By Tim Stannard

1) Pep regrets another Champions League choke in last battle at Bayern

It’s possible that any on-the-pitch celebrations from the Real Madrid footballers should they prevail against Manchester City could be a little muted. It’s not that the opportunity to win the Champions League once again is not to be celebrated, it’s that waiting for the Santiago Bernabeu side in San Siro will be an all too familiar foe: Atletico Madrid, a snarling team looking for revenge from a soul-shattering final defeat two years ago.

That’s because it was the mighty Rojiblancos who won through in the Allianz Arena on away goals, to counteract a 2-1 defeat and leave Pep Guardiola all with the regrets over his three-year tenure at the Allianz Arena. which ended in a failure to not only win the Champions League but even reach a final. "I have given my life for this team, I fought and gave my best," sighed the new Manchester City boss.

Diego Simeone continues to give every ounce of energy to his team – and whacking his own staff - as Atletico Madrid continue to hack their way through the vines of the big-hitters of the European game with their footballing machete. However, their soccer stylings are still being criticized by evangelical purists who want games to be awarded to teams with most possession and shots on target, rather than most goals. "This Champions League has been spectacular and very difficult," acknowledged Simeone, but the fans have certainly been having a blast over the past month. Tune into the XTRA from 10PM tonight for the latest on the day after the night before from the streets of Madrid.

2)  Second Champions League on knife-edge as Real Madrid look for another giant derby day

Now, it’s over to Real Madrid to try and complete their side of the bargain for those who crave a Madrid derby for the final. And to be fair, there will be an awful lot out there in football-land wanting anything but that and rooting for Manchester City, almost as a reward for the very lovely Manuel Pellegrini before Champions League-choker Pep Guardiola takes over.

Both sides are going into the game in weakened states with Real Madrid without Karim Benzema and Casemiro and Manchester City suffering the loss of David Silva. Throw the chaos of the away goal into the mix and it could be a third night of breathless football action in a row. Tune into the XTRA at 10PM for the highlights and best analysis.

3) Ranieri says that miracle repeat can never happen as Burnley supporters look to prove him wrong

Two days later and Leicester City are still dominating the sports news, such has been the anesthetic administered to the football fans of the world that only the richest can ever win. However, Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has warned that despite the achievements of his team this season, football is unlikely to change anytime soon. “Next season will be the same and for the next 10 or 20 years, it will be the same,” says the elated Italian.

Despite this gloomy forecast, fans of newly-promoted Burnley have been so encouraged by Leicester City’s performance in the EPL this year, that they have been starting to lay bets on the club winning next year’s title, in their return to the English top flight. The odds are currently 1000-1 with bookmakers being a little more restrained this time around.

2006 World Cup winner Luca Toni has announced that his current campaign with relegated Hellas Verona will be the player’s final season as a professional at the age of 38. Indeed, the striker says that his retirement is more than imminent. “The game against Juventus at the Bentegodi will be my last game,” admitted the forward who has netted 323 career goals for club and country. You can wave goodbye to Luca on Sunday live on beIN SPORTS from 2.40PM ET.

4) Tampa Bay Rowdies set to sign former Chelsea and England star

The NASL is set to have its own mini Galactico in the form or former Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham playmaker Joe Cole. Tony Mowbray, the manager of Cole’s current side Coventry City, has said that the footballer is set to join the Tampa Bay Rowdies. As a special midweek treat, there is more NASL action live on beIN SPORTS today with Jacksonville Armada taking on Edmonton at 6.30PM ET.

In more US-soccer related news. Sort of. Dunga, who likes to make decisions very early indeed, is set to announce his 23-man squad for the Made-Up Copa America this summer. Neymar will not be included as the Brazilian is set to be sent off and suspended for the Olympic Games instead.

5) Cyclists gear up for giant Giro start

The 99th edition of the Giro d’Italia is just two days away, the roughest, toughest cycling event in the world. And it is all live on beIN SPORTS starting on Friday from 8.25AM ET. The race is set to be a big clash between Vincenzo Nibale and Alejandro Valverde, who is racing the event for the first time. Catch the XTRA from 10PM for the latest news on this amazing race.

The Diamond League is almost upon us as well…make sure you tune in to Thursday’s XTRA for an exclusive chat with all round Captain America, Christian Taylor, Olympic and World Triple-Jump Champion. The first meet gets off the starting blocks on Friday from 11.55PM ET, live on beIN SPORTS.