The Pulse

The seventeenth week of 2025 brought a lot of things you definitely shouldn't miss. The Bundesliga title is decided, the Champions League knows its finalists and the transfer window is slowly approaching. Here are the 5 most important things you shouldn't miss. 

• Inter Milan made history with qualified for the Champions League for the first time
• Meet The Northern Super League. Canada starts its first professional women's football league
• Bayern become Bundesliga champions for the seventh time
• We already know the finalists of the Champions League
• Which clubs will participate in the new competition called World Sevens Football?

On Sunday 27 April, the two final rounds of the Champions League semi-finals were played to decide the finalists.

The first match of the day was played at Chelsea's home ground who were looking to avenge their 4-1 defeat to Barcelona last week. The Blues unfortunately had a bad start to the game, as Aitana Bonmati opened the scoring in the 25th minute, with Ewa Pajor and Claudia Pina adding to the tally before the end of the half.

Chelsea were not helped by the home ground or the change of sides. Salma Paralluelo added to the score at the end of regulation time. In injury time Wieke Kaptei reduced the deficit, but it didn't help Chelsea. Even the purchase of spring signings did not guarantee them the dream Champions League final and they will say goodbye in the semi-finals. Barcelona will play the Champions League for the fifth time with an overall record of 8:2.

Arsenal did not enter the game in Lyon as favourites. They came away from the Emirates with a 2-1 defeat. But their hopes came alive in the opening minutes of the match when the Canaries got their blood pumping from a corner kick. After goals from Caldentey, Russo and Foord, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that Arsenal were heading to Lisbon. In the 81st minute, Dumornay reduced the deficit for the home team, but this did not threaten the London club's victory.

Arsenal managed to turn the game around in the second leg for the second time in a row and after 18 years they will play the Champions League final as the only English club so far.

The final between Barcelona and Arsenal will be played on 24 May in Lisbon. 

The FC Bayern Munich women's team won their seventh German Bundesliga title in the 2024/25 season. They began the season strongly, defeating Turbine Potsdam 2–0 on 30th August, with Swedish international Linda Sembrant scoring both goals. Shortly after, they secured the Supercup title with a 1–0 win over VfL Wolfsburg. Their impressive form continued with a 6–2 victory against RB Leipzig, marking their 41st consecutive unbeaten league match—a new club and league record. A notable comeback occurred against Bayer Leverkusen, where goals from Sarah Zadrazil, Georgia Stanway, and young rising star Alara Şehitler led to a 3–2 win, reclaiming the top spot in the league.

Despite a challenging period in November with two draws, the team regained momentum with a 1–0 win over Werder Bremen, thanks to a goal by Pernille Harder. A significant 4–0 away victory against Eintracht Frankfurt further solidified their lead. The championship was clinched with a 3–1 home win over SC Freiburg, featuring goals from Lea Schüller, Pernille Harder, and Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir. This triumph marked their third consecutive league title and the seventh in the club's history. The season also marked the end of Alexander Straus's tenure as head coach, as he departs for Angel City FC in the USA. The team now aims for their first-ever double, facing Werder Bremen in the DFB-Pokal final on May 1st.

Although the Bayern players are certainly disappointed to be eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals, they have had an amazing season. It is worth mentioning the amazing return of goalkeeper Mala Grohs, who is already catching again. In November, she announced the interruption of her career due to a tumour. 

Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp is making a strong comeback after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined her since November 2024. She underwent successful surgery and has been working closely with the club's medical team during her rehabilitation. Hemp's return is timely, as Manchester City faces a challenging period with several key players, including Mary Fowler and Vivianne Miedema, currently out due to injuries.

According to City’s interim boss, Nick Cushing, Hemp should be in the squad for match against Leicester City on 27th April. The 24 years old have been out since November so she missed out most of the Champions League matches.