Trippier insists Newcastle will not lose focus on Champions League place | Newcastle United

Kieran Trippier has stressed that Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win will not distract the team from their over­riding ambition this season of achieving ­Champions League qualification. Trippier is a key member of New­castle’s dressing-room leader­ship group as vice-captain and his message to teammates will be ­unequivocal. “Myself and the rest of the leadership group will keep … Read more

Cheltenham report card: A for drama, room for improvement elsewhere | Cheltenham festival 2025

On-course drama Solid A, if only for the most extraordinary running of Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle in living memory. The odds-on Constitution Hill’s departure at the fifth drew the biggest gasp of the week from the stands, while State Man’s fall at the last with a second successive title within sight prompted the biggest groan. The … Read more

Women’s Champions League quarter-finals: can anybody stop Barcelona? | Women’s Champions League

After a three-month wait for restless fans since the conclusion of the group stages, Europe’s top clubs finally return to continental action this week as the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals get under way. The main question on everybody’s mind between now and the final in Lisbon on 24 May is: can anybody stop Barcelona? The … Read more

Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win: part feelgood story, part PR triumph for dictator state ambition | Newcastle United

Well, that’s the nice bit done. Warm feelings, heritage bonds, a cocoon of distracting noise. Wembley is such a different place on these domestic cup days, certainly compared with the Cliff Richard concert vibe of a midweek international. And that feeling was there right from the start of the Carabao Cup final on Sunday as Newcastle … Read more

Saracens and Leicester to trial separate away sections for Premiership fans | Premiership

The Premiership will trial away sections for supporters in two forthcoming matches in April in an effort to improve atmospheres in top-flight fixtures. It is understood that Saracens’ fixture against Gloucester on 19 April and Leicester’s match against Harlequins on 26 April will see the creation of specific areas for visiting supporters to congregate in. … Read more

‘So proud’: Newcastle fans reflect on historic cup win after 70 years of hurt | Newcastle United

“After years and years of hurt, it was just glorious,” said 67-year-old Paul Wearmouth outside St James’ Park on the morning after the night before. “It was tremendous. I’ll be honest, I was crying. They were tears of jubilation.” Wearmouth, a retired school caretaker, has been a fan of Newcastle United all his life and … Read more

Arne Slot needs Liverpool to wrest back control after chastening week | Liverpool

It has been a chastening week for Liverpool after deserved defeats in two competitions, highlighting their flaws amid a season of Premier League domination. Paris Saint‑Germain outplayed them in the Champions League and Newcastle’s muscle left Arne Slot needing to wait a few weeks longer for his first trophy in England. The Dutchman has indicated … Read more