Atletico hold on to keep advantage on Dortmund

Atletico hold on to keep advantage on Dortmund
Atletico Madrid's Argentine defender Nahuel Molina (L) fights for the ball with Dortmund's English midfielder Jadon Sancho during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in Madrid on April 10, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 11 April 2024
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Atletico hold on to keep advantage on Dortmund

Atletico hold on to keep advantage on Dortmund
  • Dortmund could not cope with the Rojiblancos’ high press and De Paul fired the hosts ahead after Ian Maatsen gave the ball away

MADRID: Atletico Madrid earned a 2-1 Champions League quarter-final first leg victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, surviving a late onslaught from the visitors.
Rodrigo De Paul and Samuel Lino’s first half goals gave Diego Simeone’s side a commanding lead but Sebastien Haller pulled one back to give the German side a foothold in the tie ahead of next week’s return in Dortmund.
Edin Terzic’s side, fifth in the Bundesliga, improved greatly after a slow start and hit the woodwork twice in the final stages of a match which saw security measures reinforced after the Islamic State (IS) group made threats against stadiums used for last-eight ties.
Atletico Madrid had flown out of the traps, keen to grasp a golden opportunity to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2017.
Dortmund could not cope with the Rojiblancos’ high press and De Paul fired the hosts ahead after Ian Maatsen gave the ball away.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel passed the ball to the on-loan Chelsea defender, who panicked under pressure and played a slack pass which De Paul gleefully intercepted.
The Argentina international finished calmly to amp up the already loud Metropolitano stadium crowd.
Atletico have not lost any of their home Champions League knock-out games during Simeone’s 12 years at the helm and continued to flood forward confidently.
Kobel clawed away a brilliant backheel flick by former Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel, a key part of Atletico’s back-line after his move in 2022.
The only negative note from a fine Atletico first half was a booking Lino earned, ruling him out for the second leg.
A few minutes later the Brazilian doubled his team’s lead after another Dortmund defensive mix-up.
Mats Hummels, on his 500th appearance for Dortmund, badly directed a header into Alvaro Morata’s path and he and Antoine Griezmann combined to feed Lino, who slid a low effort past Kobel.
Dortmund carved out their first opening after 35 minutes but Witsel dived in to deflect Karim Adeyemi’s shot on to the roof of Jan Oblak’s net.
The Slovenian goalkeeper kept out efforts from loanee Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho and Maatsen before the break.
Terzic brought on Julian Brandt for Felix Nmecha at half-time in search of more attacking spark.
Missing sick top goalscorer Donyell Malen the Bundesliga side struggled to find a way past Oblak, who saved from Niclas Fuellkrug early in a far tighter second half.
Kobel made a stunning save to deny Lino his second goal from point-blank range and Dortmund swiftly capitalized on it through substitute Haller.
Nahuel Molina made poor contact on a clearance and the ball fell to the towering striker who drove it beyond Oblak.
Despite the visitors finding a foothold in the game, Atletico held on by the skin of their teeth and Dortmund fell to their first away defeat in four months.
Hummels made up for his earlier error with a fine challenge to dispossess Angel Correa as he ran in on goal before Dortmund twice came close to an equalizer.
English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens’s long-range drive deflected off Cesar Azpilicueta’s head and hit the crossbar.
Brandt also nodded against the frame of the goal in stoppage time in a frantic finale.
Simeone was able to celebrate his 50th Champions League victory as a coach, becoming the ninth man to achieve the feat.
One neither Simeone or Atletico have yet achieved is conquering the Champions League, but this win is a shaky step toward the semifinals.


Bahrain shock Oman for Gulf Cup glory

Bahrain shock Oman for Gulf Cup glory
Updated 3 min 7 sec ago
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Bahrain shock Oman for Gulf Cup glory

Bahrain shock Oman for Gulf Cup glory
  • Win sparked wild celebrations among the Bahrain fans in the crowd of almost 60,000

KUWAIT CITY: Bahrain won the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup on Saturday, defeating Oman 2-1 in a dramatic final in Kuwait City.
With 12 minutes remaining Oman were ahead, but two goals in two minutes late in the game gave Bahrain — with Mohamed Marhoon making the difference — a second triumph in the regional competition, six years after lifting the trophy.
For a long time at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, however, it looked as if the prize was heading to Muscat for a third time.
It took Oman, who defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1 in the semifinal on Tuesday, just 17 minutes to take the lead, and it came from a corner.
Ali Al-Busaidi swung over a cross, and there was Abdulrahman Al-Mushaifri to find a little space at the edge of the 6-yard box to head home in emphatic fashion.
Both teams continued to have chances, and it was always going to be the case that the next goal would be crucial.
It went to Bahrain, who leveled after 79 minutes. Marhoon was brought down in the area by Jameel Al-Yahmadi, and the hero of the semifinal win over Kuwait dusted himself down to fire home from the spot.
Just moments later and Bahrain were ahead thanks to more great work from the goal-scorer. Marhoon advanced to the left byline once more, and looked to pull back for waiting teammates in the area.
Instead, however, the ball was diverted into his own net by Mohamed Al-Musalami to spark wild celebrations among the Bahrain fans in the crowd of almost 60,000.
Oman did their utmost to get back on level terms, but Bahrain held on for the next 10 minutes of regular time and the 15 added on at the end, to start the new year in the happiest of fashions.


Erling Haaland doubles up in Manchester City stroll as Spurs fume

Erling Haaland doubles up in Manchester City stroll as Spurs fume
Updated 23 min 19 sec ago
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Erling Haaland doubles up in Manchester City stroll as Spurs fume

Erling Haaland doubles up in Manchester City stroll as Spurs fume
  • Defending champions City beat Leicester last week for just their second win in 14 games
  • Spurs have slumped to 12th in the table after five defeats in seven matches

LONDON: Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City pummelled West Ham 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday while in-form Newcastle inflicted another painful defeat on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Tottenham.
Chelsea’s recent woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, meaning they have taken just two points from four games over the festive period.
Defending champions City beat Leicester last week for just their second win in 14 games but they have now won successive matches for the first time since October and Pep Guardiola will hope they have turned the corner.
The home side took the lead in the 10th minute when West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal deflected City winger Savinho’s cross past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
City tightened their grip three minutes before the break when Haaland headed home at the back post from Savinho’s deep cross.
The Norwegian claimed his second 10 minutes after the interval, dinking the ball over Areola after a fine pass from Savinho, to take his league haul to 16 goals, one behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Phil Foden made it 4-0 before Niclas Fuellkrug grabbed a consolation for Julen Lopetegui’s men, who suffered a 5-0 mauling by Premier League leaders Liverpool last week.
Despite their shocking run of results, sixth-placed City are just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
But Guardiola said his team were still not back in the groove.
“We have struggled with results recently but the last two victories are good and we did not lose for three,” he told the BBC.
“I would say a month and half (of poor form) compared with eight years is not bad.”
In the early kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Newcastle came from behind to clinch a fifth straight Premier League win and heap more misery on injury-hit Spurs.
The home side went ahead in the fourth minute through Dominic Solanke.
Newcastle levelled two minutes later when Antony Gordon arrowed an effort into the bottom corner but Postecoglou stood in disbelief on the touchline looking at referee Andrew Madley after Joelinton intercepted Lucas Bergvall’s pass with his hand in the build-up.
VAR deemed Joelinton’s arm to be in a natural position and the contact to be accidental, which provoked a furious reaction from Tottenham’s bench and they were up in arms midway through the first half when the already-booked Dan Burn avoided a second yellow card for handball by the center circle.
In-form Alexander Isak scored what turned out to be the winner toward the end of the first period.
The 2-1 victory, watched by new England manager Thomas Tuchel, leaves Newcastle in fifth spot, which may yet prove enough to secure a place in the Champions League next season
But Spurs have slumped to 12th in the table after five defeats in seven matches.
Postecoglou said he was proud of his players but was the “angriest I think I have ever been in my career.”
“I think it’s clear,” said the Australian. “Now whether people agree with me or not whether it wasn’t handball or it was accidental, I’m just not interested in any of that discussion.
“I know what everyone wants me to say, but all I’ll say is that on any other day, on a fair and even playing ground, we would have won that game. Simple as that.”
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea were breathing down Liverpool’s necks just two weeks ago but are now nine points behind the Reds, having played two games more.
The Italian, who has always insisted his team are not in the title race, made six changes for the match at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea took the lead when Jadon Sancho drove down the left and found Cole Palmer, who calmly finished in the corner.
The visitors enjoyed the bulk of possession but they could not capitalize and Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled in the 82nd minute.
Aston Villa beat relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 at home, with goals from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey.
Brentford recorded their first league win on the road, smashing bottom side Southampton 5-0, and Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0.
Second-placed Arsenal are in action at Brighton in the 1730 GMT kick-off while Liverpool host crisis-hit Manchester United on Sunday.


‘I love that team’: Arab fans turn out in force to cheer on AC Milan and Juventus in Riyadh

‘I love that team’: Arab fans turn out in force to cheer on AC Milan and Juventus in Riyadh
Updated 04 January 2025
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‘I love that team’: Arab fans turn out in force to cheer on AC Milan and Juventus in Riyadh

‘I love that team’: Arab fans turn out in force to cheer on AC Milan and Juventus in Riyadh
  • A 2-1 win saw Milan reach EA Sports FC Italian Supercup final where they will meet Inter on Monday

RIYADH: AC Milan fans from across the region were celebrating a famous win over Juventus as their team bounced back from a goal deficit to claim a 2-1 victory in the EA Sports FC Italian Supercup semifinal at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.

The match was watched by a large contingent of local Saudi supporters and many others who had traveled from across the Gulf to cheer on the two Italian giants.

Milan striker Tammy Abraham, who had a big impact after coming on for the last half-hour, thanked supporters for inspiring the players in their comeback win, describing Saudi Arabia as “a beautiful country.”

AC Milan supporter Alhasan Alghanim, from Saudi Arabia, said: “I’m here today supporting my team in the semifinals. Hopefully, on Monday we will win against Inter.”

Issa Tayei, from Qatar, told Arab News that he traveled to the Kingdom for the first time to attend the Supercup and support his favorite team, Juventus.

Assim Abu Ibrahim attended the event to support his son, who is a part of the Juve Academy, but is a devoted Milan fan.

“I am a big supporter of AC Milan, controversially. Since I was a child, I loved that team, and I am still committed to them. I love football,” he said.

The 37th edition of the Supercup began on Thursday with Inter Milan beating Atalanta 2-0.

The event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life program and the country’s plan to continue hosting major global sporting events.

The Ministry of Sports organized the event, which is being hosted by the Kingdom for the fifth time, as part of its commitment to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.


‘Beautiful Saudi Arabia’: Tammy Abraham thanks local fans for inspiring Milan semifinal win over Juventus

‘Beautiful Saudi Arabia’: Tammy Abraham thanks local fans for inspiring Milan semifinal win over Juventus
Updated 04 January 2025
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‘Beautiful Saudi Arabia’: Tammy Abraham thanks local fans for inspiring Milan semifinal win over Juventus

‘Beautiful Saudi Arabia’: Tammy Abraham thanks local fans for inspiring Milan semifinal win over Juventus
  • AC Milan scored twice in the final 20 minutes to beat Juve 2-1 in the EA Sports FC Italian Supercup in Riyadh; face city rivals Inter in Monday’s final at Al-Awwal Park
  • ‘It was a beautiful atmosphere in a beautiful country. We’re so happy to be here and we can hear the fans singing the whole game’ – Tammy Abraham, AC Milan

RIYADH: Tammy Abraham thanked the fans at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh for inspiring AC Milan to the EA Sports FC Italian Supercup final with a comeback 2-1 win over Juventus, as he called Saudi Arabia “a beautiful country.”

England striker Abraham made a big impact with his forward play after coming on for the last half hour to help AC Milan overturn a 1-0 deficit and seal a spot versus city rivals Inter in Monday night’s final.

Juventus had taken the lead in the 21st minute when Kenan Yildiz thudded high past AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan at his near post after being played through by Samuel Mbangula.

The match turned on its head, however, in the final 20 minutes. Firstly, Christian Pulisic blasted home from the penalty spot, then AC Milan substitute Yunus Musah’s low cross from the right took a wicked deflection off Federico Gatti and spun into the far corner of the net.

The turnaround was first inspired and then greeted with raptures by the AC Milan fans packed into the 25,000 capacity Riyadh stadium on Friday night — and Abraham was very grateful.

Abraham said: “Thank to you everyone who came to watch the game and supported us today. It was a beautiful atmosphere in a beautiful country, a beautiful support. We’re so happy to be here and we can hear the fans singing the whole game. We’re so thankful for them supporting us.

“It’s my first time in this beautiful country and I’m so happy to be here. I knew how beautiful it was before I arrived but coming here you see more and I feel we’re very privileged to host this tournament in this country and the support, like I said, has been amazing. See you all in the final on Monday!”

Abraham’s contribution from the substitutes’ bench delighted Sergio Conceicao in his debut as AC Milan manager. The Portuguese, who took over from compatriot Paulo Fonseca, now has the opportunity to win a trophy in just his second match in charge.

Conceicao said: “We did many mistakes in the first half, but we changed the game in the second half. We need to be brave and believe in what we do. We changed strategy and that was a good one. I noticed strong teamwork, the players united, and I’m happy about that.”

Conceicao was denied the opportunity of playing against son Francisco, the Juventus winger. Juventus manager Thiago Motta said that during the warm-up the No. 7 sustained “a little muscular issue, and he couldn’t play.”

The Juve wideman was instead replaced by Yildiz who, as well as his goal, tested Maignan with a fizzing drive in the first half from outside of the box that was palmed away by the French keeper.

AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez passed up a gilt-edged chance in the 55th minute when he spooned wide after a ricochet from a corner.

After Pulisic and the own-goal put AC Milan in front, however, the Rossoneri could have extended their lead when Michele Di Gregorio superbly saved the American’s dink following excellent work from Tammy Abraham.

The last kick of the match saw Gatti’s close-range shot deflected wide to leave Juventus defeated and AC Milan delighted.

Juventus manager Motta added: “We did a great first half, we took control and scored. In the second half we were able to close the game, but some mistakes were crucial. We need to work every day in order to improve. I truly believe that we have the abilities to perform better. Right away in a defeat, it is hard to find something positive. We will analyze the whole performance and we will do our best to improve.”

The EA Sports FC Supercup is being staged in Saudi Arabia for the fifth time. AC Milan entered the competition as runners-up of last season’s Serie A, while Juventus were included as Coppa Italia winners. Serie A champions Inter Milan, the current Supercup holders and going for three trophies in a row in Riyadh, won Serie A, while Atalanta, who Inter beat 2-0 on Thursday, lost to Juve in May’s Coppa Italia final.


Bellingham’s late goal gives 10-man Real Madrid comeback win at Valencia

Bellingham’s late goal gives 10-man Real Madrid comeback win at Valencia
Updated 04 January 2025
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Bellingham’s late goal gives 10-man Real Madrid comeback win at Valencia

Bellingham’s late goal gives 10-man Real Madrid comeback win at Valencia
  • Luka Modric’s 85th minute equalizer and Bellingham’s stoppage time winner ensured that Madrid avoided back-to-back defeats for the first time since 2019
  • Fourth-tier club Pontevedra dispatched high-flying La Liga side Mallorca 3-0 to move into the last 16 of the Copa del Rey

MADRID: Jude Bellingham missed a penalty but scored a late winner and Vinicius Jr. was sent off as 10-man Real Madrid fought back in the most dramatic of fashions to beat Valencia 2-1 and return to the top of La Liga on Friday.

Luka Modric’s 85th minute equalizer and Bellingham’s stoppage time winner ensured that Madrid avoided back-to-back defeats in La Liga for the first time since 2019.

The win took it to 43 points, two above city rivals Atletico, albeit having played a game more.

The match at the Mestalla pitted second from bottom against second from top and it was the struggling home side which took the lead after 27 minutes. Hugo Duro stabbed the ball into the empty net after it came back off the post.

Madrid came into the game more in the second half but it looked like it would be a frustrating night for the capital club.

Kylian Mbappe won a penalty after 55 minutes but Bellingham’s shot hit the post and moments later the Frenchman himself saw a goal disallowed after a video review.

Things got worse for Real with 11 minutes remaining when Vinicius pushed goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski and the referee, after a long video review, showed the Brazilian a red card.

However, Real are never out of it and Carlo Ancelotti’s late changes turned the game around.

Modric came on in the 80th and it took the 39-year-old Croatian just five minutes to make his mark, dancing through a sea of defenders and poking home the equalizer.

Even with a man less there was a sense of inevitability as Real pushed for a winner, and five minutes into added time Bellingham made up for his earlier miss.

Valencia defender Hugo Guillamon seemed to slip and lay the ball into the path of the advancing Englishman, who made no mistake with only the keeper to beat.

Even then the drama was not over. Valencia deserved to take something from the match and Luis Roja almost got an equalizer with the last kick of the game. He watched in agony as his long-range shot came back off the post.

Valencia stayed second from bottom.

Pontevedra slay another giant in Copa

Earlier, fourth-tier club Pontevedra dispatched high-flying La Liga side Mallorca 3-0 to move into the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.

Dalisson de Almeida scored from almost 40 yards to make it 1-0 after 21 minutes, Yelko Pino doubled the lead with a cracking volley four minutes into the second half, and then Rufo rounded off the perfect night with 18 minutes left after a shocking defensive lapse.

The Galician side knocked out Villarreal in the last round.

In the night’s other games, top-tier clubs Rayo Vallecano and Getafe progressed.

Getafe needed extra time to beat second-division Granada in southern Spain. After a goalless match, Borja Mayoral got the only goal in the 93rd minute to put the visitor through.

Rayo Vallecano made swift work of second-tier Racing Ferrol. Alfonso Espino and Jorge de Frutos put the visitors 2-0 up before halftime and Frutos grabbed a third on the hour mark.

Alvaro Gimenez scored a late consolation for the home side.