The La Liga outfit have lost their last two European finals, but their manager has brushed off talk of exorcising demons against Marseille in Lyon Diego Simeone has rejected talk of the Europa League final being an opportunity for Atletico Madrid to banish the ghosts of Champions League heartache suffered at the hands of Real Madrid. Atletico take on Marseille in Wednesday’s decider in Lyon , returning to the last stage of a competition they won under Simeone in 2012, having become more accustomed to the Champions League in recent years. The Rojiblancos were beaten in the final of that tournament by arch rivals Madrid in 2014 and 2016, but…

The manager now knows who his first adversaries will be when he makes his debut as manager of the Scottish Premiership side Steven Gerrard will begin his Rangers managerial career with a match up against FK Shkupi in a Europa League preliminary round contest. The Liverpool legend was appointed head coach to the Scottish Premiership club after a year in charge of the Reds’ Under-18 side for the 2017-18 season, and last week learned the order in which he’ll face his new rivals in Scotland’s top-flight, opening their domestic campaign against Aberdeen on August 5. But with the compeletion of the Europa League preliminary first and second round draw, Gerrard now knows…

As El Tri prepares for a pair of friendly matches, several players stood out in Europe, though an injury to Carlos Salcedo marred the weekend The final weekend ahead of Mexico’s friendlies against Uruguay and the United States saw plenty of El Tri players in Europe in action, with plenty for Mexico fans to be encouraged about but also reason for concern. Several players learned their fates in Europe, with Hirving Lozano and PSV in what looks like a difficult Champions League group alongside Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Inter, while Hector Herrera and Porto are dreaming of topping a group that includes Galatasaray, Lokomotiv Moscow and Schalke. Herrera scored his first goal of the season and captained…

The Italian had an influential cameo in the Europa League on Thursday despitea persistent ankle problem, the manager confirmed Gennaro Gattuso revealed Patrick Cutrone to be playing through injury during his two-goal rescue act in AC Milan’s fighting win over Olympiacos. Cutrone, 20, stepped off the bench to net a nine-minute brace in the second half as he rescued a come-from-behind 3-1 victory that keeps the Rossoneri top of their Europa League group. The Italy international is yet to start a match this season and saw a fit-again Gonzalo Higuain reclaim the lone striking role at San Siro. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi may have already…

Unai Emery could have a selection dilemma when the Gunners face the Portuguese giants in the Europa League Arsenal defenders Nacho Monreal and Sokratis Papastathopoulos will both undergo late fitness tests before the Europa League clash with Sporting CP. Spanish full-back Monreal has been absent for the last five games due to a hamstring problem, though Sead Kolasinac did return for the weekend draw against Liverpool. An ankle problem has meanwhile prevented Greek defender Sokratis from playing since the 1-0 win in Lisbon two weeks ago – though he has not appeared in the Gunners’ last five Premier League matches. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi may…

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the Celtic forward is set for a break from football because of ‘ongoing issues’ Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths is to take time away from football after manager Brendan Rodgers revealed “life is tough for him right now”. The Scotland international has scored two goals in 11 Scottish Premiership appearances for the defending champions this season and played as a substitute in last Saturday’s 5-1 home win over Kilmarnock. However, Rodgers said on Wednesday that Griffiths, 28, has had “ongoing issues” for several months and that the club would do its best to support him through a difficult period. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on…

European football’s governing body has charged Atletico Madrid and Marseille with a series of alleged offences in the Europa League final Atletico Madrid have been charged by UEFA for displaying what European football’s governing body described as a “racist” banner during the Europa League final. It is understood that the charge relates to a flag displayed by fans inside Groupama Stadium that appeared to be styled like a Nazi war ensign. UEFA has charged Atleti, who won the final against Marseille 3-0 , with alleged racist behaviour and the setting off fireworks. Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi may have already played his final game for Inter Sarri vindicated…

After starting their Europa League final with so much promise, OM were soundly defeated as their captain limped off injured in the first half It took 10 months and 19 matches, but Marseille’s Europa League dream died at the final hurdle on Wednesday, as they were well beaten 3-0 by Atletico Madrid in Lyon. Playing Diego Simeone’s side is always a little like walking a tightrope, the slightest slip can result in disaster. Rudi Garcia’s side now know that as well as anyone. One ill-conceived pass from goalkeeper Steve Mandanda was followed by a clumsy touch from Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to allow Antoine Griezmann to score at a time when…

The Gers are closing in on a group-stage berth and their manager has urged his side to take their chance by completing the job against Ufa Steven Gerrard has called for “heroes and warriors” to emerge at Ufa next week as Rangers seek to protect a 1-0 advantage in the Europa League play-offs. Connor Goldson’s first-half goal at Ibrox on Thursday gave the Scottish side a valuable advantage in their bid to reach the group stage. The margin would have been wider had Alfredo Morelos made the most of several opportunities, while the hosts also had appeals for a late penalty turned down. Article continues below Editors' Picks Juve on alert: Exiled Icardi…

With three points each, the Group B encounter promises to be a pivotal one for the fortunes of the two clubs Celtic’s Europa League campaign reaches a pivotal stage on Thursday, when they travel to Germany to face RB Leipzig. Brendan Rodgers’ side have three points to their name after being Rosenborg at home, but a 3-1 loss to Red Bull Salzburg at the beginning of October means they are tied on three points with the Bundesliga club, who also fell victim to the Austians in week one.  After a sticky start to the season, the Hoops hope they have found some form after overcoming Hibs 4-2 in a thrilling…