Paul Magnier wins opening stage of Giro d’Italia marred by crash

France’s Paul Magnier won the opening stage of the Giro d’Italia after a huge crash during a bunch sprint. The 22-year-old Soudal-Quick Step rider claimed his first Grand Tour victory and the overall leader’s pink jersey, edging out Norway’s Tobias Lund Andresen of Decathlon-CMA CGM by inches, with Britain’s Ethan Vernon third for NSN Cycling. With 700 metres to go, the road narrowed, and the compression meant about 20 riders collided, crashing heavily and causing some spectators to flee as they hit the barrier.

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Villa demolish Forest to reach Europa League final

Aston Villa are through to their first European final in 44 years after they thrashed Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the all-English Europa League semi-final to advance 4-1 on aggregate. Boss Unai Emery is now one win away from a fifth title in a competition he specialises in and only Bundesliga outfit Freiburg stand between Villa and their first major trophy in 30 years.

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PSG hold out against Bayern to progress to Champions League Final

Paris Saint-Germain put in a professional and positive display to claim a 1-1 draw away at Bayern Munich and set up a Champions League final with Arsenal on May 30 via a 6-5 aggregate win. This was not the 5-4 classic tie of a week ago, even though it threatened to be when Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring ball after three minutes however the Parisians defended doggedly to thwart Bayern who scored a late equaliser through Harry Kane.

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Saka sends Arsenal past Atleti into Champions League final

Arsenal reached their first Champions League final for 20 years as Bukayo Saka’s goal was enough to help the Gunners overcome Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate. Mikel Arteta’s side went out in the semi-finals to eventual winners Paris St-Germain last season, but Saka’s goal ensured there was no repeat of that exit at the same stage – and a Champions League and Premier League double remains a possibility.

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Fabian Hurzeler to extend deal as Brighton manager

Brighton have moved decisively to secure the long-term future of head coach Fabian Hurzeler following an impressive maiden season in the Premier League. The 33-year-old German tactician has reportedly agreed to an extension that will keep him on the South Coast well beyond his original 2027 expiration date. Brighton have successfully negotiated a new long-term deal for Hurzeler, underlining the club’s continued commitment to the project at the Amex Stadium.

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