How did the penultimate weekend of Premier League fixtures impact Manchester United and Liverpool’s Champions League hopes. What are the implications of qualifying or missing out on top-tier European football for these clubs. How close are Newcastle United to securing their spot in next season’s Champions League.
The Dramatic Turn of Events in the Premier League Top 4 Race
The Premier League’s penultimate weekend brought unexpected twists to the top-four battle, keeping the Champions League qualification race alive. Liverpool’s last-minute equalizer against Aston Villa, coupled with Manchester United’s narrow victory over Bournemouth, has set the stage for a nail-biting finish to the season.
Roberto Firmino’s 89th-minute goal in his Anfield farewell match secured a 1-1 draw for Liverpool, preventing Manchester United from immediately clinching their top-four spot despite their 1-0 win at Bournemouth. This turn of events has prolonged the suspense surrounding Champions League qualification, with Newcastle United also awaiting confirmation of their European return.
Manchester United’s Crucial Victory at Bournemouth
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United took a significant step towards Champions League qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Casemiro’s first-half strike proved decisive, showcasing the Brazilian midfielder’s importance to the team.
Key Performers in United’s Victory
- Casemiro: Dictated the tempo and scored the winning goal
- Christian Eriksen: Impressed with his vision and passing ability
- David de Gea: Made crucial saves to maintain the clean sheet
How close is Manchester United to securing Champions League football? The Red Devils now need just one point from their final two matches to guarantee their place in Europe’s elite competition next season.
Liverpool’s Last-Gasp Equalizer Keeps Hope Alive
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool salvaged a point against Aston Villa in dramatic fashion, with Roberto Firmino scoring an 89th-minute equalizer on his final appearance at Anfield. This result has kept Liverpool’s slim Champions League hopes alive, albeit hanging by a thread.
The Emotional Farewell of Roberto Firmino
How fitting was Firmino’s goal in his Anfield swansong? The Brazilian striker’s late equalizer not only preserved Liverpool’s faint top-four aspirations but also provided a poignant moment for the departing fan favorite. His contribution underlined the impact he has had during his time at the club and gave the Anfield faithful a memorable farewell.
The Current State of the Premier League Top 4 Race
With just one round of fixtures remaining, the battle for Champions League qualification has reached a critical juncture. Manchester City and Arsenal have already secured their spots, leaving Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Liverpool vying for the remaining two positions.
Points Table for the Top 4 Contenders
- Manchester City (1st) – Qualified
- Arsenal (2nd) – Qualified
- Newcastle United (3rd) – 69 points
- Manchester United (4th) – 69 points
- Liverpool (5th) – 66 points
What scenarios could unfold in the final round of fixtures? Manchester United need just one point from their remaining two games to secure a top-four finish. Liverpool must win their final match against Southampton and hope for favorable results elsewhere to have any chance of sneaking into the Champions League spots.
The Importance of Champions League Qualification for United and Liverpool
Securing a place in the Champions League is crucial for both Manchester United and Liverpool, with significant implications for their future plans and financial standing.
Financial Implications of Champions League Football
- Increased revenue from UEFA prize money
- Enhanced commercial opportunities
- Greater appeal to potential transfer targets
How does Champions League qualification impact a club’s transfer strategy? Participation in Europe’s premier club competition provides a significant financial boost and increases a club’s attractiveness to top-tier players. This can be pivotal in rebuilding plans and strengthening squads for the upcoming season.
Newcastle United’s Champions League Aspirations
Newcastle United find themselves on the cusp of a remarkable return to the Champions League, a testament to their rapid progress under new ownership and manager Eddie Howe. The Magpies are level on points with Manchester United but boast a superior goal difference.
What would Champions League qualification mean for Newcastle’s project? Securing a top-four finish would be a significant milestone in Newcastle’s ambitious plans, potentially accelerating their rise as a force in English and European football.
The Final Day Drama: What to Expect
The Premier League’s final day promises to be filled with tension and drama as the remaining Champions League spots are decided. With Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Liverpool all in contention, every goal and result could prove crucial.
Key Fixtures on the Final Day
- Manchester United vs Fulham
- Chelsea vs Newcastle United
- Southampton vs Liverpool
How might the pressure of the occasion affect team performances? The high stakes of Champions League qualification could lead to nervy displays, potentially opening the door for unexpected twists and turns in the final round of matches.
The Wider Implications of Champions League Qualification
Beyond the immediate financial and sporting benefits, Champions League qualification can have far-reaching effects on a club’s long-term prospects and standing within the football world.
Long-term Benefits of Champions League Football
- Increased global exposure and fanbase growth
- Enhanced ability to attract and retain top talent
- Potential for sustained success and improved league performance
How does consistent Champions League participation impact a club’s status in world football? Regular involvement in Europe’s elite competition can elevate a club’s profile, making them more appealing to players, sponsors, and investors. This, in turn, can create a virtuous cycle of success both on and off the pitch.
The battle for Champions League qualification in the Premier League has reached its crescendo, with Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Liverpool locked in a thrilling race to the finish line. As the final day approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher, with each club acutely aware of the transformative potential that Champions League football brings.
For Manchester United, securing a top-four finish would represent a successful first season under Erik ten Hag and provide a platform for further growth. Newcastle United stand on the brink of a historic achievement, with Champions League qualification potentially catapulting them into the upper echelons of English football. Liverpool, meanwhile, cling to hope, knowing that a place in Europe’s premier competition could be crucial in their efforts to rebuild and challenge for honors next season.
The drama of the Premier League’s finale serves as a reminder of the high-stakes nature of modern football, where the margins between success and disappointment can be agonizingly small. As fans, players, and managers brace themselves for one last push, the beautiful unpredictability of the sport promises to deliver a climax befitting of one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
As the dust settles on another thrilling Premier League campaign, the reverberations of these final day results will be felt long into the summer and beyond. For the victorious clubs, the promise of Champions League nights and the associated prestige awaits. For those who fall short, the challenge will be to regroup, refocus, and mount another assault on the top four next season.
In the ever-evolving landscape of English football, one thing remains constant: the allure and importance of Champions League qualification. As Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Liverpool prepare for their final day showdowns, they do so knowing that the outcome could shape their futures for years to come. The stage is set for a finale that promises to captivate football fans around the world and potentially reshape the Premier League hierarchy in the process.
Man United, Liverpool still fight for Premier League top 4
ESPN
May 20, 2023, 03:02 PM ET
The last round of Saturday fixtures in the Premier League season delivered a dramatic turn of events that kept Liverpool’s narrow hopes of playing in the Champions League next term alive while also forcing bitter rivals Manchester United to wait to have their own top-four place in the Premier League secured.
Roberto Firmino’s 89th-minute equaliser against Aston Villa on his final appearance at Anfield earned a 1-1 draw for Jurgen Klopp’s side, meaning Man United’s 1-0 win in their game played simultaneously at Bournemouth was not quite enough to book Erik ten Hag’s team a spot in Europe’s top club competition for 2023-24.
Newcastle United, who play on Monday, are also left waiting to make their Champions League return. Manchester City and Arsenal had already sealed their own top-four places some weeks ago, with City clinching the league crown on Saturday due to the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
How did a dramatic day on the penultimate weekend play out for Liverpool and Manchester United? And just how critical will Champions League football, or the lack thereof, be for each clubs’ hopes for next season and beyond? ESPN writers Tom Hamilton and Mark Ogden give their thoughts on Saturday’s matches and the possible implications of the results.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
Casemiro moves United one small step closer to UCL
Casemiro’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 win for Manchester United at the Vitality Stadium and helped the club take a step closer to Champions League qualification. Liverpool’s draw with Villa means United need just one point from their final two matches to secure their top-four spot.
Casemiro was inspired for United and the best player on the field as he dictated tempo from the middle of the field, while Christian Eriksen also impressed. Bournemouth battled hard, but they were unable to get past the impressive David de Gea.
United were unchanged from their 2-0 win over Wolves with Marcus Rashford absent through illness, while Bournemouth made four changes including a start for David Brooks, his first in 598 days after recovering from stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma.
Editor’s Picks
United dominated much of the first half with their high press making life tricky for Bournemouth to build any sort of attack. Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes dictated play in the middle of the pitch but it took a neat ball over the top from Eriksen to open things up for United’s opener after eight minutes. His lofted through ball was helped into Casemiro’s path by a poor touch from Marcos Senesi that teed it up beautifully for Casemiro to scissor-kick home from close range.
United dominated possession, but it was Bournemouth who had the next best chance of the half as Dominic Solanke drew a smart save from De Gea — now owner of the Golden Glove award for this season. Bournemouth started the second half the brighter with De Gea forced into a close-range stop from a Brooks effort, while Solanke glanced one across United’s box but failed to find a finishing touch. United tried to bring some new impetus to the tempo of the match by bringing on Wout Weghorst and Alejandro Garnacho, and it was Fernandes who nearly doubled United’s lead in the 75th minute with an effort from just inside the box, only for Neto to make an acrobatic stop.
It was Bournemouth who finished the better of the two sides as Kieffer Moore forced De Gea into a brilliant save and Senesi hammered an effort just over the bar late on. — Hamilton
Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Firimino keeps Liverpool dreaming on Anfield farewell
Roberto Firmino kept Liverpool’s Champions League alive with a goal on his final Anfield appearance before leaving the club this summer, but Jurgen Klopp’s team now have only the faintest hope of a top-four finish following two costly dropped points against Aston Villa.
With a three-point gap between themselves and fourth-place Manchester United — third-place Newcastle are also three points clear, but with a vastly superior goal difference — Liverpool now need to win at Southampton on the final day and hope their rivals to lose both final games this week.
That Liverpool even salvaged a point from the clash against Unai Emery’s team was a testament to their fighting spirit following a first-half that was dominated by Villa. Ollie Watkins had missed a penalty, shooting wide after being fouled by Ibrahima Konate, before Jacob Ramsey put Villa ahead on 27 minutes. It was a deserved lead for Villa, who needed points for their own European chase.
But with Liverpool desperate to maintain the pressure on fourth-place United, Klopp’s side laid siege to the Villa goal in the second half as their manager watched from the stands because of a one-match touchline ban.
Cody Gakpo had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR following a lengthy second-half check before substitute Firmino scored from close range to equalise in the 89th minute.
And with 10 minutes of stoppage time added at the end of the 90 minutes, Liverpool pummelled the Villa defence but could not find a route to goal.
Liverpool still have hope, but it is flickering and could be extinguished if Newcastle and United draw or win home games against Leicester and Chelsea, respectively, in midweek. — Ogden
Premier League table
| GP | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – Man City | 35 | +61 | 85 |
| 2 – Arsenal | 37 | +40 | 81 |
| 3 – Newcastle | 36 | +35 | 69 |
| 4 – Man United | 36 | +11 | 69 |
| 5 – Liverpool | 37 | +28 | 66 |
| 6 – Brighton | 35 | +18 | 58 |
| 7 – Aston Villa | 37 | +4 | 58 |
| 8 – Tottenham | 37 | +4 | 57 |
| 9 – Brentford | 37 | +11 | 56 |
How can each club qualify?
Put simply, Newcastle and Manchester United each need just one point from their final two matches to confirm a top-four finish.
Liverpool, meanwhile, must win their one remaining game of the season and hope one of the two teams above them record two losses.
Matches still to play
Newcastle United: The Magpies host relegation battlers Leicester City at St James’ Park on Monday before taking on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, May 28, the final day of the season.
Manchester United: United play the last of their make-up fixtures on Thursday when Chelsea visit Old Trafford before ending their league campaign at home three days later against more West London opposition in Fulham.
Liverpool: On paper, Liverpool could hardly have asked for a better match to end the season May 28. They have a trip to Southampton, who have already been relegated and are on a run of 11 games without a win.
Talking points
Who or what will be key for the clubs in their final push for Champions League qualification?
Ogden: For Liverpool, a sporting miracle.
No matter how well any of their star players perform in their final game, Liverpool will need a lot to go their way to claim a top-four finish. Their hopes are now completely out of their hands. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle would have to lose against Leicester and Chelsea this week for Klopp’s side to have any chance of overhauling the Magpies. And it is a similar story with United, who close their season with two home games against Chelsea and Fulham. Liverpool simply need United to lose both games, then Liverpool must beat Southampton on the final day to sneak into fourth spot on goal difference.
Hamilton: Old Trafford. United can look to the strength of their home form, and needing just one point from two matches. Their league form has been impressive — out of their 17 home matches, they’ve won 13, drawn three and lost one. Compare this with their away form — United have won three of their 10 away matches in 2023, while their eight defeats on the road has equalled their worst-ever record in the Premier League.
So it’s Old Trafford that will make the difference, and having both of their remaining matches at home is key: Chelsea on Thursday, Fulham on Sunday. The return of Raphael Varane has given them some stability at the back with his partnership alongside Victor Lindelof enough to keep a clean sheets against Wolves and Bournemouth. Though they missed Rashford against Bournemouth, he has been their most prolific man in front of goal this season with 29, and if he recovers from illness in time for their final two matches, it’ll come as a huge boost.
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Michallik hails ‘game-changer’ Casemiro after winning goal
Janusz Michallik praises the impact of Casemiro after netting Manchester United’s winning goal vs. Bournemouth.
What are the ramifications for Manchester United and Liverpool if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League?
Hamilton: It would be a huge blow for United, a club who expect to be in the Champions League every season.
As conversations continue over the future of the club’s ownership, Ten Hag has previously said he was unsure over how much money he’ll have available this summer to spend. But Champions League qualification gives them a huge boost in their ability to attract their top targets this summer, with the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen linked. It’s one of the few guarantees in a time when there’s so much uncertainty behind the scenes. Ten Hag, speaking after the defeat at Brighton at the start of May, described United being in the Champions League as “vital,” adding “we have to do it again.” His expectations are clear — qualification for Europe’s top club tournament is a non-negotiable after missing out this season.
Ogden: Missing out on the Champions League will leave a £50 million hole in Liverpool’s finances because of the loss of commercial revenue from Europe’s premier competition, so that will impact on the club’s recruitment plans. Liverpool will still look to add three or four players, but they have already ruled out a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham because of the prospect of paying a transfer fee in excess of £120m.
If they can recruit at the lower end of the market by signing free agents or players entering the final year of their contracts, Liverpool can survive a year out of the Champions League, but it will unquestionably hurt the club. And another downside is that rivals such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle will be able to use being in the Champions League to attract better players and potentially pull further aware from Liverpool. The only way Liverpool can make a positive from being in the Europa League is by winning it, but it’s a long, arduous road to glory in that competition.
How much more competitive do you expect the battle for the top four to be next season?
Ogden: It will pretty much be a six-team battle for three places. Manchester City are too far ahead of the pack to worry about a top-four scrap, but Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and Chelsea will all be in the mix. You can even add Aston Villa to the list if the club back manager Unai Emery in the transfer market this summer, so it will certainly be an intense race for Champions League qualification.
Chelsea are the team to watch. With a new manager, almost certainly Mauricio Pochettino, in place at Stamford Bridge, a squad packed with young talent should challenge for the top four. With no European distractions next season, Chelsea will have no excuses. The battle for Champions League places could be the most intense we’ve ever seen in the Premier League.
Hamilton: It’s going to be tougher than ever to secure a spot in the top four next season. Looking at the teams not in that quartet as things stand, Liverpool have endured a turbulent 2022-23 campaign and form suggests they’ll bounce back and improve next term, given they are finishing this season on a high. Tottenham will have another transitional summer but until their season fell apart, they looked nailed-on for the top four, so if they get their managerial appointment right this summer and keep Kane, they’ll be back. And Chelsea, under expected new boss Pochettino, will be a far more settled and ordered outfit than the disarray we saw this term.
Add in Brighton and Aston Villa, who should improve again next season, and you’re looking at a tussle for the top four even before accounting for the current group. Manchester City and Arsenal will be there next season, while Man United — if they get their ownership situation solved — will fancy their chances and Newcastle seem to be constantly improving under Eddie Howe. It’s going to be fascinating.
West Ham and Alkmaar fans fight, players clash with stewards after seeing families attacked
West Ham and Alkmaar fans fight each other pre-match, with players taking to clash with stewards after seeing their families attacked.
Going into this semi final second leg tie, West Ham, who are without a major trophy since 1980, won the first leg at the London Stadium 2-1.
Goals from Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio cancelled out Tijjani Reijnders’ controversial opener to earn the hots the advantage.
Both sides knew that the winner would face either Basel or Fiorentina in final in Prague on the 7th of June.
Prior to the second leg, one video showed one person being attacked by several of the hooligans, with one using an object that looks like a bike to beat the supporter on the floor.
A second video, uploaded onto Twitter, shows a large group of the hooligans congregating at the bottom of a street.
Another clip shows a large group of supporters running through the street holding what appears to be chairs.
It came after AZ Alkmaar fans set off fireworks on Wednesday night outside the West Ham team hotel in a bid to disrupt the Hammers before the clash.
Footage posted online shows that one fan was hit by a stray rocket, as people dressed in dark colours ran away.
AZ Alkmaar vs West Ham United ahead of Conference League semi final.#whufc #AZ pic.twitter.com/9b1GRyAEEB
— KisyAWAY (@kisyrpk) May 18, 2023
West Ham (together with Groningen) clashed with AZ Alkmaar this afternoon ahead of their match tonight #whu #whufc
🎥 via @thecasualultra
pic.
twitter.com/MRBOc8P955
— Casual Chaps 🇬🇧 (@CasualChaps) May 18, 2023
twitter.com/MRBOc8P95518.05.2023 🇳🇱AZ Alkmaar vs 🏴West Ham 🤝 🇳🇱Groningen. West Ham on the run pic.twitter.com/AMtqEMEg6d
— Ultrasshop.com (@ultrasshopcom) May 18, 2023
On to the game now and the best chance of the first half saw AZ become more dangerous. Vangelis Pavlidis almost flicked it into the far corner but it trickled across the goalline.
It was kept in on the far side and Yukinari Sugawara was teed up. His shot had been deflected nervously behind for a corner.
It was however a solid performance from West Ham by half time. They were given a bit of trouble towards the end of the half but for a good half an hour, it had been very comfortable.
Lucas Paqueta smacked the post and was dangerous, while Jarrod Bowen made good runs too.
Rob Green on BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s been wonderfully boring, it’s been a half where AZ have been contained.
“There’s nothing in behind from AZ, if the guys at the back concentrate and get it right for the next 45 minutes, they’ve got this.”
In the second half, a long ball was played over the top for Vangelis Pavlidis. He tried to wriggle away from Nayef Aguerd but the defender slid in to stop him. A risky challenge and he got away with it, with a brief VAR check confirming no penalty.
The game became more frantic, with AZ opening up as they knew they had to score. West Ham started to get more opportunities on the break.
AZ continued to go on the attack, but the ball was cleared. Michail Antonio beating a player on the right with his pace but ended up getting closed down by the centre-back. AZ went straight up the other end and Alphonse Areola had to make a good save.
With around 10 minutes left on the clock, a chipped ball was cushioned down by Thilo Kehrer at the back post with nobody near him. He tried to pass it to Alphonse Areola and almost poked it into his own goal.
The goalkeeper managed to stretch a leg out desperately to stop it from going on.
GOAL – AZ Alkmaar 0-1 West Ham (Agg: 1-3)
Pablo Fornals (90+4 mins)
They have done it!!!!!!
It’s wild scenes of celebrations by West Ham and the home fans are already pouring out of the stands.
The West Ham staff are on the pitch!
Pablo Fornals skips past one player as West Ham break. He has the keeper to beat and fires it coolly into the far corner.
West Ham are heading to the final.
West Ham are going to the final!! 🤩
Pablo Fornals brilliantly puts the away side ahead after 90 minutes! 🔥#UECL pic.twitter.com/xeKWRAVq9p
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 18, 2023
Neil Lennon on BBC Radio 5 Live: “What an absolute brilliant moment for David Moyes, his team and the fans.
“Pablo Fornals buries it low past Mat Ryan, what a fantastic individual goal. He just slide it under and it was enough to beat Ryan.
“I’ve never seen David Moyes look so happy as he has in this second spell at West Ham.
“This is the icing on the cake for him. What a fantastic moment for him.
“He should be so proud of his team tonight. They have handled a semi-final in the Europa Conference League brilliantly.
“It’s a real great away performance in Europe.”
Tempers are flaring after West Ham’s win as the home fans don’t seem happy with the result…#UECL pic.twitter.com/xH0VXabg1R
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 18, 2023
Scenes turned sour however as West Ham players clashed with stewards after AZ Alkmaar fans targetted their families in the stands post-match.
West Ham players clashing with stewards after AZ Alkmaar fans target their families in the stands after the game tonight… 😳 pic.twitter.com/bGbTsgdZyS
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) May 18, 2023
Absolutely incredible scenes at full time, as AZ Alkmaar “fans” stormed the hospitality section where players’ friends and family were, with even players become involved in the brawls pic.
— Andy Robinson (@AndyPlaytonic) May 18, 2023
twitter.com/uSpCPC66LlFormer West Ham midfielder Joe Cole to BT Sport on the trouble in the stadium: “It’s absurd. Grown men attacking the West Ham fans. Players were trying to get involved to break it up. AZ Alkmaar fans throwing punches is ridiculous. There were families. Football is for everyone. It’s ridiculous in the modern game. Pathetic.”
Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole to BT Sport: “There was no need for it. West Ham have come here, done their job and not disrespected them in any shape or form. The families of the players are over there. Sometimes emotions take hold of you.”
Former West Ham midfielder Joe Cole speaking to BT Sport: “It’s a special achievement. It’s a huge day for the club, for David Moyes the manager and for Declan Rice, a young captain who has come through the club.”
Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole: “It was a fantastic game. These travelling fans deserve it. Hopefully those fans over in Amsterdam are safe too.
That’s marred it a little bit [the fan trouble at the end] but West Ham are in the final. Wow.”
West Ham boss David Moyes speaking to BT Sport: “We’re absolutely thrilled. It’s a big achievement for the club, but now it’s about going and winning it. AZ are very good at what they do, but I’m delighted we did it.
“AZ played a really good style, the Dutch football is really good. They gave us a shock in the first leg, and I knew if I didn’t set us up in a deeper block they could punish us.
“Going forward the idea is to be better. We’ve brought in a lot of international players to get better, but we’ve really struggled this season. We had to go back to what gets you wins, and thankfully we did that.”
West Ham defender Aaron Cresswell speaking to BT Sport: “The emotions are running high. With the disappointing season we’ve had in the Premier League I’m sure every fan is delighted. It’s been a long time coming for the club but let’s hope we can go one more step.
“We knew from the first leg we could keep it tight.
We created some chances but couldn’t score. What a way to win it in the last minute!
“Pablo Fornals never shies away. He gives everything for the badge. I’m lost for words and I’m just so happy.
“We spoke about not getting caught up in the moment. Last year was a massive low in my career and now I can’t wait for the final.”
Related TopicsEnglish Premier LeaguefeaturedWest Ham United
Major League Round-robin is a competitive event that is held regularly with a frequency of once a month . Already from the name it becomes clear that the format is a circular slaughter, i.e. each participant fights with each, the winner is determined by the points scored. Goal of the tournament – an opportunity to earn a league rating for those fighters who are at the top of it in order to get to league of the Rubin League L , as well as interesting battles between the strongest representatives of different clans. Participants of the Tournament Only 24 characters will be able to participate in the tournament. Registration for the tournament is on a priority basis. Sami fights will start at 20:00 (GMT+3), entry for participation in the tournament will open an hour before, from 19:00 (at first it will be available for characters from the top 25 lines of the league rating, after 30 minutes it will be expanded to the top 50, and in the last 15 minutes already for everyone from league ER and above). At the same time, no more than 8 characters-participants from the league Rubin and no more than one from each clan can sign up for the Tournament. Participants from the Rubin league will prioritize getting into the same tournament group in order to fight mainly against each other. To reduce the total time of the tournament, the registrants will be automatically divided into 3 groups to 8 fighters . Members from the same clan are divided into different groups. If the tournament application is completely filled, the participants will have to fight 7 fights each. Thus, there will also be three winners in this tournament. In the case when several characters are in the lead in the same group and gain the same number of reward points, now an additional duel will be held between them to determine the winner of the tournament, who will receive the victory in the tournament. 9Tournament Rating All participants per month) will lose 15 rating points . The rating collected in this way will be doubled and further played out by the participants of the tournament. The prize rating will be distributed in proportion to the victories won. In addition, each victory in the tournament will bring 3 Pinch of Ancient Dust for league title modification. Supplying the tournament with consumables In the tournament location it is forbidden to use the consumable stores and Bloody Zechins after 900 13 Secretary Lich . Therefore, a special Tournament Supply Store will be available to the tournament, access to it will open immediately after the opening of the application (i.e. 1 hour before the start of the tournament), and will close after the end of the tournament. Only characters who have registered for the tournament will be able to enter the shop. Departments with consumables for Eurocredits have a 50% discount. All consumables from the departments with this discount have a limitation: – lifespan 6 hours – they can only be used in the Tournament Schedules location and in the store itself – pocket healing charges purchased in the Tournament Shop are associated with the current classes of participants, they cannot be built into the shirts of other classes. Scrolls of Healing sold for Bloody Zechins also have a 6-hour lifespan. IMPORTANT: Only buy consumables from this store if you intend to use them in the actual tournament. Tournament rules • 3 hours before the start of tournament , potential participants will have the opportunity to activate masking mode (hiding information about the character). The disguise mode will be turned off with the start of the tournament, a few minutes before the first matches. To do this, all characters with a League rating of 3200 and above will be able to get Tournament disguise at Lich Secretary from 17:00 to 19:55 (only in Capital city)
• After registering for the tournament, it will not be possible to refuse it and change the class, you should only register if you are prepared. • After registering for the tournament, it will be forbidden to remove bags and mushrooms. • After applying for participation and between battles, there will be a freezing of the corresponding effects (freezing, for example, from a mushroom). • Buff Blessing of the Stars forbidden , it is automatically removed from the character as soon as he signs up for the tournament (and at the beginning of each battle). • Bonuses from Burning Temple Beacon are also prohibited and will be removed from the characters before each battle of the tournament. • The tournament is prohibited Luck coin protection effect, it will be forcibly removed. • Allowed temporary boosts from mushrooms, chocolates, volumes of knowledge. • After the start of the tournament, before the first battles there will be a 10-minute pause for preparation, the disguise will be turned off at this time and the classes of opponents will be known. • Between battles, the player will have 8 minute pauses, during which he must have time to prepare for a new duel. • Fighters who sign up for the tournament should ideally face all other participants. The tournament will go on for quite a long time, sometimes opponents will have to wait. • In order to reduce the likelihood of prolonged fights (marinades), a number of restrictive measures are provided:
• You can replenish consumable resources through the indispensable Lich Secretary . • Battles are limited to a “short” life and mana recovery limit, i.e. 5 life pillars and 12 mana. • Clan rating battles will be prohibited on the day of the tournament. • If the tournament did not take place due to non-attendance, 50% of the league ranking prize points are divided equally among the registered participants. • All tournament participants receive a weekly league reward as a bonus, plus one more for each victory in the tournament, and plus one more if the victory was against an opponent with a higher rating. But in total, a character can receive no more than 4 league awards in one tournament • Characters under the influence of Spiritual Connection can participate in battles Ruby League Conqueror L
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There will be several new feats associated with participation in this tournament.
Before the last round in the HIGHEST LEAGUE.
After a long break, one of the most even seasons in the Major League was coming. Neither a clear favorite nor a clear outsider of the tournament was seen in the tournament.
Last year’s champion Raevka lost its sponsor Zvyozdochka and was not considered as a team that would defend the title. But the “dark horse” from the very first rounds turned out to be among the leaders, and while the competitors were losing points, “Raevka” gained them and broke into the favorites of the tournament. But climbing to the top of the table is easier than staying on it. And “Raevka” with colossal work, having crushed the luck of the last seconds under itself, became the CHAMPION of the Major League again for the round before the end !!!!
Cup Winner Ruscon has greatly updated its roster, but retained its leaders.
.. the team played a very pragmatic and not particularly effective mini-football. Sometimes such a game brought success, but in key matches with Raevka and ChTN the team lost, which deprived it of the championship prospects. In the last match, beating “Luys”, “Rusconovites” will become the second in the Premier League, which is also a good result.
“Luys” gathered a very strong team of Krasnodar “jokers” and was the main favorite for the championship. But the insulting defeat from “Raevka” can still be explained, the loss of points with the outsider “Altun” became fatal … and only the fight for 2nd place in the tournament remains.
“ Chernomortransneft” for a long time could not win prizes in the Premier League, but in this tournament, playing unevenly, still retains a chance for a medal. The victory over “Magnes” will provide the team with a prize, only 3 or 2 will become clear after the game “Luys” and “Ruscon”.
“Altoprae Marine” and again the team, showing interesting and pleasing to the eye futsal, will most likely be left without medals.
The victory in the game with “Ruscon” opened for the team a “golden match” with “Raevka” in the last round, and the defeat closed the medal chances. There was an insulting defeat, and thus there are only scanty chances for a prize-winning place.
Abrau/Hidalgo the team also showed a good game in this tournament, and if the draw syndrome and the most offensive defeat from NSRZ could qualify for the Major League medals.
NSRZ each tournament the team balances over the relegation zone and this tournament was no exception. From the first games, there was a personnel shortage in the team .. but the team, playing with one replacement, gnawed out every point from its rivals, so the formidable Abrau and GMU were beaten. NSRZ is the main champion in character and dedication in this tournament.
“Magnes” newcomer to the top league, can take this season to his credit, the team gave a fight in every game to its rivals.
No one experienced an easy walk in the game with Magnes. The team next season should make a splash in the Major League.
“GMU” the performance of the leading city team at this tournament could be called a failure …. But the tragedy with the team’s coach Kulekin greatly affected both the emotions and the players. “GMU” started the championship very well in 3 games with 7 points, but then 6 defeats in a row and the team could fly out. But in the last games the team improved and the favorites “Ruscon” and “Raveka” won very hard. We hope that GMU will return to the leading position in the Premier League next season.
“Altun” and the second newcomer to the Major League, having announced at the last moment, could not save his place in the strongest city tournament. In terms of dedication and struggle, there are no complaints about the team, it’s just that the team didn’t reach the level of the Major League in terms of playing qualities, they hurried with the release.
