United News of Bangladesh

Atletico Madrid advanced to their first Copa del Rey final in 13 years despite suffering a 3-0 defeat to defending champions Barcelona in the second leg of their semifinal on Tuesday. Atletico progressed 4-3 on aggregate, thanks to their commanding 4-0 victory in the first leg at the Metropolitano Stadium last month. Coached by Diego Simeone, Atletico will play in the Copa final for the first time since winning their 10th title in the 2012-13 season. The final is scheduled for April in Seville. Barcelona mounted a strong comeback attempt at home. Marc Bernal opened the scoring in the 29th minute, while Raphinha converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time. Bernal struck again in the 72nd minute, leaving Barcelona just one goal short of leveling the tie. “We knew it wasn’t easy to overturn a 4-0 deficit, but we gave everything,” Raphinha said after the match. Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso credited his team’s resilience over the two legs, saying it was “a game of 180 minutes.” Barcelona suffered injury setbacks, losing defender Jules Koundé early in the match, while Robert Lewandowski missed the game due to injury. Barcelona, the Spanish league leaders with a four-point advantage over Real Madrid, were aiming to defend their Copa title after defeating Real Madrid in last year’s final. Atletico sit third in La Liga, 13 points behind Barcelona. The winner of the other semifinal between Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao will be decided on Wednesday. Both Atletico and Barcelona remain in the Champions League round of 16.

US President Donald Trump has said he is unconcerned about whether Iran participate in this summer’s 2026 World Cup, as tensions escalate following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The United States is co-hosting the tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, alongside Canada and Mexico. Trump made the remarks in an interview with Politico, saying, “I really don’t care,” when asked about Iran’s involvement. He added that Iran was “a very badly defeated country” and “running on fumes.” Iran have secured qualification for a fourth straight World Cup and are set to begin their campaign in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium, before concluding their group stage fixtures against Egypt in Seattle. Tehran did not withdraw from last year’s competition after the US bombed three of its nuclear facilities. However, amid the current heightened conflict, Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj has reportedly raised concerns about participation. War casts shadow over Messi’s Finalissima, Ronaldo matches and F1 races Speaking to Iranian state television, Taj said it was “far from our expectations that we can look at the World Cup with hope,” adding that sports authorities would determine whether any action should be taken. FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom said on Saturday that the governing body’s priority remains ensuring a safe tournament with full participation.  #From BBC

Bangladesh’s women’s national football team delivered a performance of immense grit and character on their Asian Cup debut, holding their own against continental giants China in a 2-0 defeat that felt more like a statement of progress than a loss. Under the evening sky at Sydney, a vocal crowd of 6,000—sounding like 20,000 as expatriate Bangladeshis roared in support—witnessed the South Asian side frustrate the defending champions for long periods. Despite the gulf in experience and physical stature, Bangladesh maintained 41% possession and completed 257 passes against a Chinese side that has appeared in eight World Cups. Coach Peter Butler opted for a bold tactical shift, handing the gloves to youngster Mili Akthar over the veteran Rupna Chakma to counter China’s height advantage. The gamble paid off early as Mili produced a stunning save in the 12th minute to deny star forward Wang Shuang. The defensive unit, led by Afieda Khandakar, Shiuli Azim, and Shamsunnahar Senior, remained organized and resolute, thwarting wave after wave of Chinese attacks for the opening 40 minutes. Bangladesh nearly turned the script upside down in the 14th minute. Star winger Ritu Porna Chakma burst down the left flank, shaking off her marker to unleash a powerful long-range strike. Only a desperate fingertip save from Chinese goalkeeper Chen Chen prevented what would have been a historic opening goal. Premier League corner chaos sparks calls for rule change The drama intensified in the 24th minute when Wang Shuang appeared to have broken the deadlock, only for the goal to be overturned by VAR for offside. The reprieve galvanized the Bangladeshi side, who looked poised to enter the interval on level terms. However, China’s quality eventually told in the 43rd minute when Wang Shuang found the far corner with a clinical long-range effort. Luck further deserted Bangladesh in first-half stoppage time when a deflection off Kohati Kisku resulted in an own goal, doubling China's lead. In the second half, Butler introduced Tohura Khatun and Sapna Rani to inject pace into the attack. While the substitutions increased the tempo and forced the Chinese defense into several hurried clearances, a clinical finishing touch remained elusive. Despite the result, the performance answered pre-match skepticism regarding the youth of the Bangladeshi squad. Facing a team vastly superior in physical metrics and international caps, the young side proved they could compete eye-to-eye with Asia’s elite. Bangladesh will take on North Korea in the next match on March 6.

Mounting grappling and holding during corner kicks in the Premier League have triggered fresh debate over whether football’s lawmakers should amend the rules to curb what critics describe as “corner chaos.” With more goals coming from set-pieces this season, pushing and wrestling inside the six-yard box have become increasingly common, often leaving referees struggling to maintain control. Former top-flight assistant referee Darren Cann said the situation has reached a point where “something needs to be done,” describing it as a growing problem for match officials. Speaking to BBC Sport, Cann noted that as many as 16 players can crowd the goal area during corners, making it extremely difficult for referees to spot and punish infringements. The issue came under scrutiny after last week’s clash between Everton and Manchester United, where players were seen jostling heavily around the goalkeeper. Everton manager David Moyes criticized officials for failing to clamp down, suggesting referees have been reluctant to intervene. According to Cann, attackers frequently crowd goalkeepers to limit their movement, while defenders focus more on blocking opponents than tracking the ball. Moyes pointed to Arsenal as pioneers of such tactics, describing their blocking approach as effective but subtle. Sunday’s match between Arsenal and Chelsea again highlighted the trend, with Chelsea conceding twice from corners in a 2-1 defeat. Liverpool boss Arne Slot said the heavy reliance on physical battles at set-pieces has reduced the entertainment value of games, adding that similar incidents might be penalized in other leagues. Statistics show the Premier League leads Europe’s top five competitions in set-piece goals this season at 27 percent, ahead of Italy’s Serie A, Germany’s Bundesliga, Spain’s La Liga and France’s Ligue 1. League authorities maintain that the current threshold for fouls and video assistant referee intervention remains appropriate. At the start of the season, a survey of coaches, captains and referees supported the existing approach, with only the most obvious holding being penalized. Seven penalties have been awarded this season for such offences, four following VAR reviews. However, fans have voiced frustration on social media, arguing that VAR appears quick to punish marginal offsides but overlooks clear physical fouls at corners. Possible reforms have been suggested. Cann floated the idea of requiring attackers to begin outside the six-yard box before a corner is taken to reduce congestion. Another proposal, attributed to former striker Alan Shearer, would allow referees to penalize misconduct immediately after the whistle for a restart, rather than waiting for the ball to be in play. Despite the debate, the International Football Association Board, which oversees the Laws of the Game, did not formally address the issue at its latest meeting. Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said he was unsure whether the behaviour had worsened significantly over the season. For now, the physical battles at corners remain part of Premier League matches, but pressure is building for clearer guidance or rule changes to prevent what many see as an increasingly chaotic spectacle.   With inputs from BBC

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton are among the sports stars whose schedules are in doubt because of the spreading war in the Middle East. Cancelations and travel shutdowns are already affecting events since the United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran on Saturday. Organizers of Formula 1 and major soccer games face deciding within weeks whether they can go ahead as scheduled. Middle Eastern nations have become crucial to the world sports landscape over the last decade as event hosts, financial backers and employers for some of the world's top athletes. Key upcoming events The clock is ticking for a decision on whether to cancel or move the “Finalissima” soccer game on March 27 between Spain and Argentina, the champions of Europe and South America. That match would offer Messi a chance to win yet another trophy in a glittering career. Qatar suspended all soccer games until further notice Sunday. Argentina was also scheduled to play Qatar in a friendly March 31. “UEFA is monitoring and carefully assessing all developments of the situation in cooperation with (South American soccer body) CONMEBOL and the (local organizing committee),” European soccer body UEFA told The Associated Press on Monday. Ronaldo's soccer team, Saudi club Al Nassr, has already been affected by a wave of cancelations of Asian Champions League games. His team was scheduled to play Wednesday in Dubai. Formula 1 has races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month. F1 and its teams typically start to fly in staff and freight weeks in advance, limiting the time to make a decision on whether to go ahead. Governing body FIA says its priority is “safety and wellbeing.” The men's and women's tennis tours and golf's European tour have just finished their Middle East tournament swings and aren't due back for months. Iran is set to play in US at the World Cup Iran is due to send its men's soccer team to the U.S. for the World Cup in just over three months, with a first game June 16 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California. There's doubt over whether Iran can or will take part in the tournament. Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj has said “we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.” The U.S. government has promised exemptions from its travel bans for athletes and coaches at events like the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Airspace closures leave athletes stranded Even if some events go ahead, a major concern for athletes and teams will be how they can travel in and out of the region safely. Former U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev is among a group of tennis players waiting in Dubai for a chance to fly out after a tournament there concluded last week. If they can't travel soon, it will affect the BNP Paribas Open starting Wednesday in Indian Wells, California. Cricket and basketball players are facing challenges, too, along with thousands of foreign tourists, while F1 personnel are seeking alternative travel to avoid the region on their way to this week's Australian Grand Prix. A key region for world sports The Middle East's influence on world sports has surged in recent years as countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have hosted major events and become crucial financial backers. Besides soccer and auto racing, Qatar has a World Endurance Championship sportscar race this month, a MotoGP motorcycle race, a gymnastics World Cup next month and hosts the first Diamond League track meet of the year in May. Qatar also owns Champions League-winning soccer team Paris Saint-Germain. Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer, has funded the LIV Golf breakaway league and become a major player in world boxing.

Another decisive display from set-pieces helped Arsenal secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea, restoring a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League and reinforcing their reputation as the division’s most effective dead-ball side. The league leaders were not at their fluent best at Emirates Stadium, but two goals from corner routines once again proved enough. William Saliba opened the scoring after meeting an initial header from Gabriel, before defender Jurrien Timber powered home Declan Rice’s delivery to seal the win. Arsenal have now scored 16 goals from corners this season, more than any other side and matching the highest tally ever recorded in a single Premier League campaign. This was also the ninth time this season that a goal from a corner has proved decisive in one of their league matches, a new outright record. While Arsenal sit clear of second-placed Manchester City, albeit having played a game more, questions have resurfaced over their style of play. Former Premier League winner Chris Sutton suggested Arsenal could be remembered as one of the “ugliest” title winners if they go on to lift the trophy, arguing that their overall performance against Chelsea fell short. Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira echoed the view that expectations are higher when a team leads both domestically and in Europe, saying supporters want to see more dominance in open play. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta rejected the criticism, insisting adaptability is part of modern football. He said winning by exploiting the small margins, particularly against a side like Chelsea, was “beautiful” in its own way. Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman also defended Arsenal’s approach, saying it made sense to lean on a proven strength. “If set-pieces are your weapon, you use them,” he said. Brazilian defender Gabriel has been central to Arsenal’s routines, now directly involved in 25 Premier League goals, the most by an Arsenal centre-back in the competition. The club’s investment in specialist coaching, including the appointment of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, has been widely credited for the improvement. With nine league matches remaining, Arsenal remain firmly on course for their first league title since 2004. While debate continues over aesthetics, the Gunners’ efficiency in both penalty areas continues to deliver results, and in a tight title race, Arteta’s side appear content to let effectiveness outweigh style.   With inputs from BBC

Manchester City beat Leeds 1-0 on Saturday without injured Erling Haaland, keeping the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal. New signing Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal in first-half stoppage time, finishing a low cross in a Haaland-style strike. It was Semenyo’s sixth goal in 11 games since joining from Bournemouth in January. “We just need to control what we can control, win our games and see what happens,” he said. City now trails Arsenal by two points with 10 games remaining for both sides. Arsenal faces Chelsea on Sunday. Haaland missed his first league match of the season due to a minor training injury, Guardiola said. City survived a late Leeds push and extended their league winning streak to four games, six in all competitions. Liverpool also won big, thrashing West Ham 5-2 to continue their midseason recovery. Mohamed Salah’s league goal drought reached 10 games, but teammates Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, and an own-goal helped secure the victory. Liverpool has won six of its last seven matches and moved level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United. Elsewhere, Brentford came from behind to beat Burnley 4-3, with a stoppage-time winner from Mikkel Damsgaard after a dramatic late VAR decision overturned an equalizer. Everton edged Newcastle 3-2, highlighted by a stunning stoppage-time save from Jordan Pickford. Bournemouth drew 1-1 with Sunderland, extending their unbeaten run to eight games. With inputs from NDTV        

Shafiul Alam Uzzal and Yadul Haque have been elected president and general secretary of the Bangladesh Elevator, Escalator and Lift Importers Association (BELIA) for the tenure of 2026-2028. The new executive committee was officially announced on Saturday at a restaurant in the BTMC Bhaban in the city’s Karwan Bazar. The announcement was followed by an introductory meeting and an Iftar party attended by general members. Students and women’s football stars unite to stand against cyber harassment According to the election board, the transition of leadership was completed peacefully following the announced schedule. A single full panel of 13 candidates filed nomination papers for the 13 available posts. As no other valid nominations were submitted within the deadline, the election board declared the panel elected uncontested. The other office bearers of the committee include Senior Vice-President Achinta Kumar Biswas, Vice-President Asim Sarkar, Finance Secretary SM Moniruzzaman Monir, and Joint General Secretary Md. Khalid Hossain Tarafder. The elected directors are Mohammad Zakirul Haque, Md. Neamul Haque, Md. Lutfar Rahman, Faruk Hossain, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Ahmed Ali, and Aref Ahmed. Speaking at the event, newly elected President Shafiul Alam Uzzal expressed his commitment to strengthening the association's activities. He pledged to play an effective role in protecting the interests of members and advancing the development of the country’s lift and elevator industry.

Bodø/Glimt, the small Norwegian club from a fishing town, has captured hearts in Europe just as the cash-driven Super League project collapsed this month. The timing is striking. At Friday’s Champions League draw, Manchester City faced a choice between Bodø/Glimt and Real Madrid, whose Super League ambitions once threatened UEFA competitions. For Bodø/Glimt chief executive Frode Thomassen, the club’s rise shows that effort and teamwork matter more than money. Bodø/Glimt made its Champions League debut in 2021, losing in the first qualifying round. Since then, the club has steadily progressed through European competitions, including the Europa Conference League and Europa League semifinals last season. This year, four wins in five weeks against elite teams like Man City, Atletico Madrid, and Inter Milan have solidified their reputation. With coach Kjetil Knutsen, Thomassen, and a loyal staff since 2017, Bodø/Glimt has grown from a 40-member team with a €4.2 million budget to a Champions League contender. Thomassen emphasizes the club’s “family-like” culture, where respect and teamwork outweigh individual brilliance. Financially, success is paying off: UEFA prize money exceeded €26 million last season, with a potential €12.5 million bonus for reaching the quarterfinals against Arsenal or Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, a new 10,000-seat Arctic Arena is under construction. Bodø/Glimt’s story stands as a triumph of heart, teamwork, and passion, showing that even small clubs can compete at the highest European level.

Real Madrid and Manchester City will meet yet again in the Champions League round of 16 after being paired together in Friday’s draw, marking the fifth consecutive year the two sides face off in the knockout stage. The clash pits the record 15-time European champion Real Madrid against the 2023 title winner Man City, with the victor potentially facing Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, enjoying a remarkable run, will host Sporting Lisbon in the Arctic Circle next month. The team avoided a rematch with City after stunning the English champions with a 3-1 win during the league phase, sparking a four-match winning surge despite playing in the Norwegian offseason. Title holder Paris Saint-Germain were drawn against Chelsea, with the winner set to face either Liverpool or Galatasaray in the quarterfinals. Galatasaray had earlier beaten Liverpool 1-0 in September, contributing to a difficult spell for the English champions. The draw also produced two Spain vs England matchups: Barcelona will take on Newcastle, while Atletico Madrid meet Tottenham. The winners will face each other in the next round. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich were paired with Atalanta, the last remaining Italian side, and Arsenal will face Bayer Leverkusen. The winner of that tie will meet either Bodø/Glimt or Sporting in the quarterfinals. First-leg matches are scheduled for March 10 or 11, with return legs a week later. The draw also determined the bracket through to the final, set for May 30 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.