Semi-final coverage: scores, controversies and match takeaways

Semi-finals are the moments fans live for — the pressure ramps up, mistakes are punished, and heroes emerge. On this tag page you'll find quick match reports, referee debates, tactical notes and betting angles from recent semis across football, rugby, tennis and other big events. Want the score, the talking point, or a short read that tells you what actually mattered? You’re in the right place.

Recent semi-final matches to watch

We cover big-name semis and surprise showdowns. For example, the Arsenal vs PSG Champions League semi-final raised questions about refereeing after key fouls and a controversial non-red card that shifted the tie. Over at Wembley, Crystal Palace reached the FA Cup final after a dominant semi-final win, with Ismaila Sarr and Eberechi Eze doing the damage. In rugby, Pieter-Steph du Toit’s performances in late-stage matches helped clinch awards and shaped his team’s route to the final. That mix — drama, referee calls, standout players — is exactly what this tag collects.

We also track international club events. Inter Milan and River Plate clashed in a high-stakes tournament game that felt like a semi-final in importance, while Club World Cup ties and knockout matches often carry the same intensity. If a match smells like a semi-final, you’ll see it here: stats, tactical notes, and what the result means next.

How we report semi-finals

Short reads first. You get the score, the key moments and one clear takeaway in the opening lines. Then we give context: why a referee decision matters, how a coach’s change shaped the match, or which player could carry that form into the final. Expect clean stats — goals, cards, turning points — and a quick look at what the win or loss means for the next game.

We don’t bury you in jargon. Want deeper analysis? Click into the full post for tactical breakdowns, player ratings and quotes from managers. Looking for betting or prediction angles? Our model-driven previews and trend notes highlight where value might be, like totals or spread tendencies in tight playoff series.

Use this tag to catch up fast. Bookmark it before big semi-final weekends: you’ll find match previews, live reactions, post-game analysis and features on the people who made the difference. If a controversial call, a late winner, or a breakout performance decides a tie, you’ll read why it mattered here first.

Have a tip or want a match covered live? Send us the match name and what you want us to focus on — tactical shifts, referee calls, or standout players — and we’ll prioritize it. Semi-finals are where stories are written. We’ll bring you the lines that matter, without the fluff.