The Sport Matrix: Thursday 1 May 2014

Atletico stun Blues to book final place

Atletico Madrid will play rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final, after Diego Simeone’s side beat Chelsea 3-1 last night following the goalless first leg. Fernando Torres put Chelsea 1-0 up but Adrian Lopez, Diego Costa and Arda Turan struck for Atletico. MORE

Van Gaal set to join United next week

Louis van Gaal anticipates being appointed Manchester United manager by the start of next week, and there is a determination to ensure that Ryan Giggs will be a key, senior part of the new back-room team. Van Gaal wants to bring in up to five of his own staff.

Townsend ruled out, Walker at risk

England manager Roy Hodgson fears Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker is likely to miss the World Cup finals along with his team-mate Andros Townsend. Walker has a pelvic injury, while Spurs say that Townsend needs surgery on his ankle and will miss the tournament. MORE

Ben Arfa: I feel sad and frustrated

Hatem Ben Arfa has spoken of his sadness at Newcastle’s poor form. “I feel sad and frustrated, but not angry,” says Ben Arfa, who has become an outcast under Alan Pardew and spent last week training with the reserves. “I want to help my team and I can’t. It hurts a lot.”

Bale wary of Real’s quest for 10th cup

Gareth Bale is fully aware of the pressure for Real Madrid to win their 10th European Cup next month. The Welshman said: “There has always been a lot of expectation at Real Madrid but there is an enormous amount surrounding that.”

O’Sullivan amazed by ‘easy’ victory

Ronnie O’Sullivan admitted he was surprised by how comfortably he beat Shaun Murphy to reach the World Snooker Championship semi-finals. O’Sullivan prevailed 13-3 with a session to spare and said: “I didn’t expect to win it that easy.” MORE

Rogers inspires record chase of 472

Middlesex completed the highest successful run chase in a County Championship match at Lord’s when they scored 472 to beat Yorkshire by seven wickets yesterday, with Australia’s Test opener Chris Rogers finishing unbeaten on 241.

Garvey’s injury a blow for Bath

Bath’s hopes of winning honours have been dampened by the prospect of Matt Garvey being sidelined for the rest of the campaign. Garvey, who has been an integral member of their back-row, picked up an ankle injury in Sunday’s win at Wasps.

The life of Senna

Ayrton Senna could be ruthless on the track but the Brazilian champion was also renowned for his compassion and social conscience, as David Tremayne recalls 20 years after his death. MORE