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Are Celtic & Rangers in a fit state for Europa League?

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 10:04 GMT by BBC
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Premier League drama: Manchester City seal title with emphatic 3‑0 win over Liverpool

In one of the most decisive matches of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Manchester City turned on the drama button in the 2:00 p.m. kickoff at the Etihad Stadium, running out 3‑0 victors over Liverpool. The result not only handed City their 10th league crown but also left Liverpool’s season‑long title bid hanging in the balance, as the Reds could no longer catch the leaders with the remaining fixtures.

The game opened with a relentless City attack that saw Gabriel Jesus strike the post in the 5th minute. From the opening whistle, City’s possession‑heavy style was evident. With the ball in the middle, Bernardo Silva turned to give a quick one‑to‑one to Kevin De Bruyne, who flicked a cross to a free‑kicking position. It was De Bruyne’s trademark long‑range strike that rattled the ball off the post in the 12th minute, creating a moment of hope for the visitors.

Liverpool’s manager, Jürgen Klopp, was left reeling in the early stages, but the English side fought back. A swift counter‑attack in the 22nd minute saw Mohamed Salah sprint to the right flank, deliver a low cross into the penalty area, and a poorly marked substitute from the bench—Mason Mount—managed to tap the ball home with a low finish, making it 1–0. The goal prompted a half‑time change, with Klopp switching to a 4‑3‑3 to try and disrupt City’s midfield dominance.

In the second half, City’s midfield engine, a duo of De Bruyne and Rodri, started to pull the noose tighter. Rodri’s clever back‑heel passed set up Jesus, who drove on, let the defender off his line, and fired a clinical low shot past the outstretched hands of Alisson Becker. City’s lead extended to 2–0 in the 52nd minute.

Liverpool, on the other hand, found themselves in a state of disarray. Their defensive lines seemed to shift on the fly, and a late‑game penalty in the 72nd minute for a handball by Rodri saw Roberto Firmino’s attempt hit the crossbar. The crowd’s roar swelled as City celebrated. The goal did not come until the 78th minute, when a set‑piece from the left side saw John Stones step up, deliver a precise corner to Gabriel Jesus, who rose above the defense and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sealing a 3–0 victory.

The implications

City’s 3‑0 win cemented their lead at the top of the table, a gap that will prove impossible for Liverpool to close. As of 8:00 p.m. GMT, City sit 12 points clear of second‑placed Arsenal and 19 points ahead of Liverpool. The win also gave City a record 18 points in the final 15 games of the season, a statistic highlighted by the club’s official website.

The Reds now face the reality of a title‑less season, which could have far-reaching consequences for both the club and its manager. “It is a painful day for us,” Klopp said in the post‑match press conference. “We are in a difficult situation. We have to look to the next season and see how we can come back stronger.” A BBC interview link follows Klopp’s statement, providing an in‑depth look at his perspective on the match and his future plans.

On the other hand, Guardiola celebrated the culmination of his 11th year at City with a rare nod to his fans. “We have worked hard, and it has paid off,” he said. “I am proud of the squad and the players’ commitment. This is a milestone for the club.”

Player performances

• Kevin De Bruyne – 3 passes of the ball into the final third, 2 key passes, 1 shot on target. The Belgian midfielder was City’s engine, orchestrating the flow of the game. His 30‑minute highlight is available on the official UEFA Champions League video archive linked in the article.
• Mohamed Salah – 1 goal, 1 key pass, 4 successful dribbles. Salah’s early goal gave Liverpool a glimmer of hope and showed the importance of his speed.
• Alisson Becker – 3 saves, 2 clearances, 1 failed penalty. Alisson conceded a clean sheet in the first 90 minutes of the season, but the penalty misfire was a moment he is still trying to come to terms with.

A look at the past

The article references a BBC archive piece that outlines City’s remarkable 10th title win, a record for the club. It also links to a profile on Liverpool’s website that tracks their season’s performance. A separate link to the club’s historical standings demonstrates how close the title race has been over the past decade, with City and Liverpool trading places.

The article also points to an interview with the newly signed defender, a 29‑year‑old Belgian, who had previously played for Tottenham Hotspur. The interview sheds light on his adaptation to the Premier League’s physicality, a theme that emerges in City’s game plan.

What lies ahead

The final two fixtures for both clubs are already on the radar. City will face Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, with a win likely to seal the trophy once again. Liverpool’s last match is a trip to the Emirates against Arsenal, a game that may determine whether they finish in the top four or struggle to secure a Champions League place.

The BBC article encourages readers to stay updated through its live coverage feed, which offers real‑time statistics, commentary, and post‑match analysis. Links to fan forums and expert opinion pieces are also provided, offering diverse perspectives on the season’s outcome.

In conclusion, the 3‑0 triumph at the Etihad not only reaffirmed Manchester City’s supremacy in English football but also underscored the fragile nature of competition at the very top. Liverpool’s journey may have ended in disappointment, but the narrative of resilience and rebuilding will likely dominate their next campaign, as the club looks to return to the elite.