Barca reach Berlin despite Bayern loss
Barcelona are through to the European Cup final despite losing 3-2 to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena last night.
Barca’s passage through to Berlin was comfortable enough as a Neymar brace saw them bounce back quickly from Medhi Benatia’s seventh minute header, effectively killing the tie off, and well taken goals from Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller could only reduce the deficit to 5-3 on aggregate.
Tonight Real Madrid welcome Juventus to the Bernabeu looking to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit and set up a Champions League final against their bitter rivals amidst further speculation over the future of Gareth Bale.
Martin O'Neill has expressed his disappointment Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish turned down a call-up to the Ireland squad for next month's games against England and Scotland, a decision largely influenced by his father.
However, nobody should really take offence at the Solihull born 19-year-old's decision to wait before deciding on his long term international future, writes Emmet Malone.
Ulster and Henderson await hearing
Today Ulster will find out whether they will be without Iain Henderson for the rest of the Pro 12 season as he attends a disciplinary hearing following his red card in last weekend's draw with Munster.
If found guilty of striking with the head Henderson could be banned for Ireland's World Cup warm-up game against Wales in Cardiff on August 8th, but the 23-year-old has been unlucky and a victim of an over-cautiousness present in the modern game, writes Alan Quinlan.
Munster face the Dragons on Saturday looking to secure a home Pro 12 semi-final but it looks likely they will have to do so without Tommy O'Donnell who is struggling with a hamstring injury, however 24-year-old Tyler Bleyendaal could finally be set to make his debut for the province.
With football's fluorescent lightweight boots becoming more and more in vogue in rugby too, there is a need for awareness over what types of studs are acceptable to wear onto a rugby pitch writes Andy McGeady.
McCarthy happy to travel with Dublin
It is nine years since Dublin last played a a Leinster championship match away from the safety of Croke Park, but James McCarthy would be willing to travel away from the capital with a large travelling support in tow.
Meanwhile Cork goalkeeper Anthony Nash believes GAA players need a better education about drugs in the sport, and he compares the moment you're tested to when you walk through security at the airport.
The GAA is about local loyalty and pride and what it appears like as a spectacle is something for neutrals to worry about, writes Sean Moran.
Leopardstown given boost
Horse Racing Ireland is putting €2 million into a near €5 million redevelopment of Leopardstown, and the governing body has approved grants for three other tracks in Ireland.
What to watch out for:
Football:
Tonight Juventus head to the Bernabeu with a 2-1 lead looking to reach their first Champions League final since 2003. Sky Sports 1, RTE 2, 7.45pm ko.
Ireland play England in the Under 17s European Championships needing a win to stay in the competition. TG4, Eurosport 2, 5pm ko.
