Barca hit nine in Women’s Champions League, Bayern overcome Juve

Barca hit nine in Women’s Champions League, Bayern overcome Juve
Barcelona's Alexia Putellas celebrates after scoring her side's third goal during the women's Champions League group D soccer match between Barcelona and Hammarby at the Estadi Johan Cruyff in Barcelona, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. (AP)
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Updated 17 October 2024
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Barca hit nine in Women’s Champions League, Bayern overcome Juve

Barca hit nine in Women’s Champions League, Bayern overcome Juve

PARIS: Barcelona bounced back from an opening-day defeat to thrash Hammarby 9-0 in the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday, while Bayern Munich fought to a 2-0 win at Juventus.
Holders Barca routed their Swedish opponents in Catalonia, putting down a marker after slumping to a shock loss to Manchester City last week.
Goals by Caroline Graham Hansen, Claudia Pina and Alexia Putellas put the hosts in charge by half-time.
Mapi Leon added a fourth and Pina and Graham then doubled their tallies either side of an Ewa Pajor strike, before Esmee Brugts and Fridolina Rolfo completed the rout.
Graham opened the scoring after 10 minutes and Pina struck on 24 minutes, before Putellas was left free in the box to glance in Barca’s third just before the interval.
Leon headed in on 53 minutes as the second-half floodgates opened with four goals coming in the space of 22 minutes.
A 90th-minute penalty by Sweden’s Rolfo meant Barcelona equalled their 9-0 Champions League thumping of Benfica in 2022.
Man City came from behind to beat St. Poelten 3-2 in a topsy-turvy encounter in Vienna thanks to goals from Alanna Kennedy, Aoba Fujino and Mary Fowler.
Kennedy sent City 1-0 up on five minutes with a fierce drive from 35 yards that veered away from the goalkeeper’s lunge on its way into the net via the post.
The hosts struck back as City failed to deal with a corner and Melanie Brunnthaler pounced in the 40th minute.
The Austrians then took a surprise lead eight minutes after half-time when Kamila Dubcova volleyed into the top corner.
But Japanese forward Fujino opened her account for the visitors just four minutes later and then with 10 minutes remaining, Fowler rose highest to head the winner and send City top of Group D on six points.
Goals either side of the break from Linda Dallmann and Pernille Harder earned Bayern Munich a narrow win in north-eastern Italy.
With two wins from two, German champions Bayern sit top of Group C, three points clear of Arsenal in second spot.
“We have started very well, but the work is not done. We’ve played Arsenal and Juventus, two strong teams, but there’s still a long way to go,” said Bayern coach Alexander Straus.
Bayern broke Juventus resistance in the 18th minute when Dallmann managed to hack the ball over the goal-line from close range after it had ricocheted around the box following a corner.
In the second half, Juventus went forward in search of an equalizer with Bayern seeking to stifle the opposition and see out the match.
However, Juve’s defensive set-piece woes allowed the away team to seal victory in the 73rd minute as Harder fired in her fourth goal of the campaign from a corner.
Arsenal got their campaign back on track after losing to Bayern first time out as they beat Valerenga 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium, in their first match since the departure of coach Jonas Eidevall.
Emily Fox gave Arsenal the perfect start after barely 61 seconds when she swept home from inside the six-yard box.
The hosts doubled their lead on 29 minutes through Caitlin Foord, before Olaug Tvedten halved the deficit 10 minutes before half-time but Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo struck late to make safe Arsenal’s first win of the campaign.
On Thursday, Wolfsburg host Lyon in a clash of two multiple past winners of the tournament and English champions Chelsea travel to Twente.


‘More than a dream’ — how BASE jumpers filled Downtown Dubai skyline in aerial spectacle

‘More than a dream’ — how BASE jumpers filled Downtown Dubai skyline in aerial spectacle
Updated 6 sec ago
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‘More than a dream’ — how BASE jumpers filled Downtown Dubai skyline in aerial spectacle

‘More than a dream’ — how BASE jumpers filled Downtown Dubai skyline in aerial spectacle
  • ‘We’re not thrill seekers, we’re life seekers, looking to experience life to the full,’ says BASE jumper Katie Hansen

DUBAI: Rainy weather wasn’t the only reason Dubai residents and visitors were looking to the skies this week. Over two days, 31 BASE jumpers from 15 countries took over the Downtown Dubai skyline, completing 437 jumps from the 828-meter-high Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

The event — EXIT139 — was organized by action-sport brand XDubai in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Skydive Dubai, and Emaar, and held across two days this week.

According to XDubai, the activity built on the legacy of the first BASE jump from Burj Khalifa in 2014. This year’s event pushed new boundaries, bringing together 30 of the world’s best aerial athletes to complete what the brand described as a “dream jump.” Among them were three women: Cornelia Mihai, Katie Hansen, and Roberta Mancino.

For Mihai, a Romanian athlete and instructor at Skydive Dubai, being part of the event was “unbelievable” and “more than a dream.” A Dubai resident who first discovered the sport in 2006, Mihai initially sidelined BASE jumping to focus on skydiving, only rediscovering it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, she has completed over 300 jumps and says the sport has shaped her perspective on life:

“BASE jumping has taught me to trust myself, to trust my decisions and my reflexes, and to love life more than ever. Before a jump, I tell myself that I am very lucky and I love living and I love my life.”

For Katie Hansen, an American who started BASE jumping in 2003 and has since completed 1,350 jumps, participating in EXIT139 was a one-of-a-kind experience.

“It felt very special. I feel very privileged to be here,” she said. “This is one of the most beautiful buildings in addition to being one of the tallest exit points I have ever jumped. It’s a beautiful city with wonderful people, and I feel very, very fortunate to be a part of it.”

While many view BASE jumping as an adrenaline-fueled sport for extreme thrill seekers, the athletes themselves take a different perspective, both pragmatic and deeply philosophical.

“We’re not thrill seekers, we’re life seekers, looking to experience life to the full,” Hansen explained.

Mihai echoed this sentiment: “BASE jumping is not only for the crazy. It’s not for the crazy at all, actually. I think us BASE jumpers are actually quite responsible and trustworthy — more than a lot of people out there.”

To Mihai’s point, extensive planning was required not only from the athletes but also from the event organizers. A 12-meter platform was specially engineered as the launch pad for the jumps, extending six meters beyond the balcony of the 139th floor. According to organizers, safety was the top priority.

Beyond technical mastery, both organizers and athletes emphasized the individuality each jumper brings to the sport — making every leap uniquely their own.

Italian athlete Mancino, who started BASE jumping in 2009 and has completed more than 600 jumps, described her approach:

“Before a BASE jump, I tell myself to have fun, be relaxed, and enjoy the special moment,” she said. “I bring my own style just from what I have learned being myself and a girl.”

With EXIT139 behind them, inspiring awe among bystanders, many of whom shared the showcase on social media throughout the week, the athletes are reflective.

“I hope we’re gonna get the chance to do this all over again because it’s amazing. It’s hard to describe the past two days in words,” Mihai said.

“I wish people knew that BASE jumping is the most beautiful sport of flying,” said Mancino. “I mean, who gets to jump from such a building like the Burj Khalifa?”

Dawn Barnable is the founder and host of The Mettleset Podcast, a platform dedicated to women in sport from across the region.


Barcelona’s Flick upset by referee harassment

Barcelona’s Flick upset by referee harassment
Updated 46 min 17 sec ago
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Barcelona’s Flick upset by referee harassment

Barcelona’s Flick upset by referee harassment
  • “The referees at the moment, what they are doing here in Spain with them is unbelievable,” Flick told a news conference
  • “You have to think about the families of the referees, all of us make mistakes”

BARCELONA: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick showed his anger at the harassment of La Liga referees on Friday, after weeks of complaints from title rivals Real Madrid about Spanish arbitration.
Los Blancos sent a letter to the Spanish football federation complaining officiating in the country was “rigged” and referee Jose Munuera Montero faced abuse on social media this week after sending off Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
Champions Real Madrid have attacked Spanish referees consistently on their club television channel this season and coach Carlo Ancelotti said he prefers officiating in the Champions League.
“The referees at the moment, what they are doing here in Spain with them is unbelievable,” Flick told a news conference, bringing up the matter of his own accord.
“You have to think about the families of the referees, all of us make mistakes, and if it happened in a match I think it’s the responsibility of the coaches and the players to protect them.
“I don’t like that, we’re always using our energy to discuss (them)... we have to trust in them, and I think the federation has to show how strong they are.”
The Spanish football federation said Friday the slogan “Respect the referee, respect football” will be used ahead of matches this weekend.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was banned for two matches this week after showing dissent to referee Jose Munuera Montero during his team’s 1-1 draw at Osasuna last weekend.
Bellingham was sent off and Madrid’s appeal against his ban was rejected Friday, meaning he will not be available for Los Blancos on Sunday against Girona.
“Bellingham is an excellent player, one of the best in his position, and he’s not my player, so I don’t have anything to say about that,” continued Flick.
The former Bayern Munich coach said referees should be protected.
“We always look for excuses, if we lose it’s the referee’s fault... I say, everyone makes mistakes, I do too and maybe a referee...
“We have to protect the match because we cannot play without referees, so this is what we have to do.”
Barcelona pulled level on points with Real Madrid on Monday with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano but lead the lead on goal difference, ahead of their visit to Las Palmas on Saturday.
Madrid have been criticizing officials for months on their television channel but stepped up their complaints after Espanyol defender Carlos Romero was not sent off for fouling Kylian Mbappe when the sides met on February 1 in La Liga.


Haaland a doubt for Man City showdown with ‘exceptional’ Liverpool

Haaland a doubt for Man City showdown with ‘exceptional’ Liverpool
Updated 21 February 2025
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Haaland a doubt for Man City showdown with ‘exceptional’ Liverpool

Haaland a doubt for Man City showdown with ‘exceptional’ Liverpool
  • “Tomorrow we will know,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference
  • The January signing of Omar Marmoush at least means Guardiola does have a back-up option

MANCHESTER: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland remains a doubt for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Liverpool after sitting out his side’s Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
The Norwegian was named on the bench at the Santiago Bernabeu but did not make an appearance as City were outclassed in a 3-1 defeat on Wednesday to crash out 6-3 on aggregate.
“Tomorrow we will know,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
The January signing of Omar Marmoush at least means Guardiola does have a back-up option should Haaland fail to recover in time to face the league leaders, but Guardiola could not hide the importance of his 27-goal star striker.
“It’s better to have Erling on the pitch than not,” he added. “Of course with Erling we are stronger.”
The battle for supremacy between Guardiola’s City and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool marked an era in the Premier League.
But Arne Slot has seamlessly succeeded Klopp to have the Reds on course for the title in his first season in charge.
“For me it’s an exceptional team. I have said many times, they have been the biggest rival in my tenure here,” said Guardiola.
“Arsenal right now in the last years have been involved as well, but I could not expect differently that Liverpool (would) be in the position that they are.”
Liverpool hold an eight-point lead over Arsenal, who have a game in hand and are favorites to cut the gap to five when they host West Ham on Saturday.
After four consecutive title triumphs, City’s defense of their crown is realistically over as they are 17 points adrift of Liverpool in fourth.
Injuries have played a major role in City’s decline.
John Stones is set for another couple of months on the sidelines after limping off with a thigh tear early on against Madrid, while Rodri and Manuel Akanji may also not play again this season.
Guardiola pointed to a brutal schedule as the cause and pointed out that Arsenal, Real Madrid and Tottenham are among other clubs battling a number of serious muscle injuries this season.
City’s season could stretch into mid-July due to their participation in the Club World Cup, with the next Premier League season starting barely a month later.
Guardiola said he is already fearing a repeat situation next season that could hinder City’s hopes of bouncing back and competing for major honors.
“Of course, I’m concerned. So, next season, everybody will be fit? I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he added.
“We have already a lot of players that cannot sustain what we have in the past. Week in, week out, playing a dozen different competitions, travels. Without the problems.
“More than 50 games, it’s too much for the players. It’s too much for the human being, the body cannot sustain without a medical issue.
“And we arrived at 65, 70 games and, at the end, look what happened. It’s not just Man City. It’s all the clubs.”


Parker ready for ‘anyone’ as Dubois replacement is flown in to Saudi for heavyweight bout

Parker ready for ‘anyone’ as Dubois replacement is flown in to Saudi for heavyweight bout
Updated 21 February 2025
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Parker ready for ‘anyone’ as Dubois replacement is flown in to Saudi for heavyweight bout

Parker ready for ‘anyone’ as Dubois replacement is flown in to Saudi for heavyweight bout
  • Daniel Dubois facing a medical issue ahead of Saturday’s scheduled bout
  • Joseph Parker now expected to face Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole

RIYADH: Joseph Parker came to Saudi Arabia to try to win the IBF heavyweight title from Daniel Dubois.
Instead, Parker has turned his attention to Congolese heavyweight Martin Bakole following Dubois facing a medical issue ahead of Saturday’s scheduled bout. Bakole was called in to be a last-minute replacement.
“The show goes on. It’s not even just in boxing, but it’s in life,” the 33-year-old Parker told Sky Sports. “Things happen, you just have to adjust and adapt to the situation.”
Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, hadn’t confirmed the champion’s status ahead of Friday’s weigh-in but said Thursday night that Dubois was “being evaluated by a doctor.”
Even if there’s no shot at a world title Saturday, the winner of a Parker-Bakole bout would be in line to fight Oleksandr Usyk for the Ukrainian’s WBO belt. The WBO announced that the winner would become the mandatory challenger.
“I said it before, I’ll fight anyone and everyone, doesn’t matter who it is,” said Parker, a New Zealand native. “Thanks to Martin for putting up his hand. He’s a tough fighter. I look forward to that challenge.”
Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) is a former WBO champion. He won the belt in December 2016 when he beat Andy Ruiz and lost it to Anthony Joshua 15 months later.
Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) weighed over 280 pounds in his most-recent fight when he stopped Jared Anderson in the fifth round last August in Los Angeles.
The 27-year-old Dubois had been hoping to win and then take on Usyk later this year. He made his first title defense last September with a brutal fifth-round knockout of Joshua in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.
The London native had become the titleholder three months earlier when the IBF belt was vacated by Usyk.
Saturday’s main attraction is the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev became the undisputed light-heavyweight world champion after a contentious points decision over Bivol in October.


Champions League draw serves up a Madrid derby, Bayern vs. Leverkusen and Liverpool-PSG

Champions League draw serves up a Madrid derby, Bayern vs. Leverkusen and Liverpool-PSG
Updated 21 February 2025
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Champions League draw serves up a Madrid derby, Bayern vs. Leverkusen and Liverpool-PSG

Champions League draw serves up a Madrid derby, Bayern vs. Leverkusen and Liverpool-PSG
  • Alonso has never lost to Bayern in six games across three seasons, including three meetings this season
  • Liverpool and PSG have never met in knockout games in the Champions League or the old European Cup

NYON: A Madrid derby. A German classic. A rare meeting between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Champions League got more heavyweight clashes when the draw for the round of 16 was made Friday.
Defending champion Real Madrid’s reward for ousting 2023 title winner Manchester City is two city derbies against Atletico Madrid — the team they beat in the final in 2014 and 2016.
Bayern Munich were paired with Bayer Leverkusen — the Bundesliga leader against their defending champion, who played a tight 0-0 draw just last weekend. Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has never lost to Bayern in six games across three seasons, including three meetings this season.
Liverpool were the top-seeded team in the draw after finishing first in the 36-team standings last month but still got a tough assignment as the Premier League leader were paired with No. 15 seed PSG.


Liverpool and PSG have never met in knockout games in the Champions League or the old European Cup. Their previous meetings were in the group stage in 2018-19, trading home wins in a season that ended with Liverpool winning their sixth European Cup title.
The first-leg games will be played March 4-5, with the return games one week later.
Also in the draw, No. 2 seed Barcelona were paired with Benfica — which they beat 5-4 in Lisbon one month ago — Arsenal will face PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan play Feyenoord.
Feyenoord go back to San Siro, where they already eliminated AC Milan this week in the knockout playoffs round. All three Italian teams in the playoffs lost, including another exit to a Dutch team when PSV got past Juventus in extra time.
Club Brugge, which got into the knockout stage in the 24th and final qualification place, will face Aston Villa, which they already beat in November. Borussia Dortmund will play Lille.
The Madrid and German matchups were not possible in the old Champions League format where teams from the same country could not face each other in the round of 16. The new tennis-style seeded bracket allows for those derbies, and for teams to reunite after already playing each other in the league phase of the competition.