Sport Archives - Page 11 of 16

I’m Prepared To Lead Madrid To Success, Says Xabi Alonso

May 26, 2025 by admin

New Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso declared on Monday that he possesses the energy and enthusiasm to deliver success befitting the Spanish giants as he was officially presented as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor. Alonso, who has signed a three-year contract until June 2028, will lead the team at the Club World Cup this summer, following Ancelotti’s departure to manage the Brazil national team. Madrid endured a trophyless season, losing their La Liga title to rivals Barcelona, who also defeated them in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals. The club’s European ambitions were also dashed by a heavy Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal. “We have fantastic players and a team brimming with potential, capable of both a strong present and a promising future,” Alonso said at Real Madrid’s training ground. “That gives me every reason to come here full of energy and hope, aiming to bring out the best in every player and build a great team. “I am convinced that we can achieve great things, worthy of Real Madrid and all the European Cups and accomplishments amassed over so many years.” Alonso, a technically gifted central midfielder during his playing career, made 236 appearances for Madrid between 2009 and 2014, winning six trophies including the Champions League in his final season. That triumph marked Madrid’s 10th European Cup — La Décima — and the club has since added five more for a record 15 Champions League titles. The 43-year-old coach led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double in the 2023-24 season, attracting attention from Europe’s elite clubs. Having been coached by managerial legends such as Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, and José Mourinho, Alonso described the day as “special.” “It’s a day I will mark in my calendar for life,” he said. “Though I have been away for a few years, my connection with Madrid and the fans has never faded. “When I arrived at Valdebebas an hour and a half ago, it felt like a rebirth. I have the sense this is the start of a new era, as the president said.” ‘One of Our Own’ Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez welcomed Alonso back to the Spanish capital in an introductory speech. “This is a very special day for all who love Real Madrid. It marks the beginning of a new era filled with excitement and deep emotions,” Pérez said. “A coach has arrived who is among the best in the world and who understands what this badge and shirt represent. “Today, we welcome one of our own — Xabi Alonso. Welcome back home, Real Madrid.” Alonso, who also won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships with Spain, began his coaching career after retiring from playing. Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign begins against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in Miami on 18 June, offering the first glimpse of Alonso’s project. AFP

Arsenal Edged Out Of Champions League After 2-1 Defeat In Their Second Leg Against PSG

May 7, 2025 by admin

Arsenal has been kicked out of Champions League semi-final after a 2-1 defeat in their second leg against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners started 1-0 down after being edged out at the Emirates in the first leg last week. They went into the match hoping for a comeback against the team many rate as the best in Europe at the moment – and made a strong start. PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced to make some remarkable early saves to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hit the post for the hosts in the 17th minute, before Fabian Ruiz’s strike found the back of the net 11 minutes later. It came against the run of play and left the visitors with an even more daunting task – two goals just to get level on aggregate. Saka’s shot mid-way through the second half looked to be curling into the top corner but was also kept out by PSG’s Italian keeper. Moments later, Arsenal looked to have been dealt a killer blow when a VAR check showed the hand of Myles Lewis-Skelly had brushed the ball in the box. It appeared a harsh decision, but a strange run-up and weak penalty by Vitinha was kept out by David Raya. The reprieve lasted only a few moments for the Gunners – Thomas Partey failing to clear a loose ball and right-back Achraf Hakimi whipping a lovely finish into the corner in the 73rd minute. Home fans celebrated what seemed like an untouchable three-goal lead, but three minutes later, Bukayo Saka put Arsenal back in it when he knocked in a cross from Leandro Trossard. Saka then had a huge chance in the 80th minute to make it 2-2 and set up a grandstand finish, but blazed the ball over from close range with the goal at his mercy

JUST IN: Virgil Van Dijk Signs New Two-Year Deal With Liverpool

April 17, 2025 by admin

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a new two-year contract that has now put an end to the questions about his future after months of speculation. The 33-year-old Dutch centre-back had been inside the final season of his previous deal, which was due to expire in the summer of 2025. But he has now penned a seven years extension after arriving from Southampton in a $95m (£75m/€90m) switch. Van Dijk, who was named Liverpool captain when Jordan Henderson moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023, has played almost 300 games for the Reds. He has already won the Premier League and the Champions League. “There wasn’t any doubt in my head that this is the place to be for me and my family. I’m of Liverpool. Someone called me the other day an adopted Scouser – I’m really proud to hear these things, it gives me a great feeling.” “What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have been started up and we will see. I feel very good, physically, mentally and I am having fun. “Discussions are ongoing with the right people and when it’s time to make a decision or whatever, I think you guys [the media] will know it as well. But now full commitment and focus is on Liverpool and to be successful this season. So we will see.”

Football Mourns As Gabon Striker Boupendza Dies At 28

April 16, 2025 by admin

Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza died on Wednesday at the age of 28 when he fell from the 11th floor of a building in China, according to the national football federation (Fegafoot). “The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said in a statement on X. “Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.” In 2022, the Panthers were eliminated in the last 16 of the AFCON by Burkina Faso. “Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family,” the federation added. Gabonese president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also took to X to add his condolences. “It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football,” he posted. Broadcaster Gabon 24 said that while “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear,” an investigation is underway to establish the facts. Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs. In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020–21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January. Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza died on Wednesday at the age of 28 when he fell from the 11th floor of a building in China, according to the national football federation (Fegafoot). “The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said in a statement on X. “Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.” In 2022, the Panthers were eliminated in the last 16 of the AFCON by Burkina Faso. “Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family,” the federation added. Gabonese president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also took to X to add his condolences. “It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football,” he posted. Broadcaster Gabon 24 said that while “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear,” an investigation is underway to establish the facts. Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs. In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020–21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January.

Osimhen’s Brace Knocks Mourinho’s Fenerbahce Out Of Turkish Cup

April 2, 2025 by admin

Victor Osimhen delivered a stunning performance on Wednesday as his brace secured Galatasaray a 2-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the final stage of the Turkish Cup, eliminating José Mourinho’s side from the competition. Osimhen opened the scoring in the 10th minute, putting Galatasaray ahead with a well-taken shot from the edge of the box. The Nigerian striker then doubled his tally in the 27th minute from the penalty spot, giving his team a comfortable 2-0 lead before halftime. Fenerbahce managed to pull one back just before the break, with Sebastian Szymański finding the net in first-half stoppage time (45+1’), but it was not enough to turn the tide. Despite late attempts to equalize, including substitutions involving Mert Yandaş and Kerem Demirbay in the 90+2 minute, Mourinho’s side fell short as Galatasaray held on for the win.

Real Madrid Making Progress On Alexander-Arnold Transfer – Reports

March 25, 2025 by admin

Trent Alexander-Arnold is closing in on a move to Real Madrid when his Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season, according to reports on Tuesday. The defender has long been linked with a move to the Bernabeu on a free transfer and talks between the 26-year-old and the Spanish giants are understood to be making progress. The England international, who came through the youth ranks at Liverpool and has been at the Premier League club for more than two decades, has been able to discuss terms with overseas clubs since January. Alexander-Arnold made his Liverpool debut as an 18-year-old in 2016. The right-back has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Club World Cup with his boyhood club and is on course to add a second league crown this season, with Arne Slot’s side currently 12 points clear at the top of the table. Alexander-Arnold is one of three key Liverpool players out of contract at the end of the season, with the futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk still unclear. Alexander-Arnold is currently out of action with an ankle injury and missed Liverpool’s defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup final earlier this month. Liverpool have declined to comment on the reports. AFP

Chris Wood Injured As New Zealand Qualify For World Cup

March 24, 2025 by admin

New Zealand reached the World Cup for only the third time with a 3-0 win over New Caledonia on Monday but lost in-form Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood to injury. The All Whites join already qualified Japan and co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico at next year’s finals thanks to three second-half goals. But the victory in Auckland in the final of Oceania qualifying came at a cost, with skipper Wood suffering what appeared to be a hip injury. Soon after half time at Eden Park, Wood hurt himself swivelling for a shot and required treatment before hobbling off in the 54th minute. “It’s not great for us losing our captain and our goalscorer. It was a difficult thing for the team but they came through so well,” said New Zealand’s English coach Darren Bazeley. The hosts looked out of ideas after dominating the first half, but then up popped veteran defender Michael Boxall on 61 minutes to head home from a corner with his first goal for his country. Five minutes later Wood’s replacement Kosta Barbarouses chipped the ball over advancing New Caledonia goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine. Substitute Eli Just put gloss on the scoreline from close range with 10 minutes left. New Caledonia’s unlikely World Cup hopes are not over and they will go into an intercontinental playoff. Next year’s World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, meaning direct entry for the first time for the team that won the qualifying competition in Oceania. The region’s top side previously had to go through an intercontinental playoff, with New Zealand falling at the final hurdle to Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru in recent editions. New Zealand have been to the World Cup twice before, in 1982 and 2010, but are yet to win at the competition in six matches. “Once the World Cup expanded we expected this of ourselves,” said Boxall. “It’s not about getting there, it’s about what we do when we get there.” Facing a side ranked 152 in the world, 63 places below them, hosts New Zealand immediately went on the front foot. New Caledonia, a French Pacific territory of about 300,000 people which has never been to the World Cup, twice cleared off the line in quick succession after 20 minutes. Wood, who is in the form of his life at Forest with 18 goals in the Premier League this season, had a chance in the 32nd minute but Nyikeine saved comfortably. The 33-year-old Wood then headed over the bar from a corner and at the half-time whistle, with the game unexpectedly level, the New Caledonia players mobbed Nyikeine. Bazeley had seen enough and made two changes at the break, bringing on winger Just and defender Francis de Vries. Despite losing talisman Wood, New Zealand’s pressure eventually paid off against a rapidly tiring New Caledonia to put the All Whites into the World Cup. AFP

FIFA Ranking: Super Falcons Maintain 36th Spot, Top Africa

March 6, 2025 by admin

The latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, released on 6 March 2025, sees Nigeria’s Super Falcons holding steady in 36th place globally, reinforcing their dominance as Africa’s top women’s football team. On the continent, the Super Falcons are followed by South Africa’s Banyana Banyana (53rd), Morocco (61st), Zambia (62nd), and Ghana (66th). During the review period, the Super Falcons secured commanding victories over Algeria, winning 2-0 and 4-1, but faced a 2-1 defeat to France’s Les Bleues. Despite these mixed results, the Super Falcons remain unchallenged in African women’s football. The next FIFA Women’s World Ranking will be released on 12 June 2025. Details later… Punch

Burglars Raid Newcastle Striker Isak’s Home, Steal Car, £68,000 Cash, Jewellery

March 5, 2025 by admin

A gang of burglars raided the home of Newcastle United striker, Alexander Isak, carting away his car, cash, and jewellery worth £68,000 ($87,000), a court heard on Wednesday, according to multiple reports in England. The Swedish international was away from his Northumberland residence when the break-in occurred last April, Newcastle Crown Court was told. Prosecutors revealed that the gang had earlier stolen jewellery and designer items worth over £1 million from a businesswoman and another £100,000 worth of valuables from a different victim in the days leading up to Isak’s burglary. Three members of the gang, all from the same family and residing in Italy, have admitted conspiracy to commit burglary. However, a fourth suspect, Valentino Nikolov, 32, has denied the charges. Prosecuting counsel Dan Cordey told the court that Isak left his house between 4 pm and 10pm on April 4 and returned to discover his home had been ransacked. The burglars reportedly gained entry through a glass door, breaking into the footballer’s TV room before conducting a thorough search. “They took between £5,000 and £10,000 in cash, jewellery worth around £68,000, and his Audi vehicle, which was later found abandoned,” Cordey told the jury. The prosecution described the burglars as a “professional group of travelling criminals” consisting of one woman and three men, all related. “Two men and one woman have pleaded guilty to their involvement,” Cordey added, identifying the remaining suspect as Nikolov, who is representing himself in court and requires an Italian interpreter. The gang reportedly entered the UK via a ferry from Calais to Dover last March, using a motorhome as their base of operations. Nikolov’s brother, Giacomo Nikolov, 28, his sister, Jela Jovanovic, 43, and her son, Charlie Jovanovic, 23, have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. Meanwhile, Isak has been in sensational form for Newcastle this season, netting 22 goals across all competitions for Eddie Howe’s side, who are set to face Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley on March 16. Punch

[FULL LIST] UEL: Man United Face Real Sociedad, Roma battle Athletic Club In Last 16 Draw

February 21, 2025 by admin

The UEFA Europa League knockout stage draw has been finalised, setting up thrilling matchups as top European clubs, including AS Roma, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, compete for the title. In the Round of 16, AS Roma will go head-to-head with Athletic Club in a tough contest. Manchester United, aiming for European success, will face Real Sociedad in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Tottenham Hotspur, another strong contender, will take on Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Other fixtures see Lazio drawn against Viktoria Plzeň, while Ajax will clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt is set to battle Olympiacos, while Sporting CP faces Rangers in a high-stakes contest. Lyon will take on FCSB, completing the exciting round of fixtures. With a challenging path ahead, the remaining teams will look to advance to the quarter-finals and move one step closer to lifting the trophy. Punch