Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid For La Liga, Arsenal vs. Hull City For The FA Cup, Brazil Protests, The Joy Of Six, Puyol Retires, Friday Quiz

Who's ready for the World Cup!

And there goes another week. Tomorrow there are two matches of note and they both kick-off at 12pm EDT. Yes, unfortunate, but what are you gonna do? Two televisions? Picture-in-Picture? Whatever it takes, we suppose.

Right, so Barcelona and Atlético Madrid meet at Camp Nou tomorrow at noon EDT to decide the champions of Spain (that one is on beIN Sports USA) and Arsenal and Hull City meet at Wembley tomorrow at noon EDT to decide the winner of the FA Cup (that one is on FOX and will be called by Gus Johnson and Eric Wynalda - Nooooooooooooooo!!!).

Here's your lot for Spain:

La Liga: Final Round Preview

Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid: Preview

Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid: 13 turning points in La Liga title race

Sid Lowe: Atlético Madrid defeat to Barcelona would be cruel end to La Liga quest

10 Most Defining Moments on the Final Day of La Liga

Messi vs. Costa

Here's your lot for England:

Arsenal vs. Hull City: Preview I

Arsenal vs. Hull City: Preview II

Phil McNulty: Why Gunners dare not lose

David Conn: From edge of despair to FA Cup wonders: Hull City plot path to glory

Paul Merson's Prediction

Lawro's Prediction

The end of the line for one of the greatest hair farms the sport has ever seen...

Here's your Serie A scenario ahead of the final weekend:

Juventus won the Scudetto 

Roma and Napoli won Champions League qualification

Fiorentina and Inter won Europa League qualification

Livorno, Catania, and Bologna have been relegated 

Torino, Parma, Milan, Verona, or Lazio can still claim final Europa League spot

How's this for a career? Barcelona first-team regular for 15 seasons. 21 titles including six Primera Division and three Champions League trophies. Capped by his Spain 100 times. Greatest hair of his era. That's what Carlos Puyol can hang his very large hat upon now that he's decided to retire. Gracias por todo, Carlos!

Jozy Altidore had a pretty shitty season in Sunderland. He played hard and had some decent matches, but overall he was disappointing. Grant Wahl interviewed the Yank Abroad.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, there were more protests yesterday as people burned tires near the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paolo and stormed a government building in Brasilia. Good times.

Who's ready for the World Cup!

It's been a while since we've enjoyed a good Joy of Six. Thankfully, today we've got FA Cup Final Heroes. Lord Arthur Kinnaird, anyone?

We're going to finish with a quiz this week. It's a tough one. Which club team can claim the most World Cup players? Think about it and click here for the answer.

Onward!!

-SSN

Sevilla Win Europa League, France Implode In 2010, DeAndre Yedlin, Italia 90, Aston Villa, Inside: U.S. Soccer’s March To Brazil

Hello there! The curse continues as Benfica's run without European success now sits at 52 years. They were ever so close, too. In the end, it was penalties that cursed the Lisbon side and the trophy will head across the border to Seville. Jonathan Wilson was at the Juventus Stadium in Turin for an exciting match that simply lacked goals. Jonathan Wilson wrote two pieces about the match. Plus, Mark Lomas has Three Things.

Jonathan Wilson has been busy because he's also got this look back at England's trip to Italy in 1990.

We watched this the other night on ESPN: “Inside: U.S. Soccer’s March to Brazil." It wasn't bad. The access to the players and staff was interesting and there were some candid moments. We give it a thumbs up. The next episode airs May 21.

The German Football Federation appears to be an idiotic as their English counterparts. The national team trained at St. Pauli's stadium in Hamburg. The classic, "No Football For Fascists" sign that graces the ground was removed. Not cool.

The series continues: World Cup: 25 stunning moments … No17: France implode in South Africa. In open rebellion against their manager, France's 2010 squad self-destructed as Thierry Henry watched impassively.

We heard earlier this week that Randy Lerner plans to put Aston Villa up for sale. The American has owned the club for eight years. Richard Jolly takes a look at what he's done.

The idiots at Major League Soccer will keep playing right through the World Cup. Teams will lose their best players to the tournament in Brazil. How will they cope?

There's a lad from Seattle who plays for Seattle. His name is DeAndre Yedlin. He's got crazy hair. Let's take a closer look at one of the lesser-known men going to Brazil for the United States.

We're two days away from the winner-take-all conclusion of the La Liga season. Let's take a sneak peak, shall we?

As you should know by now, Arsenal will also try to win a trophy on Saturday. Here's a look at their catalog of catastrophe since their FA Cup win in 2005.

Done.

Onward!!

-SSN

Europa League Final, No Go For Nasri, No Go For Tevez, 50 Things Since Arsenal Won A Trophy, France/Argentina/Holland/Italy Squads

A pleasant Hump Day to you. 

She's angry.

Not so pleasant, however, for one Samir Nasri. Didier Deschamps has deemed Samir surplus to requirements and won't be taking him to Brazil. Nasri's girlfriend is pissed! Here's what she had to say (via Twitter, of course): "Fuck france and fuck deschamps! What a shit manager!" Damn, girl! Here's the French squad, then:

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Mickaël Landreau (Bastia)
Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United), Lucas Digne (PSG) Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphaël Varane (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (PSG), Clément Grenier (Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Loïc Rémy (Newcastle), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich)
Stand-by players: Stéphane Ruffier (Monaco), Loïc Perrin (St Etienne), Maxime Gonalons (Lyon), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Benoît Trémoulinas (Dynamo Kiev), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), Rémy Cabella (Montpellier)

Argentina released their team today. Have a look, yeah? You'll notice the absence of one Carlos Tevez. Sam Kelly is in Buenos Aires and can explain.

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andújar (Catania), Agustín Orión (Boca)
Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernández (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Campagnaro (Internazionale), Martín Demichelis (Manchester City), José Basanta (Monterrey), Nicolás Otamendi (Atlético Mineiro), Lisandro López (Getafe), Gabriel Mercado (River Plate)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Éver Banega (Newell's Old Boys), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter), Augusto Fernández (Celta Vigo), José Sosa (Atlético Madrid), Angel Di María (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodríguez (Newell's Old Boys), Fabián Rinaudo (Catania), Enzo Pérez (Benfica)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli), Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Internazionale), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Franco di Santo (Werder Bremen)

Good on her for finding a silver lining, though...

The Dutch? Yes, we must:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven)
Defenders: Daley Blind (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi (all Feyenoord), Karim Rekik (PSV Eindhoven), Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse Arnhem), Paul Verhaegh (Augsburg), Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Villa), Joel Veltman (Ajax)
Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Nigel de Jong (Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich City), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven)
Forwards: Jean-Paul Boetius (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Quincy Promes (Twente Enschede), Robin van Persie (Manchester United)

The Italians? Va bene...

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (PSG), Mattia Perin (Genoa)
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juve), Giorigo Chiellini (Juventus), Gabriel Paletta (Parma), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter), Ignazio Abate (Milan), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Matteo Darmian (Torino), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina)
Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Thiago Motta (PSG), Marco Verratti (PSG), Riccardo Montolivo (Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Marco Parolo (Parma), Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Romulo (Verona)
Forwards: Mario Balotelli (Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Giuseppe Rossi (Fiorentina), Mattia Destro (Roma), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)

Want a running tally of every nation's team? Done.

That means most of the "big" countries have announced their squads. Hence, The Guardian has announced its squad of rejects. It's pretty strong, as you might expect. The Guardian also hired Brazilian legend Zico to pontificate on the World Cup. Today he's got this: A lucky draw and few injuries give the Seleção a great chance of going all the way – now they need to ramp up the atmosphere.

Our man in Lisboa Pedro Santos sent us this funny piece this morning. Here are 50 Things That Have Happened Since Arsenal Last Won A Trophy.

Up in Turin Sevilla and Benfica (hey, they rhyme!) will battle for the Europa League Trophy. Here's a preview. Curse? What curse? If you're so inclined, you can catch all the action at 2:45pm EDT on Fox Sports 1.

The Big Match this weekend (other than the FA Cup Final) is in Spain where Atlético Madrid will go to Barcelona to decide the title. Graham Hunter says the visitors must re-focus after last weekend's disappointment against Málaga. Meanwhile, Xavi, certainly not a favorite of us here at SSN, says that Barcelona deserve to win the title. Really, Xavi? Dick.

Back to the U.S. for a moment where Brian Strauss is checking out The Fight For 23: U.S. World Cup roster locks and uncertainties.

We already miss the Premier League. Thankfully, Phil McNulty has ten things we learned from 2013-14 season to remind us of how great it really was.

And finally...what was the most-watch Premier League match in the U.S. this season? Click here to find out. It's not what you think.

Onward!!

-SSN

Spurs Sack Sherwood, Rio Leaves United, Chris Gaffney On Brazil 2014, Scribes, USA Squad, Spain Squad, Ivory Coast Squad, New TV Deal For U.S. & MLS, QPR vs. Derby County

Ahoy! It is Tuesday and that means we've got a ton of stuff to wade through. We'll begin in North London where Tottenham wasted little time in sacking Tim Sherwood. You're fired. Thanks for a great five months, though. Word on the street is they want Southampton gaffer Pochettino to run the show at White Hart Lane. Whomever takes over will be their 11th manager in the last 12 years.

After 12 years, Rio Ferdinand will leave Manchester United. He's 35. He's had a great career: Six Premier League titles, Two League Cups, One Champions League. He doesn't get credited for the FA Cup United won in '04 because he was suspended for missing a drug test.

We'll stay with the Premier League for a moment here. There are 19 teams currently slated to play in the league next season. Out went Cardiff, Fulham, and Norwich. In have come Leicester City, Burnley, and...Derby County OR Queens Park Rangers. Yes, QPR won a thriller over Wigan last night to set up a date with Derby at Wembley (May 24). James Riach was at Loftus Road and filed this report.

Pitch Invasion! QPR fans celebrate their upcoming trip over to Wembley

Ahhh, the World Cup. A cultural wonderland of parties and feeling good. Sadly, FIFA has its own World Cup going on that involves taking public funds and creating profits for struggling corporate entities such as Budweiser and Adidas. Our man in Rio Chris Gaffney graced the box and is, as always, astute in his analysis of the shitshow that is Brazil 2014.

Speaking of Brazil 2014. The United States, Spain, and Ivory Coast announced their squads. Fernando Torres? Yes. Emmanuel Eboué ? No. Eddie Johnson? No. Brek Shea? No. Julian Green? Yes. DeAndre Yedlin? Yes. Sacha Kljestan? No.

Here are the Yanks:
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)
Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Maurice Edu (Philadelphia Union), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Here are the Spaniards:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David de Gea, Pepe Reina
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Piqué, Raúl Albiol, Juanfran, Jordi Alba, César Azpilicueta, Daniel Carvajal, Alberto Moreno
Midfielders: Xavi, Javi Martínez, Xabi Alonso, Andrés Iniesta, Koke, Sergio Busquets, Santi Cazorla, Ander Iturraspe, Cesc Fábregas, Thiago Alcântara, Juan Mata, David Silva, Pedro, Jesús Navas
Forwards: Diego Costa, David Villa, Fernando Torres, Álvaro Negredo, Fernando Llorente

Here are Les Éléphants:
Goalkeepers: Copa Barry (Lokeren), Gbohouo Sylvain (Sewe Sport), Sayouba Mandé (Stabaek), Badra Ali (ASEC Mimosas).
Defenders: Kolo Touré (Liverpool), Bamba Souleyman (Trabzonspor), Jean Daniel Akpa Akpro (Toulouse), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart), Serge Aurier (Toulouse), Brice Dja Djédjé (Marseille), Didier Zokora (Trabzonspor), Benjamin Angoua Brou (Valenciennes), Ousman Vieira (Caykur Rizespor).
Midfielders: Cheik Tioté (Newcastle), Yaya Touré (Manchester City), Romaric (Bastia), Max-Alain Gradel (St-Etienne), Ismaël Diomandé (St-Etienne), Didier Ya Konan (Hannover), Constant Djakpa (Eintracht Frankfurt), Geoffroy Serey Dié (Basel).
Strikers: Wilfried Bony (Swansea), Didier Drogba (Galatasaray), Gervinho (Roma), Giovanni Sio (Basel), Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscow), Lacina Traoré (Monaco), Salomon Kalou (Lille).

So now we know who will be going to Brazil for the United States, but we still don't know who will actually play. And who will start.

Since we're talking U.S., we should probably take a moment to check in on Major League Soccer. The league has a new TV deal. Check it. And...we should get some Power Rankings. Bird's are here and Jeff Carlisle's are here.

Oscar has his own underwear...

Yes, Oscar has his own underwear.

It is Tuesday and that means Marcotti is musing. And gabbing. Here are today's topics: City's deserved success, Rodgers' achievements, more.

And we mentioned and as you know, it is Tuesday. Scribe Time!

Where? Spain. Who? Sid Lowe. What? Barcelona and Atlético Madrid ready to go mano a mano for La Liga title

Where? Italy. Who? Paolo Bandini. What? Serie A's relegation battle between Catania & Bologna leaves only losers

Where? Brazil. Who? Fernando Duarte. What? Zico: Brazil must use World Cup to heal rift between nation and the team

Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? German squad shows Löw's commitment to technical football

Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstien. Again? Yes. What? Hamburg close in on unwanted title

And finally...we'll end on a light note. It would appear that Lewis Holtby tackled Howard Webb in last night's testimonial for Ledley King. Musta been fun...

Onward!!

-SSN

Manchester City Win The Premier League, England & Ghana WC Squads Announced, Atlético Madrid & Barcelona Both Draw (Real Madrid Lose) Ahead Of Final Showdown, Aston Villa For Sale

A fine Monday to you! As expected, Manchester City wrapped up the Premier League title at the Etihad yesterday. Here's your final table. You're looking at Champions League football for Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Everton, Tottenham, and Hull City will enjoy Europa League football.

So no more Premier League footie until August, folks. Stand by for the Championship Playoff Final (May 24 between Derby and either QPR or Wigan) to see who will win promotion, and the FA Cup Final (this Saturday between Arsenal and Hull). Otherwise, you've got this Saturday's mega-match between Atlético Madrid and Barcelona to decide the title in Spain, and then...the wait until June 12 and World Cup 2014.

Vidic's final match for United gets a bit bloody...

Let's get going with all the insanity in the Premier League from Championship Sunday and the 2013-14 season with an Insane-O Link Show:

10 talking points from the weekend's action

Phil McNulty: Pellegrini's side deserve Premier League title

Martin Rogers: Right man for the job

John Brewin: City seize on rivals' slips to claim their crown

Amy Lawrence: Gerrard walks alone in his thoughts as Liverpool's hopes evaporate

Five reasons why Liverpool fell short of the title

Peter Berlin: Season decided by small moments

Best Premiership XI of 2013-14

Top Ten Flops of the Season (Video)

Top Ten Storylines of the Season

The Guardian's Complete Review(s) of the Season

Year in Review (Video)

Garth Crooks's Team of the Season

Woy announced his squad for Brazil this morning. Here it is. No Ashley Cole. Carrick only makes the waiting list. And rather odd that Glen Johnson is listed as a defender. Oh! We'll be here all week. Try the Corned Beef...

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Man City), Ben Foster (West Brom), Fraser Forster (Celtic)
Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Chris Smalling (Man Utd), Phil Jones (Man Utd), Leighton Baines (Everton), Luke Shaw (Southampton)
Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Milner (Man City), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Ross Barkley (Everton), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal). Forwards: Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Man Utd), Rickie Lambert (Southampton).
Stand-bys: John Ruddy (Norwich), Jon Flanagan (Liverpool), John Stones (Everton), Michael Carrick (Man Utd), Tom Cleverley (Man Utd), Andy Carroll (West Ham), Jermain Defoe (Toronto).

Meanwhile, U.S. opponents (are they not every four years?) Ghana announced their squad. Here it is:

Goalkeepers: Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset), Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars)
Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Platanias), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege), Harrison Afful (Esperance), Jeffrey Schullp (Leicester City), John Boye (Rennes), Jonathan Mensah (Evian), Jerry Akaminko (Eskisehirspor), Rashid Sumaila (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders: Michael Essien (AC Milan), Rabiu Mohammed (Kuban Krasnodar), Agyemang Badu (Udinese), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan), Albert Adomah (Middlesborough), Wakasu Mubarak (Rubin Kazan), Christian Atsu (Vitesse), David Accam (Helsingborg), Andre Ayew (Marseille), Afriyie Acquah (Parma)
Forwards: Asamoah Gyan (Al-Ain), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke), Abdul Majeed Waris (Valenciennes), Jordan Ayew (Sochaux)

Have your cake and eat it, too...

Right. So, Real Madrid lost to Celta Vigo while Atlético Madrid & Barcelona both drew. That means this weekend's match will be epic. EPIC! More on that tomorrow from the scribes.

USA Hotlist!  Hot: Fabian Johnson. Not: Omar Gonzalez.

You want to own Aston Villa, you say? Now's your chance.

Until tomorrow.

Onward!!

-SSN

Final Premier League Weekend, Ronaldo In 1998, Juventus, PSG, Sunderland, World Cup Rosters

Fulham vs. Palace on E! West Brom vs. Stoke on Oxygen. Syfy for Southampton/United.

And there goes another one! Welcome to Friday, friends. It's the final day of the season in the Premier League and The Guardian has 38 Key Moments in the Season for us to look back on. It's really all up to Man City to finish the job against West Ham. Cardiff, Fulham, and Norwich have already been relegated. Here's your lot (the last until August!!) for Super Sunday when NBC will broadcast every match:

10 Things To Look Out For

Final Scenarios

Team News

Spotlight

Paul Merson's Predictions

Lawro's Predictions

Just how did Sunderland pull off The Great Escape? Jonathan Wilson examines.

World Cup Stunning Moment #15: What the hell happened to Ronaldo in '98? The dude was unstoppable and then all of a sudden went limp. Fever? Panic attack?

So Juventus had quite the year. Where do they go from here? James Horncastle takes a look at The Old Lady.

Top Tenner? Comebacks. You know 1999 will be in there. And 2005 in Istanbul...



Major League Soccer? Weekend Previews. More Weekend Previews. The Fire still haven't won a match this season. Yikes.

Paris Saint-Germain. They've got money now. They can buy big-time players. They've won two League Uhhhhhhhhh titles in a row. And...wait for it...their success has pushed their small group of far-right supporters to the periphery. Yay!

Fernando Torres' career in England is a tale of two-halves. Richard Jolly looks at the tale.

In Italy, there's still plenty to play for in terms of relegation. Catania...Liverno...Bologna? Here's your Week 37 Preview.

In Spain, Real Madrid slipped up mid-week dealing their title aspirations a mighty blow. And, Ronny got hurt. Here's your Weekend Preview. There's one round to go after this weekend.

Who is going to Brazil? Here's a helpful list of everyone in every country that's been announced.

And we out.

Onward!!

-SSN

More Liverpool, Javier Zanetti, Manchester City vs. Aston Villa, Sunderland vs. West Brom, Brazil Announce Roster, Removal Of Michael Jackson = Fulham Relegation

Thanks for the memories...

Happy Hump Day! 

Manchester United defeated Hull City quite comfortably yesterday thanks to a couple of goals from their newest kid, James Wilson. On the other end of the spectrum, evergreen Ryan Giggs probably played his last match at Old Trafford and looked quite good in his 20-minute cameo. Out with the old, in with the new...

Meanwhile, on the other side town, City have a chance to go back on top tonight when they host Villa. The other match today sees Sunderland attempt to continue their march to safety at the Stadium of Light against West Brom.

In other action today, Real Madrid go to Valladolid knowing only a win will suffice to keep them in title race. Here's a video preview that features the Real Madrid players jogging and Carlo Ancelotti talking.

There are a few players respected by every single employee at SSN Headquarters. There aren't many, but there are a few upon which everyone here can agree. Javier Zanetti is one of those players. He's been a favorite of ours for 22 years now. If you search for "oozing class," you'll find Zanetti. Top Italian scribe Paolo Bandini takes a look at the Inter Milan and Argentina legend as he finally hangs up his boots.

Firmly residing in the "Really?!!" category is this. The asshat who threw the banana at Alves now has his own support group. And...and...Villarreal was punished not by losing points, not by a stadium ban, but by a fine of 12,000 euros. So...that'll learn 'em.

The moment it all began to go wrong for Fulham...

Liverpool's collapse on Monday was so epic. What a way to lose. Martina Hyde has a great piece on the psychiatry behind the whole affair: Dr Steve Peters has been so brilliant at making Liverpool dismiss negative thoughts this season that at Crystal Palace they abandoned even negative concepts – like having a defence. Phil McNulty says that never has going top of the Premier League with one game to play been greeted by such an outpouring of grief, despair and disappointment.

The hosts for this summer's big show have announced their 23-man squad. Here it is:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro)

Defenders: David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Henrique (Napoli), Maicon (Roma), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain)

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Paulinho (Tottenham), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Ramires (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea), Willian (Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter Milan)

Strikers: Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Fred (Fluminense)

And finally...former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed knows the reason why Fulham were relegated this season: the removal of the Michael Jackson statue.

Onward!!

-SSN

Trail Of Tears In South London As Palace Stun Liverpool, World Cup Watch, Manchester United vs. Hull, USA: Who Goes To Brazil?, Scribes

The calm before the storm: Suárez arrives at Selhurst Park with his mate in hand.

And a fine Tuesday to you and yours. As with most Tuesdays we've got tons and tons of stuff to cover. We were watching Liverpool dismantle Crystal Palace yesterday when nature called. Upon returning from the facilities, the score changed from 0-3 to 1-3. Then 2-3. Then 3-3. Yes, Liverpool went up three goals and dreams of erasing the goal deficit began to dance in their heads...and then their midfield lost its shape and they became susceptible to the counter. They brought on attackers Coutinho and Moses instead of solidifying the defense. Sadly for Scousers of the red ilk, the chance to claim their first title in 25 years in the year of the 25th anniversary of Hillsborough is over. Here's your lot from a very, very exciting and emotional Monday Night Football:

Crystal Palace 3 - 3 Liverpool: Phil McNulty at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace 3 - 3 Liverpool: Daniel Taylor at Selhurst Park

Miguel Delaney: Liverpool collapse leaves title dream in tatters

Dominic Fifield: Istanbul in reverse

Five Talking Points

Who goes to Brazil? The ESPN soccer gurus have gotten together to predict the USA's 23-man World Cup roster. Here are Jeff Carlisle's picks:

Jeff Carlisle -- ESPN FC senior writer:

Goalkeepers (3): Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Nick Rimando

Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley, Fabian Johnson, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, Clarence Goodson, Geoff Cameron, Michael Parkhurst, Brad Evans

Midfielders (8): Landon Donovan, Julian Green, Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Kyle Beckerman, Maurice Edu, Graham Zusi, Alejandro Bedoya

Forwards (4): Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Aron Johannsson, Terrence Boyd

Twitter: @JeffreyCarlisle

Sticking with Jeffrey Carlisle, he's got MLS POWER RANKINGS!! So does that Bird guy over at SI.

There's a match tonight. Manchester United vs. Hull City. The final home match for Vidic. The final home match for Giggsy? Evra? Rio? Kagawa? Cleverley? Fellaini? 2:45pm EDT on NBCSN if you're so inclined. We certainly are.

It is Tuesday and that means we'll muse with Marcotti. This week Gab is gabbing about La Liga heats up, sad scenes in Italy and Spain, more. 

It is Tuesday and that means Scribes. We caught up with Paolo in Italy yesterday, but we need to hear from his mates around the world:

Where? Spain. Who? Sid Lowe. What? Real Madrid, Barcelona & Atlético ensure a delicious finish

Where? Brazil. Who? Tim Vickery. What? Brazil's true brilliance is defense

Where? Germany. Who? Uli Hesse. What?  Bundesliga stadium announcers

Where? Brazil. Who? Fernando Duarte. What? There won't be many surprises when Brazil squad is revealed

Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? Lewandowski leads the teary farewells

Suárez departs Selhurt Park with his shirt in hand.

Podcast! Well, we decided to hold the show back for 24 hours and sure enough, Liverpool went and blew it at Crystal Palace. Yes, on today's Football Weekly, AC Jimbo has Barry Glendenning, Jacob Steinberg and a far from jolly Gregg Bakowski in the pod to look back on Liverpool's capitulation and the rest of the action from the weekend in the Premier League. Also in the podcast, we look at what's going on in Spain (clue: it's going to be a 'delicious' finish to the season) and in Italy (glory for Juventus, overshadowed by some horrific violence elsewhere), and we round up the final day drama in the Football League.

We're finally getting some FFP action. Manchester City face a £49m fine and a wage cap for breaking the rules. Their Champions League squad might be reduced to 21 players. Will it matter?

We liked Antonio Conte has a player. He was a hustling type of guy, not overly skillful but always on the go trying to influence matches. He's brought that same ethic to his managerial style, and it works. Here's how Conte revived Juve.

37 Days! BBC Sport, with the help of European football expert Andy Brassell, is taking a weekly look at happenings from across the world of football and what impact they could have on the tournament in the summer.

That, friend, is it for today. Keep it tite.

Onward!

-SSN

Italian Violence, Manchester City Beat Everton, Atlético Madrid Lose, Milan Beat Inter, Monday Night Football, Fulham & Cardiff Relegated, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Good Morning. We'll begin today in Italy where Juventus won their third Scudetto in a row and Napoli claimed the Coppa Italia after some dodgy and speculative interplay between the head of their ultras and their captain, Marek Hamsik, following violence on the streets of Rome. Instead of our customary Tuesday Scribe look-in with Paolo Bandini, we'll go to his column now.

Another odd thing about Italy this weekend was the Milan Derby. Rarely have both teams been so poor, but that's currently the case. AC Milan won the match (1-0) but that only moves them up to eighth. Inter sit in fifth. A bit anti-climatic, no?

Moving over to Spain, Levante shocked leaders Atlético Madrid 2-0, but Real Madrid could only manage a draw at home to Valencia (thanks to a ridiculous Ronny volley) so your table looks like this. Don't forget that Barcelona and Atlético Madrid still have to face each other on the final day of the season (May 18). Returning to Atlético Madrid for a moment, it seems Levante's midfielder Papakouli Diop claims he was subjected to monkey chants. So he danced like a monkey. When is this shit going to stop? Not for a while, sadly.

In the Premier League, Manchester City maintained control of their own destiny with a win at Everton. At the other end of the table, 'Ye Ole Gunnar and his Cardiff boys will be in the Championship next season. As will Fulham. Sunderland beat Manchester United at Old Trafford and Norwich and Chelsea couldn't score at Stamford Bridge. After that match, Ashley Cole cried. Here's your lot from the weekend:

Best of the Weekend

10 Talking Points

Five Thoughts

Phil McNulty: Unspectacular Man City get the job done

Michael Cox: Norwich City manage to nullify Chelsea strengths

Ashley Cole in Tears

Who Can Win the Title and How

Team of the Weekend

Garth Crooks's Team of the Weekend

We noted last week that the 2016 Copa America will be played in the United States. Tim Vickery doesn't think that's necessary good thing for South American football.

What now?

Violence, Racism...and more Violence: Toilet Bowl Kills Fan in Brazil after Second Division Game.

There is a critical match in the Premier League this Monday Night. It's Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool. Here's your preview.

Jonathan Wilson is one of our favorite scribes. He's good with his research and able to get beyond the facade of football. He's got a new piece out on Bosnia-Herzegovina and it's good.

Hotlist! USA! There is one week until the Diving German gets the lad together for a little camp. Who is hot? (Brad Evans) Who's not? (Eddie Johnson)

1/4 of the season is already complete in Major League Soccer. Let's take a gander at what's been happening in the U.S.'s top league. Oh, this weekend? Yes, we should review the latest action. Here.

That'll do. Till tomorrow.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Europa League Drama, Everton vs. Manchester City, Premier League Finances, Copa America In The U.S., Coppa Italia Final, Jose vs. Eden

Dorkfest

And there goes another week. A fine one it was, with a few scintillating second legs to help get us to Friday. Where to begin, then? Let's stick to form and look at matches actually played. Benfica and Sevilla will battle it out to see who is the second-best European champion. The guys from Lisbon held off the guys from Turin and the dudes from Seville dumped their Valencian brethren thanks to a very late Stephane Mbia goal. Sid Lowe claims the Sevilla/Valencia drama is why we watch football. Allright, then! Here's a breakdown of both matches. Shame about Juve - the final will be played in their stadium. Oh, well.

Looking ahead, it's almost time to call it quits in the domestic leagues. Just a few more matches to decide who wins, who goes to Europe, and who goes down. Let's begin in the Premier League:

Premier League Preview

Team News

10 things to look out for this weekend

Sean Ingle: Everton and Manchester City face sting in Goodison tale of two cities

Paul Merson's Predictions

Lawro's Predictions

Beyond the Premier League, it's the last match of the season for almost everyone else in England. Will Millwall drop to Division One?! What about Yeovil? Oh, they're already down. Too bad.

In Spain, there are three weeks left in the campaign. Atlético Madrid still sit in first and only need two wins to clinch the title. They go to Levante on Sunday. Here's a complete weekend preview.

Bolton's Player of the Year

In Italy, if Juventus can defeat Atalanta, they will win their third consecutive Scudetto. Here's a complete weekend preview.

It seems The Special One and Eden Hazard are engaging in a war of words. Ouch. Jonathan Wilson says Chelsea and Jose should brace for change after their latest Champions League failure.

The 2012-13 accounts of all the Premier League teams were released yesterday. David Conn examines the data and gives his take on the health of each club.

Today's Top Tenner? Veteran Players. Guys who played forever.

It was also announced yesterday that the 2016 Copa America will be held in the United States. That's excellent news. We're talking Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, the United States, Mexico and four other CONCACAF nations. There should be some good talent on display.

Major League Soccer is now in Week Nine. Here's a preview. And another.

In Italy, the Coppa Italia really isn't seen as a big deal. But some changes have been made to its structure, and with Juve running away with the Serie A title, it's generating a bit more interest than usual. This year's edition pits Fiorentina vs. Napoli. Michael Cox looks ahead to tomorrow's final in Rome.

Hey, this is pretty cool. Yank Abroad Tim Ream was voted Player of the Year by Bolton fans. And, Yank Abroad Tim Ream was voted Player of the Year by Bolton Football Club. Double Player of the Year! Good on ya, Reamer!

We out.

Onward!!

-SSN

Atlético Madrid Beat Chelsea, Is Tiki-Taka Dead?, Argentina, Americans Abroad

They're happy.

The world's most esteemed club football competition delivered another beauty yesterday as Atlético Madrid strolled into Stamford Bridge and rocked the hosts to the tune of 1-3. The Madrid side's performance was as solid and strong as Simeone's suit. After the match, the winning gaffer said this: “I want to congratulate the mothers of these players, because they gave them big balls to play like this.” Let's get to the reviews.

Chelsea 1-3 Atlético Madrid: Daniel Taylor at Stamford Bridge

John Brewin: Three Things: Chelsea vs. Atletico Madrid

Michael Cox:  Hazard cost Chelsea

Ben Smith: Terry left tearful after Champions League exit

Barney Ronay: Chelsea's defensive juggernaut halted by Atlético's sheer vibrancy

Ben Lyttleton: Madrid Mania

Three Things We Learned

Press Reaction

Social Media Fun

So it's pretty historic. The first European Cup final to feature two sides from the same city. As you might expect, Madrid-based Sid Lowe is pretty pumped.

Here's a question: Is tiki-taka dead? Jonathan Wilson attempts to answer.

He's not happy.

Sam Kelly is in Argentina and he's tackling the issue of hooliganism. The Barra Bravas essentially control many clubs and that's not a good thing for the health of the domestic league.

Barry Glendenning is tackling a Stunning World Cup Moment today. This one is Number 13 and it's when Roy Keene bailed on Ireland in 2002. It certainly was shocking. And stunning.

It's time to check in on the Americans plying their trade in other lands. Terrance Boyd, for instance, plays for Rapid Vienna. He scored twice this weekend! Break it down like this.

Onward!!

-SSN

Real Madrid Crush Bayern Munich, Chelsea vs. Atlético Madrid, Geoff Cameron Interview, Istanbul Derby

Robben remains upbeat despite the defeat.

A good Humpday to you and yours. Damn. Well. That was not what we expected. No, we did not turn our attention to the Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in Munich yesterday afternoon and expect to watch as Real Madrid steamrolled the defending champs. You almost expected Roberto Duran to show up and say to the ref, "No mas."

0-4 in favor of the Spaniards is how it finished. If you already thought Arjen Robben was the oldest looking 30-year-old on the the planet, it's just that much worse now. Let's look back at yesterday's mauling:

Bayern Munich 0-4 Real Madrid (agg: 0-5): David Hytner at the Allianz Arena

Graham Hunter: Real's shelling of Bayern paves the way to La Decima

Michael Cox: Real Madrid power batters Bayern before speed ends tiki-taka's rule

Jonathan Wilson: Real Madrid stun Bayern Munich in semifinal romp

John Brewin: Three Things: Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid

Five Talking Points

Yanks Abroad. You gotta love 'em. Even though Geoff Cameron plays for Stoke and has bad hair, we still love him. ESPN interviewed him.

Nice work, Norwich fans. When asked to vote for their player of the season, the majority decided to go with reserve keeper Carlo Nash, who has never seen action for the side. That's a novel way to express your frustration, and we approve.

Diego is confident ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge...

Ooooo. Don't miss this great article on the Istanbul Derby from Spencer Hall. Riveting!

There is another match today and we're confident it'll feature some managerial antics from the Special One and a black on black on black on greasy hair suit from Simeone:

Chelsea vs. Atlético Madrid: Preview

Chelsea vs. Atlético Madrid Preview: When will the deadlock be broken?

Dominic Fifield: Chelsea have faith they can beat Euro imitators Atlético Madrid

Matchpack

Mourinho's Moment of Truth Arrives

That's it.

Onward!!

-SSN

nbcsoccer.com

Everyone Is Eating Bananas, Kevin Phillips Is Retiring, Hatred in Glasgow, Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid Play To Reach The Final, Scribes, Podcast, Arsenal Defeat Dire Newcastle, Landon Donovan Interview

Bloody hell, we've got a lot to get through today. SSN Staffers have been staggering in throughout the morning, seemingly recovered from illness but still obviously feeling some lingering fatigue. No time to rest though, there's simply too much to cover. We'll begin as usual -- with actual results. In Monday Night Football last night, Newcastle were woeful, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil were wonderful, and Arsenal are left to wonder what if?

Arsenal 3 - 0 Newcastle: Dominic Fifield at the Emirates Stadium

Amy Lawrence: Ramsey puts the oil back in Arsenal's engine

Michael Cox: Three things: Arsenal vs. Newcastle

Louise Taylor: Where has it all gone wrong for Pardew?

John Brewin: Newcastle are stuck in neutral

Yesterday we showed the video of Dani Alves eating the banana some clown threw at him during his match against Villarreal. Dani says the thrower should be publicly shamed. Sounds fine to us. Meanwhile, Alves's actions have sparked a banana-eating campaign all over The Socials. Very good. Enjoy:

Neymar & Child

Sergio & Wife-io

Oscar & David Luiz & Willian

Dembele & Chadli

Hulk & Family

Coutinho & Suarez

Sagna

Yaya

Sticking with the sad subject of hatred, thousands of Celtic and Rangers fans turned last night's Glasgow Cup final between the Celtic Under 17s and Rangers Under 17s into a complete shitshow. Way to support the kids, asshats.

Let's relax and move on to something far less important, shall we? Landon Donovan. The Man. The Myth. The Legend. Soon, 'Ol Landycakes will be putting up his boots for good. Jeff Carlisle interviewed the Galaxy Man and you can read said interview here.

This is a rather sweet goal from Roma's Miralem Pjanic. Paolo has more from Italy in the Scribe section below...

Now is the time on Sprockets when we Scribe:

Where? Spain. Who? Sid Lowe. What? Valverde's Athletic Bilbao sequel is a hit

Where? Brazil. Who? Tim Vickery. What? Argentine clubs staging Copa Libertadores comeback

Where? Germany. Who? Uli Hesse. What?  Bundesliga showing the notion of "the veteran" in football is firmly out of fashion

Where? Italy. Who? Paolo Bandini. What? Roma desperate to keep Pjanic

Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? Nürnberg: love, loathing, relegation?

Major League Soccer. There are a few guys of quality playing in that league. Clint Dempsey being one. Obafemi Martins being another. And...they play on the same team! Their partnership is proving to be quite something. Here are four additional things we learned from MLS last weekend. Power Rankings? We can do that!


Podcast! What a weekend, and what a show we have in store as Football Weekly enters the final furlong. AC Jimbo, Owen Gibson, Paul MacInnes and Barry Glendenning try their darnedest to not use the words 'twist', 'turns', 'blown', 'wide' or 'open' after Chelsea put on a Mou masterclass to shut out Liverpool and thus hand Manchester City the advantage in the Premier League title race (unless there are any other twists or turns to come which blow the title race wide open again). Next, we hear from Sid Lowe about the two Madrid sides' chances in the Champions League semi-finals as well as the sad death of the former Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova. Finally, we turn our attention to the relegation scrap, where Norwich appear doomed and Sunderland continue to head onwards and upwards.

Thanks for the memories!

Kevin Phillips. He began his career as a defender at Baldock Town in the eighth tier of English football. Six years later, he notched 30 for Sunderland and finished as the continent’s top scorer. That year he scored more than Raul at Real Madird, Patrick Kluivert at Barcelona, Andriy Shevchenko at AC Milan, Gabriel Batistuta at Fiorentina, and Hernan Crespo at Parma. He is the last Englishman to win the Golden Boot and one of only three 40-year-olds to play in Premier League. He will play his final game on Saturday. Louise Taylor takes a look at the tiny striker from Hertfordshire.

Is it Tuesday? It is. Does that mean Monday Musings? It does. This week Gab is gabbing about Mou's winning gamble, great Prem race, Seedorf's Milan mess, more.

The World Cup is only 45 days away. As you should know by now, BBC Sport, with the help of European football expert Andy Brassell, is taking a weekly look at happenings from across the world of football and what impact they could have on the tournament in the summer. 

And, finally. Whew. Finally. On to the match this afternoon at 2:45pm EDT on Fox Sports 1. Bayern Munich host Real Madrid and need to overturn a 1-0 deficit. It should be a doozy.

Onward!!

-SSN