The 2016/2017 European season have come to an end across all the top leagues in Europe and the final season curtain closure is the 'Cup Competitions' to mark the end of the marathon. Dates of the finals vary across the major leagues but it synchronizes with the closure of the league campaign.
We are taking a sneak peek on the following leagues:
- Germany (DFB Pokal)
- Italy (Copa Italia)
- France (Coupe De France)
- England (FA Cup)
- Holland
- Scotland
- Portugal
- Spain (Copa Del Rey)
ENGLAND
The 'FA Cup' as it is called in England was played between League Champions Chelsea and Arsenal. On the road to the finals: Chelsea beat Tottenham (3-1) while Arsenal saw off Pep Guardiola's Manchester City (2-1) team in the semis. The final was played on 27th May at the Wembley Stadium, a game Arsenal went on to win, thanks to goals from Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey in the 5th and 80th minute while Diego Costa scored the only goal for the Chelsea side as they lost to eventual winners Arsenal.
This win means Arsenal is the most successful club in England to win the FA Cup with 13 wins ahead of Manchester United (12) and Arsene Wenger is the most successful manager to have won the trophy 7 times more than any manager since the history of the tournament.
FRANCE
The French League has many cup competitions but the official cup tournament for the France League which the President of France attends is called the 'Coupe De France'. Finalists Angers beat Guingamp (2-1) while Paris Saint Germain thumped league champions Monaco (5-0) in the semi-finals of the competition.
The finals was played at the Stade De France, a tough game PSG had to rely on the mistake of the Angers defender Issa Cissokho to secure their record 11th Coupe De France title.
GERMANY
The Germany Cup popularly called the 'DFB Pokal' was fought for between surprising team Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund. Carlo Ancelotti's Bayern Munich were knocked out of the competition by Borussia Dortmund (3-2) while Eintracht Frankfurt eliminated Borussia Mochengladbach (7-6) on penalties.
The finals which took place on the 27th May at the Hertha Berlin Stadium, Olympiastadion saw Dortmund beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 to clinch their fourth DFB Pokal title, thanks to goals from Ousmanne Dembele and a penalty from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Rebic scored the only goal for the Frankfurt side.
HOLLAND
The Netherlands League Cup is called the 'KNVB Cup'
and record winners Ajax (13) missed out on the finals making way for
Vitesse to clinch their first KNVB title. Vitesse Arnhem defeated Sparta
Rotterdam (2-1) while AZ Alkmaar won first division side SC Cambuur
(3-2) on penalties in the other semi-final fixture.
ITALY
The Italian League Cup is called the 'Coppa Italia', a competition that saw regulars Juventus lurk horns with Lazio in the finals. Juventus eliminated fierce rivals Napoli over two legs (5-2) on aggregate while Lazio knocked out city rivals Roma (4-3) in the other semi-final tie.
The Coppa Italia finals took place on the 17th May at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, a game Juventus won Lazio by 2-0, goals scored by defenders Dani Alves and Bonucci handed the Biaconneri their record 12th Coppa Italia title.
The Portuguese League cup is called the 'Taça da Liga', the 10th version was played quite early without the eliminated 7 time record holders Benfica on the 29th January between Braga and Moreirense at the Estádio Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
SPAIN
The 'Copa Del Rey' as it is called in Spain is also known as the Kings Cup. The record holders Barcelona extended their record lead after defeating League new comers Alaves in the finals.
Barcelona booked a place in the finals after seeing off Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid (3-2) on aggregate while Alaves eliminated Celta Vigo (1-0) in a keenly contested challenge in the other semi-final fixture. The Vicente Calderon was the venue where Barcelona beat Alaves 3-1 on the 27th May to clinch their record stretching 29th Copa Del Rey title to send forth their manager Luis Enrique.
SCOTLAND
The Scottish League Cup sometimes called the 'Betfred cup' was the 71st version played between Aberdeen and Champions Celtic.
Celtic beat Rangers 2-0 while Aberdeen eliminated St. Johnstone 4-0 in the other semi-final fixture to book a place in the finals. Celtic thumped Aberdeen 2-1 in the finals which took place at the Hampden Park in Glassglow to lift their 17th Cup title.
See also: List of retired players across Europe
Tags: Sports, Arsenal, PSG, Borussia Dortmund, Moreirense, Juventus, Vitesse, Barcelona, Celtic
FA Cup, Coupe De France, DFB Pokal, KNVB Cup, Coppa Italia, Taca Da Liga, Copa Del Rey, Betfred Cup
Follow us on twitter @koksnationn
Tags:
ARTICLES