Key events
Let’s have a scroll through some of last night’s pieces. Nick Ames, fresh from his Scandinavian jaunt to tell us more about Bodø/Glimt, sees reasons to be cheerful for the Norwegian side. They’re more than handy at home, too.
Then came another of the moments that will be sung about among companions for years. How appropriate that it was a deflected strike by Ulrik Saltnes, who joined Bodø/Glimt when they were fighting for survival almost a decade and a half ago, that prised open the door. On the touchline, Knutsen and his support staff erupted. In the far corner, 3,000 fans who had undertaken that long, long journey could finally lose their minds. Tottenham remain well placed to adopt the role of playground bully next Thursday but may yet be the latest to learn that, even against the bigger boys, friends can work sporting miracles.
Sid Lowe and Jamie Jackson were at San Mamés to assess a result they probably weren’t quite expecting:
And Jacob Steinberg was in Sweden to see Chelsea dominate on Djurgarden’s big Conference League night:
Preamble
Morning everyone, here to guide you through reflections on, buildup to and news about a breathless, nerve-shredding few days of football.
Last night threw up less drama than the previous two but it pushed Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham further towards European glory, and the anomalous situation whereby two from three of the most discontented fanbases in the Premier League are going to end up celebrating a trophy this season, whereas those who’ve had a lot of fun – at Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Bournemouth etc – will end it potless. But other than the shock of Manchester United putting in a dominant display in a big game, that the Europa League final will probably be contested by comfortably the richest clubs in it comes as no real surprise.
All of which means the Premier League is likely to have a frankly ridiculous six English teams in the Champions League next season, though Forest are less likely to be one of them after their deflating defeat by Brentford.
And a busy domestic weekend kicks off tonight with Manchester City looking to strengthen their Champions League qualification hopes when they host a Wolves side feeling all nice and safe following their charge away from the drop zone. Aston Villa (at home to Fulham tomorrow), Newcastle (at Brighton on Sunday), Chelsea (hosting Liverpool later that afternoon) and Nottingham Forest (at Palace on Monday) will want plenty to say about that though.
Elsewhere, we’ve got scrambles for Championship playoff spots and against relegation slots, a tussle for sixth in League One and two automatic slots and four playoff places still to be sorted in League Two. Whether your team’s on the beach or poised to put your nerves through the wringer, we’ll have previews and news through the day. Stick around.