1. ARSENAL CAN PILE PRESSURE ON CITY BUT TITLE IS NOT THEIRS TONIGHT
Arsenal enter Monday night's home fixture against already-relegated Burnley knowing a win would tighten their grip on the Premier League title, but not seal it. Mikel Arteta's side lead Manchester City by two points with two games remaining. A win tonight opens the gap to five points, but City still have two games left — meaning they could theoretically overhaul Arsenal on goal difference if they win both. The title will only be confirmed tonight if City fail to win tomorrow.
The maths remain firmly in Arsenal's favour. Win both of their final two games and the title is theirs regardless of City. Arteta's team have lost just five league games all season, and the Opta supercomputer gives them an 81.7 per cent chance of being champions. Burnley, already relegated and with nothing to play for, are the opposition tonight. The pressure falls squarely on City to keep pace.
2. LEWANDOWSKI'S EMOTIONAL CAMP NOU FAREWELL IN BARCA WIN
Robert Lewandowski was given a standing ovation by Camp Nou on Sunday as he played his final home game for Barcelona. The 37-year-old Polish striker, who confirmed his exit in a social media post on Friday, was in tears as he left the pitch during the 3-1 win over Real Betis.
Raphinha scored twice with sharp, confident finishes, and Joao Cancelo added a third with a sweetly struck long-range effort. Isco converted a penalty for Betis, but the visitors never threatened a comeback. The result left Barcelona with a historic 19 wins from 19 home matches, the first time that feat has been achieved in a top-flight Spanish season played over a 38-game format. Lewandowski departs having scored 102 goals across four seasons, winning three La Liga titles and the 2025 Copa del Rey.
3. MOURINHO REACHES VERBAL AGREEMENT TO RETURN TO REAL MADRID
Jose Mourinho is set to be confirmed as Real Madrid's new manager after reaching a verbal agreement on a two-year contract, according to widespread reports from Spain and Portugal. The Portuguese, currently in charge at Benfica, has two conditions for the return: a significant say in the summer transfer strategy and full autonomy for his coaching staff free from outside interference.
The official announcement is not expected before May 24, as Madrid must first activate a release clause in Mourinho's Benfica deal by May 26. He replaces Raul Arbeloa, whose tenure ended after a turbulent final stretch to the season. Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Fabrizio Romano confirmed this week that talks between the parties are advanced and the deal is on.
4. RASHFORD CLOSING IN ON PERMANENT BARCELONA DEAL
Marcus Rashford is on the brink of making his Barcelona move permanent after Hansi Flick gave his approval for a deal worth around 30 million euros with Manchester United. The England winger, on loan at the Camp Nou since January, has agreed to a 40 per cent wage reduction and accepted a five-year amortisation structure to ease the financial burden on the club.
Rashford scored in the El Clasico title-clincher on May 10 and has won over the Camp Nou crowd during his loan spell. Flick reportedly pushed sporting director Deco hard to get the deal over the line, and Barcelona are now expected to move quickly to finalise the agreement with United before the summer window opens fully.
5. PSG VS ARSENAL: THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL IS TWO WEEKS AWAY
The countdown is on to one of the most anticipated Champions League finals in years, with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal meeting at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30. Arsenal, runners-up in 2006 when they lost to Barcelona, are chasing their first ever European Cup. PSG won the trophy last season and are aiming to become the first side to successfully defend the title since Real Madrid's three in a row between 2016 and 2018.
Arsenal booked their final place by eliminating Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals. Arteta faces the delicate challenge of managing his squad through the final weeks of a potential Premier League title-winning season while keeping key players fit for Budapest. Ticket demand around the final is reported to be at record levels.
