EMI MARTINEZ is wanted by Manchester United and Barcelona after he hinted at an Aston Villa exit, reports in Argentina say.
Martinez joined Villa from Arsenal in 2020 – following eight years in North London where he was loaned six times.
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Emi Martinez is wanted by Manchester United and Barcelona, reports in Argentina sayCredit: Alamy
And he emerged as one of the best keepers in the league, also cementing his place as Argentina No1 before their 2022 World Cup win.
But Martinez – whose contract expires in 2029 after extending it in the summer of 2024 – appeared to hint that he is leaving the club.
He was seen tearfully waving to fans following Villa’s 2-0 home win against Tottenham – suggesting he is preparing for an exit.
And according to Argentine TV channel DSports, United and Barca are both interested in signing Martinez and the keeper has offers from both.
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True is also seen kitted out in a £160 Monnalisa designer dress, a £40 bag from Hookd and a Pandora charm bracelet.
Her Rolex is identical to one worn by Kylie Jenner’s daughter Stormi, six.
Phil’s own watch collection includes a Rolex Sky Dweller and a Day Date.
The midfielder, who came on as a sub in yesterday’s FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace, loves spending his £200,000-a-week wages on his kids — Ronnie, five, True, and baby boy Phil Junior.
True was given a pony, Angus, at Christmas and is having riding lessons.
A source said: “True loves anything girly, sparkly — she loves fancy things. She is the little girl that wants for nothing.”
Phil recently moved the family to a mansion with a lake in the Cheshire countryside.
He was brought up on a council estate in nearby Edgeley, Stockport.
His mum, Claire, has revealed how much her son had changed recently.
She said: “The shocking thing is I hear him ordering salmon a lot now and he never used to eat that.”
‘I don’t expect anything’ Roy Keane savages England star after below-par display in Thomas Tuchel’s first game
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The Rolex is identical to one worn by Kylie Jenner’s daughter Stormi, six
This followed allegations he intentionally got a yellow card for betting purposes in four Prem games between November 2022 and August 2023.
The club say they have NO idea when the findings of this will be revealed, so do not know if he will be banned for life or found not guilty.
Being in limbo is taking its toll on Paqueta, who denies any wrongdoing, and he broke down in tears of frustration after being booked in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham on May 4.
Today’s clash against seventh-placed Nottingham Forest is the Hammers’ final home match of the season and it could be the last time he ever dons the claret-and-blue colours.
He was an unused sub against Manchester United last week with a cold.
Potter said: “The week he had was particularly tough for him personally, which I think everybody can understand.
“And then, as a result of that, he was feeling under the weather on the day before the game at Manchester United and during the game.
“So I didn’t want to risk him and make it worse for him. But he’s trained really well, he wants to be part of the team to help and we’ll see how to use him for the weekend.”
When he broke down in tears against Spurs, wife Duda Fournier took to Instagram to express her concerns about her husband’s mental state.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta charged with betting breaches
She said: “My husband has a posture and a strength that I admire and impresses me. We have been living this nightmare for two years.”
Asked if the situation was taking its toll on Paqueta, Potter replied: “Obviously, you know what it’s like, sometimes you are in stress and pressure, it can manifest itself in a different way.”
Asked if he wants clarity by the start of next season, Potter said: “For everybody concerned, yes. The sooner the better for everyone.
“In fairness to Lucas, he’s handled it brilliantly. Generally he’s come in and conducted himself in a really good way. He’s just ready to help the team.
“I think coming into work is a distraction for him. It takes his mind off things.
“For me, I’m just there to support him, the same with his team-mates.”
The FA declined to comment when approached by SunSport.
It will be an emotional afternoon in East London also for the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings.
The quartet, who were part of the 2023 Conference League-winning squad, have not been offered new contracts and will leave this summer.
Czech defender Coufal, 32, joined in 2020 from Slavia Prague.
And in a message to Hammers fans, he said: “I knew that once this time would come but I could not imagine how emotional it would be for me and my family.
“I can say with all honesty in my heart that I enjoyed every minute of being at West Ham. I am taking a lot of unforgettable memories with me.”
Yet there are NO guarantees any of them will play a role today and be given a proper send-off as Potter is eyeing up a possible 13th-place finish.
He added: “There’s a lot at stake in the Premier League in terms of our points and what Forest are fighting for, so we have to make sure we pick the right team to try to win.
“Of course, emotion is always part of football so that can help. But we have to make the decision based on everything to try to win.”
Plenty of energy right from the start, albeit not always with the outcome he would have wanted.
Passing improved as the game went on and made an excellent challenge on Silva early in the second half.
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Ismaila Sarr – 6
Was not always pressing as high as Glasner wanted and not offering much of an outlet when Palace did regain the ball.
Could have made it 2-0 but didn’t quite catch his first-half shot.
Did not really improve after break.
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Eberechi Eze – 7
Fine volleyed goal was probably his first meaningful contribution.
Was not defending as boss Glasner wanted and unable to impose himself in final third.
Fierce effort that was blocked was only moment of second half.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta – 7
Found Munoz out wide in the build-up to opening goal but otherwise pretty ineffective, resorting to some play-acting in the first half.
Won the odd header as Palace cleared their lines in second half but a frustrating day.
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Substitutes
Jefferson Lerma (for Guehi, 61) – Had filled in at centre back before but never in such circumstances. Did himself and the club proud with a nerveless half hour: 7
Eddie Nketiah (for Mateta, 78) – Needed to offer more than the man he had replaced and just about did, at least by buying fouls: 6
Will Hughes (for Wharton, 87) – The cult hero came on to try to see the game out: 6
CRYSTAL PALACE are taking on Manchester City in a stunning FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium!
The Eagles headed into the match on the back of a mixed season in the league, but have ended the campaign in good form.
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Ian Wright playing in 1990 FA Cup final for Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
Palace boss Oliver Glasner has had a huge impact on the side since his arrival at Selhurst Park in February 2024.
Glasner said ahead of the FA Cup final: “I’m very pleased. Not just with the improvements, but I think with the environment we have created here at the training ground and also in the club.
“We are very ambitious, everyone is working very hard to progress, and this is the main reason why we are where we are now at the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola will be without Rodri, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and John Stones for this afternoon’s FA Cup final.
Kevin De Bruyne is set to feature in his fourth FA Cup final with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernando Silva and Nico Gonzalez battling to join him in midfield.
Guardiola will have a decision to make on the flanks, will he stick with Phil Foden and James McAtee or roll the dice with Jeremey Doku and Omar Marmoush?
Crystal Palace team news
The headline team news from the Palace camp is that Adam Wharton IS fit and available for selection after missing last weekend’s win at Tottenham with a twisted ankle.
Wharton will likely replace one of Will Hughes or Jefferson Lerma in the Eagles’ midfield two.
Eddie Nketiah will be pushing to get the nod ahead of Jean-Philippe Mateta with his impressive record in the FA Cup this season.
The 2020 FA Cup winner has been involved in a goal in each of his past three appearances (2G, 1A) in the competition, all as a substitute.
Good afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the FA Cup final!
Crystal Palace take on Manchester City in today’s blockbuster Wembley showpiece.
The two sides are looking to get their hands on the iconic trophy for very different reasons.
Palace can claim the first piece of major silverware in the club’s 120-year history, while City are hoping to save their rare poor season.
The Eagles have fell at the final hurdle in the FA Cup twice, losing on both occasions to Manchester United in 1990 and 2016.
This Palace team is made up of a flurry of internationals and in-demand stars, and many fans believe this year could well be their year.
City are in search of their eighth FA Cup triumph and their second under Pep Guardiola.
The Cityzens have reached the final of the oldest football competition in the world for three straight years.
They will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United in last year’s final.
CHELSEA goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has kicked off a row with neighbours after chopping down huge 40ft trees at his Surrey mansion.
The Blues’ stopper was given the go-ahead to extend his luxury pad near the club’s Cobham training ground – complete with a cinema and games room.
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Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has become embroiled in a battle with his neighbourCredit: Rex
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The footy star wants to rip out 40ft trees to extend his luxury padCredit: Getty
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The trees to be axed are reportedly decades oldCredit: Supplied
Planners at the local council told him he could chop down two trees to make way for the proposed development but neighbours say he has razed more to the ground – without permission.
They claim the 30-40ft trees are decades old, although not protected by a Tree Preservation Order, and help prevent overlooking on the leafy estate.
The former Fulham goalkeeper was initially granted planning permission for a front and rear extension including a ground floor family room, kitchen and breakfast room and cinema.
He also wants to demolish a porch and chimney stack and add dormer windows for a fourth bedroom and games room on the second floor.
Documents filed at Elmbridge Borough Council state that building work started last year but has not yet been completed.
Bettinelli, 32, has now submitted amended plans for tree planting and landscaping to allow for the removal of trees.
In a letter of objection, one resident wrote: “The initial proposal for ‘bush and hedge pruning’ turned into the felling of multiple 30ft trees, decades old.
“This has significantly affected local wildlife (there were documented owls nesting) and privacy/light shading of multiple properties around.
“The new proposal to replace four trees is well short of any remedial measure in my view and should be significantly enhanced.”
Chaos at Stamford Bridge as Djurgarden fans jump over barriers and clash in away end against Chelsea
Another neighbour wrote: “More hedging has been removed to erect the fence.
“This was not done by the neighbouring property.
“And versus the previous plan, there is now less commitment to hedging than before.
“As a reminder, 30-40ft trees were cut down without permission.
“There should be no reduction in commitment shown on the plan versus the one before.”
Bettinelli joined Chelsea in 2021 to boost the Blues’ goalkeeping ranks following the departure of Willy Caballero, having been out of contract at Fulham.
He spent a decade at Craven Cottage, making 120 appearances for the Whites and also represented England‘s under-21 team earlier in his career.
The 6ft,4in stopper bought his Cobham pad for £1.5million in September, 2023, before applying for a Grand Designs-style makeover.
In another objection, the local residents’ association said it was “saddened and deeply concerned that the developer, architect and builder have breached the conditions imposed on the allowed application”.
They added: “Mature trees provide benefits to humans and wildlife alike, trees also provide wildlife corridors to and from the surrounding green spaces, woods, commons and heathland of Cobham.
“Trees also provide screening to neighbours’ properties and garden amenity spaces which they should be able to continue the enjoyment of using for everyday activity without the perception of overlooking.”
Council officials are expected to make a decision on the trees later this month.
Bettinelli’s planning agent was approached for comment.
Rules on fences and trees
Fences:
Height Restrictions: In most areas, fences in front gardens should not exceed one metre in height without planning permission. For rear gardens, the limit is generally two metres.
Shared Fences: If a fence is shared with a neighbour, both parties are typically responsible for its maintenance and any costs associated with repairs or replacement.
Building Regulations: Ensure that any new fence complies with local building regulations and does not obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians.
Trees:
Ownership: Trees located on your property are your responsibility, including any damage they may cause. Conversely, trees on a neighbour’s property are their responsibility.
Overhanging Branches: You are entitled to trim branches that overhang into your property, but only up to the boundary line. The cut branches should be offered back to the tree owner.
Protected Trees: Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Check with your local council before undertaking any work on a tree, as unauthorised work can result in fines.
Roots: If tree roots from a neighbour’s tree cause damage to your property, you have the right to remove the roots. However, it is advisable to discuss this with your neighbour first to avoid disputes.
Always consult your local council or a legal adviser for specific regulations and advice.
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Bettinelli snapped up the £1.5million mansion in 2023Credit: Supplied
A STAMFORD BRIDGE pitch invader was “speared” as a steward was compared to a WWE legend.
Chelsea and Manchester United players looked on bemused as a fan got right out into the middle in the Prem clash – before being fiercely tackled by staff.
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The intrude was soon confronted by stewards
Viewers were quick to praise the smart – and amazingly quick – work.
One posted: The best thing about this game is the pitch invader being speared by the steward. Proper prime Goldberg spear.
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DREAM TEAM managers are putting their faith in Erling Haaland (£7.8m) ahead of Gameweek 36.
Not only is Manchester City’s No9 the second-most popular recruit this week, he’s currently the most selected captain.
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Mr PopularCredit: Dream Team
Mohamed Salah (£6.8m) has been the most popular skipper almost every week since he established a healthy lead at the top of the rankings but many gaffers are reverting to Haaland because Pep Guardiola’s side are one of just four teams with two fixtures to fulfil this Gameweek.
There’s the small matter of the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace this Saturday before a Premier League meeting with Bournemouth at the Etihad on Tuesday night.
The Norwegian poacher returned from injury against Southampton last weekend and mustered just two points but his overall record of 30 goals and 352 points remains highly impressive.
Rotation is the lingering spectre that haunts almost every Man City asset and Haaland may be particularly susceptible having just returned from a spell on the sidelines, with Omar Marmoush (£4.8m) a more than competent understudy.
But it goes without saying that Haaland is capable of earning enough points to justify the captain’s armband in just 15 minutes if everything clicks, such is his goalscoring pedigree.
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Will Fernandes come through for Man United again?Credit: Getty
There’s no shortage of options for Dream Team bosses who want to take on Haaland in Gameweek 36.
Bruno Fernandes (£7m) has been a near-permanent inclusion among the captaincy candidates in the second half of the campaign and with good reason.
Manchester United’s captain averages eight points-per-game having notched 19 goals and 19 assists in all competitions this term.
Ruben Amorim has said that his team selection to face Chelsea this evening will not be overly disrupted by preparations for Wednesday night’s Europa League final.
If we are to take the Red Devils’ boss on his word then Fernandes is surely in line to start against both the Blues and Spurs this coming Gameweek.
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Not to be overlookedCredit: Getty
Elsewhere, Eberechi Eze (£5.1m) is a tempting option as someone who would provide a key point of difference.
Crystal Palace’s No10 is the most-popular transfer target ahead of today’s 6pm deadline but not currently among the most selected captains.
Eze excelled in Gameweek 35 with an 18-point haul at Tottenham’s expense and is therefore well placed to provide healthy returns again with Man City and Wolves in his sights.
However, it’s hard to predict Palace’s starting line-up on Tuesday night as they don’t have much to play for in the league.
If the Eagles triumph at Wembley then Eze and friends may still be partying by the time they’re due to host Vitor Pereira’s side.
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WildcardsCredit: Getty
Lastly, we’ll include Ollie Watkins (£4.4m) and Morgan Rogers (£4.3m) in the captaincy candidates.
Aston Villa only have one fixture this coming Gameweek but it might be a profitable one.
The Villains are due to host Spurs this evening and there’s every chance Ange Postecoglou will name a weakened XI to prioritise the Europa League final.
The North Londoners haven’t got the tightest defence at the best of times – they’ve shipped 82 goals in all competitions this season! – and so Villa’s most prominent attackers could thrive against a second-string outfit with other things on their mind.
Make sure to select your captain (and vice captain) before 6pm today!
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We’ve all heard it. The derisory chant from opposition fans when one of the so-called ‘big guns’ is having an off day.
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Six English teams will qualify for next season’s Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
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Either Tottenham or Man Utd will earn Champions League qualification this season despite finishing 17th or 16th in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
For example, Southampton supporters had every right to aim it at the multi-billionaires of Manchester City last weekend, when they couldn’t find a way past the worst team in the Premier League.
Only now what was once a mildly amusing terrace jibe sums up perfectly what the leading club competition in the world has become. A joke.
Next season there will be a record SIX English teams in the Champions League.
Almost one third of the entire Premier League will be waved straight into the bizarre league phase by Uefa’s welcoming doormen at an empty small town disco on a wet Tuesday night.
Anyone can come in. From Liverpool who finished top, right down to hapless Tottenham or abject Manchester United hovering above the relegation zone.
It is time to officially ban the phrase ‘elite competition’ whenever the Champions League is mentioned on TV and radio or written in print.
There was a time when you had to win your domestic league to progress into the highest level of European football the following season.
From winning five Premier League games in a row, they went winless in the next five and couldn’t string a pass together.
They lag 20 POINTS behind the bona fide champions of England from Anfield and are fifth.
Don’t bet against them being in next season’s Champions League.
The constant tinkering and chiselling away at a once simple game has led to Uefa getting its knickers in a right old twist.
Fifth in this year’s Premier League grants a free pass into the treasure trove of the Champions League thanks to the coefficients which measure success where once it was about winning.
A whole page is devoted to thrill-a-minute ‘coefficients’ on the governing body’s website to explain how a system that would baffle Stephen Hawking’s much cleverer cousin actually works: “Uefa calculates the coefficient of each club each season based on the clubs’ results in the Uefa Champions League, Uefa Europa League and Uefa Conference League.
“The season coefficients from the five most recent seasons are used to rank the clubs for seeding purposes (sporting club coefficient).
“In addition, the season coefficients from the ten most recent seasons are used to calculate revenue club coefficients for revenue distribution purposes only.”
And that’s just the overview.
There’s a gag in there somewhere about how many coefficients does it take to ruin a game of football? Only I can’t see a funny punch line.
There was a time back when the world was black and white in the 1950s when two imaginative French journalists took inspiration from South America and came up with the idea of the best clubs from each country competing for a trophy on our continent.
Ironically, it wasn’t called the Champions League back then. It was the plain old European Cup. A cup fought over by teams in Europe. Simple eh?
Liverpool’s first steps into the European Cup came in 1964, our sole representatives having won the league the previous season under Bill Shankly.
Next season they share the honour with five other English teams and some of them are pretty ordinary.
If Spurs win the Europa League and follow it up by winning the Champions League next year, the champions of Europe will come from a team currently 17th in England’s top division.
You can argue it won’t happen. Yet somehow a side which has lost more league games than it has won this season is in a European final next week.
That’s cup football for you and it’s a wonderful lottery. Qualification for the Champions League is not. It’s a boring carve up.
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The top five teams in the Premier League will qualify for the Champions League due to European coefficientsCredit: AFP
Ruben Amorim plunged his own Manchester United future into doubt after the latest Old Trafford debacle.
The Portuguese manager’s admission that he is struggling to find a solution for his team’s shocking season was a clear sign of the uncertainty at the heart of the club.
But the bigger question marks will only be resolved in Bilbao next week. A Europa League Final win for United over Tottenham will mean far more than just the trophy and a silver sheen to cleanse many of the black clouds of despair.
But defeat in the Basque country will have ramifications to last far beyond the summer. In simple terms, it is about cold, hard cash. The reality is that winning the Europa League will ensure a looming black hole is filled.
If United do not triumph in San Mames, the immediate cost will be clear. A £10million cut in sponsorship revenue, as part of the contract with kit suppliers adidas.
No European football at all, meaning they will miss out on around £49m up front through Uefa’s complicated revenue distribution system plus the £20m-plus in gate receipts from the minimum four home games.
And if, as now seems likely, they do finish 16th in the Prem table, that will mean £23.8m less in TV-related prize money than for last term’s eight-placed finish.
That all adds up to more than £100m, before the prize money for progress through the Champions League – up to a further potential £95m or so – is taken into account. Less income equals less money to spend.
Former Ipswich and Scotland manager George Burley has revealed he is now cancer freeCredit: PA
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Burley announced his diagnosis in SeptemberCredit: PA
He said: “It has been a difficult time, but I am feeling much brighter now.
“In fact, I am able to get to matches at Portman Road and I am enjoying watching the team playing back in the Premier League.
“We are grateful to the club (Ipswich) for the support they have shown me and my family and I would ask that everyone is respectful of our privacy at this time.”
Burley, who played for Ipswich before managing the club, underwent six cycles of chemotherapy as well as an operation which left him in hospital for three weeks.
But the former defender has this week revealed that he is now cancer free.
He told BBC Radio Suffolk: “It’s been a long road – it didn’t happen overnight.
“It started almost a year ago where I was having symptoms and wasn’t feeling great.
“It was great to eventually come through it all – I’ve been very, very lucky with the amount of support I’ve had.
“My family’s been unbelievable… and I’ve been very well looked after.”
Burley felt unwell for several months before being diagnosed with cancer.
Opening up on the early stages of his battle, the Ipswich legend continued: “Eventually, when I did get diagnosed, I thought I’ve got to get on with it.
“The people around you, you’ve got to make sure you’re not moping around [and] keep their chins up.
“It’s not easy because initially you don’t want to speak much about it, but once you grow into it, people around you know you’re accepting the fact – and [you] get on with life as normal as possible.”
The Ipswich hero also said he was “lucky” his body responded to the treatment and believes the fitness levels he built up as a player helped him in his recovery.
Burley enjoyed spells with Sunderland, Gillingham, Motherwell, Ayr United, Falkirk and Colchester United as a player.
But his longest term came in the form of 13 years overall at Ipswich.
After hanging up his boots, he spent eight years as manager of the Tractor Boys.
MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham will face off in the Europa League final next week in a battle for a place amongst Europe’s elite.
The winner will earn a spot in next season’s Champions League, a reward that is potentially worth in excess of £100MILLION.
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Manchester United are preparing to take on Tottenham in the Europa League finalCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Spurs are hoping to end a 17-year wait for a trophyCredit: Getty
Much has been made about whether that prize is suitable or not, given that United and Spurs currently occupy 16th and 17th spot in the Premier League – but Uefa aren’t changing their rules for the two underachievers.
Qualification would mean a huge amount to both clubs, with the lure of the Champions League meaning more top talent could be enticed to join in the summer – not to mention a huge boost to their transfer kitty.
For Spurs, the money would be the cherry on top of the giant cake that is ending their 17-year wait for a trophy.
While United almost NEED to win the competition given their current financial situation, with a defeat meaning a huge loss in potential revenue amid a slew of cost-cutting measure by Sir Jim Racliffe and his Ineos team.
Once getting to the Champions League, advancing to the very end could earn up to a potential £95m extra for the eventual winner – but United and Spurs will be aware that their chances of going all the way are slim.
In fact, of the eight different teams that have gained qualification into the Champions League by winning the Europa League over the last 10 years, just one has made it to the semi-finals.
That was Villarreal, who were knocked out of the tournament by eventual winners Liverpool.
Man Utd entered the competition thanks to their 2017 Europa League success under Jose Mourinho, only to lost to Sevilla in the Round of 16.
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Man Utd won the Europa League in 2017Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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Chelsea earned a Champions League spot with their 2019 Europa League successCredit: Reuters
While Chelsea did the same in 2019 and were kicked out by Bayern Munich in the last 16 too.
United and Chelsea are two of six teams that reached the last 16 after qualifying through the Europa League.
‘I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tears
While Sevilla have twice failed to advance through the group stages and Atalanta were knocked out of this year’s competition in the qualifying knockout round.
Although it makes for bleak reading for Man Utd and Spurs fans, it’s worth noting that the lure – and cash injection – of playing in the Champions League has helped teams who qualified through the Europa League attract big players.
Chelsea were unable to purchase players following their success as they were hit with a transfer ban following academy player rule breaches.
Either way, the prize waiting for the winner of next week’s ‘Hell Clasico’ is something which cannot be underestimated and could have a huge impact on either club for years to come.
Mark and Anna Newlands have spent £20,000 to get home from a US holiday for the FA Cup final before flying back outCredit: David Hartley
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The pair say the club is in their DNA – so they have to be there for the finalCredit: David Hartley
The couple booked it months ago for a cousin’s birthday before the Eagles got to the final.
So they have bought flights to get back the day before and will return to the US the day after.
Mark said they would miss the big birthday but their relatives understood.
The retired risk manager, 61, from Newbury, Berks, said: “The club is in my DNA.
“We have to be there.
“I’m not bothered if this is sensible or not. It’ll be worth every penny.”
Anna, 62, is just as devoted to the South London club and did not hesitate when Mark suggested the plan.
The pair, pictured at the semi-final win over Aston Villa, hope it will be third time lucky after Palace lost their two previous finals.
The couple’s son James, also a Palace season ticket holder, is attending the final although he is not on the New York trip — while their daughter Alice will stay in the Big Apple.
Crystal Palace fans earn club an FA charge within 30 SECONDS after engulfing Wembley in smoke by sneaking in flares
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How the couple will fly from the US to watch Crystal play in the FA Cup final – then jet back
