The qualification of Villarreal and Manchester United for the UEFA Europa League final, along with the anticipated clash between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in La Liga, were the most prominent headlines in global sports newspapers issued today, Friday. The newspapers also discussed the future of French coach Zinedine Zidane, Eden Hazard's failures, the transfer market for Real Madrid, Ansu Fati's new surgery, Barcelona's desire to play away from Camp Nou during renovations, and Rafael Nadal's award as the best athlete of 2020. Here are the main headlines from the global sports newspapers:
**Spanish Newspapers:**
- **Marca** focused on Villarreal's qualification for the Europa League final at the expense of Arsenal, preventing England from dominating the finals of both European competitions, writing: "Villarreal: Football owes you." The newspaper also reported on Real Madrid's interest in signing French players Kylian Mbappe and Haaland, as well as the fates of coach Zidane and several players after their elimination from the Champions League semi-finals, stating: "Decision Time." It also reported Rafael Nadal being named the best athlete of 2020 with the headline: "Nadal’s Fourth Award."
- **Sport** concentrated on Barcelona's management's wish to play upcoming first-team matches at the Olympic Stadium due to the construction of a new roof at Camp Nou, stating: "To Montjuic." It discussed Ansu Fati's new surgery, writing: "Ansu Fati undergoes knee surgery." The newspaper featured an interview with Atletico Madrid's president ahead of Saturday's match against Barcelona, stating: "Pending Accounts, Griezmann wants to beat his former team for the first league title, and Suarez seeks revenge for his poor exit from Camp Nou." It also highlighted Villarreal's qualification for the Europa League final, saying: "Villarreal plays the final against Manchester United."
- **Mundo Deportivo** emphasized the upcoming match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid featuring Suarez and Griezmann, writing: "Suarez and Griezmann face their former teams." It also reported on Villarreal's qualification for the Europa League final with the headline: "Historic Villarreal." The newspaper discussed Belgian Real Madrid star Eden Hazard's struggles, stating: "Eden Hazard's Dire Failure."
- **As** spotlighted Zidane's fate despite Real Madrid's management wanting him to stay, writing: "Zidane is Thinking." It reiterated Villarreal's qualification for the Europa League final and reported on the match between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, noting: "Life Crossed in Camp Nou." Furthermore, it reported on Rafael Nadal being named the best athlete of 2020.
**British Newspapers:**
- **Mirror Sport** focused on Manchester United's and Villarreal’s qualification for the Europa League final and Arsenal's elimination, stating: "It will be Villarreal – Manchester United in the final." It also reported on Chelsea's Mason Mount's comments, writing: "Mount: We Can Be Bigger." Additionally, it reported on Manchester United's preparations for new protests from its supporters, saying: "Manchester United on high alert after potential new protests from its supporters."
- **The Sun** highlighted Arsenal's exit from the Europa League semi-finals against Villarreal, stating: "Arsenal Misses Opportunity to Make Both European Finals All-English After Europa League Elimination." The newspaper also reported on Manchester United's qualification for the Europa League final after defeating Roma, stating: "Solskjaer Happy and Eyes First Title with Manchester United."
**French Newspapers:**
- **L'Équipe** focused on Lens' match against league leaders Lille in Ligue 1, writing: "A Little Pressure." It also reported Villarreal’s qualification for the Europa League final at Arsenal's expense, stating: "Emery in the Final Again."
**Italian Newspapers:**
- **Corriere dello Sport** covered Roma's elimination despite their 3-2 win over Manchester United in the Europa League semi-finals, writing: "Fonseca Saved Honor." It also reported Carlo Ancelotti's message to Jose Mourinho, stating: "Mourinho, I Entrust You with My Team Roma."
- **Tutto Sport** reported on the potential return of Zinedine Zidane to Juventus as a coach, stating: "Zidane – Juventus: Deadly Attraction." It also noted Roma's elimination from the Europa League semi-finals at Manchester United's expense, writing: "Roma Out of Europa League and the Final is Between Manchester United and Villarreal."
