Old Trafford witnessed an emotional farewell as Casemiro played his final match for Manchester United, helping the Red Devils to a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian midfielder, visibly moved at the final whistle, marked the end of a transformative stint in English football, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and steel in the heart of United’s midfield.
Casemiro’s departure signals the close of a chapter for Erik ten Hag’s side, but the win solidified United’s hold on third place in the Premier League with 68 points, six clear of Aston Villa. Goals from Luke Shaw, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo secured the three points, though the occasion was overshadowed by the poignant goodbye to a fan favourite. The result ensures United will return to the Champions League next season, a crucial achievement after a rollercoaster campaign.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Aston Villa’s impressive 4-2 victory over Liverpool on Friday kept their own top-four hopes mathematically alive, but United’s win slammed the door shut. Newcastle United, with Sandro Tonali pulling the strings, eased past West Ham 3-1, deepening the Hammers’ relegation fears. West Ham remain 18th on 36 points, two behind Tottenham Hotspur, who face Chelsea on Monday in a pivotal clash. Leeds United edged Brighton, Sunderland triumphed at Everton, while Brentford and Crystal Palace shared four goals in a lively draw.
In Spain, Barcelona transformed the Camp Nou into a carnival as they celebrated their freshly sealed La Liga title with a 3-1 dismantling of Real Betis. Raphinha scored twice before João Cancelo added a third, sending the home crowd into raptures. The Blaugrana, already confirmed as champions, used the occasion to parade their dominance, further cementing a season built on fluid attacking football and defensive resilience.
Real Madrid, already resigned to second place, eked out a 1-0 win over Sevilla thanks to an early Vinícius Júnior strike. For Sevilla, the defeat carried no sting: results elsewhere mathematically guaranteed their survival with a game to spare. The Andalusians can breathe easier after a tense relegation battle, while Madrid shift focus toward rearranging their squad for the future.
Atlético Madrid kept pace in the chase for third, hammering Girona to move level on 69 points with Villarreal, who slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Rayo Vallecano courtesy of an Ademola Lookman goal. Athletic Bilbao drew 1-1 with Celta Vigo, Elche grabbed precious survival points against Getafe, and Levante delivered a blow to Mallorca’s safety hopes with a 2-0 win. The relegation dogfight intensified as Mallorca slipped into the drop zone.
Across the French border, Ligue 1 delivered high drama on the final day. Paris Saint-Germain, already crowned champions, suffered a humbling 2-1 derby defeat to Paris FC. Bradley Barcola had put PSG ahead, but Alimami Gory’s majestic double turned the tide, with the winner arriving deep in stoppage time. The defeat stings ahead of the Champions League final against an as-yet-unknown opponent in Budapest on 30 May, raising questions about the squad’s focus.
Lens produced the performance of the weekend, thrashing Lyon 4-0 to clinch second place and condemn Paulo Fonseca’s side to fourth spot. Lyon’s slip allowed Lille to sneak into third despite their own 2-0 home loss to Auxerre. Marseille overpowered Rennes 3-1 in the duel for fifth, while Monaco, with Paul Pogba in the ranks, lost a breathtaking 5-4 contest at Strasbourg, settling for seventh.
The relegation playoff spot went to Metz after a goalless stalemate with Nice, who themselves narrowly avoided the drop. Lorient fell to Le Havre, and Brest drew with Angers in a dead rubber. The chaotic final round underscored the fine margins across Ligue 1, from the summit to the basement.
As Europe’s domestic seasons wind down, the weekend’s action provided closure, celebration, and a few jolts. Casemiro’s tears at Old Trafford, Barcelona’s champagne moment, and PSG’s improbable loss each told a story of an ending or a new beginning. With major trophies and Champions League spots still on the line, the final week promises more twists.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
