Liverpool youngster Neco Williams will leave the club permanently during the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell.
The Lowdown: Williams excellent on loan
The Wales international traded the Reds for Fulham in January, joining the Championship side on loan until the end of the season.
Williams has excelled for the Cottagers, chipping in with two league goals and assists apiece and helping them gain promotion back to the Premier League.
He was also hailed a ‘majestic’ by Wales Online after one performance for his country and he will return to Liverpool in the summer.
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The Latest: Summer exit predicted
Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell tipped Williams to leave Anfield permanently, however, in order to enjoy regular minutes elsewhere and kick on in his career:
“Neco Williams has been playing at Fulham and doing well. He wants to play now. He wants to start every week now he has a taste of it. Why would he want to come back to Liverpool and sit on the bench? Yes, he has tasted success at Liverpool but he has been more involved at Fulham.
“I think the writing is on the wall here, especially if Liverpool are looking at other right-backs. He will leave because his priority will be to play regularly.
“If Jurgen Klopp is shuffling his pack he might be able to recruit a replacement. The key will be who they recruit. Klopp has the knack of getting the right players.”
The Verdict: Right time to leave
While Williams is clearly a talented young right-back, it does make sense for him to consider leaving Liverpool, considering Trent Alexander-Arnold should be ahead of him for many years to come.
Barring a serious injury to Alexander-Arnold, it is hard to see how the Welshman is going to fit into Jurgen Klopp’s plans and he is too good to be warming the substitutes’ bench every week.
A permanent move to Fulham could be absolutely perfect, especially as they are now in the Premier League, allowing Williams to prove himself at the top level week in, week out.
In other news, a key Liverpool transfer update has emerged. Read more here.
Celtic will be unable to make Jota’s loan move at Parkhead a permanent one this summer, according to former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Jota superb for Ange
The 23-year-old joined Ange Postecoglou’s side last summer, having sealed a season-long loan deal from Portuguese giants Benfica.
Jota has proven to be a superb signing for Celtic, scoring and assisting nine times apiece in the Scottish Premiership, as well as being hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by his manager, who is clearly a big fan having started the youngster whenever possible.
The hope is that the attacker stays at Parkhead beyond the end of this season, signing permanently for a fee believed to be around £6m, but that doesn’t look likely to be the case.
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that based on what he’s seen – namely the attacker not signing a deal already – Jota will return to Benfica in the summer:
“I don’t think so. I would love it to happen. Every time I see him he has been tremendous.
“He can be a bit hot and cold sometimes but he has been different class since he came back from injury. He’s a talented boy and I hope he likes what is happening at Celtic. It’s a great environment.
“He’s one hell of a player but I think if he was going to sign then he would have by now. Maybe I’m wrong, I hope I am wrong but maybe he has his eyes on a move somewhere else this summer.”
The Verdict: Hard to keep hold of him
Jota’s performances this season are exactly what Benfica would have hoped for, giving a young player valuable playing time before returning to the club.
Sadly, it is difficult to see them allowing the Portuguese starlet to leave permanently, meaning Postecoglou will be tasked with bringing in a similarly productive wide player.
The hope is that the situation changes, of course, and if Benfica suddenly gave the green light over a move to Celtic, they should jump at the chance to get it done, but the Eagles have likely realised they can get a much bigger fee than £6m or integrate him into their own squad.
In other news, Celtic are reportedly looking to sell one player this summer. Find out who it is here.
Despite registering an assist against Nottingham Forest, Leeds United attacker Brenden Aaronson has struggled to find his best form this season. Indeed, that strike he set up at the City Ground was only the second time in 2025/26 he’s chipped in with a goal or assist, despite playing 11 Premier League games.
It might not be a surprise to see the United States international struggling for form in the Premier League. Despite a dominant season in the Championship last term, former Leeds man Jon Newsome told BBC Radio Leeds that he doesn’t think he is “good enough to play in the Leeds United team.”
With Aaronson’s poor form continuing, it might lead Daniel Farke to look at alternative options on the right wing against Aston Villa.
Farke's options to replace Aaronson
One candidate to replace the American international against Villa is Wilfried Gnonto. The 22-year-old Italian is on the cusp of returning from a calf injury which has kept him out for most of the season, but Farke confirmed pre-match that his side have “not one player injured” this weekend.
Assuming the former Inter winger is back, he could get some involvement this weekend. Last term, Gnonto was excellent, scoring nine goals and assisting six in 43 second-tier games, and his direct nature could offer a new threat for Leeds.
However, given his recent fitness issues, this game may have come too soon for him to start.
An alternative option could be Jack Harrison. The 29-year-old Englishman has had a bit-part role this season in the Premier League, playing ten games, but featuring for just 262 minutes in total.
He is a player who certainly splits opinion at Elland Road. The former Everton loanee returned to the club this season after two years on Merseyside. He was not given a warm reception upon that return, though, and was booed by fans in preseason.
With Gnonto’s lack of game time and Harrison’s lack of form, there could be an ideal alternative to replace Aaronson.
Farke’s perfect Aaronson replacement
It would certainly be a fair call if Farke were to drop Aaronson from the side against Villa. He has struggled to have a real impact on the Leeds side this season, and has left a little to be desired creatively.
If the American were to be dropped from the side against the Villans, the man who could replace him is Daniel James. The Wales international has also not been fully fit this season, having racked up just eight Premier League appearances.
Yet, he played an hour for Wales over the last week as they beat Liechtenstein, a game in which he grabbed an assist, and North Macedonia, against whom he scored.
He is back fit and firing and in good form, which is a huge positive for Farke and Leeds.
Despite a lack of involvement this term, the former Manchester United star has previously impressed for the West Yorkshire side. In their Championship title win last term, he chipped in with a strong tally of 12 goals and nine assists in just 36 appearances.
He averaged 0.72 goal involvements per 90 minutes, which ranked him in the top 2% of Championship attackers.
Goals and assists
0.72
98th
Passes into penalty area
2.17
97th
Crosses into penalty area
0.9
96th
Goal-creating actions
0.52
90th
Progressive carries
4.04
87th
The Welsh international could hurt Villa in transition, too. It is no secret that he is lightning fast, with a top speed of 31kph, according to Speeds Database. Well, if Leeds decide to sit in a low block and hit Unai Emery’s side on the counterattack, James could be imperative to executing those fast transitional moments.
Statman Dave once described the 28-year-old as someone who is “unstoppable on the break.” If Leeds do decide their best way of winning is to try and hit the Villans on the counter, his pace and recent form in the final third could be pivotal.
It would be a bold call for Farke to drop one of his most trusted lieutenants in Aaronson, but James has the skillset to really hurt Villa and help his side pick up a huge win in dire circumstances.
Leeds flop is turning into an even bigger waste of money than Illan Meslier
Leeds United now have a bigger waste of money than Illan Meslier in this £28.5m flop.
Everton have begun the 2025/26 season in encouraging fashion under David Moyes, demonstrating a level of resilience that has been a hallmark of the Scot’s management.
Their 8th-place standing with eleven points from three wins reflects a side gradually regaining confidence.
This includes victories against Wolves, Brighton, and a dramatic comeback over Crystal Palace, which ended the Eagles’ club-record 19-match unbeaten run.
A narrow defeat to Liverpool has also shown that Everton are competitive even against stronger opposition. This resurgence mirrors personal story arcs within the squad.
Several players are rediscovering form or thriving in new roles, their performances central to Everton’s improvement.
Last season, Everton climbed from mid-table mediocrity to 13th place following a strong second half of the campaign.
The current season sees similar trajectories, with key individuals revitalising their careers and contributing decisively in both goals and assists.
For a team balancing Premier League and European ambitions, these personal revivals are proving crucial.
Analysing Jack Grealish's revival at Everton
Few players embody Everton’s resurgence like Jack Grealish, the 30-year-old forward whose career has been revitalised since joining Goodison Park.
After struggling with injuries at Manchester City – missing 17 games over the past two seasons due to hip and groin problems – Grealish has found a regular rhythm under Moyes.
He has played 557 Premier League minutes in seven games, scoring one goal and providing four assists, already approaching last season’s totals.
Grealish’s influence is evident in his match-winning contributions.
He scored a 93rd-minute winner against Crystal Palace, securing the comeback that saw Everton climb the table.
Moyes’ decision to place faith in Grealish has clearly paid off; the player himself is thriving, enjoying regular minutes and responsibility.
This consistent involvement has also caught the attention of England manager Thomas Tuchel, who emphasised that regular football is vital for World Cup consideration.
Statistically, Grealish demonstrates why he remains central to Everton’s attacking identity.
In his most successful season – the 2022/23 treble-winning campaign – he averaged 6.27 progressive carries per 90, 4.39 progressive passes per 90, and covered a progressive passing distance of 113.3 metres per 90.
He completed 84.1% of his passes, generated 4.55 shot-creating actions per 90, executed 1.97 successful take-ons per 90, and made 42 carries per 90, with 33.9 touches in the attacking third.
These numbers illustrate not only his creativity but his ability to influence games consistently, reinforcing his value to Moyes’ project.
Grealish has become synonymous with Everton’s resurgence, his technical ability, vision, and leadership setting the standard for others in the squad, such as his heir apparent Tyler Dibling.
His reinvention in blue serves as a blueprint for younger or previously underutilised players seeking to find their feet at Goodison Park.
Everton's other Grealish-type sensation
Another player following a similar path is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the 27-year-old central midfielder who joined Everton from Chelsea on a five-year contract worth £28m.
At Chelsea, he had a bit-part role, mainly appearing as a substitute and in Conference League fixtures, though he did feature in the Club World Cup final win against PSG.
At Everton, he has taken on a more central role, playing seven times in all competitions this season, scoring once and providing one assist.
Described as a “revelation” at the King Power by Brendan Rodgers in the past, Dewsbury-Hall’s having a similar impact as a highly effective cog in Moyes’ machine.
Aggressive in duels, adept at reading the game, and confident in possession, he combines defensive responsibility with ball-carrying ability.
Statistically, he ranks in the 74th percentile for pass completion (80.4%), 82nd percentile for progressive passes per 90 (5.46), 87th percentile for tackles per 90 (1.90), and 98th percentile for clearances per 90 (1.54).
Matches Played
6
Goals
1
Assists
1
Progressive Carries
10
Progressive Passes
34
His ability to break up play while advancing the ball mirrors some of Grealish’s influence higher up the pitch.
While Grealish brings creativity and goal involvement, Dewsbury-Hall contributes through stability, aggression, and intelligence in midfield.
He covers ground, reads the game well, and consistently makes positive choices on the ball.
Like Grealish, he is rediscovering form and impact, highlighting Moyes’ capacity to rejuvenate players who may have stagnated elsewhere.
If he continues on this trajectory, Dewsbury-Hall could become a central figure in Everton’s midfield, much as Grealish has in attack.
His development underscores the importance of trusting players, particularly those previously underused, and demonstrates how Moyes can cultivate personal resurgence that directly benefits the team.
For Everton, while young Dibling looks a player for the future, both Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall represent key pillars of their season – one providing flair, the other balance – with the potential to help maintain top-half stability and mount a challenge for European qualification.
Moyes can ditch Barry & Beto to unleash "special" Everton star in new role
Everton may be able to solve their issues in front of goal with this player
After surviving another scare to win late on against Burnley, Liverpool play host to Atletico Madrid in the hope of taking their winning run to five games in all competitions.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid team news
The big question heading into this one centres around Alexander Isak. Will the Swede make his Liverpool debut? Or will Arne Slot force Anfield to wait slightly longer before seeing their record arrival in action? If there’s a stage to introduce one of the best strikers in the world, it is the Champions League and it is in a game that will desperately need attacking quality.
There will also be question marks about the fitness of Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones. The former took quite the knock against Burnley and has already endured fitness struggles in the early stages of the campaign. Jones, meanwhile, didn’t make the trip to Turf Moor altogether and is yet to return to training ahead of the Atletico Madrid clash.
The Spanish club also have some frustrating injury concerns. As Fabrizio Romano confirmed, Diego Simeone will be without both Julian Alvarez and Johnny Cardoso for his side’s trip to Anfield. Losing Alvarez is a particular blow for the Argentine manager.
The former Manchester City forward has been the star of the show ever since arriving in Spain and he has continued that form so far this season – scoring once and assisting once in four games.
The task that Simeone now has is finding a similar star within his squad to replace Alvarez ahead of such a challenging test at Anfield.
Liverpool predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley; Konate; Van Dijk; Robertson; Gravenberch; Szoboszlai; Gakpo; Wirtz; Salah; Ekitike
Atletico Madrid predicted line-up (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente; Le Normand; Lenglet; Riggeri; Simeone; Gallagher; Koke; Gonzalez; Griezmann; Sorloth
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid results
The Kop will still be stung by one of Atletico Madrid’s previous Anfield visits, in particular. But since Simeone’s side escaped with a shock 4-2 aggregate victory in extra-time to knock the Reds out of the Champions League in 2020, it has been the Premier League giants that have dominated.
Liverpool 2-0 Atletico Madrid
03/11/2021
Atletico Madrid 2-3 Liverpool
19/10/2021
Liverpool 2-3 Atletico Madrid
11/03/2020
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool
18/02/2020
Liverpool 2-1 Atletico Madrid
29/04/2010
Wednesday’s clash will be the first time that Slot has squared off against Atletico Madrid as Liverpool manager, but Simeone is still a manager that he knows well.
The last time that they faced each other, intense words were shared as they went back and forth on a disagreement. Given that Slot won round one with a late Feyenoord winner, there’s no doubt that he’ll be hoping for a similar victory in round two this evening.
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The history of the fixtures tells us to expect goals, late drama, shock moments and perhaps even another Liverpool victory. Standing in the way of that will, of course, be a stern Atletico side.
It’s a game that the Spaniards could do with winning too, given that they’ve won just once in four La Liga games this season, which came last time out against Villarreal.
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid prediction and odds
Will Liverpool make it five from five in all competitions or will Atletico Madrid cause Anfield misery in a repeat of 2020? According to the bookies, who have priced the Reds at 1/2 to pick up three points, Slot’s side are the favourites here. Atletico, meanwhile, are expected to face an uphill battle at 5/1 to win, and a draw sits at 16/5.
When it comes to results, Liverpool are up and running this season. But we are yet to see a performance that reflects their hefty summer spending spree. As is often the case, however, they may well be saving their most convincing performance for the Champions League and Anfield under the lights.
Manchester United are on the lookout for reinforcements to continue their mission under Ruben Amorim and could now be in a position to enact one of the deals of the 2026 transfer window.
Manchester United dealt triple injury blow
Injuries are an unfortunate reality of the modern game, and the Red Devils aren’t immune to being caught short in that regard after Amorim confirmed Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot and Mason Mount have been ruled out of facing Manchester City.
He stated: “I think they are out for this game. I don’t want to say (how long they will be missing). If you talk with Cunha, if you catch Cunha outside, he will say he can play this game! So I don’t know. We will manage day by day, but they are pushing hard and that is a good thing.”
While the demands of the Premier League are bound to hit everyone at points across the campaign, Manchester United will have a free run at the league for the next few months, easing pressure on a schedule that usually includes European football and domestic cup action.
In light of their lack of fixtures, The Sun have claimed that the Red Devils could look to participate in semi-competitive midweek friendly matches to help fill the financial black hole at Old Trafford after missing out on the Europa League last season.
With extra revenue on the line, Manchester United already took the step of having a post-season tour of Asia last term, illustrating that they are willing to do whatever it takes to earn capital.
Man Utd’s potential midweek friendly opponents
RB Leipzig
Neither team in Europe
Sevilla
Neither team in Europe
AC Milan
Neither team in Europe
Lazio
Neither team in Europe
What would extra funds generated go towards? If recent developments are to be believed, INEOS could be about to launch an offensive to land one of the world’s most talented stars.
Man Utd ahead of Real Madrid to sign Dayot Upamecano
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are ahead of Real Madrid in the race to sign Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, who could be a free agent in the summer of 2026.
Vincent Kompany’s men are struggling to agree terms with the France international on a new long-term contract, with his current one earning the star close to £14 million per annum, and he is said to want a significant increase on that figure before signing on the dotted line.
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Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping tabs on his situation in Germany, where he has made three appearances this campaign across all competitions.
The outlet claim his market value sits at around £51 million, presenting a market opportunity that Manchester United are eager to take advantage of by offering him a central role in their plans, placing them ahead of Real Madrid. INEOS also view him as a significant upgrade on Harry Maguire and other defensive options.
Upamecano has been a consistent starter for Bayern again in the Bundesliga this term, and appears to fit the mould as someone who could help the Red Devils get back to competing for major honours.
Glasgow Rangers have now identified a £6.5 million forward as a potential replacement for Hamza Igamane, who looks set to leave Ibrox, according to a new report.
Hamza Igamane closing in on Lille transfer
The Scottish giants signed Igamane from AS FAR Rabat last summer, a transfer that fans were not sure what to expect from. It took a while for the 22-year-old to get going in Scotland, but once he found his feet, he showed his true qualities.
Rangers bid made: 49ers table offer to bring "spectacular" 22 y/o to Ibrox
The Gers want a permanent transfer.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 26, 2025
Igamane scored 12 goals in 33 Scottish Premiership games last season, as well as netting four times in the Europa League. The Moroccan scored two goals in the final four league games, and, unfortunately for Rangers, they could be the final goals he scores for the club.
That is because, according to Sacha Tavolieri, Rangers are now in talks with Lille over the sale of Igamane. The French side have made the Rangers forward their top target to replace Jonathan David, and they have already agreed personal terms with the striker. All that remains is for the two clubs to work on finding an agreement for a transfer fee, with separate reports stating that the Gers would want around £20 million to part ways.
His departure now feels expected, and therefore, Rangers will need to enter the market to find a suitable replacement for Russell Martin as he bids to get the Gers through the early stages of the Champions League, which starts in a few weeks.
Rangers identify £6.5m forward to replace Igamane
According to TEAMtalk, Rangers are keen on signing Matija Frigan after identifying him as the player to replace Igamane.
Russell Martin watches on whilst in charge of Southampton.
The report states that Rangers are preparing for a summer overhaul of the squad, and they have now accepted the fact that Igamane is set to leave at some point in this transfer window. Frigan is a potential target, as he fits the club’s policy of buying talent at a low price and then potentially selling for a big profit.
The 22-year-old currently plays for Belgian side KVC Westerlo and has done so since 2023. The forward netted nine goals in 29 league games last season, and that has put him on the radar of Rangers, whose recruitment team have been left impressed by his finishing and work rate.
Apps
72
Goals
19
Assists
5
Frigan is valued at £6.5 million, but Rangers believe they could get a deal done for a lower price, with add-ons taking it to that figure.
The Gers have already been handed a boost in their pursuit of the player, as he is set to be ‘enthusiastic’ about joining Rangers, given the history of the club and the fact they can offer European football. Frigan is unknown to English football, but scout Jacek Kulig has likened the forward to Italy striker Ciro Immobile, which shows how promising his career could be.
Sunderland will be playing in the Premier League next season and they know that their recruitment work this summer will need to be spot on to give them a chance of avoiding an instant relegation.
The Black Cats recently confirmed the signing of Enzo Le Fee on a permanent basis from Roma for a club-record fee of £20m as their first addition ahead of their return to the top-flight, after he spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Regis Le Bris’ team.
Le Fee showed quality on the ball, with 1.3 dribbles completed per game, but combined that with 2.5 tackles and interceptions per game in his 11 league starts, which suggests that he could thrive in a relegation battle where plenty of defending will be needed.
The French maestro also heads into the Premier League with plenty of experience in Europe’s major leagues, with 132 games in Ligue 1 and six matches in the Serie A, which means that he is used to playing at the top level and that is why he could be an excellent signing for the Black Cats.
Sunderland eyeing deal for Premier League defender
Sunderland could repeat the blinder that they have seemingly played with Le Fee, who is an experienced top-flight performer who is already settled in and used to playing for the club, by signing another one of their loan stars.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to the Northern Echo, the Premier League newcomers are considering a deal to bring Chris Mepham back to the Stadium of Light in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Wales international is one of a number of defensive options being weighed up by the board at Sunderland, as they eye up a possible reunion with the Bournemouth centre-back.
It states that there was no obligation for the loan move to be turned into a permanent one this summer, which means that they would have to negotiate a fee with the Cherries.
Why Sunderland should sign Chris Mepham
The Black Cats should swoop to sign Mepham on a permanent basis in the coming weeks because it could be a repeat of their Le Fee blinder.
Like the French star, the 27-year-old colossus would not need any time to settle in because he just played 40 matches on loan at the club in the 2024/25 season.
The Welsh titan also has top-flight experience, like Le Fee, having played 61 times in the Premier League for Bournemouth, which means that he knows the division and could provide vital experience to a young team lacking games at that level.
Mepham, who was hailed as “outstanding” by pundit Carlton Palmer, also delivered solid performances for Sunderland when called upon in the Championship this season.
Appearances
38
Pass accuracy
87%
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.3
Clearances per game
6.1
Ground duel success rate
55%
Aerial duel success rate
63%
Clean sheets
11
As you can see in the table above, the Bournemouth loanee was dominant in his duels and helped the team to keep 11 clean sheets in 38 outings in the second tier.
He also averaged the most clearances per match in the entire squad, ahead of the likes of Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard, which may be down to his experience and know-how, as he excels at being in the right place at the right time at the heart of the defence.
Mepham was, therefore, an important player for Sunderland in the Championship and that is why they should press ahead with a deal to sign him on a permanent basis, as a star who knows the club and has Premier League experience under his belt.
Like Le Fee, the 27-year-old brute would hit the ground running on Wearside in the top-flight because of his loan spell at the Stadium of Light and because of the top-flight games that he has played.
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It is now down to the club to ensure that they can strike a deal with Bournemouth to bring him back to Sunderland, to join Le Fee as their second signing.
The Champions League final is the pinnacle of any football season. With the showpiece finale set to bring the curtain down on another dazzling European campaign, it brings around a chance to look back at some of the best finals from years gone by.
While finals can often be drab affairs – the last four editions have all been decided by a single goal – the Champions League final has been no stranger to some of the most dramatic affairs over the years. Here is Football FanCast’s attempt at ranking the very best finals since the first one in 1956, based on the drama and significance of each match.
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Rank
Final
Year
Milan 3-3 Liverpool
2005
Man Utd 2-1 Bayern Munich
1999
Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea
2008
Benfica 1-4 Man Utd
1968
Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid
2014
Bayern Munich 1-1 Chelsea
2012
Real Madrid 7-3 Frankfurt
1960
Celtic 2-1 Inter
1967
Steaua Bucharest 0-0 Barcelona
1986
Bayern Munich 0-1 Aston Villa
1982
Milan 4-0 Barcelona
1994
Liverpool 1-1 Roma
1984
Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Real Madrid
2002
Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool
2018
Barcelona 3-1 Man Utd
2011
15 Barcelona 3-1 Man Utd (2011) Guardiola's stars beat United in the final again
Barcelona’s class of 2011 are considered one of the greatest club sides of all time, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta bringing Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka philosophy to life.
The 2011 final, held at Wembley Stadium, pitted the same finalists as in 2009, when Barca overcame United 2-0 in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
First-half goals from Pedro and Wayne Rooney suggested this would be a more even contest, but the second half saw Barcelona’s star men come alive.
Messi put Barcelona back in front shortly after the interval, while David Villa sumptuously curled home to seal the match and the Catalans’ third Champions League triumph in six seasons. The only surprise is that their dominance didn’t exactly endure after this.
14 Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool (2018) Karius clangers and Bale wonder-strike completes Euro hat-trick
While maybe not the most spectacular of matches, this game did provide one of the most spectacular goals in a Champions League final, while also including one of the most bizarre. Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius gifted Karim Benzema the opener in Kyiv by inexplicably rolling the ball into his path before Sadio Mane equalised for the Reds.
Gareth Bale came off the bench to score an incredible overhead kick, before the Welshman finished the job with the help of another Karius mistake. It was a third consecutive Champions League triumph for Real Madrid – a feat that hadn’t been achieved for over 40 years.
Date
26th May 2018
Venue
NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kyiv
Attendance
61,561
Goalscorers
Benzema 51′, Bale 63′, 83′ / Mane 55′
13 Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Real Madrid (2002) Zidane's worldie wins Los Blancos' ninth CL
Another sensational Champions League final goal; another sensational volley and another Madrid victory. This time it was Zinedine Zidane who scored one of the most iconic goals in the competition’s illustrious history, sending a luscious, looping effort into the top-left corner from just inside Leverkusen’s penalty area at Hampden Park. Zidane’s goal on the stroke of half-time proved the winner, with Lucio having cancelled out Raul’s early opener.
Date
15th May 2002
Venue
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Attendance
50,499
Goalscorers
Lucio 14′ / Raul 8′, Zidane 45′
12 Liverpool 1-1 Roma (1984) Reds win on penalties to upset hosts and favourites Roma
It won’t have been often that Liverpool headed into a European Cup final as underdogs, but Joe Fagan’s Reds were up against it as they prepared to take on Roma in their own backyard, in what was just the hosts’ second European final, having won the Fairs Cup in 1961.
Phil Neal put Liverpool ahead before Roberto Pruzzo levelled things up before half-time. The teams could not be separated, leading to a penalty shootout. It is perhaps best known for Bruce Grobbelaar’s ‘spaghetti legs’ antics in goal, with Francesco Graziani blazing his effort over, handing the Reds match point.
Alan Kennedy netted the winning spot-kick, making Liverpool European champions for a fourth time.
Date
30th May 1984
Venue
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Attendance
69,693
Goalscorers
Neal 13′ / Pruzzo 42′
11 Milan 4-0 Barcelona (1994) Johan Cruyff's Barcelona swept aside by brutal Milan display
Miguel Angel Nadal (l) had a tough night against Milan.
Johan Cruyff’s swashbuckling Barcelona side were expected to wipe the floor with a Milan team shorn of several key players, including Marco van Basten and Franco Baresi, due to injury.
Those expectations could have not ended up being further from the truth, with the Rossoneri delivering one of the finest team performances in a single game in the history of the competition to win 4-0 and claim their fifth European crown. Dejan Savicevic’s exquisite lob over a helpless Andoni Zubizarreta was the pick of the goals as Milan ran riot in Athens.
Date
18th May 1994
Venue
Olympic Stadium, Athens
Attendance
70,000
Goalscorers
Massaro 22′, 45′, Savicevic 47′, Desailly 58′
10 Bayern Munich 0-1 Aston Villa (1982) Peter Withe winner upsets odds as Villans reign in Europe
Not very often does the European Cup final pit a David and Goliath together, but that’s what we got in 1982 when an unfancied Aston Villa set up a grand finale against Bayern Munich.
Bayern were three-time European Cup winners and boasted international stars such as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Paul Breitner in their starting XI.
In contrast, Villa had somewhat surprisingly won the First Division a year prior, and were forced to substitute their first-choice goalkeeper nine minutes into the final, leaving Nigel Spink – who had one first-team appearance to his name – to make his European debut for a Villa side decidedly lacking in star names.
That did not deter them, and they made the breakthrough midway through the second half through Peter Withe’s strike from Tony Morley’s cross, sparking jubilant scenes on the pitch and in the stands.
Bayern then had a late equaliser ruled out for offside as Tony Barton’s side held on to create history.
9 Steaua Bucharest 0-0 Barcelona (1986) Duckadam saves four in incredible shootout
You’re probably wondering what a goalless draw is doing in a best finals piece. Well, in a great example of not needing goals to have drama and heroics, Steaua Bucharest’s only European Cup triumph can be put down to an unbelievable goalkeeping display from Helmuth Duckadam.
The Romanian saved all four of Barcelona’s spot-kicks to win the European Cup for his team. The shootout itself ended 2-0 in favour of Steaua after a goalless draw, with each of the first four attempts saved before Marius Lacatus finally converted.
Granted, some of the penalties weren’t the best, but there’s no denying the greatness of Duckadam’s exploits.
Date
7th May 1986
Venue
Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville
Attendance
70,000
Goalscorers
None
8 Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (2014) Real blitz Atletico in extra time to earn La Decima
Real Madrid hammered Atletico Madrid in 2014.
Madrid had to wait 12 long years to claim ‘La Decima’, their tenth top-level European crown. They got the job done in style in 2014, though, beating city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1.
Diego Godin put Atletico ahead, but Diego Simeone’s stubborn rearguard was not enough. Sergio Ramos sent the game to extra time with a last-minute equaliser, in which Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo scored to complete the rout for Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
7 Celtic 2-1 Inter (1967) Lisbon Lions come from behind to become first British champs
Members of Celtic's 1966-67 squad parade the European Cup in 1998.
The famous Celtic side of 1967, dubbed ‘The Lisbon Lions’, triumphed over Inter to become the first British side to win the European Cup.
Celtic went behind through an early penalty, but from then on, it was an onslaught of green and white, with goals from Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers getting the job done. Incredibly, all but two of Celtic’s squad were born within a 10-mile radius of the club’s ground – just one of the reasons that team is still revered today.
Date
25th May 1967
Venue
Estadio Nacional, Lisbon
Attendance
45,000
Goalscorers
Gemmell 63′, Chalmers 84′ / Mazzola 7′ (p)
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ByRobin Mumford May 14, 2025 6 Real Madrid 7-3 Eintracht Frankfurt (1960) Ten-goal final hands Madrid fifth European crown on the spin
We’ll level with you: we didn’t watch the 1960 European Cup final. But its significance remains, as does its status as one of the greatest football matches of all time.
High-scoring games weren’t as rare back in the day, with both Real Madrid and Frankfurt reaching the final having put 12 goals past the likes of Jeunesse Esch and Rangers respectively – the latter coming in two brutal semi-final demolitions.
That theme continued into the final, with four-time winners Madrid – who had won every edition of the competition to this point – responding to Frankfurt’s opener by striking six times, while there was still time for Erwin Stein to bag a consolation double either side of Ferenc Puskas’ fourth goal of the final.
Alfredo Di Stefano also netted a hat-trick for Los Blancos as they stretched their historic run in front of well over 100,000 fans at Hampden Park. As the highest-scoring final, it just had to be on this list.
Wolverhampton Wanderers will head into the summer transfer window full of confidence that they can secure a top-half finish in the Premier League next season.
Much will depend on Vitor Pereira’s budget, however. Will he be allowed to spend big in order to carry on the momentum gained over the last few months?
There will certainly be a few sales when the window opens as he begins to build his squad.
The key question for the Molineux faithful: Will Matheus Cunha be at the club on the opening day of 2025/26?
Why Matheus Cunha is a wanted man this summer
If it wasn’t for Cunha’s output in the final third this season, Wolves may arguably have been in real danger of relegation.
The Brazilian has been in remarkable form, scoring 15 times in the top flight while chipping in with six assists in the process.
Not only does this account for 41% of the club’s total goals in the league, but he also ranks ninth in the Premier League for goals and assists.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates scoring their fourth goal
Despite this, Cunha has clashed with supporters on social media following a post he put up on his Instagram.
He even confessed that he wishes to leave in order to challenge for trophies, and if a big offer comes in, the forward may depart.
The forward currently earns £90k-per-week in the Midlands and, should he leave, this would help free up a big chunk of the wage budget for Pereira.
It does look likely he will move on from Wolves. But there is one player the manager should be actively trying to sell, especially considering he is earning more than the club’s talisman at the moment – Goncalo Guedes.
Why Goncalo Guedes must follow Cunha out the door
£35m signing Guedes was given a second chance at the club after returning from a loan spell last summer, but he hasn’t exactly taken the opportunity.
Across 31 games, he has registered ten goal contributions – five goals and five assists – but only two goals have come in the top flight.
He started in the 2-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, but was subbed off after 59 minutes.
Goals
2
Assists
4
Shots per game
0.8
Key passes per game
0.4
Big chances created
2
Successful dribbles per game
0.2
During the game, he missed a big chance – notably firing a close-range effort over the far – failed to register a shot on target, failed with his only dribble attempt and won just a solitary duel against the Seagulls.
Due to his lethargic display, Guedes was given a match rating of just 5/10 by Birmingham World with journalist Charlie Haffenden noting that he ‘wasted two big chances in the opening ten minutes’ and was ‘not too involved afterwards’ which just about sums up his time at Molineux.
It’s safe to say that if this was an audition to secure his future at the club, he failed.
The Portuguese forward currently earns the same weekly wage as Cunha which given how differently the pair have performed this season, it is a rather remarkable fact.
=1
Goncalo Guedes
£90,000
£4,680,000
=1
Pablo Sarabia
£90,000
£4,680,000
=1
Matheus Cunha
£90,000
£4,680,000
4
Nelson Semedo
£80,000
£4,160,000
5
Hee-chan Hwang
£70,000
£3,640,000
With two years left on his current contract, this summer would be the ideal time for Pereira to cash in on the underperforming forward.
If so, he will be able to free up a big part of the wage bill in the process.
Wolves flop is now a Ballon d'Or contender and a bigger name than Cunha
Wolverhampton Wanderers must surely rue losing this talent who is now arguably better than Matheus Cunha.