football
Madrid wins 2-1 at Barcelona in first post-Messi ‘clásico’
David Alaba and Lucas Vázquez scored as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday in the rivals’ first “clásico” match since the exit of Lionel Messi.
Defender Alaba turned goal-scorer in the 32nd minute with a wonderful curling shot from the left side of the area that the outstretched Marc-Andre ter Stegen could not stop.
Alaba’s strike came minutes after American Sergiño Dest wasted a great chance for Barcelona, sending his close-range shot soaring over the crossbar.
Vázquez added a second goal in stoppage time on a counterattack with Barcelona desperately thrown forward in search of an equalizer.
Sergio Agüero pulled one back for Barcelona on a cross from Dest in the final seconds.
The victory moved Madrid to the top of the Spanish league, level on points with Sevilla and Real Sociedad. Sociedad can reclaim the lead when it faces defending champion Atlético Madrid later Sunday.
The defeat was another blow to Barcelona which has struggled since its financial troubles kept it from re-signing Messi and other players. Ronald Koeman’s team was left in eighth place at five points adrift.
This was the first “clásico” without Messi and Madrid’s long-time captain Sergio Ramos, who are now teammates at Paris Saint-Germain. The two between them took part in 45 editions of Spain’s top rivalry. In that time Messi led Barcelona to 19 wins while scoring a record 26 goals for the fixture.
Barcelona’s fans reveled in the first match against Madrid since health restrictions for the pandemic were completely lifted to allow full capacity in the 99,000-seat Camp Nou. Face masks were mandatory, but they did not stop the stadium from once again rocking with drums, chants and the occasional jeers from Barcelona fans which grew in the final minutes when frustration set in after witnessing another letdown by their team.
Barcelona’s squad from before the pandemic has undergone a major overhaul because of the club’s financial troubles. Where Messi once linked up with Antoine Griezmann on the right flank, Barcelona’s homegrown youngsters Gavi Páez and Óscar Mingueza now team up with Dest.
But one thing that has not changed is Barcelona’s determination to dominate possession. The hosts controlled the pace from the start, but Madrid is more than used to picking its moments when it comes to playing Barcelona.
Dest had a golden opportunity to break the initial deadlock in the 25th when he fired high from just outside the six-yard box. Memphis Depay broke down the left flank and squared a pass for Ansu Fati, who touched the ball before it found Dest all alone.
It fell to Ramos’ replacement to give Madrid the lead.
Alaba robbed the ball from Depay outside his area and charged forward as part of a quick attack. Two passes later, Alaba looked like a striker when he took aim from an angle and curled a superb strike around Ter Stegen. It was the former Bayern Munich player’s first goal for Madrid.
“That goal was decisive,” said Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets. “In games like this, whoever scores first has a big advantage. Games are decided in the area, and we were not effective today.”
Vázquez added his goal when he was quicker to a rebound than Eric García, as he slid a foot past the Spain defender to tuck the ball into the net.
The goal by substitute Agüero, playing in his third match since joining Barcelona from Manchester City, came far too late to spark a comeback. It is Barcelona’s only goal in defeats to Bayern Munich, Benfica, Atlético and Madrid this campaign.
European soccer leagues oppose FIFA biennial World Cup plan
Europe’s top soccer leagues cautioned that FIFA’s biennial World Cup plan is still on the table and they vowed Friday to resist the proposed overhauls of the international match schedule.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino promised Wednesday to seek a global consensus during a longer period of consultation about the World Cup’s future. That was seen as him acknowledging the strength of European opposition to doubling the frequency of the World Cup.
The 33-nation European Leagues group was later briefed by FIFA officials, including Arsène Wenger, who shaped the proposal that includes biennial World Cups and fewer, but longer, breaks in domestic seasons to play national team games.
FIFA decided this week not to push for a December vote of its 211 member federations and instead to host online talks on Dec. 20 in what it called a “global summit.”
“We have also understood very clearly (Thursday) that this does not mean that the proposal from FIFA is off the table,” European Leagues managing director Jacco Swart said Friday.
“We do have no other alternative than strongly reject the FIFA proposals,” said Swart, a former official at the Netherlands’ top league.
The leagues cited the risk of “a severe shift in sporting and economic value from domestic to international competitions.”
It’s estimated that playing a World Cup every two years would add about $3 billion to FIFA’s revenue that is currently $6 billion in a four-year commercial cycle with one men’s edition.
Read: FIFA sets talks with soccer leaders on biennial World Cup
FIFA’s proposal also calls for biennial continental tournaments like the European Championship and South America’s Copa America to ensure major men’s events in June every year.
FIFA argues this is necessary to attract and retain young fans and fuel development of soccer globally.
“The FIFA proposals are detrimental for the domestic competitions, for the clubs, for the players and for all the fans,” Swart said, echoing the views of European soccer body UEFA and fan groups.
“Football as a whole cannot accept those proposals,” he said after a two-day meeting of European Leagues members in Milan
The leagues prefer keeping the current system of pausing for one weekend four times each season to clear space for national-team games. FIFA wants fewer breaks with less long-haul travel for players, and one option calls for a single long break in October.
Infantino said this week FIFA is preparing a feasibility study that will include the economic effects of biennial tournaments ahead of the December meeting of its members.
In a hostile online meeting Tuesday with UEFA members, some told Infantino they could resign from FIFA if the biennial World Cup is approved. UEFA and South American soccer body CONMEBOL have also suggested boycotting future World Cups.
Europe and South America combine for 65 of the 211 FIFA votes and would likely need help from other regions where there is more support for Infantino and getting the chance to qualify for more World Cups.
FIFA has found support from many retired players, including World Cup winners, though active players and national-team coaches have broadly rejected the plan.
The International Olympic Committee has opposed FIFA claiming a biennial men’s World Cup would squeeze women’s soccer and other sports, and strain payers’ physical and mental health.
Man Utd vs. Atalanta: Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Winning Goal for Manchester United
Manchester United won their second Champions League group stage match of the 2021-2022 season thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's 81st-minute goal. Manchester United had the majority of ball possession, but Atalanta created more chances and led by two goals in the first half. Manchester United climbed to the top of Group F's point’s standings with six points after three games. Atalanta are now in the second position with four points ahead of Villarreal (4) and Young Boys (3). The match report of Man Utd vs. Atalanta is discussed in this article.
Match Report: Man Utd vs. Atalanta
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his third Champions League goal of the season, helping Manchester United to a resounding victory against Atalanta that sent them to the top of the group.
After a shock loss to Leicester City earlier this week, they were under pressure heading into the game. So, this victory will instill confidence in Manchester United's players ahead of some important matches.
Read PSG vs. RB Leipzig: Will Messi, Neymar Start for Paris Saint-Germain?
Manchester United's defense failed to cope with Atalanta's constant counter-attack in the first half. In the opening 45 minutes, Mario Pasalic, Luis Muriel, and Josip Ilicic all caused problems for the United defense. Mario Pasalic scored in the 15th minute, so the visitors didn't have to wait long for their first goal. Pasalic put the ball into the back of the net after receiving a low cross from Davide Zappacosta.
Merih Demiral surprised the Old Trafford crowd with a spectacular header from a Teun Koopmeiners corner kick after only 14 minutes of the first goal. Manchester United fans were in a state of utter shock. They were upset even more after Fred and Marcus Rashford both missed two chances before halftime.
Read Hope, conflicted morality as Newcastle fans welcome Saudis
Coach Ole Gunner Solskjr had to craft a more effective approach in order to win the game in the second half. Thankfully, Manchester United's players had responded well and regrouped to win the game.
Manchester United scored their first goal in the second half after only 8 minutes. Marcus Rashford found a brilliant through pass from Bruno Fernandes. He guided it to the far corner of the net to give Man Utd the first goal of the match in the 53rd minute.
Read Pedri to sign new deal with Barcelona through 2026
Harry Maguire tore up the lead in the 75th minute. Maguire found himself alone in the penalty box and simply slotted the ball into the net after the Atalanta defenders failed to stop Fernandes' cross.
The Manchester United players then poised for the game-winning goal, with Cristiano Ronaldo rising to the occasion once more. Ronaldo received a fantastic cross from left-back Luke Shaw, and he jumped up to head the ball into the net. Cristiano Ronaldo displayed yet another outstanding performance at the crucial moment of the game.
Read Sk Russel Football: Wari Club to play Hatirjheel Club in final on Friday
The goalkeeper of Manchester United, David De Gea had a busy time with the gloves. He produced some excellent saves to keep his team in the game.
PSG vs. RB Leipzig: Will Messi, Neymar Start for Paris Saint-Germain?
A vital UEFA Champions League Group A game between Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig will be held on Wednesday (October 20) at 1 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). This game will be crucial for RB Leipzig in their quest for a Round 16 berth. They need to win the contest in order to remain in the tournament. On the other hand, PSG are presently in the first spot in the group standings. Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe of PSG will be the center of attention in this clash. Will they play together against Leipzig? Let's take a look at the PSG vs. RB Leipzig match preview.
Probable Team Lineups: PSG vs. RB Leipzig
Coach Mauricio Pochettino will be without star Brazilian striker Neymar due to a groin injury sustained during the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match against Uruguay last week. Pochettino will have to rely on German attacking midfielder Julian Draxler to form a formidable forward line with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi in this encounter in the absence of Neymar. Because Argentine winger Angel di Maria is suspended for this match, and his compatriot Mauro Icardi is expected to miss the fixture owing to personal reasons.
Read Hope, conflicted morality as Newcastle fans welcome Saudis
Paris Saint-Germain will also be without some important midfield and defensive players. PSG's summer acquisition Sergio Ramos will be unavailable at least for the next four weeks due to a calf injury. Aside from them, Paredes and Kurzawa will be absent from this match.
Probable Starting XI (PSG): Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Achraf Hakimi (RB), Marquinhos (CB), Nuno Mendes (LB), Ander Herrera (DM), Idrissa Gueye (DM), Marco Verratti (M), Julian Draxler (AM), Lionel Messi (FW), Kylian Mbappé (FW)
A notable number of Leipzig players are expected to miss this important clash due to injuries. Therefore, coach Jesse Marsch will need to come up with a good plan to halt PSG's attacking trio in this game.
Read Pedri to sign new deal with Barcelona through 2026
Leipzig's summer signing from Ajax Brian Brobbery will miss the match due to a thigh injury. dependable defender Marcel Halstenberg, offensive midfielder Dani Olmo, and Uruguayan left-back Marcelo Saracchi will also be out for this Champions League encounter because of injuries. As a result, manager Jesse Marsch is concerned about putting together a balanced starting XI for this match.
Probable Starting XI (RB Leipzig): Péter Gulácsi (GK), Willi Orbán (CB), Nordi Mukiele (CB), Joško Gvardiol (LB), Lukas Klostermann (RB), Amadou Haidara (M), Kevin Kampl (M), Angeliño (Left-Winger), Christopher Nkunku (AM), Emil Forsberg (AM), Yussuf Poulsen (FW).
Read 10-man Bangladesh exit SAFF Championship with 1-1 draw against Nepal
Hope, conflicted morality as Newcastle fans welcome Saudis
Wearing a mock Arab headdress, Chris Greenslade, between swigs from a bottle of Newcastle Brown Ale, was proudly embracing his club’s new status as one of the richest in world sports.
“We’re Saudis,” the 41-year-old Newcastle fan said. “We can afford anything.”
Read: Premier League club Newcastle bought by Saudi sovereign fund
The gloating and celebrations from fans were only before Sunday's match against Tottenham at St. James' Park, as the new era under Saudi ownership was heralded, before reality set in.
Callum Wilson put Newcastle ahead after only 107 seconds before the hosts collapsed to lose 3-2 and remain in the relegation zone. Much spending will be needed on players, along with a new manager as the crowd was demanding.
To receive the investment, Newcastle fans have to — reluctantly in many cases — accept their long-underachieving club becoming embroiled in a sporting moral maze of the ethics of ownership by a state. Embracing the riches of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund to remove a long-despised owner means an unwelcome attachment with the murkier side of a kingdom.
“You’re going to get stuff like that along there,” Greenslade says, pointing out a vehicle emblazoned with the name “Jamal Khashoggi” alongside an image of the journalist murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. There was also a photo of the Saudi crown prince implicated in the gruesome plot: Mohammed bin Salman.
“Is there any evidence?” Greenslade said. “Is it nailed on?
Pedri to sign new deal with Barcelona through 2026
Barcelona midfielder Pedri González has agreed to a new contract with the team through 2026, the club said Thursday.
Barcelona said Pedri’s new contract will include a release cause of 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion). His salary was not made public. The deal will become official when the player signs on Friday.
Read:CONMEBOL World Cup 2022 Qualifiers: Lionel Messi Sets New South American Record
The 18-year-old Pedri is coming off a breakout season, his first with Barcelona after joining from Las Palmas. The playmaker led Barcelona with 53 appearances, helping it win the Copa del Rey.
Pedri also became a key player for Spain, helping the national team reach the semifinals of the European Championship and winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
The new contract signals Barcelona’s desire to have Pedri help lead the team that is undergoing a painful transition since the departure of Lionel Messi and is facing enormous financial difficulties.
Sk Russel Football: Wari Club to play Hatirjheel Club in final on Friday
Wari Club will play Hatirjheel Club in the final match of the Sheikh Russel Gold Cup U-18 Football Tournament on Friday.
The match will kick-off at 3 pm at Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur here.
Home Minister Asaduzzman Khan will be the chief guest at the final match, organized by Sheikh Russel Jatiya Shisu Kishore Parishad and sponsored by Saif Powertek Limited.
A total of 32 teams took part in the tournament that began on September 30 at the same venue.
10-man Bangladesh exit SAFF Championship with 1-1 draw against Nepal
A 10-man Bangladesh crashed out of the five-nation SAFF Championship 2021 after playing out to 1-1 draw with Nepal in their last league match at the National Football Stadium in Male Wednesday.
Nepal will play the final on October 16 at 9pm Bangladesh time against hosts Maldives or India.
In Wednesday's other crucial match at 10pm, the league leader Maldives will play third-placed India, who have not yet conceded any defeat, Bangladesh time to clinch a berth in the final.
Read: SAFF Championship: 10-man Bangladesh come from behind to draw with India
The Maldives, who dominated the league table with six points from three matches after beating Sri Lanka 1-0, Bangladesh 2-0 and conceding 0-1 defeat against Nepal, need a draw against India to confirm their place in the final. But India will have to win the match to do so.
SAFF Championship 2021: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal in the Final Race
Despite the fact that India were the pre-tournament favorite, there was an expectation that the SAFF championship 2021 would be more competitive than recent editions. All of the teams have done well since the tournament began earlier this month. There are still four teams competing for a berth in the finals. As there is only one group in this competition, the top two teams in the points table will progress to the final match. Let's look at the group stage scenario and assess which two teams have the best chance of reaching the finals.
Read:SAFF Football: Bangladesh to face Nepal in a 'do or die" match on Wednesday
Scenario for Championship Match Berths in the Group Stage
The finalists of the SAFF Championship 2021 will be determined by the last two group stage matches. Because the winner of the match between Bangladesh and Nepal will face the winner of the match between India and the Maldives in the championship match on October 16 (Saturday) at the National Football Stadium in the Maldives.
SAFF Football Championship 2021 points table (as of October 10)
Team
Match
Win
Draw
Loss
GD
Points
Maldives
3
2
0
1
2
6
Nepal
3
2
0
1
1
6
India
3
1
2
0
2
5
Bangladesh
3
1
1
1
-1
4
Sri Lanka
4
0
1
3
-3
1
Read: SAFF Championship: Bangladesh lose 0-2 to Maldives
Bangladesh vs. Nepal: (5 pm, Bangladesh Standard Time)
Head-to-head:
Bangladesh Win: 13 | Draw: 2 | Nepal: 7
Bangladesh
Bangladesh have a simple equation in their quest for a final berth. Bangladesh will go to the final if they defeat Nepal.
Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in their first match of the tournament. They surprised India by drawing the match with ten men on the field. However, Oscar Bruzon's team did not put up their best effort against the Maldives, losing 2-0. They have the lowest goal differential (-1) among the top four teams. Therefore, Bangladesh will not advance to the final if they draw their match against Nepal. So, this is a make-or-break situation for the tigers.
Read CONMEBOL World Cup 2022 Qualifiers: Lionel Messi Sets New South American Record
Probable Starting XI (expected formation: 4-3-3)
Anisur Rahman Zico (GK), Yasin Arafat, Tariq Kazi, Topu Barman, Md Saad Uddin, Jamal Bhuyan, Mohammad Ibrahim, Sohel Rana, Biplu Ahmed, Rahmat Mia, Motin Mia
Nepal
Nepal kicked up their SAFF Championship 2021 campaign with two impressive wins over the Maldives and Sri Lanka. They also performed well against India but were defeated 1-0. Nepal are currently in second place in the points standings after collecting six points in three games. Nepal will proceed to the final if they win against Bangladesh. However, Nepal may still qualify for the final if they draw this match and India lose to the Maldives.
Read: SAFF Champs: Bangladesh to play hosts Maldives Thursday night
Probable Starting XI (expected formation: 5-4-1)
Dangi (GK), Lama, Uparkoti, T.Tamang, S. Shrestha, G. Shrestha, Rajbanshi, A. Tamang, Chand, Aryal, Chemzong
India vs. Maldives (10 pm, Bangladesh Standard Time)
Head-to-head:
India Win: 14 | Draw: 2 | Maldives: 4
India
India got off to a shaky start in the tournament. They drew with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in their first two games, losing vital four points. They fought back strongly against Nepal and won the game 1-0. India are still in contention for a top-two finish in the points standings. They must win their encounter against the Maldives to qualify for the championship match. India will be eliminated from the competition if they lose points.
Probable Starting XI (expected formation: 4-2-2)
Singh Sandhu (GK), Desai, Bose, Bheke, Kotal, Femandes, Ralte, Wangjam, Yasir, Singh, Sunil Chhetri
Read: SAFF Championship 2021: How Bangladesh can qualify for the Final
Maldives
The Maldives had a shaky start to the tournament. They were defeated 1-0 by Nepal in their first match. However, they bounced back against Bangladesh, winning 2-0, and then beating Sri Lanka by a solitary goal. The Maldives are in first place in the points table with 6 points. If the host draws their match against India, they will progress to the final. So, the Maldives are in a stronger position than the other three teams in the final race.
Probable Starting XI (expected formation: 4-2-3-1)
Faisal (GK), Yoosuf, Samooh, Ghanee, Hassan, Nihaan, Ali, Mahudhee, Fasir, Mohamed, Ashfaq
Verdict
The top two teams in the points standings are the Maldives and Nepal as of October 10. These two teams appear to be competitive, and they have exhibited a desire to win the tournament. Though India remain the best side on paper to win the tournament. They made a fantastic comeback against Nepal in their last group stage encounter. On the other hand, Bangladesh had a promising start to the competition but struggled against the host Maldives. Bangladesh must come out on top against Nepal with a winning formula to proceed to the SAFF Championship 2021 final.
Read UEFA Nations League 2021: France Beat Spain in the Final to Become Champion
SAFF Football: Bangladesh to face Nepal in a 'do or die" match on Wednesday
Bangladesh national football team will face Himalayan nation Nepal in a " do or die" league match of the five-nation SAFF Championship' 2021 on Wednesday.
The crucial match will kick-off at 5 pm (Bangladesh time) at the National Football Stadium in the Maldives capital Male.
The match will telecast live by T-Sports from big bowl.
League leader and hosts Maldives will play 3rd placed and only unbeaten team India in the last league match also on Wednesday at 10 pm (Bangladesh time) to assure the final berth in an any bodies game.
Read: SAFF Championship: 10-man Bangladesh come from behind to draw with India
The winners of Wednesday's matches will directly qualify for the final on October 16 at the same venue.
Bangladesh will play the last league matches in a must win situation to reach the final, but the Maldives, Nepal and India keep their final alive also with draw.