Football Weekly: News, Coverage, Opinion, Social and More From This Week's Footballing Action! (Week Beginning 29th April 2013)

In yet another dramatic week in the footballing World, the finals were set for Europe's Grand Stage, as the Champions League and Europa League semi-finals drew to a close. With two weeks until the Barclays Premier League Season 2012/13 culminates, the majority of important things were done and dusted. Champions had been crowned, two teams were relegated, but there is still some business going on. The race for European Football is drastically intensifying, and of course one more team is yet to be relegated. Also, we learned what teams will be part of the Premier League next season, and Gareth Bale was triumphant in the PFA Awards.



Gareth Bale, Deserving Winner of Double PFA Awards
Tottenham's Gareth Bale was yet again in the spotlight, as his incredible season lead to his selection of Premier League Player of the Year by his peers. The 23-year-old footballing sensation managed to overcome two other great players in the season, beating Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie for the award. His remarkable award wins makes him only the third person to win the PFA Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year in the same season, the only other two to do this were Andy Gray and Cristiano Ronaldo.

22 - Gareth Bale's goals have won 22 points this season in the Premier League, only Robin van Persie's have won more (26). Influence.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 4, 2013

Scoring 24 goals in 40 games, Bale's amazing season has really helped Tottenham push for a Champions League place, and he continues to mesmerize many football fans. Congratulations to Gareth Bale on a deserving win.

Bale only 1 of 3 players to take home both trophies. (Picture: SkySports)

The Germans Are Coming To London, Chelsea Secure Another European Final
After the German teams - Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich - shocked the World with thrashings of two Spanish Footballing Giants in the first leg, the expected outcome was to take place, as Dortmund and Bayern set up a historic All-German Champions League final.

Borussia Dortmund made it to the final, but it could have been a different outcome. (Picture: BBC Sport and PA)

On Tuesday, Borussia Dortmund were to overcome Real Madrid in the Bernabeu. Real Madrid could truly have had it won, as they stunned Dortmund with two late goals. But despite a flux of desperation and desire to make it to the final, Madrid were unsuccessful in their attempt, and Dortmund won 4 -3 on aggregate. After the match, the speculation was abuzz (and has been throughout the week) about Real Madrid. In particular, the questions are directed at Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. 'The Special One' hinted at leaving Madrid at the end of the season and going to Chelsea, but has yet to confirm. Also, Cristiano Ronaldo could be soon playing for Paris-Saint Germain, as Ronaldo's agent called it a possibility.

The stakes will be even higher when Dortmund and Bayern collide in the final. (Picture: ITV)

After a 4 - 0 thrashing in the first leg, Bayern were to further elongate the damage to Barcelona with an exceptional 3 - 0 victory at the Nou Camp. They outclassed Barcelona on so many levels, and this just illustrates the turn in the tables of the Giants of European Football. With an All-German final now set, fans were to get a preview of possible things to come on May 25 at Wembley. On Saturday night in the Bundesliga, Dortmund and Bayern fought to a 1 - 1 draw. There is no doubting that they will fight even better come the final, with huge stakes.

Benfica and Chelsea are poised to meet at Amsterdam in the Europa League final, as they both won 3 - 1 in their second leg victories on Thursday night. It was an eased win for Chelsea at home, who were able to dominate Basel, and David Luiz was yet again the scorer of a sensational goal. Meanwhile in Lisbon, Benfica were able to hold off Fenerbahce in a nail biting finish. Benfica responded to their 1 - 0 loss in the first leg with a 3 - 1 victory, but their opponents were just a goal off from winning.

Cardozo embraces in glory, his team made it to the Europa League Final. (Picture: Boston Herald)

Chelsea and Benfica will now meet at Amsterdam in the Europa League final? Will Benfica finally get some European Silverware? Or will it be another Euro Football Triumph for Chelsea?

Teams Are Coming Up To The Premier League, Some Are Going Down, The Race For European Football Intensifies
It was a thrilling and dramatic finish to a game that saw Wigan keep their hopes of safety alive. Wigan defeated West Brom 3 - 2 with a late winner by McManaman. Wigan came from behind twice during the match, and handed numerous chances to West Bromwich Albion.

In recent weeks, Wigan have been guilty of missing countless chances to score, today they've been guilty of presenting the opposition with a number of chances.  

Wigan did manage to pull through in a thrilling finish, and their hopes for survival remain strong, will they be able to pull of yet another dramatic escape from the relegation battle?

Reading were victorious in a great match with Fulham, which saw the relegated side win 4 - 2. The two teams - who were on poor form - put on some excellent entertainment for the 24,087 fans in Craven Cottage. Robson-Kanu was responsible for Reading's 2 - 0 lead scoring both goals, until Ruiz hit back scoring 2 goals within 7 minutes. The goals were to be two of four scored in 13 minutes, when the two teams pulled it all out to win. Great response by Reading after being relegated, but as Martin Jol said "Fulham were just not good enough."

Despite relegation, Reading still put on a great show. (Picture: ESPN)

A late winner by PFA Player of the Year Gareth Bale gave Tottenham a vital set of three points with a victory over Southampton that keeps their hopes of Champions League football alive. In the process of doing so, Bale also left his former club still struggling in the relegation battle, a devastating loss that makes the task of surviving all the more difficult. Southampton were unlucky to lose the game as they put up a great effort. They will need even better performances in order to stay in the Premier League.

An excellent goalkeeping effort by Swansea's Michael Vorm made it a goalless draw between FA Cup finalist Manchester City and Swansea. The best chance of the game came to Edin Dzeko, but he was to miss an open goal, one of many chances missed by the City team. The final result, 0 - 0, and the fact also remains that Manchester City have yet to score at the Liberty Stadium.

Aston Villa defeated relegation battle counterparts Norwich, and it was all down to Gabriel Agbonlahor's goal in the last-minute that increased Villa's chances of safety while further jeopardizing the chances for Norwich. Agbonlahor's first goal was scored in the 55th minute, but Norwich were to equalize from the penalty spot around 20 minutes after. Agbonlahor's late winner puts Villa in a more comfortable situation than others battling for safety.

Agbonlahor had an excellent peformance in the game. (Picture: BBC.co.uk)

Newcastle are still deep in the relegation battle after a goalless draw with West Ham United. Winston Reid managed to deny Cisse's shot as he cleared it off the line, and this has Newcastle struggling and in a very uneasy predicament.

The relegated side Queens Park Rangers hosted Arsenal at Loftus Road, the goal came with Theo Walcott as he scored the fastest goal of the season within 22 seconds, securing three points that keeps them in contention for Champions League football.

It was a well contested Merseyside Derby at Anfield on Sunday but it ultimately ended goalless. Sylvain Distin had a goal disallowed that was to be subject to some controversy, and earlier Daniel Sturridge came very close to scoring. Everton are now 5 points clear from Liverpool, and look to finish ahead of their rivals. This was also an emotional game for Jamie Carragher, who played in his last ever Merseyside Derby.

Juan Mata's deflected shot by Phil Jones that went in was to settle it in the late moments of Manchester United vs. Chelsea. United had already won the league title, and did not really show any desire to put up a good win. There was also a moment of controversy, as David Luiz was victim to a foul which saw Rafael get a sending off. But Luiz reaction is that to be on the papers on Monday morning, as he smiled before going back down looking like he was hurt. Juan Mata's late shot was deflected by Phil Jones, and Chelsea got the three points needed to edge closer to securing Champions League football.

Juan Mata rejoices with his Chelsea team mates. (Picture: UEFA.com)

Peterborough and Wolverhampton were both relegated from the Championship, meanwhile a 2 - 2 draw with Cardiff saw Hull City make it back into the Premier League. The dramatic game that ended in a draw was a result that sends Steve Bruce's team back in to the Premier League. Watford are now in the playoffs, and look to make it into the Premier League.

The season is coming to a climax. With just two more matchdays until the Premier League season ends, teams are battling to try and survive in the Premier League. Meanwhile it is a very tight ship in the race for Champions League football. May will be a month of Champions in football, and two Champions will be officially crowned next week, when Manchester United lift the trophy. And of course, the FA Cup final.



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