Learn English Through Football

Most of the European leagues have now finished but this weekend sees seven major  cup finals taking place all over the continent. On this week’s listening report we preview all seven matches and even offer a prediction or two!  Listen to the report by clicking below, while explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) can be found at the bottom of the post.

FA Cup: Manchester United – Crystal Palace
This is a repeat of the 1990 final when Manchester United won in a replay after a 3-3 draw in the first game. This time round they start as favourites to defeat a side that has never won a major trophy though in the season that Leicester City won their first ever league title nothing can be ruled out. Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew played in that 1990 final and he will be out for some form of revenge this time round though under-pressure United manager Louis Van Gaal will be hoping to win his first piece of silverware in English football. It should be an interesting occasion at Wembley.
Prediction: It has to be Manchester United


Copa del Rey: Sevilla – Barcelona
Now, Barcelona have already won the Spanish league title and so they start as clear favourites to win their 28th Copa del Rey title that’s going to take place in Madrid this weekend. Their opponents Sevilla are fresh from winning their third Europa League title in a row earlier in the week so both sides will be vying for a double. Barca should be too strong for the Andalucian club but Sevilla know how to win a cup final. It will be closer than many people think.
Prediction: Barcelona
German Pokal Final: Borussia Dortmund – Bayern Munich
The top two in Germany face off in the cup final this weekend in Berlin with most people tipping Guardiola’s side to complete the domestic double. These sides have met more than any other in a German final (4 times) and Dortmund will be hoping to win their first German cup since 2012. Interestingly, their captain Matts Hummells has just signed for Bayern so this will be his last match. Will it be a winning send off for him or indeed for the departing Bayern manager Guardiola?
Prediction: A surprise in store for Guardiola? Dortmund to sneak it.


Coppa Italia: AC Milan – Juventus
Another side trying to win a domestic double is Juventus – in fact they would become the first Italian side to win the ‘double double’ having won it last year as well –  as they take on AC Milan in the final of the Italian Cup in Rome. Juventus should be too strong for Milan but their rivals have found some sort of form towards the end of the season though I am not sure that they can spring a surprise.
Prediction: Comfortable victory for Juventus
Coupe de France Final: Marseille – Paris Saint-Germain