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- GAME-DAY GRIND: May 20, 2025
GAME-DAY GRIND: May 20, 2025
History Makers & Champion
Tom Hillary
May 19, 2025
In partnership with
👋 Hey there, coffee crew,
It might not be Friday, but the grind doesn’t stop — Happy Tuesday!
Due to other commitments we had to put a pause on the usual Friday newsletter but like all good footie managers we’ve decided to use this to our advantage and as a bit of an experiment.
Writing this newsletter on a Monday evening has allowed us to provide you with a bit more of a retrospective view. Do you prefer this version or the usual Friday editions? Please let us know by responding to this email with “New” to vote for more newsletters like this one or “Friday” to vote for the old faithful.
In today's edition: Crystal Palace end 119 years of hurt, Del Toro makes Mexican history, the perfect caffeine accompaniment to the Europa League Final and Redbull’s Italian resurgence.
Grab yourself a brew and let’s brew it.
P.S. 1440 are sponsoring this newsletter for another week in a row! Please help us out by clicking on the advert below to learn a bit more about what 1440’s all about. Every click helps generate revenue which we can use to turn into prizes for the winners of the Extra Shot: Your Weekly Dose of Trivia.
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Table of Contents
1. The Perfect Pour
The Midnight Press
☕ Espresso Affogato with a Match Night Kick
Why it fits the Europa League Final:
⚽ It’s United vs Spurs under the lights – a late-night final, a shot of intensity, and just a touch of indulgence.
🧊 The affogato (espresso over ice cream) reflects the clash: hot vs cold, bold vs smooth - just like the contrasting styles of Amorim's United and Ange’s Spurs.
🍦A classic dessert-coffee hybrid, perfect for a European final.
🕤 Ideal to serve just before kick-off, half-time or lets face it after 90 mins so that we can stay alert for extra-time and penalties
🍨 Recipe: “The Midnight Press” Espresso Affogato
Ingredients:
1 scoop of vanilla gelato or good-quality ice cream
1 shot (30ml) of freshly brewed espresso
Optional: drizzle of dark chocolate syrup or a few crushed roasted hazelnuts
Optional extra: a splash of amaretto or Irish cream for a boozy twist
Instructions:
Add one scoop of ice cream to a small glass or dessert cup.
Brew a fresh espresso shot and immediately pour it over the ice cream.
Top with a drizzle of dark chocolate or garnish with nuts for crunch and contrast.
Serve with a spoon and a side of anticipation.
Why it works:
The espresso affogato is decisive, dramatic, and European. Just like a final.
2. 🔥☕ Espresso Express – A quick, bold shot of sports headlines, served hot and fast!
⚽ David Slays Goliath: Crystal Palace Vs Man City - FA Cup Final
Crystal Palace has SHOCKED the football world with a stunning FA Cup Final upset, ending their 119-year trophy drought in spectacular fashion at Wembley Stadium!
The numbers:
1-0 (Palace's victory margin thanks to Eze's 16th-minute volley)
1 penalty save (Henderson's CRUCIAL stop against Marmoush)
5-2-3 (Glasner's tactical formation that frustrated City)
2016-17 (The last time Man City finished a season without silverware)
Why it matters: This represents the biggest FA Cup Final upset in YEARS and ends Palace's agonizing 119-year wait for a major trophy, cementing their place in football history.
The big picture: Eberechi Eze and Dean Henderson were COLOSSAL for Palace, while City's attacking superstars were completely neutralized by Glasner's defensive masterclass.
Between the lines: The Eagles don't just get the trophy - they've secured European football for the first time in club history with a spot in next season's Europa League, potentially transforming the club's future for years to come!
🏉 Comeback Kings March On: Northampton Saints Vs Saracens
Northampton Saints pulled off an INCREDIBLE comeback in the Gallagher Premiership, setting themselves up perfectly for European glory next weekend!
The numbers:
17 points (The deficit Saints erased in their stunning comeback)
28-24 (Final score as Northampton shocked Saracens)
24 years (Time since Saints last won a European title in 2000)
May 24th (Date of the upcoming Champions Cup final vs. Bordeaux)
Why it matters: This victory not only damages Saracens' playoff hopes but provides MASSIVE momentum for Saints heading into their biggest European match in decades.
The big picture: Fin Smith and Tommy Freeman were SENSATIONAL for Northampton, while Tarek Haffar's controversial second try - despite questions about forward passes - proved decisive.
Between the lines: All eyes now turn to Cardiff's Principality Stadium, where the Saints will battle Bordeaux Bègles for continental glory and a chance to lift their first European trophy since 2000!
🏏 Virat Kohli: The King Abdicates the Test Throne
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has called time on his illustrious Test career, sending SHOCKWAVES through the cricket world!
The numbers:
14 years (Kohli's remarkable tenure in Test cricket)
68 Tests (Number of matches Kohli captained India)
40 victories (Wins under Kohli's leadership)
2 legends (Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from Tests)
Why it matters: Kohli's departure signals the END OF AN ERA for Indian cricket, creating a massive leadership and batting void that will be nearly impossible to fill.
The big picture: The announcement on May 13th came as a BOMBSHELL, following fellow superstar Rohit Sharma's recent Test retirement and leaving Indian cricket at a critical crossroads.
Between the lines: With both Kohli and Sharma stepping away, Indian cricket now faces its biggest transition period in DECADES, with questions about who will step up to lead the next generation on the Test stage!
🏎️ Verstappen Wins at Imola: Redbull Restarts F1 Charge
Max Verstappen stormed to victory at Imola in what might be Formula 1's final dance at the legendary Italian circuit!
The numbers:
1 perfect start (Verstappen's race-winning overtake at Turn 1)
22 points (Championship gap now between Verstappen and leader Piastri)
2 wins (Verstappen's season victory count after Imola)
May 25 (Date of the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix)
Why it matters: This win REIGNITES the championship battle as Red Bull's upgrades finally deliver, potentially shifting momentum away from McLaren's early-season dominance.
The big picture: The McLaren duo of Norris and Piastri completed the podium, but it was Verstappen's MASTERCLASS from the opening corner that stole the show on what may be F1's final visit to the historic Imola circuit.
Between the lines: All eyes now turn to Monaco, where qualifying on May 24 will likely determine the race outcome given the street circuit's notorious reputation for limited overtaking opportunities. Can Max continue his comeback, or will McLaren reassert their advantage?
⛳ Scheffler Wins at Quail Hollow: The World’s Best Gets Better
Scottie Scheffler continues his RIDICULOUS 2025 campaign, claiming the PGA Championship with a display of pure dominance!
The numbers:
5 strokes (Scheffler's commanding victory margin)
11-under par (His tournament-winning total score)
$3.42 million (Record-breaking winner's check)
3 majors (Scheffler's career major count now)
Why it matters: The world #1 is now HALFWAY to a career Grand Slam, with only the U.S. Open and The Open Championship missing from his trophy cabinet.
The big picture: Despite early challenges and a brief tie with Jon Rahm, Scheffler DOMINATED the back nine at Quail Hollow Club, leaving Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English, and Davis Riley in his dust.
Between the lines: The celebration wasn't without humor - the Wanamaker Trophy lid hilariously detached during Scheffler's victory moment, with the champion attempting to fix it by tapping it on the ground. Just about the ONLY thing that didn't go perfectly in his masterful performance!
🚴 Del Toro at the Giro: Mexican Makes History in Pink
Isaac Del Toro has become the FIRST MEXICAN EVER to wear the coveted Maglia Rosa at the Giro d'Italia in a stunning breakthrough!
The numbers:
21 years old (Del Toro's age as he makes cycling history)
1:13 (His lead over teammate Juan Ayuso in the general classification)
1:57 (Former leader Primož Roglič's deficit after a disastrous Stage 9)
28.6 km (Length of the crucial upcoming time trial from Lucca to Pisa)
Why it matters: This represents a WATERSHED MOMENT for Mexican cycling, with the young UAE Team Emirates rider announcing himself as a legitimate Grand Tour contender.
The big picture: After finishing second to Wout van Aert on the gravel roads to Siena, Del Toro now leads a FASCINATING team dynamic, with injured teammate Ayuso (seven stitches in his knee!) still in contention for the overall victory.
Between the lines: All eyes will be on the UAE Team Emirates camp during the May 20th time trial, as the team must navigate the delicate balance between two potential winners - the rising Mexican star and the established Spanish talent. Will team orders come into play, or will we see an all-out civil war for pink?
3. 📅 What's Brewing – Upcoming Games to Watch
⚽️ Football: Premier League
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth
Tuesday, May 20, 8:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: Sky Sports Main Event; Sky Sports Premier League; Sky Go
📻 Listen on: talkSPORT
⚽ Football: Europa League Final
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United
Wednesday, May 20, 8:00 PM BST
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; TNT Sports Ultimate; discovery+
📻 Listen on: talkSPORT
🚴 Cycling: Giro d’Italia
All Stages of Giro d’Italia
Friday, May 9 to Sunday June 1
📺 Watch on: TNT Sports 1; TNT Sports Ultimate; discovery+
🏎️ Formula 1: Monaco Grand Prix
2025 Monaco Grand Prix
Friday, May 23:Practice 1: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Practice 2: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, May 24:
Practice 3: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Qualifying: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, May 25:
Race Start: 2:00 PM
📺 Watch on: Sky Sports F1; Sky Go
📻 Listen on: No broadcast information available
4. 🤔 Extra Shot: Your Weekly Dose of Sports Trivia
Championship Challenger
The 2024/25 Championship Play-Off Final between Sunderland and Sheffield United is scheduled to kick off at 3:01 pm on Saturday, May 24, at Wembley Stadium.
Question:
Why is the 2024/25 Championship Play-Off Final scheduled to kick off at 3:01 pm instead of the traditional 3:00 pm?
A) To commemorate the Football League's founding year
B) To allow for an extended national anthem performance
C) To highlight the importance of every minute in cardiac arrest situations
D) To synchronize with international broadcasting schedules
Respond to this email with your answers to be in with a chance of a shout out in next week’s edition.
Answers will be announced in next week’s newsletter!
Last week’s rugby badges quiz had a great response, but again not many joined the 100% club! An extra big shout out does have to go to M Hussein who was the first to submit all of the correct answers but has got almost every quiz correct since signing up! We take our hats off to you
Answers:
Fiji
Tonga
Japan
Scotland
Argentina
Namibia
USA
Jamaica (maybe this one was too hard!)
That's full-time on this week's brew! Got a juicy sports story we missed or a coffee blend we need to try? Don't be shy—hit reply and spill the beans!
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