Clubs scrambling to take fifth place in Champions League race – the permutations
The race for Champions League qualification has an intriguing added dimension this season with the Premier League having been granted a fifth place.
Soccer Sport News
Ireland international Louise Quinn announces retirement
Former Arsenal defender Louise Quinn has announced her retirement from football after a glittering playing career.
Real Madrid defender Rüdiger expected to miss the rest of the season after knee surgery
MADRID: Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger underwent knee surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss the rest of the season. Madrid said Rüdiger successfully underwent surgery on a meniscus tear in his left knee and will begin “his recovery process shortly.” The club did not give a timeline for his return. Rüdiger had to be replaced in extra time of Madrid 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday. He made headlines for shouting at the referee from the bench and for apparently throwing a small bag of ice onto the field. Rüdiger apologized for his behavior but the incident prompted former Germany player Dietmar Hamann to call for the defender to be left out of Germany’s squad for the Nations League final four in June. German national team sporting director Rudi Völler also criticized Rüdiger, saying he needed to show “class” and respect for others. Germany plays Portugal in the Nations League semifinals in Munich on June 4.
Australian doubles player Purcell accepts 18-month doping ban
SYDNEY: Australia’s two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell has accepted an 18-month doping ban, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on Tuesday. The 27-year-old in December took a voluntary suspension, describing himself at the time as “devastated” and saying he had not intended to break anti-doping rules. Purcell has admitted receiving intravenous vitamin infusions of more than 500ml on December 16 and 20, 2023.
Coach Stefano Pioli confident as Al-Nassr prepare for AFC Champions League Elite semi showdown
JEDDAH: Al-Nassr coach Stefano Pioli declared his side injury-free ahead of Wednesday’s Asian Champions League Elite semifinal against Kawasaki Frontale in Jeddah as the Saudi Pro League side look to reach the final for the first time in almost 30 years.The Riyadh-based outfit last made the decider in 1995, but a brace from Jhon Duran and strikes by Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a 4-1 win over Yokohama F Marinos on Saturday to move the Saudi side to the cusp of a first title.“We are ready for the match, but in training we will decide which group is going to play,” Pioli said. “The team is ready to play the game with great spirit, high performance.”Al-Nassr are one of three Saudi Pro League sides in the semifinals, the first time a single nation has dominated the latter stages of the competition to such an extent.The huge injection of cash into the country’s leading clubs by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in 2023 which prompted the signing of numerous high-profile players from around the world is having a major impact on this year’s competition.Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli have also advanced to the last four and will meet on Tuesday.Japan’s Kawasaki are the only team from their half of the confederation left in the competition after their win over Qatar’s Al-Sadd, and the J-League side have been further disadvantaged by having one day less to recover than Al-Nassr.Frontale needed extra-time to defeat Felix Sanchez’s side and coach Shigetoshi Hasebe admitted he was concerned about his players’ lack of freshness ahead of the Al-Nassr clash.“All the players are tired because they played for 120 minutes, which is very difficult for us,” he said.
Power outage still affecting Madrid Open tennis tournament. Opening of the gates delayed on Tuesday.
MADRID: There was still no power at the Caja Magica tennis complex that is hosting the Madrid Open on Tuesday, putting in jeopardy the resumption of play a day after several matches had to be canceled. Tournament organizers said the opening of the gates for fans was delayed until 11 a.m. local time (0900 GMT) because of the outage.
Tuesday’s briefing: Klopp congratulates Liverpool as Arteta encourages Gunners
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp congratulated the club as the celebrations for their record-equalling 20th top-flight title continued on Monday. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, made a plea to fans ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final against Paris St Germain.
India greats welcome ‘rise of a phenom’ in teen sensation Suryavanshi
BENGALURU: India batting great Sachin Tendulkar led the plaudits for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi after the Rajasthan Royals batter became the youngest centurion in men’s Twenty20 cricket with a knock for the ages in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Suryavanshi had shown glimpses of his ability with a first-ball six on his IPL debut earlier this month, and on Monday his explosive talent was on full display as he tore apart Gujarat Titans with a 38-ball 101 in the Royals’ eight-wicket win. Rajasthan coach Rahul Dravid forgot about his leg injury and leapt from his wheelchair when Suryavanshi completed his ton in only 35 balls — the fastest by an Indian player in the league and second only to Chris Gayle’s 30-ball century in 2013. “Vaibhav’s fearless approach, bat speed, picking the length early and transferring the energy behind the ball was the recipe behind a fabulous innings,” Tendulkar posted on social media. “End result: 101 runs off 38 balls. Well played!!“ Suryavanshi blasted 11 sixes and seven boundaries as he took established international bowlers to the cleaners before walking off to a standing ovation. “What were you doing at 14?!!” wrote former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.