Football

Real Madrid moved a step closer to a third straight Champions League title after substitute Marco Asensio hit the winner in a 2-1 semi-final, first-leg victory at Bayern Munich on Wednesday. The 22-year-old came off the bench to finish a counter-attack and complete the holders’ comeback win, giving Real the advantage for the return game in Madrid next Tuesday.

Liverpool took a big step towards the UEFA Champions League final with a 5-2 win over AS Roma in their semifinal, first leg at Anfield on Tuesday. Two late Roma goals, however, will give the Italians, who came back from 4-1 down to beat Barcelona in the previous round, some hope of an upset in the return game next Wednesday.

Michael Oliver To Officiate Man United Vs Chelsea FA Cup Final

Referee Micheal Oliver will take charge of the FA Cup final fixture between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Wembley Stadium on May 19

Oliver, 33, will be assisted by Lee Betts and Ian Hussin, with Lee Mason as the fourth official.

Neil Swarbrick will be the first video assistant referee (VAR) in FA Cup Final history.

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss the rest of the season as well as the Russia 2018 World Cup, the club announced on Wednesday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the midfielder was forced out from the field after 18 minutes of Liverpool’s 5-2 victory in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Anfield on Tuesday.

Midfielder Mikel Obi says the Super Eagles will be at their best for the prestige international friendly match against England at Wembley Stadium in London on June 2. “There will be no option for us other than to give our best with the FIFA World Cup fast approaching. The match comes up only two weeks before our first match at the FIFA World Cup.

Italy Set To Name Ancelotti As New Coach

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to be named as new Italy manager, according to reports.

Sky Sports and Italian outlets are claiming that Ancelotti, 58, is preferred to other top Italian coaches lile Roberto Mancini, Claudio Ranieri and Antonio Conte who have all been linked with the national team job.

Ancelotti was sacked by Bayern Munich in September but is expected to officially sign as Italy boss when he agrees financial terms with the Italian Football Federation.