Wednesday’s briefing: Inter win Barca classic and Real line up Alexander-Arnold

Inter Milan won a dramatic Champions League semi-final as Barcelona were beaten in extra time at San Siro.

Real Madrid set out their intention to get Trent Alexander-Arnold on board in time for the Club World Cup this summer, with the Liverpool defender expected to join the Spanish giants after announcing his departure from the Premier League champions.

Championship side Watford sacked boss Tom Cleverley after 14 months in charge.

Inter stun Barcelona to reach final

Inter Milan staged an incredible comeback to beat Barcelona 4-3 at San Siro and reach their second Champions League final in three seasons.

The Italian giants will now play Arsenal or Paris St Germain in Munich at the end of the month.

The two teams served up another classic after drawing 3-3 in Barcelona last week.

Lautaro Martinez and a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty gave Inter a two-goal cushion at half-time but that was wiped out by Eric Garcia and Dani Olmo within 15 minutes of the restart.

Raphinha smashed Barcelona ahead three minutes from time but Francesco Acerbi struck in stoppage time to guarantee another 30 minutes and substitute Davide Frattesi fired home to see Inter through 7-6 on aggregate.

The 13 goals scored equalled the highest number of goals in a Champions League semi-final, the record set by Liverpool’s 7-6 victory over Roma in 2017-18.

Real keen for early Alexander-Arnold arrival

Real Madrid have made an initial approach to Premier League champions Liverpool over signing Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup, the PA news agency understands.

Alexander-Arnold announced on Monday that he would be leaving his boyhood club in the summer.

The 26-year-old right-back’s Anfield deal expires officially on June 30, but the Spanish club would like to have him in the squad for their group games on June 18, 22 and 26 – with a fee likely required.

Madrid have long been touted as his likeliest destination and it is understood contact has been made to hasten his arrival at the Bernabeu.

Villa angry over fixture date change

Aston Villa bosses are “not happy” about their Premier League match against Tottenham being brought forward two days to assist the Londoners’ preparations for a potential Europa League final.

Spurs’ request to bring the match forward from May 18 to May 16 has been granted by the Premier League.

Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagany said his club reluctantly accepted the change, and hoped the “clear prejudice” against them in this decision would be remembered should they need assistance with fixture scheduling due to European football next season.

“Fixture changed and honestly, not happy,” he wrote on X. “We really pushed with solid and fair grounds to protect our fans and keep the Spurs match on Sunday. Nothing against Spurs.”

Spurs take a 3-1 lead into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.

Watford sack Cleverley

Tom Cleverley’s 14-month reign as Watford head coach is over.

The former Manchester United, Everton and England midfielder succeeded Valerien Ismael in March 2024.

Watford were in Sky Bet Championship play-off contention earlier this season but lost seven of their last 11 games to finish 14th.

Cleverley’s successor will be the 21st managerial appointment of the Gino Pozzo and family’s 13-year reign as the club’s owners.

What’s on today?

Arsenal attempt to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Paris St Germain at Parc des Princes to reach the final of the Champions League.

Ousmane Dembele scored the only goal at Emirates Stadium last week with the French champions seeking a third English scalp in the competition, having already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa.

There is Scottish Women’s Premier League action with Aberdeen hosting Montrose and Dundee United meeting Spartans.