Kick Off: Crystal palace etches a blossoming win; Villa strives for a victory

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

Top Headlines

Crystal Palace 3-0 Fiorentina: Mateta, Sarr & Mitchell secure victory at home

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal in over three months as Crystal Palace beat Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their Uefa Conference League quarter-final tie to close in on a first major European semi-final.

Bologna 1-3 Aston Villa: Watkins & Konsa score to seal first-leg advantage

Aston Villa will take a 3-1 advantage into the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie against Bologna following a hard-fought victory in Italy.

Match Reports

Porto 1-1 Nottingham Forest: Quickfire two goals keep the tie alive

Martim Fernandes' freak own goal gifted Nottingham Forest a route to a first European semi-final in over 40 years.

Freiburg 3-0 Celta: Hosts set up huge advantage in the first-leg

Vincenzo Grifo inspires German side to big win in Europa League quarter-final first leg

These Things Happen

OFFICIAL: FC Barcelona files a complaint to UEFA regarding Pubill handball

On April 10th, FC Barcelona officially announced that the club's legal services have filed a complaint to UEFA regarding the ruling controversy on Pubill's handball during the UCL Quarter-Final 1st leg against Atletico Madrid.

OFFICIAL: Liverpool defender Robertson to leave club at the end of the season

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson will leave the club at the end of the season.

FIFA World Cup referee list: 18 from Europe the most, Asian 11 the second

On April 9th, FIFA officially released the full referee list for the upcoming World Cup 2026. Among them, 18, including Marciniak the Polish referee who was in charge of the World Cup 2022 Final, are from Europe, the most across all continents.

Ronaldo at centre of Saudi league CHEATING claims as Toney make accusations

Ivan Toney has launched a scathing attack on the integrity of officiating in the Saudi Pro League as one of his Al-Ahli team-mates suggested they are attempting to 'hand the trophy' to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Enzo apologise to club for comments he made over his future and Real Madrid

Enzo Fernandez and his agent have apologised to Chelsea for comments he made while on international duty in Argentina. 

UCL attendance board: Dortmund holds top 4, Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich fifth

On April 9, the data platform Football Meets Data compiled the attendance list for this season's Champions League.

Arne Slot gives damning reason for Mohamed Salah snub in PSG defeat

Mohamed Salah cut a forlorn figure on the Liverpool bench at the Parc des Princes as he watched five team-mates be sent on by manager Arne Slot against Paris Saint-Germain

MEN: Manchester United stars will have huge say in Michael Carrick's future

If Lancashire need a couple of steady hands for their batting line-up this season, they could do a lot worse than popping up to their Old Trafford neighbours and poaching Amad and Bryan Mbeumo.

MEN: City confident Rodri will extend contract; club in need of Nunes cover

April 9th, Manchester City's team reporter Simon Bajkowski answered fans' questions in his column in the Manchester Evening News, in which he talked about Rodri's future and Manchester City's plans for the right-back position.

Arsenal star makes unexpected return to training in big title race boost

Injuries had been mounting up for Mikel Arteta in recent weeks, but the Arsenal manager has received a huge boost in time for some crucial matches

Mundo Deportivo: Pubill should have been given a penalty

In the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final held in the early hours of this morning, Barcelona lost 0-2 at home to Atletico Madrid, with one action by Pubill causing controversy.

Behind legends: the birth of Barcelona’s ‘MSN’ era

The numbers were ridiculous. Goals, assists, trophies — stacked to a level that borders on parody. It almost feels obscene that Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez were allowed to line up together, at the peak of their powers, at Barcelona. 

Lookman hails Atletico's disciplined display in win over Barcelona

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has praised Atlético Madrid following their impressive 2-0 victory against FC Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash.

How Arsenal's Gyokeres and Havertz forged an unlikely strike partnership

A Gyokeres-Havertz axis was not in Arsenal's grand plan. But they might just have stumbled upon a handy solution to unlock their faltering attack.

AC Milan step up Robert Lewandowski pursuit

AC Milan have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.

Liverpool scouts watch £35m-rated Bundesliga star 'EVERY WEEK'

Liverpool are keeping a close eye on 20-year-old Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure, with scouts from the Premier League giants attending ‘almost every week’ to watch the side’s league matches, according to a report in Germany.

What They Say

CR7 comments a blogger's post on his goal record: accepting facts is a virtue

On April 9th,  social media blogger cr7historical discussed the controversy surrounding Ronaldo's goal count on social media. Ronaldo himself then responded to the post.

Maguire: I'm arguably one of the best defenders in the world

Harry Maguire believes he is "one of the best defenders in the world" as the Manchester United centre-back looks to feature in one last World Cup with England this summer.

Henry reflects on Mohamed Salah’s form:“no one is eternal"

Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry has offered a candid assessment of Mohamed Salah’s recent dip in output, noting that even elite performers experience natural declines in numbers over time.

Slot's Liverpool tactics 'massively wrong', claims Carragher

Jamie Carragher hit out at Arne Slot's tactics in Liverpool's 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arbeloa calls on Real Madrid players to 'be their best versions'

Alvaro Arbeloa has urged his Real Madrid squad to "shine and be their best versions" no matter who they are facing or which competition they are playing in. 

Bowen: West Ham cannot rely on other teams in Premier League relegation battle

Jarrod Bowen believes West Ham's Premier League clash against Wolves on Friday is a must-win game if they are to avoid relegation.

Fixtures of the Day

EPL

West Ham United VS Wolverhampton Wanderers 2026/04/10 19:00 UTC

La Liga

Real Madrid VS Girona 2026/04/10 19:00 UTC