“They deserved it” – Simeone hails Arsenal’s power after Atletico Champions League exit

 Diego Simeone refused to make excuses after Atletico Madrid were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Arsenal, praising the Gunners’ “incredible power” following their semi-final defeat.

A narrow 1-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium sealed a 2-1 aggregate result, ending Atlético’s run and sending Arsenal into the final.

“Opponent deserved to advance”

Simeone was direct in his assessment, admitting Arsenal were the better side across both legs.

“If we were eliminated, it’s because our opponent deserved to advance. They were clinical in the first half and earned their place,” he said.

Despite the disappointment, the Atlético boss emphasised pride in his team’s effort, insisting they competed to their maximum level against a superior opponent.

No excuses despite penalty controversy

The match included a contentious moment involving Antoine Griezmann, with Atlético appealing for a penalty.

However, Simeone shut down any attempt to shift blame onto officiating.

“I’m not going to dwell on it because that would be making excuses, and I don’t want to make excuses for anything,” he stated.

Praise for Arteta and Arsenal project

Simeone also acknowledged the work of Mikel Arteta, highlighting Arsenal’s tactical consistency and overall structure.

“They have a team and a manager that I like. They follow a consistent approach… congratulations, they competed well,” he added.

He also referenced the club’s resources as a factor in their competitive edge, positioning Arsenal as a fully built, high-performance side.

Reality check for Atletico

The club has grown into a consistent European contender, but the inability to convert deep runs into trophies remains a gap.

“People want to win; reaching the final isn’t enough,” he admitted.

Arsenal will face Bayern Munich or PSG in the final on May 30. The English side are in poll position to lift their first ever Champions League title.

Arsenal reach Champions League final for first time in 20 years

 Arsenal booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in two decades after edging past Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate.

nyA decisive goal from Bukayo Saka proved enough to separate the sides on a tense night at the Emirates Stadium, as Mikel Arteta’s men took a major step toward a historic season.

Saka strikes to settle tight contest

With the tie level at 1-1 from the first leg, the second leg began cautiously, with both teams limiting risks.

The breakthrough arrived just before halftime when Saka reacted quickest to convert after Jan Oblak parried a shot from Leandro Trossard. The move was initiated by strong build-up play involving Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal hold firm under pressure

Atlético pushed for a response, creating key moments that tested Arsenal’s defensive resolve.

Declan Rice produced a crucial intervention to deny Giuliano Simeone, while Gabriel Magalhaes recovered to stop a clear chance after the break.

Despite a missed opportunity from Gyokeres to extend the lead, Arsenal maintained control and saw out the result.

Arteta’s side eye historic double

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s European campaign has been quietly dominant. They have now eliminated top sides including Inter Milan, Sporting and Atlético en route to the final.

The Gunners remain in contention for both the Premier League and Champions League titles, positioning themselves for a potential double.

Final showdown awaits

Arsenal will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest on May 30.

Dame Joan Collins, 92, looks younger than ever as she enjoys a night out with husband Percy Gibson, 61, at a star-studded charity gala in London

 Dame Joan Collins displayed her age-defying looks as she and her husband Percy Gibson attended a Summer Evening Gala hosted by Shooting Star Children's Hospices at The Ivy Chelsea Garden on Tuesday.

The legendary actress, 92, and her beloved husband, 61, joined a host of star-studded guests to help raise vital funds for terminally ill children across London and Surrey.

Known for always oozing Hollywood glamour, Joan looked as chic as ever in a white satin tuxedo-style jacket with a rose pinned to the lapel.

Underneath she sported a plain black shirt with leather edging and matching smart trousers, completing her look with her usual voluminous curls and a dark red lip for a pop of colour.

The Dynasty star put on a smitten display with her producer husband, who cut a dapper figure in a white button-up shirt, black slacks and a camel blazer.

Originally from Peru, Percy is a noted Hollywood producer, known primarily for producing Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

While he is 32 years younger than Joan, she has dismissed their age gap in interviews with the witty line: 'If he dies, he dies.'

The couple were joined at the charity event by a host of famous faces, including Strictly Come Dancing star Bruno Tonioli.

The ballroom judge caught the eye in a mesh vest and white trousers with a grey blazer adorned in a colourful floral design. 

Fellow actress and two-time Oscar nominee Brenda Blethyn, 80, was also in attendance, looking very youthful in a stylish shirt dress.

While TV personality Lizzie Cundy put on a daring display in a plunging yellow gown with a thigh-high slit, showing off her cleavage and long legs.

Joan's glam outing comes after she declared she would 'never dream' of using weight-loss drugs because of the 'disastrous' effects on people's looks.

Weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular in recent years with millions of people taking them to lose weight.

But Golden Globe winner insisted she won't be following suit and thinks people who want to lose a few pounds should simply 'cut down' instead.

Speaking to Hello! magazine, she said: 'I don't believe in needles and things. I've never had Botox or anything in my face.'

“I borrowed £40,000 for my business and it failed” – Mr Eazi opens up on early money mistake, family fallout

 Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Mr Eazi has shared a past experience where a failed business deal led to tension between him and his uncle.

Speaking during an interview, he revealed that he borrowed £40,000 from his uncle to start a business, but the venture eventually collapsed.

According to him, the situation later escalated when his uncle began demanding repayment and involved his parents.

“I remember one time I took money from my uncle to do business; business went south. And then he was chasing me for the money… I was so embarrassed that my dad had to pay,” he said.

He added that he was unhappy with how the matter was handled, especially the decision to involve his parents, which made the situation more embarrassing for him.

Mr Eazi also recalled confronting his uncle and his wife over the incident, expressing his frustration at the time.

“I told two of them that you people just f***ed up. You just lost an opportunity because I’m going to be a great guy and you’re not gonna be able to work with me,” he added.

The singer said the experience stayed with him, shaping his mindset about money, responsibility, and success in business.

“I was 19 in university when I borrowed £40,000 (₦19M) from my uncle… it failed and he started chasing me 😭💔

My dad stepped in and repaid him, but I told my uncle he messed up… because I’ll be great and he won’t be part of my story 😁”

— Mr Eazi pic.twitter.com/aFJteRKTcP

— carter🌚 (@carter6f) May 1, 2026

‎”After a prolonged illness”- Tears flow as Nollywood actress, Oby Kechere passes away

 ‎The Nollywood industry has been thrown into mourning following the passing of veteran actress, Cecilia Obi-Kechere.

‎The passing of Cecilia Obi-Kechere was announced by the Directors Guild of Nigeria via its Instagram account.

‎According to the post, the actress passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

‎Alongside the heartbreaking announcement, the post noted the actress’s contributions to the growth and unity of the association, particularly the Abuja chapter.

‎The association extended condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones.

‎”On behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire DGN family, I extend my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and all members of the Abuja Chapter in this difficult time. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace” The statement reads in part.