defeat despite taking an early lead through Gabriel Jesus.
Goals from Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi stunned Arteta’s side.
- IBRAHIM MUSTAPHA
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| Getty Images |
MANCHESTER, England -- This isn't one of the great Manchester United teams, but they will always be remembered as serving up one of the club's greatest European nights.
United's history has plenty of huge Champions League occasions under the lights at Old Trafford. This wasn't one of them -- and yet it was still filled with enough ups and downs, excitement and drama to stand among those famous clashes with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
The most important bit: United punched past Lyon on Thursday to secure a spot in the Europa League semifinals, and they've kept their season alive still.
How they got there will become the stuff of legend for the fans who were lucky enough to have a ticket. Played out amid an electric atmosphere from start to finish, Ruben Amorim's team was cruising against Lyon at 2-0 up and was then pegged to 2-2.
A red card to Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso in regulation appeared to give United the advantage, only for Lyon to score twice in extra time to lead 4-2 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate to get to the brink of reaching the last four.
Then, chaos. United somehow lifted themselves off the canvas to score three times in seven inexplicable minutes.
After Bruno Fernandes' penalty, there were only 87 seconds between Kobbie Mainoo's goal to make it 4-4 and Harry Maguire's match-winner.
Every time the ball hit the net, the noise grew and grew until Maguire's header deep into stoppage time in extra time lifted the proverbial roof off the stadium. The home fans bounced around the stands and the substitutes sprinted from the bench across the pitch to join in with the celebrations.
When the final whistle blew a few moments later to seal a 5-4 win on the night and 7-6 on aggregate, there was a cheer so loud that it threatened to bring Old Trafford to the ground.
United want to move away from their home of the last 115 years and into a new, more modern, venue. When it comes time to leave and to remember the greatest matches ever played here, the Europa League tie against Lyon in April 2025 will have its place.
"The sounds of the stadium was the best ever," Amorim told TNT Sports. "Some people collect shirts, scarves, but I want to keep that sound, it's the best sound in the world. I feel for the people who had to leave at 4-2 because of the traffic, they will be gutted.
"We know we are underperforming and deserve all the critics, but we have time to make something special of this season. It was a great night, the team were tired, 4-2 with one more player, we think it's over, but here it's never over.
"Here everything is possible -- you feel the environment."
When the euphoria dies down and Amorim's heart rate finally settles, he will likely breathe a huge sigh of relief.
In the build-up before Thursday's game, he was clear about what winning the Europa League could do for his revolution. Lifting a trophy is one thing, but playing Champions League football next season will make a huge difference to his summer transfer budget as he attempts to revamp his squad -- a difference that is much needed.
The delirium of the night was only made possible because this United team is so flawed. How could they throw away a two-goal lead in normal time when they had such control? How could they then concede two goals in extra time against a Lyon team playing conservatively with 10 men and hoping for penalties?
These aren't questions for Amorim to answer after such a thrilling game, but they will have to be addressed eventually.
"We must recognize the context," admitted Amorim. "We lack a lot of characteristics in our team, physicality is a problem. When we play against European teams we can cope better with that; in the Premier League, we suffer a lot.
"One moment can change a lot of things in the players' minds -- we have to be really focused on the Europa League and take risks sometimes with kids in the Premier League. Fans have to understand that, we have to focus on the Europa League.
"Everybody in this moment believes it is possible [to win it]."
For now, the United coach can at least be happy that his players have the fight and character to give themselves a chance of getting their hands on some silverware in Bilbao on May 21.
First, there's a two-legged semifinal against Athletic Club to negotiate, and it will feel like a huge anticlimax to have gone to hell and back again against Lyon only to fall at the very next hurdle.
But then that is the beauty and the frustration of United this season. They are capable of beating Manchester City and losing to Wolves. They beat Arsenal and lost to West Ham.
The good, the bad and the ugly were all on show against Lyon to contribute to a game that will never be forgotten. It deserves to be part of a journey that leads to the Europa League final and a first trophy for United under Amorim.
But as he now understands better than anyone: With this Manchester United team, you just never know.
- Rob Dawson
Andre Onana made two big mistakes as Manchester United drew 2-2 in their Europa League quarter-final first leg match against Lyon on Thursday evening. The Cameroonian, who has come under-fire after making a plethora of errors since signing for the Red Devils, was at fault for Thiago Almada's 25th minute opener as he misjudged a cross.
United battled back, with Leny Yoro's strike and a late goal from Joshua Zirkzee looking like United would come away from France with the victory. However, Lyon restored parity with virtually the last kick of the game, courtesy of another Onana error.
The ball fell to Georges Mikautadze inside the box and his shot was parried by United's number one straight into the path of Rayan Cherki, who made no mistake from close range, ensuring the game ended 2-2.
Onana's performance was even more significant given he was involved in a big spat with Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic ahead of the game. The war of words started when Onana claimed that United were 'way better' than Lyon.
That irked the former United midfielder, who responded by claiming that Onana should be careful with what he says as he is 'one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history'.
“If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history, you need to take care what you are talking [about]. If David de Gea or Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar said that, then I would question myself. But if you are, statistically, one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s modern history, he needs to show that before he says. So, we will see.”
Onana was quick to respond to Matic's words as he mocked him for failing to win a trophy during his time at United. He wrote: "At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same."
It was Matic who got the last laugh, though. The 36-year-old, who was an unused substitute for the match at Parc Olympique Lyonnais, took to social media after the match and his post has gone viral. He posted an image of his son with a plethora of United shirts, including that of their third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
While the shirts in the picture all belonged to Matic's ex-teammates at United, football fans have interpreted the post as a way of hitting back at United's number one, given his son was posing next to Heaton's shirt and not Onana's.
"Elite-tier hating", one wrote, while another said: "Noted, never disrespect Matic." A fan stated: "Top tier hating here. Game's back", while another claimed: "Matic is an even better hater than footballer, and he was one of the world's best in his prime."
United will welcome Lyon to Old Trafford for the second leg on Thursday April 17. Onana, if he is picked, will no doubt be looking to prove his critics wrong and turn in a much, much better performance.
- James Stroud
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| Lyon's Nemanja Matic had spells at Chelsea and Manchester United © Valery HACHE / AFP/File |
Ruben Amorim's struggling United travel to face the French side on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
United are 13th in the Premier League after a miserable season but remain unbeaten in Europe.
Onana said after the Manchester derby on Sunday, which finished 0-0, that overcoming Lyon, fifth in Ligue 1, was "not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them".
That bullish remark was put to the normally understated Matic on the eve of the first leg in France.
"You know, I respect everyone but to say that then you need to give the answer," said the Serbia international, who also had a spell with Chelsea in the Premier League.
"If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United's history, you need to take care of what you are talking (about).
"If David de Gea or Peter Schmeichel or (Edwin) van der Sar said that, then I would question myself.
"But if you're one of the statistically worst goalkeepers in Man United's modern history, then he needs to show that before he says (anything). We will see."
© 2025 AFP
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| William Saliba scored for Arsenal in their win against Lyon. |
Arsenal wrapped up their preseason with a 2-0 victory against Lyon in the Emirates Cup final on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta named a strong team for the game, including Martin รdegaard, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
William Saliba opened the scoring for Arsenal on nine minutes before Gabriel Magalhรฃes added a second on 27 minutes.
Riccardo Calafiori, a summer signing from Bologna, made his first appearance as an Arsenal player, coming off the bench in the 64th minute to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Arsenal begin their 2024-25 Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
- ESPN News Services
Arsenal have announced a 26-man squad for their pre-season tour of the United States with 11 players not making the trip.
Mikel Arteta's side will be without several key players who are likely to feature in his starting XI for the Premier League season due to their involvement in Euro 2024 and the Copa America. As such, the Gunners will be without a group of players while Stateside.
Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, David Raya and William Saliba will not travel after featuring at the Euros. The north London outfit still have friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon scheduled between their return from the USA and the start of the Premier League season.
From July 25, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz will link up with the squad. They will arrive in the States after Arsenal's match against Bournemouth but before games against Manchester United and Liverpool.
Kieran Tierney, who injured his hamstring representing Scotland at the Euros, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has a knee injury, will not make the trip. Both will receive treatment in London from the club's medical staff at Sobha Realty Training Centre.
New signing Tommy Setford is included in the travelling party as Arteta takes a squad of mixed experience. Martin Odegaard, Ben White and Jurrien Timber have travelled, while Leandro Trossard, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jukub Kiwior are also with the team following their involvement at the Euros.
Emile Smith Rowe is also part of the travelling squad, despite transfer interest from Fulham and Crystal Palace. However, Charlie Patino didn't make the cut.
The midfielder is set to leave this summer after a loan spell at Swansea City last year. The 20 year old featured in an Arsenal XI victory over Leyton Orient on Saturday, with the team predominantly heading to the US including Gabriel Jesus.
Goalkeepers: Karl Hein, Tommy Setford, Lucas Nygaard, Alexei Rojas.
Defenders: Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, Josh Nichols, Jakub Kiwior, Ayden Heaven, Omar Rekik.
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Michal Rosiak, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Ethan Nwaneri, SalahEddine Oulad M'Hand, Jimi Gower.
Forwards: Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, Charles Sagoe Jr, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah.
Liverpool.com says: Like Liverpool, Arsenal will be missing a host of first-team players for the tour of the States. The two line-ups that face off in Philadelphia will be a long way off the teams that take to the field for the start of the Premier League campaign. It will still be a good watch for our fans in the States though.
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| AP Photo |
PARIS (AP) — This time, it's really the end.
After missing Paris Saint-Germain’s last two league games, Kylian Mbappรฉ should start in the French Cup final against Lyon on Saturday for his final match in a PSG shirt.
The forward, who is widely expected to join Real Madrid, was given some free time by coach Luis Enrique last weekend and was spotted enjoying himself at the Cannes film festival while PSG wrapped up a 12th victorious league campaign in less glamorous settings.
Mbappรฉ told PSG in February he will leave at the end of the season — Saturday night — and confirmed it this month. Over the last three months, Enrique has tried to make PSG less reliant on his star striker, arguing that he needed to start thinking about the future knowing that Mbappรฉ would not be around next season.
Although Enrique has yet to decide on his starting XI for Saturday's final at Lille's Stade Pierre-Mauroy, snubbing Mbappรฉ, or even leaving him on the bench, would equate to a slap in his face.
Mbappรฉ is the club’s all-time top scorer with 256 and has won six Ligue 1 titles and three French Cups with PSG. Although he didn't lead the club to a Champions League trophy in his seven seasons in Paris, he largely contributed to helping PSG reach a respected status on the continent.
Leaving him on the sidelines on the night he could cap his PSG journey with yet another title seems highly unlikely, although Enrique has warned his players he will select only those who deserve it.
“We’ll see who’s ready, who’s not ready (to play), who wants to, who doesn’t want to,” Enrique said.
Like Mbappรฉ, Ousmane Dembรฉlรฉ did not play against Nice and Metz in the closing league rounds but should be back to face a resurgent Lyon side led by former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.
LYON MASTER OF COMEBACKS
Lyon has been in impressive form in recent months and Enrique can't afford to take the five-time Cup champion lightly.
Since Pierre Sage was appointed coach last November when Lyon was at the bottom of the league, the team has been transformed into a winning machine. After sealing European soccer next season, Lyon can cap a remarkable second half of the season with its first silverware since 2012.
One of Lyon's main assets has been its capacity to come from behind under Sage's guidance. According to French league statistics, Lyon has secured 27 points from a losing position, with only Liverpool and Girona doing better in the top five leagues. Lyon substitutes have contributed 18 goals since Sage's appointment.
