SUPER TEN FROM EUROPEAN FOOTBALL THIS WEEK (Game Week 37)

As the penultimate game of the season unfolds, teams across Europe roar into action, with heartbreak and elation shaping the battle for glory and setting up one final twist on the last matchday.

_________________________________________________________________

Ac Milan end the week and season in shambles, Barcelona win La Liga, The eagles fly high and clinch the FA Cup, It final day drama in Serie A and Dortmund last gasp earns them a spot in Europe. The penultimate gameweek serves us ten highlights as the footballing season draws to a close

1. Woeful Milan end the season in disgrace

With the shambolic Coppa Italia display from Ac Milan as they lost to Bologna, Fans of Milan have been left in disarray as to how their team bottled a final against a team they had beaten days ago, but it was more misery as they faced a resurgent Roma under the guidance of Claudio Ranieri.

The match started on a high as Roma took the lead via Mancini in the thirsd minute. Milan in characteristic non chalant fashion were reduced to ten men as Santiago Gimenez was sent off for an elbow on Mancini as the Rossoneri looked dejected.

However, Joao Felix pulled them level six minutes to halfime as they tried to make sense of a season that has been shambolic and disappointing but in the second half, Roma showed superiority as Paredes and Bryan Cristante added goals to all but put Milan out of Europe next season.

Milan have themselves to blame from the management to the players as they have all combined to make this one of the worst campaigns in recent years . For a team that won the Serie A title three years ago, reflections need to be made and heads need to roll as there needs to be a major clearout of unwilling players and incompetent staff at the top as the rot has permeated from the first team to all level across the youth, the women team and the Futuro who were relegated to Serie D.

After the sacking of legendary player, Paolo Maldini, the question remains for Milan, What went wrong and what can be done to turn things around as they stare into the abyss.

The answers would only be answered by competent hands and a willing group from the top to all the players who must be fixated at the only thing associated with Ac Milan, winning at the highest levels and they would have to do this brick by brick even as the fans have become angry at Redbird management as everyday passes.

2. Barcelona clinch La Liga as they end the season on a high

Barcelona needed a win against Espanyol to clinch La Liga and they did it in spectacular fashion, sealing their 28th league crown with a commanding 2–0 victory over city rivals Espanyol. The night was Lamine Yamal’s night, who dazzled in the derby with a brilliant goal and a decisive assist, confirming Barça’s dominance at the top of Spanish football again.

The title was delayed by Real Madrid’s late win over Mallorca a day earlier but the title celebrations were finally unleashed after a clinical performance.

The hosts piled on the pressure in the first half, testing Barcelona but early in the second half, Yamal announced himself by receiving a simple pass from Dani Olmo, gliding in from the right wing and unleashing a signature curling strike that flew past Joan Garcia and as if the goal wasn’t enough, Yamal’s influence shown with a brilliant move.

Deep into stoppage time, Yamal again stepped up, this time with vision and composure. Holding the ball expertly under pressure, he found Fermin Lopez, who hammered a low shot into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the visiting fans.

With that, Barcelona not only sealed the victory but also the LaLiga title, adding to their Supercopa de España and Copa del Rey triumphs in what has been a remarkable season under Flick.

With the jubilations, Lamine Yamal has showed the world why he is not just the present, but the future of Spanish football.

After the La Liga triumph, Barcelona lost 3–2 to Vilareal as they round off what has been a fantastic season that was denied a possible treble by a relentless Inter Milan.

3. Record breaking Mbappe chases European Golden shoe

Real Madrid claimed a hard-fought 2–0 win over nine-man Sevilla on Sunday night, with late goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham securing the victory at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side showed their depth and resilience in a challenging encounter. Sevilla were reduced to 10 men in the 12th minute when Loïc Badé was shown red for hauling down Mbappé on a clear goal-scoring opportunity — a decision upheld after a VAR review.

Despite the early advantage and dominant possession, Madrid struggled to break through. Mbappé and Endrick both missed key chances, and it wasn’t until the 75th minute that the breakthrough came. Mbappé unleashing a powerful strike from 25 yards into the bottom-left corner to finally beat the resilient Sevilla defense.

Sevilla’s hopes diminished further after substitute Isaac Romero was also sent off early in the second half for a reckless challenge, confirmed after a second VAR review. With the hosts down to nine, Madrid wrapped things up late as Jude Bellingham tapped home from close range following a clever assist from Gonzalo Garcia.

Mbappé’s goal not only secured the points but also added weight to his push for the European Golden Boot. The forward who joined Madrid in the summer, remains firmly in the race against top scorers like Viktor Gyokeres, Harry Kane, Salah and Lewandoski. His latest strike takes him closer to the top of Europe’s scoring charts, as he looks to cap off his final Ligue 1 season with one of football’s most prestigious individual accolades.

4. Chelsea compound United’s misery in their quest for European places

Marc Cucurella’s second-half header kept Chelsea’s Champions League hopes alive as the Blues edged past Manchester United 1–0 at Stamford Bridge on Friday night with the victory lifting Enzo Maresca’s side into the Premier League’s top four, level on points with Aston Villa and Newcastle heading into the final day.

After Aston Villa’s win against Spurs, Chelsea knew they had to respon and they did, in a tense and scrappy battle. United thought they had struck first when Harry Maguire turned in Bruno Fernandes’ cross, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside in the 16th minute.

Chelsea nearly replied in spectacular fashion, with Reece James hitting the post with a fierce volley. The Blues were then controversially denied a penalty in the second half when Tyrique George was brought down by Andre Onana, only for the decision to be overturned following a VAR review.

Moments later, Chelsea found their breakthrough. James turned sharply and whipped in a pinpoint cross that Cucurella met with a thumping header in the 71st minute for his fifth league goal of the season.

Noni Madueke missed a golden opportunity to double the lead late on, firing wide after being set up by Cole Palmer. Despite the missed chances, Chelsea held on to secure a vital three points with the win moving Chelsea to 66 points, level with Villa and Newcastle, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive till the final gameweek. Manchester United, remain in 16th, in a disappointing campaign with the Europa League final for an end to a horrid season.

5. Ajax bottle Eredivisie on final day

Ajax’s 2024/25 Eredivisie campaign ended in bitter disappointment as they squandered a promising position in the title race, allowing rivals PSV Eindhoven to coast to the league crown.

For much of the season, Ajax looked in control, leading the table with strong attacking displays and a solid home record. However, a string of poor results in the final two months derailed their title bid. Costly draws against lower-table sides and defeats to AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord proved decisive, as momentum shifted firmly in PSV’s favour.

Under Peter Bosz, PSV showed remarkable consistency, capitalizing on every Ajax misstep. The Eindhoven side put together an unbeaten run in the closing weeks, displaying grit, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing to take control of the title race. Key players like Johan Bakayoko and Luuk de Jong delivered when it mattered most, guiding PSV to their first Eredivisie triumph since 2018 as they won 1–3 against Rotterdam which allowed them clinch the title.

For Ajax, the collapse has triggered serious questions about the team’s mentality and squad depth. Despite boasting one of the league’s most talented rosters, their inability to close out the title has left fans frustrated and demanding change ahead of the next campaign.

In the end, it was PSV who held their nerve and lifted the silverware, while Ajax are left to reflect on a season that promised much but ended in last lap heartbreak.

6. Ranieri and the miracle of Roma

In November 2024, Roma was going through one of the worst periods in recent years with them being the laughing stock of Europe. Coach sacked, director sacked and the club in turmoil with the chaos looking like a poisoined chalice for any coach. With nobody turning to rhem, the Gialarossi appointed Claudio Ranieri who was out of football on retirement.

Claudio Ranieri emerged from his retirement to take the helm at AS Roma, a club dear to his heart and what a wonderful decisoon this has been.

At the time, Roma languished in 12th place in Serie A, just four points above the relegation zone. Ranieri’s return marked his third stint as Roma’s head coach, and he was tasked with stabilizing a team in turmoil.

Under his guidance, Roma underwent a dramatic transformation. The team embarked on a 19-match unbeaten run, matching a club record set under Luciano Spalletti. This resurgence propelled Roma into contention for a Champions League spot, a feat that seemed improbable months earlier.

Ranieri’s tactical acumen was evident in Roma’s defensive solidity, conceding only 11 goals during the unbeaten streak. Key victories, including a 3–1 win over AC Milan in his final home game, galvanized the team and fans alike.

Despite the turnaround, Ranieri confirmed he would step down at the season’s end, transitioning into a senior executive role within the club. His tenure concluded with Roma on the cusp of Champions League qualification, a testament to his leadership and connection with the club.

Ranieri’s impact extended beyond tactics as he has rekindled the spirit of a team and its supporters, leaving an indelible mark on Roma’s storied history as the miracle man

7. Crystal Palace beat City as they lift the FA Cup

Crystal Palace made history on Saturday, defeating Manchester City 1–0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley to claim their first major trophy.

Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the match in the 16th minute, finishing a swift counterattack with a powerful strike into the bottom corner. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson was crucial, saving a penalty from Omar Marmoush and making a string of vital stops throughout.

Daniel Munoz had a second goal ruled out for offside interference, while City’s relentless pressure was repelled by heroic Palace defending, including key blocks and late saves.

Despite City dominating possession, Palace held firm for a famous victory capping a historic day for the club, players and fans as they jubilated wildly while City go trophyless.

8. Dortmund earn last gasp passage to the UCL

Borussia Dortmund secured a vital 3–0 win over relegated Holstein Kiel on Saturday to clinch fourth place in the Bundesliga and the final Champions League spot for next season.

Needing a three-goal victory to guarantee qualification, Dortmund made the perfect start as Serhou Guirassy converted a third-minute penalty. Kiel’s hopes were further dashed when Carl Johansson was sent off for a reckless challenge on Karim Adeyemi.

Marcel Sabitzer doubled the lead shortly after the break, and Felix Nmecha added a third in the 72nd minute to calm any lingering nerves. The win ensured Dortmund finished two points ahead of Freiburg, who slipped to fifth after a 3–1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt and bottled their chances to get into the UCL.

Frankfurt’s comeback win also lifted them to third, while Dortmund celebrated a strong finish to seal their place among Europe’s elite next season.

Borussia Dortmund’s decision to appoint Niko Kovač as head coach has already begun to pay off, as the Croatian has overseen a remarkable turnaround since taking the reins earlier this year.

Kovač, who signed on until 2026, took over following a disappointing spell that saw Dortmund slip out of the Bundesliga’s top four. Known for his tactical discipline and strong leadership, the former Bayern Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt manager was brought in to steady the ship and he’s done just that in wonderful fashion.

Under Kovač’s guidance, Dortmund rediscovered their intensity and resilience with the team surged back into form, clinching crucial wins and ultimately sealing a top-four finish to secure Champions League qualification for next season on the last day. Key players have flourished in his system, and the squad has shown renewed belief on the pitch.

His appointment has not only halted Dortmund’s slump but also laid the foundation for a promising new era, as the club looks to reestablish itself among Europe’s elite.

9. Sporting and Galatasaray win their respective league titles

Sporting Lisbon have been crowned 2024/25 Primeira Liga champions, capitalizing on a dramatic late-season collapse by rivals Benfica.

Rúi Borges side showed consistency and resilience throughout the campaign, eventually pulling clear at the top after Benfica squandered their lead with a series of costly results in the final weeks. A string of draws and defeats to mid-table sides opened the door for Sporting, who pounced with ruthless efficiency.

Led by standout performances from Viktor Gyökeres, Quenda, Conrad Harder. Sporting sealed the title with a commanding win in their penultimate fixture, sparking wild celebrations in Lisbon.

The triumph marks Sporting’s second league title in four seasons and underlines Borges growing legacy at the club while Benfica are left to reflect on what might have been, it’s Sporting who once again reign supreme in Portuguese football.

Galatasaray sealed the 2024/25 Turkish Super Lig title in dramatic fashion, capping off a dominant campaign with a statement performance and much of the spotlight belonged to Nigerian star Victor Osimhen.

Signed in a sensational move last summer, Osimhen has proven to be the missing piece in Galatasaray’s title puzzle. His relentless energy, physicality, and finishing prowess made him a nightmare for Turkish defences all season long. Fittingly, it was his clinical brace in the final game that helped Galatasaray secure a 3–1 victory, ensuring they finished top of the table ahead of bitter rivals Fenerbahçe.

The title marks Galatasaray’s 24th league triumph and reasserts their dominance in Turkish football. Okan Buruk praised Osimhen’s influence throughout the season, describing the striker as “a true leader on and off the pitch.”

Osimhen ends the season as Galatasaray’s top scorer, with over 30 goals in the league, and his impact has gone beyond just numbers helping the attack and lifting the entire team in big moments.

After a year in which he turned down offers from top European clubs to join Galatasaray’s ambitious project, Osimhen has not only delivered silverware but also reignited the club’s presence on the European stage. With Champions League football returning to Nef Stadium next season, fans will be hoping Osimhen stays to lead the charge once again.

For Galatasaray, it’s a title to celebrate. For Osimhen, it’s another chapter in a career that continues to rise amongst the best in the world.

10. Penultimate day Drama in Serie A as the title goes down to the wire

The 2024/25 Serie A title race will go down to a dramatic final day after both Inter Milan and Napoli failed to secure wins in their penultimate fixtures.

Inter were held to a thrilling 2–2 draw by Lazio at San Siro in a match full of twists and tension. Simone Inzaghi’s side were pegged back by Pedro twice cancelling out goals by Bisseck and Dumfries.

Inter couldn’t find a late winner, leaving them with just a point behind Napoli heading into the last round.

Napoli, meanwhile, were left frustrated in a goalless stalemate away to Parma as they missed the chance to secure the Serie A title on Sunday after being held to a goalless draw at Parma, while Inter Milan were forced to settle for a 2–2 draw against Lazio, keeping the title race alive until the final weekend.

Despite several chances, Napoli couldn’t break the deadlock, with Alex Meret making key saves to deny Simon Sohm, and Frank Anguissa hitting the post. Matteo Politano and Scott McTominay also came close, but Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki stood firm.

Late drama saw managers Chivu and Antonio Conte both sent off, and a potential last-gasp Napoli penalty overturned by VAR after David Neres was fouled in stoppage time.

Napoli remain one point ahead of Inter and will seal the Scudetto if they match Inter’s result on the final day. Napoli host Cagliari, while Inter face a tough trip to high-flying Como, setting up a thrilling Serie A finale next Sunday.

As it stands, Inter trail by a single point, with everything to play for on the final matchday. The title could be decided by the finest of margins in what has been one of the most competitive Serie A seasons in recent memory.

With both sides facing tough final fixtures, Italian football fans are bracing for a dramatic climax to a title race that has gone down to the wire.

11. Fairytale Farewells to Jamie Vardy and Lacazette

Two modern greats of English and French football, Jamie Vardy and Alexandre Lacazette, said emotional goodbyes to their clubs with storybook endings that perfectly encapsulated their legendary careers.

Jamie Vardy’s final appearance in a Leicester City shirt was nothing short of poetic. The 38-year-old striker, who rose from non-league football to become a Premier League champion and legend capped off his incredible journey with a goal in his last home game in the top flight.

Vardy leaves the club as a legend, their all-time Premier League top scorer and the face of the unforgettable 2015/16 title-winning campaign. His farewell was met with thunderous applause at the King Power Stadium, as fans celebrated the man who defied the odds time and time again with the date May 18, 2025 the esact date he signed for Leicester thirteen years ago.

In France, Alexandre Lacazette also received a hero’s send-off at Lyon. Returning to the club where his career began, Lacazette delivered one final moment of magic, scoring the decisive goals that helped OL clinch a European qualification spot on the final day for his team.

The former captain leaves having scored over 160 goals for Lyon across two spells, and his leadership during a turbulent season helped steady the ship and inspire a strong finish. His exit was marked by tears, tributes, and a standing ovation at Groupama Stadium.

Both players exit not just as icons of their clubs, but as symbols of loyalty, perseverance, and passion for the game. In an era of fleeting allegiances for the highest bidders, the fairytale farewells of Vardy and Lacazette remind fans what the love of the beautiful game of football is truly about.