Lucas Moura s incredible second-half hat-trick saw Tottenham snatch a 3-2 win at Ajax and a place in the Champions League final on away goals.

As in last week s semi-final first leg, Erik ten Hag s side were smoothly into their work by the time inspirational captain Matthijs de Ligt headed a fifth-minute opener.

Hakim Ziyech made it 2-0 10 minutes before half-time but, in a season now steeped in implausible Champions League comebacks, Lucas brace had the game all-square on the night before the hour.

Ziyech hit the post and Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen struck the crossbar before the irrepressible Lucas steered home Dele Alli s pass deep into stoppage time.

It means an all-English final against fellow comeback kings Liverpool in Madrid on June 1 for Mauri…

Sweden struck in either half to retain their World Cup best of the rest status with victory over co-hosts Australia in the third-place play-off.

A Fridolina Rolfo penalty and fine Kosovare Asllani strike secured a 2-0 win for Sweden, who never looked in danger of losing to the home favourites in Brisbane.

Peter Gerhardsson’s side responded magnificently to their last-minute semi-final exit at the hands of Spain, outclassing Australia to win the third-place play-off for the fourth time in their history.

Sweden started quickly and set out their stall early on as Arsenal forward Stina Blackstenius got in on goal within the opening two minutes, her low shot turned away by Mackenzie Arnold.

Just as the hosts looked to be getting a foothold in the game, Swede…

Olivier Giroud s first-half double set up a comfortable 4-0 home win over 10-man PAOK in which Callum Hudson-Odoi opened his Chelsea account, Maurizio Sarri s side topping Group L after extending their run of wins to five matches.

BATE s 2-0 home defeat of Vidi earlier in the day ensured Chelsea could not be caught in top spot, with Sarri making 10 changes from a crushing 3-1 loss at Tottenham that ended their unbeaten start to the Premier League season last time out.

Yevhen Khacheridi s early red card gave Chelsea s young guns plenty of chances to fire but it was Giroud s well-taken brace before the break that put the Blues on track for victory.

And 18-year-old Hudson-Odoi hit his first Chelsea goal with a fine finish before substitute Alvaro Morata headed a la…

South Korea have avoided a round-of-16 clash with pre-Asian Cup favourites Japan after drawing 3-3 with Malaysia on Thursday.

Jurgen Klinsmann s team advanced as the runners-up in Group E after conceding in the 15th-minute of added time at Al Janoub Stadium.

Romel Morales struck late to level the group game and ensure Bahrain who won 1-0 against third-placed Jordan advanced as the group winners to face Japan.

Despite losing, Jordan advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and will take on Iraq next.

South Korea were another of the pre-tournament favourites, but, like Japan, have had their setbacks in the group stage and progressed with one win and two draws.

A Son Heung-min penalty four minutes into injury time gave his team a 3-2 lead agai…

Gareth Southgate says there can be no let-up after sealing early qualification for Euro 2024, telling England’s players to grab next month’s chance to impress and ensure their place as top seeds.

Having set out their stall with an impressive victory over Italy in March’s Group C opener, three further wins and an away draw against Ukraine put them within touching distance of progress.

England took their chance to qualify for an eighth straight major tournament with two games to spare on Tuesday night, coming from behind to beat holders Italy 3-1 at a sold-out Wembley.

qualification: secured

The are heading to Germany next summer!

— England (@England)

Southgate’s Euro 2020 runners-up have silverware in their sights next summer…

There was a time when Dele Alli appeared destined for greatness.

Jumping up from League One to the Premier League shouldn t be easy for any player, let alone a teenager, but 19-year-old Alli played with an effectiveness and confidence of someone far more experienced than he in 2015-16.

In his first top-flight season, Alli was a massive part of why Spurs were able to mount a title challenge, even if they fell short in the end, as Leicester City did the unthinkable.

But if there was an overriding sense of disappointment around Spurs for failing to capitalise on their greatest opportunity to win a first Premier League title, fans were also witnessing the early establishment of what looked to be a potential great in Alli, whose adaptation was seamless and, quite fran…

Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a “significant knee ligament injury”.

The 26-year-old Argentina international sustained the injury during training on Wednesday.

He has undergone a scan and is set for further consultation with a knee specialist.

Aston Villa can confirm Emi Buendía has suffered a significant knee ligament injury.

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial)

“Aston Villa can confirm Emi Buendia has suffered a significant knee ligament injury,” read a club statement.

Buendia has scored nine goals in 73 Premier League appearances for Villa since joining from Norwich in 2021 for a reported £33million.

His injury is major blow to manager Unai Emery, whose side b…

Joan Laporta wants Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona and believes he has an advantage over the other presidential candidates.

Messi, 33, is coming out of contract at the end of the season, having sensationally requested to leave Barca ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Previously president between 2003 and 2010, Laporta is running again, with the election to take place on January 24.

The 58-year-old wants Messi to remain at Barca and feels he has an advantage over the other candidates.

If I win the elections, I want to make a very competitive proposal and I know he will listen to me. I want him to stay, Laporta told RAC1.

I have an advantage over others, he knows I ve always fulfilled what I said. We have a good relationship, we appreciate each ot…

David Alaba has confirmed he will leave Bayern Munich when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Versatile defender Alaba came through the youth ranks at Bayern but will end his 13-year association with the club after the 2020-21 campaign.

The 28-year-old announced his decision at a news conference on Tuesday, though he did not disclose what his next destination would be.

Alaba has been heavily linked with a switch to Real Madrid, while Premier League giants Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest.

I ve decided for me personally to do something new after this season. I will leave the club and it was not an easy decision, it was very difficult because I have been here for 13 years and I really identify with…

With all eyes focused on Sunday’s north London derby, we have a stacked schedule on the cards this weekend.

As Europe’s elite offer a string of heavyweight affairs, we have plenty of interesting betting markets that are worth keeping an eye out for.

So, for those of you looking to stick on a Sunday flutter, we have found a pair of the most intriguing betting tips that are available.

14:00 Tottenham vs Arsenal 

While Arsenal might have suffered Champions League heartbreak away at German giants Bayern Munich last week, the Gunners certainly made a major statement earlier in the week. Putting in what was a stunning performance in north London as they stormed their way to a 5-0 romp against Chelsea, Mikel Arteta will be dreaming of a repeat display he…