GENEVA (AP) — There could be a surprising team from each of Europe's “big five” leagues when the new-look Champions League debuts next season. Aston Villa, Bologna, Brest, Girona and Stuttgart are all, remarkably, on course to qualify for Europe's elite competition going into the final few rounds of their national league. Bologna, Stuttgart and Girona have perhaps the best chance of earning a place in the 36-team Champions League lineup when the lucrative tournament switches to a new format next
PARIS (AP) — Lille moved into third place in the French league after a 3-1 victory over a faltering Marseille on Friday. The win took Lille above Monaco on goal difference and to within a point of second-placed Brest. It has not lost a league game at home since September. Jonathan David opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 53 minutes to take his season tally to 15, second only to Kylian Mbappé in the Ligue 1 scoring chart. Rémy Cabella made it two, and although Ismaily's own goal gave
METZ, France (AP) — United States forward Falorin Balogun scored twice as Monaco thrashed Metz 5-2 and moved up to second place in the French league on Saturday. Monaco scored three times in 16 minutes early to silence the home crowd at Stade Saint-Symphorien. Monaco moved two points above Brest, which plays at Lorient on Sunday. Paris Saint-Germain has a 10-point lead over Monaco before facing bitter rival Marseille on Sunday in French soccer's biggest game. Metz remained in the relegation zone
LILLE, France (AP) — Edon Zhegrova scored in each half for Lille to beat Lens 2-1 in their derby and move up to third place in the French league on Friday. The Kosovan winger got the opening goal after nine minutes when he superbly controlled a long ball from Nabil Bentaleb and fired a low shot into the corner from 15 meters out. His second came on the hour mark. Gabriel Gudmundsson’s strike was parried by goalkeeper Brice Samba and Zhegrova had the simplest of tasks converting the rebound. Elye