Ittihad’s late show maintains title challenge
Al-Ittihad left it very late to defeat Al-Riyadh 2-1 on Thursday to move seven points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League and stay on course for a 10th title.
Iraq Sport News
South Korea coach calls up bumper squad for World Cup qualifiers
SEOUL : South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo has called up 28 players for home World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Jordan later this month, when the Taeguk warriors will look to lock up a spot at an 11th straight edition of the global showpiece.
Iraq decline to play Palestine World Cup qualifier in Jerusalem or Jordan
Iraq want their World Cup qualifier against Palestine next month moved from the Jordanian capital of Amman, having also knocked back a Palestinian proposal to stage the match just outside Jerusalem.
Man Utd to face Real Sociedad in Europa League last 16, Rangers play Fenerbahce
PARIS: Manchester United were drawn Friday to play Real Sociedad of Spain in the last 16 of this season’s Europa League, while Rangers will take on Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, and Tottenham Hotspur face AZ Alkmaar. Ruben Amorim’s United are struggling in the Premier League this season but finished third in the league phase of the Europa League. They will travel to San Sebastian for the first leg on March 6 before the return a week later against a Real Sociedad side who reached this stage after beating Midtjylland of Denmark in the play-off round. The clubs have met several times in European competition in recent years, with United winning a Europa League knockout phase play-off tie in 2021 before both sides each won away from home in the group stage in 2022/23. They also faced off in the Champions League group stage in 2013.
Haaland a doubt for Man City showdown with ‘exceptional’ Liverpool
“Tomorrow we will know,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conferenceThe 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.
Parker ready for ‘anyone’ as Dubois replacement is flown in to Saudi for heavyweight bout
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.
Champions League draw serves up a Madrid derby, Bayern vs. Leverkusen and Liverpool-PSG
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.
UAE’s Al-Katheeri and Iraq’s Salem shine at ONE 171: Qatar
DOHA: ONE 171: Qatar saw Zayed Al-Katheeri of the UAE and Iraq’s Hussein Salem pick up impressive wins on Thursday night.