United News of Bangladesh

Real Madrid finished with nine players on the field as it slumped to a 2-0 home loss against Celta Vigo on Sunday, slipping further behind La Liga leader Barcelona. Celta struck shortly after the interval, and Madrid’s troubles deepened when Fran García and Álvaro Carreras were both sent off in what became the club’s first home defeat of the campaign across all competitions at the Santiago Bernabéu. Unused substitute Endrick was also red-carded from the bench for dissent. Williot Swedberg opened the scoring in the 54th minute with a deft flick inside the box. Madrid went down to 10 men when García received a second yellow in the 64th, and to nine during stoppage time after Carreras was dismissed. Swedberg then wrapped up Celta’s win on a late counterattack. “We’re all frustrated — this wasn’t the match or the outcome we expected,” Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said, criticizing the officiating. “The referee’s decisions disrupted us. I didn’t like the way the game was managed.” The defeat leaves Madrid with just two wins in its last seven outings in all competitions. Up next is a Champions League home clash with Manchester City on Wednesday. Madrid’s only previous league loss this season came at Atletico Madrid in September, along with a Champions League group-stage defeat at Liverpool in November. Sunday’s result leaves Alonso’s side four points behind Barcelona, who defeated Real Betis 5-3 on Saturday. Madrid sits only a point ahead of third-placed Villarreal, which still has a match in hand. Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé both missed clear chances to bring Madrid level, while defender Éder Militão exited early with an injury. Celta climbed to 10th with its second win in three matches. Goalkeeping woes for Girona Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga endured another difficult outing in his team’s 3-0 home loss to Elche, committing costly errors that resulted in two goals — including a misplaced pass to an opposing player inside the penalty area. He had already mishandled a routine near-post shot earlier in the game. Dortmund secure 3rd spot in Bundesliga with 2-0 win over Hoffenheim The Argentine had struggled similarly in Girona’s league opener, where his mistakes contributed to a goal, a penalty, and his sending-off in a 3-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano. Girona, now 18th and in the relegation zone, has managed only one victory in its last six matches. Elche, winless in its previous seven league games, moved up to ninth. Espanyol extends winning streak Roberto Fernández scored from the penalty spot in the first half as fifth-placed Espanyol edged Rayo Vallecano 1-0 to secure its third straight league win. Rayo, now 12th, went down to 10 men after Unai López was sent off in the 64th, while Espanyol’s Tyrhys Dolan received a late red card in the 87th. Rayo remains winless in its last five league matches. Valencia snatches draw with late equalizer Hugo Duro struck three minutes into added time to earn 15th-placed Valencia a 1-1 home draw against 13th-placed Sevilla. Sevilla, without a win in three league fixtures, had taken the lead through an own-goal by César Tárrega in the 58th minute. Source: AP

Borussia Dortmund cemented third place in the Bundesliga with a comfortable 2-0 win over Hoffenheim on Sunday. Julian Brandt set the home side on its way shortly before halftime. Nico Schlotterbeck doubled Dortmund’s lead with a fierce shot that swerved into the bottom corner in the 60th minute. Dortmund moved back to a point behind second-placed Leipzig, which demolished Eintracht Frankfurt 6-0 on Saturday. League leader Bayern Munich, which thrashed Stuttgart 5-0 on Saturday, has an eight-point advantage over Leipzig. Hoffenheim would have leapfrogged Dortmund with a win but remained fifth, five points below its opponent. At the other end of the table, Hamburg moved away from the relegation zone as substitute Yussuf Poulsen scored two minutes after coming off the bench to snatch a 3-2 comeback victory over Werder Bremen.

Australia moved to the brink of an Ashes series victory with a big eight-wicket win over England in the Brisbane day-night Test on Sunday. They took a two-nil lead in the five-match series. Chasing a paltry target of 65 runs, Australia completed the formalities with little trouble despite early wickets for Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne. Steve Smith and opener Jake Weatherald stayed to the end, with Smith sealing the win with a six off the final ball of the 10th over. The result strengthened Australia’s grip on the series, with history firmly on their side. Only once has a team lost an Ashes series after winning the first two Tests — when England fell three-two in Australia during the 1936–37 campaign. The Brisbane Test was shaped as much by fielding as by runs. England dropped five catches during Australia’s first innings, while the hosts held almost everything that came their way. Those margins proved decisive. Earlier, Australia had posted a commanding 511 in their first innings, with half-centuries from Jack Weatherald, Labuschagne, Smith, Carey and Mitchell Starc. With two victories in Perth and Brisbane, Australia now stand firmly in control of the Ashes series.  

Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman made an impactful debut in the International League T20 on Saturday for Dubai Capitals He produced a strong all-round performance with the ball and in the field, even as his team, the Capitals, suffered a four-wicket loss to Gulf Giants in the United Arab Emirates. Playing his first match of the tournament, Mustafizur finished with figures of two for 26 from four overs and also took two catches in the field. Despite his efforts, Dubai Capitals were unable to defend their total of 160 runs, which Gulf Giants chased down with seven balls to spare. Mustafizur struck with the very first delivery of his spell, removing Gulf opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the start of the second over. He returned to bowl the final over of the powerplay but narrowly missed another wicket when James Vince mistimed a shot off his last ball. David Willey dropped the chance at backward point, and the ball ran away for four. That over conceded 10 runs, and Vince went on to play a decisive role in the chase. The left-arm pacer returned to make another key breakthrough in the 12th over, dismissing Pathum Nissanka, who had already reached his half-century. Mustafizur then produced a tight final spell, conceding just five runs across his last two overs after giving away 21 runs in his first two. By the time Mustafizur completed his spell, Gulf Giants still needed 29 runs from 24 balls, a target they reached comfortably. Nissanka played a match-winning innings of 67 runs from 31 balls and was named player of the match.  

A dramatic stoppage-time strike from substitute Emiliano Buendia handed Aston Villa a 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday, blowing the Premier League title race wide open. Buendia slammed in a loose ball with the final kick of the match, ending Arsenal’s unbeaten run since August 31 and cutting the league leader’s advantage at the top. Arsenal had edged the first half, but Matty Cash put Villa ahead in the 36th minute. Leandro Trossard levelled seven minutes after the break, before Buendia sealed Villa’s seventh straight win under Unai Emery. The result leaves Villa just three points behind Arsenal. Manchester City also tightened the chase, moving to within two points of the summit with a 3-0 win over Sunderland. Goals from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden gave Pep Guardiola’s side a comfortable boost ahead of next week’s UEFA Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Chelsea’s frustrations continued as they were held to a goalless draw at Bournemouth, dropping further behind the top three. Tottenham enjoyed a 2-0 win at home against Brentford, with Richarlison and Xavi Simons scoring before halftime to give coach Thomas Frank victory over his former club. Liverpool’s defensive issues resurfaced in a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Leeds United. Two goals from Hugo Ekitike set Liverpool on course, but Leeds rallied through a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty, Anton Stach’s strike, and a stoppage-time equaliser from Ao Tanaka. Dominik Szoboszlai had briefly restored Liverpool’s lead with 10 minutes left. Newcastle United edged struggling Burnley 2-1 at St. James’ Park. Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon scored for Newcastle, while Burnley’s Zian Flemming converted a 94th-minute penalty after teammate Lucas Pires was sent off earlier. Everton jumped into European qualification spots with a commanding 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest. An early own goal by Nikola Milenkovic set the tone, followed by strikes from Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.  

Yashasvi Jaiswal's maiden one-day international century trumped Quinton de Kock's 23rd as India clinched the series from South Africa by nine wickets on Saturday. Jaiswal's unbeaten 116, beside Rohit Sharma's 75 and Virat Kohli's unbeaten 65 powered India to the target of 271 with 10.1 overs to spare. They won the series 2-1 after losing the test series 2-0. The teams start a five-match Twenty20 series on Tuesday in Cuttack. De Kock's 89-ball 106 and captain Temba Bavuma's 48 were South Africa's only substantial innings before it was all out for 270 in 47.5 overs. Medium-pacer Prasidh Krishna took the sting out of the Proteas with three wickets in three overs, including de Kock, after India ended a string of 20 lost tosses in ODIs since the 2023 Cricket World Cup semifinals. “I don't think the team has looked at me more proudly after the toss,” India captain Lokesh Rahul said. South Africa, at 168-2 with de Kock and Matthew Breetzke lashing India to all parts, would have entertained thoughts of 350. But Prasidh, who'd had an ordinary series and was conceding almost 10 an over, was persisted with and suddenly came through. He trapped Breetzke for 24 and dismissed Aiden Markram on 1 in the same over. De Kock got his seventh century against India (off 80 balls) in style with a six over square leg but added only six more runs when Prasidh smacked over his off and middle stumps. Prasidh took 3-9 in the spell. “It was really hard for me (in my first spell). I had to think how to get back,” Prasidh said. “I was under pressure after the last game. It's a matter of keeping it simple and being calm.” Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up the tail with 4-41 and the Proteas were restricted to 270. Jaiswal and Rohit cruised in the reply with an opening stand of 155 from as many balls until Rohit's slog sweep misjudged spinner Keshav Maharaj and he lobbed the ball to deep square leg. He scored 75 off 73 balls. Jaiswal raised his ton off 111 balls then Kohli raced to the end with 65 off 45 balls, his 128th ODI half-century, and was awarded the player of the series for 302 runs in three matches. “Just playing the way I have this series has been the most satisfying for me,” Kohli said. "Feel really free in my mind, whole game is coming together nicely. “You have many phases where you feel doubt. You feel nervous, especially in batting where one mistake can cost you. I'm glad to still contribute to the team. When I play freely, I know I can hit sixes.”

New Zealand’s injury-hit bowling unit finally ended the long stand between Shai Hope and Justin Greaves on the final morning of the first Test Saturday, boosting their chances of securing a win over the West Indies. Hope fell for 140 midway through the session, bringing to an end a 186-run partnership that had kept New Zealand wicketless for 64 overs across nearly three sessions. Greaves remained unbeaten on 97 at lunch, closing in on his second Test hundred, with Kemar Roach accompanying him on 12 as the visitors reached 295-6, still 235 runs behind. Spinner Taijul nominated for ICC Player of the Month for November New Zealand appeared on course for a dominant victory on day four after setting a target of 531 and reducing the West Indies to 72-4. But Hope and Greaves resisted superbly, capitalizing on a depleted home attack missing Matt Henry and Nathan Smith due to injuries, and already without Tom Blundell. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, recovering from injuries, were required to field extensively. Starting the day on 212-4, the West Indies pair handled the second new ball calmly, extending their stand. It took a short-pitched delivery from Jacob Duffy to finally dismiss Hope, who edged to Tom Latham after 234 balls with 15 fours and two sixes. Three overs later, Tevin Imlach fell lbw to Zak Foulkes, with his review upholding the on-field call. Source: AP 

Iran will play at least one match of the upcoming World Cup on American soil, although Friday’s draw ensured the long-standing geopolitical foes will not meet in the group stage. Iran, whose citizens remain under a U.S. travel ban and whose territory was hit by American airstrikes in June, will begin its tournament against New Zealand on June 15 in either Seattle or Inglewood, California. The team’s remaining group fixtures are expected to be held in Vancouver, Seattle or Inglewood, with FIFA set to finalize the full schedule on Saturday. The United States, meanwhile, has been grouped with Australia, Paraguay and a European playoff winner still to be decided in March. Iran’s involvement in the World Cup—co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico—has already stirred diplomatic friction. Last week, Tehran initially threatened to boycott the draw after several Iranian officials, including federation president Mehdi Taj and general secretary Hedayat Momebeni, were denied visas. The stance was later softened, with coach Amir Ghalenoei allowed to attend the event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, though his presence at the draw was not immediately confirmed. $2 billion Athletics stadium in Las Vegas expected to debut by 2028 Iran is among 12 nations covered by the June 5 U.S. travel ban, which also includes fellow World Cup participant Haiti. While exemptions apply to teams and support personnel, spectators are not included. The ban came as the Trump administration labeled Iran a “state sponsor of terrorism” and restricted entry to most visitors unless holding existing visas or qualifying under provisions for persecuted minorities. Later in June, the U.S. launched strikes using bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles against Iran’s underground nuclear sites before declaring a ceasefire days into a 12-day conflict involving Israel. Ranked 20th globally, Iran remains a major Asian football power preparing for its seventh World Cup appearance. Star forward Mehdi Taremi—formerly of Inter Milan and Porto, now at Olympiakos—heads the squad. Among its future opponents, relations with Egypt are the most strained, rooted in Cairo’s 1979 peace accord with Israel. At the previous World Cup in Qatar, Iran’s campaign was overshadowed by unrest at home following the death of Mahsa Amini. Players refused to sing the national anthem before their opener against England, and clashes erupted between anti-government and pro-government fans. Many displayed “Woman, Life, Freedom” banners before Iran exited the tournament after a 1-0 loss to the U.S. Source: AP 

The World Cup draw on Friday set the stage for the 48-team tournament, revealing that defending champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will kick off its campaign against Algeria, while the United States will face Paraguay in its opening match. The draw, held 27 months after qualifying began, outlined the paths for teams ranging from five-time winner Brazil to first-time participants Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, begins June 11. Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat, preparing for an opening match against four-time champion Germany, said the moment was a source of pride for the island’s 150,000 residents. The ceremony at the Kennedy Center — held as snow fell in Washington — also featured U.S. President Donald Trump receiving a newly created FIFA peace award. Trump, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney each selected their nations’ draw balls, with Sheinbaum receiving the warmest applause. A star-studded pre-show, nearly as long as a full soccer match, featured appearances from Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Aaron Judge and Wayne Gretzky. New Zealand was the final team drawn. U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams, watching from England, said the event already felt distinctly American, anticipating the celebrity presence and entertainment that will accompany the tournament. Argentina will play its first match on June 16 in either Kansas City, Missouri, or Santa Clara, California, before meeting Austria and Jordan in Group J. The Albiceleste famously lost their 2022 opener to Saudi Arabia before rallying to win the title on penalties against France. Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament, has not formally confirmed his participation, though coach Lionel Scaloni expects him to play. The U.S. begins Group D play June 12 in Inglewood, California, followed by games against Australia in Seattle and a final group match on June 25 at SoFi Stadium against Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo — whichever team advances through playoffs. The Americans recently played friendlies with all three confirmed opponents. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed optimism, stating the team’s goal bluntly: “Win the World Cup.” Mexico will host the opening match on June 11 at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, facing South Africa in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener. South Korea and one of several European contenders await El Tri later in Group A. Forty-two tournament slots are set; 22 teams remain in playoff contention for the final six spots, to be decided March 31. Group winners, runners-up and the eight best third-place teams will move on to a newly expanded round of 32. All knockout games from the quarterfinals onward will take place in the U.S., with the final set for July 19 in New Jersey. England will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L, with manager Thomas Tuchel noting the challenges of heat, humidity and time-zone changes. Brazil opens Group C against Morocco, followed by matches with Haiti and Scotland. Spain will take on Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H. Germany meets Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E. France begins its Group I campaign on June 16 against Senegal in New Jersey or Massachusetts, rekindling memories of its surprise 2002 opening loss to the same opponent. Les Bleus later face Bolivia, Iraq or Suriname, then finish with a high-profile clash against Norway featuring Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will play Uzbekistan, Colombia and the winner of a playoff involving Congo, Jamaica or New Caledonia in Group K. A potential quarterfinal between Portugal and Argentina looms if both teams win their groups. Other groups include: Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New ZealandGroup B: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar and Italy/Bosnia-Herzegovina/Wales/Northern IrelandGroup F: Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia and Sweden/Ukraine/Albania/PolandCanada coach Jesse Marsch acknowledged the potential difficulty of facing Italy should they qualify. No team has defended a World Cup title since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Only eight nations have ever lifted the trophy; Italy has four titles and Uruguay two. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump with a gold-colored peace prize trophy and medal, prompting Trump to call the honor “one of the great moments of my life.”

Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam has been named for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for November following his match-winning performance in the home Test series against Ireland. Taijul was the leading wicket-taker in the two-Test series, where Bangladesh secured a clean sweep. The left-arm spinner claimed 13 wickets across the series. His consistent impact helped Bangladesh dominate the Irish batters on familiar spinning conditions. The ICC announced the shortlist on its website on Thursday, describing Taijul as a “reliable match-winner at home” for tigers. During the series, he also surpassed Shakib Al Hasan to become the country’s highest wicket-taker in the longest format of the cricket. He now has 250 wickets from 57 Tests. The other two nominees for the men’s award are South Africa’s Simon Harmer and Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz. Harmer delivered a remarkable performance in South Africa’s away Test series win in India last month, taking 17 wickets at an average of 8.94 across two matches. He claimed eight wickets in the first Test and followed it up with nine in the second. Nawaz earned his nomination after finishing as the leading wicket-taker in Pakistan’s home triangular Twenty20 series last month. He took 10 wickets during the tournament and played a decisive role in the final against Sri Lanka, returning figures of three for 17 in Pakistan’s title-winning match.