The European weekend was filled with adventure and excitement as two title races ended with champions being crowned, while the premier league was hotted up thanks to wins for Manchester City and Liverpool. Gabriel Jesus had another brilliant game as Real Betis won a historic Copa del Rey. Here are five people who know what you need to know from Europe. Talking points, top goals, and troubled teams are included. It's important to recognize the scale of their achievement since I was in Munich to commentate on their 10th title triumph. Other clubs with similar resources have failed. During a 3-1 win over Dortmund, the Allianz Arena was bouncing all evening and it wasn't a cakewalk. After months of crowd restrictions due to the coronaviruses, it was a return to football for many in the crowd. Beer showers were plentiful on the pitch after the final whistle. In the video, you can see the win vs. Dortmund that sealed the title for Bayern. There is a debate about how other teams can push the other team. The same is true for the future of Robert Lewandowski, although sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said on Sky Deutschland that they wouldn't sell the world player of the year this summer. After their 2-0 win over city rivals, the man praises their manager. Is it possible thatEverton could get demoted? After this weekend, the answer is an unfortunate, and resounding, "yes." The win over Wolves combined with the loss to the Reds moved the Clarets out of the bottom three. Even though they have a game in hand on their rivals, it doesn't mean much when you're at the bottom. Managers prefer to have the points on the board. The win overEverton shows a gulf on the island. Next up is Goodison Park, followed by a trip toLeicester and then a trip to the other side of the country. It's not a foregone conclusion that Frank will focus on the games at home against Crystal Palace and away againstWatford in May. It was thought that the win over Manchester United and the decision to sack Sean Dyche had tipped the balance in the favour ofEverton. The celebrations after Real Betis beat Valencia to win the Copa del Rey in Spain were capped by two players at opposite ends of their careers: Juan Miranda and Joaquin. Miranda came off the bench to score the winning penalty after Musah missed for Valencia. Miranda was just five years old when his dad attended the last time he was a part of the team, but this time he was the hero on the pitch, showing tremendous nerve under pressure to turn home the decisive penalty. The United States' Musah missed a penalty as Betis won the Copa del Rey. In the summer, it was Joaquin who took center stage. He was part of the team that lifted the trophy 17 years ago, and after scoring his penalty, he pulled out some of his old party dances to entertain the thousands of fans at La Cartuja. The fourth major trophy of the club&s history means they will be in the Europa League again next season, although they are still fighting for a spot in the top flight. Paris Saint-Germain equaled the French record for most titles in a single season with 10 on Saturday evening. It felt like nothing more than a celebration. The ultras left the ground 10 minutes before the end of the game to celebrate the title outside the stadium because they didn't want to do it with the players. Reports indicate Mauricio Pochettino will be fired soon, and they booed the manager before the match. It was a very toxic atmosphere that sums up the season very well. They were knocked out of the French Cup by Nice, and their stars, apart from Kylian Mbappe, never really starred, even though they had a good squad. The guide is for viewers of LaLiga, MLS, FA Cup, and more.
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- Don't have ESPN? Get instant accessFour talking points
Bayern Munich make it a remarkable 10 in a row
Are Everton doomed to face relegation after Liverpool defeat?
Why Real Betis' Copa del Rey joy was especially sweet
PSG wrap up muted season with another Ligue 1 crown
This is the championship of Mbappe, not the other way around. This team was led by the Paris-born-and-bred genius, who had 22 goals and 15 assists in 31 league appearances. Over the same period, Messi and Neymar combined for 15 goals and 18 assists.
This is the most boring and disappointing of the 10 league titles in the French capital.
Kruse turns back the clock for Wolfsburg
You can make a case for Serge Gnabry to open the scoring in the game. Christian Gunter's beautifully placed finish for Freiburg in the 3-3 thriller with Gladbach also merits a mention, but my vote goes to Max Kruse for his performance in Friday's Mainz win.
The pick of the goals from his first-half hat trick was the slam the ball home with his preferred left foot. It was a remarkable individual strike and performance from Kruse who can still get you out of your seat with his array of skills and incredible vision.
Xhaka exact for Arsenal against Man United
The strike against Manchester United by Granit Xhaka could prove to be crucial in the race for the top four. United were threatening to equalise at the Emirates when he rifled in the third from 20 yards to keep Mikel Arteta's side in front.
The relationship between Xhaka and the fans of the club has been difficult, but they loved him for that one.
WHAT A STRIKE GRANIT XHAKA! :⚡Arsenal take a 3-1 lead over United.
📺: @USA_Network & @NBCUniverso #ARSMUN | #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/FUKMBVi1Yb
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 23, 2022
Garcia, Rayo Vallecano stun Barcelona at Camp Nou
The top of LaLiga and the bottom of it were up for grabs as Rayo Vallecano stunned Barcelona, 1-0, at Camp Nou, thanks to a goal by Alvaro Garcia. The only goal of the game was scored in the 7th minute, when a brilliant run in from the left by Garcia found Isi Palazon and he fired past ter Stegen.
The win moves Rayo 10 points clear of the drop zone, alleviating any fears, and leaves Barcelona in a battle to finish in the top four. With just five matches remaining, they still have a six-point cushion. Real Madrid are just one point away from securing their 35th LaLiga title after the result.
Rayo Vallecano get the opener vs. Barcelona 😳 pic.twitter.com/ciOmhnK8nQ
— ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) April 24, 2022
Napoli's title hopes are finally finished
After their last title, which came with Diego Armando Maradona as captain, many believed that Napoli could win again. The pressure got to Luciano Spalletti and his players. After two defeats and a draw in their last three league matches, Napoli are now seven points behind the leading Rossoneri and five behind the Nerazzurri, who have a game in hand on Wednesday.
Their struggles were laid bare on Sunday by their defeat at Empoli. They were up 2-0 after 53 minutes, but conceded three goals in seven minutes. The keeper gave the second one as well. The Neapolitans have lost against Spezia, Fiorentina, Empoli, and Cagliari this season. Their home form is terrible, with nine wins, three draws and five losses.
This season will be the same as last season, unless there is a miracle.
Arminia Bielefeld feeling the blues
Last week, they parted ways with coach Frank Kramer and installed goalkeeping coach Marco Kostmann. The 3-1 defeat leaves the club in dire straits, despite the fact that Bielefeld hoped for an immediate impact away to Köln this weekend. They have taken just one point from eight matches and are already doomed to go down.
Injuries have taken a heavy toll recently, and it is hard to imagine Bielefeld freeing themselves from this mess. Their final three opponents are at home against Hertha and two other teams, with a trip to derby rivals Bochum sandwiched in between.
If Mikel Arteta is interested in Gabriel Jesus, then he should swap Manchester City for Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus leads Man City to a big win
Gabriel Jesus is the player of the weekend. The Brazilian scored four times in the win over the Hornets and even created one for Rodri. It was a fantastic all-round performance and givesPep a welcome headaches ahead of Real Madrid's visit to the city.
Jesus has found opportunities hard to come by this season but he has a record of scoring big goals, including home and away against Real Madrid in the last 16 in 2020. The 25-year-old has been linked with a summer move to the north London club, but he was strong in his post match news conference, saying defiantly: "He is our player." Jesus could still have a key role to play between now and the end of the season if City can land Erling Haaland.
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