Bayern out to challenge PSG's European bragging rights, says Kompany

Champions League holders Paris St Germain have every right to call themselves the best in Europe, Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said ahead of a semi-final against the French team, but he ​wants his side to be able to do the same next season, Reuters reported. 

PSG boss Luis Enrique praised Bayern as Europe's most consistent side ahead of Tuesday's first leg in Paris but said there was no team better than his European champions, and Kompany feels no need to dispute those claims.

"I think the title holders are always in the right ​to claim some things, but I hope next season I will be in the position to say ​the same," Kompany told reporters on Monday.

Manchester United set for Champions League return after 2-1 win over Brentford

Manchester United's Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko struck first-half goals to secure a 2-1 Premier League home win over Brentford on Monday, taking their side to the brink of Champions League football ​for the first time since the 2023-24 season, Reuters reported. 

Third-placed United moved to 61 points, 11 ahead of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion with four games left. The top five qualify for next season's Champions League.

With the prize of European football almost within their grasp, the home side came flying out of the traps as Kobbie Mainoo danced through ​the Brentford penalty area before slipping the ball to Amad in the second minute, but his ​shot deflected off a defender and went behind for a corner.

Milan and Juve offer up another 0-0 draw to consolidate top-four grip

AC Milan and Juventus played out a 0-0 draw at the San Siro on Sunday, a second stalemate between the sides in Serie A this season, with both clubs on course for a place in next season's Champions League, Reuters reported. 

Inter lead the standings on 79 points, 10 ahead of Napoli with Milan a further two points back in third on 67. Juve hold the all-important fourth spot with 64 points, three ahead of Como and AS Roma with four rounds remaining.

There were no goals when the sides met in Turin back in October, and Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri again had to settle for a share of the spoils against the club where he won five league titles.

 

Xavi Simons ruled out of rest of season and World Cup with ruptured ACL

Xavi Simons has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will be out for around eight months, The Guardian reported. 

The Tottenham midfielder suffered the injury in his team’s 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday and will be unavailable for the remainder of the club’s Premier League survival fight.

His devastation has been compounded by the knowledge that he will not be able to play for the Netherlands at the World Cup finals this summer.