United News of Bangladesh

Paris Saint-Germain labored past lowly Le Havre 2-1 on Saturday and moved closer to finishing Ligue 1 unbeaten. In other games, Marseille thumped rock-bottom Montpellier 5-1 to reclaim second place by one point from Monaco, which drew 0-0 at home with fifth-placed Strasbourg. PSG has already clinched the league title, and coach Luis Enrique rested 21-goal top-scorer Ousmane Dembélé and gave 17-year forward Ibrahim Mbaye a chance up front. Another teenage forward, Désiré Doué, gave PSG an early lead with a deflected strike after being set up by winger Bradley Barcola's league-leading 10th assist. The second goal came in the new half when 18-year-old midfielder Senny Mayulu broke down the left and allowed center forward Gonçalo Ramos an easy tap-in. Sloppy defending from a corner let striker Issa Soumaré head a goal back on the hour for Le Havre, which remained 16th and in the relegation playoff spot. Raphinha’s last-gasp penalty seals dramatic win for Barcelona PSG is on course for the first treble in its history. It travels to Arsenal on April 29 in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal, and takes on Reims in the French Cup final on May 24. The top three sides in France gain automatic entry into next season’s Champions League while the side in fourth spot enters qualifying. Marseille looks well set with only four games left. English forward Mason Greenwood scored twice against a woeful Montpellier to take his league tally to 18, with only Dembélé ahead of him. Greenwood scored from the penalty spot eight minutes into a one-sided contest at Stade Velodrome. Then defender Amir Murillo found Greenwood just inside the penalty area and he controlled the ball before finishing with a neat side-footed shot. The visitors pulled a goal back before France midfielder Adrien Rabiot completed the scoring with a cool finish from Ismaël Bennacer’s pass. Montpellier is almost relegated after an 11th straight loss. Balogun goes close United States forward Folarin Balogun came off the bench late on for Monaco and almost scored when Dorde Petrovic tipped over his powerful header. There was tension at the end between the two coaches. Strasbourg's English coach Liam Rosenior claimed he had to wait five minutes before Monaco counterpart Adi Hütter shook his hand, which Hütter refuted. Messi set to star as Inter Miami take on Crew in Cleveland “It's the first time in 16 years of my career that I have heard something like this,” Hütter said. “I've coached in many countries, taken charge of 650 games. I've been in France for two years and a coach never said I disappointed them.”

Raphinha converted a penalty in the 98th minute to seal a stunning 4-3 comeback victory for La Liga leaders Barcelona against Celta Vigo. The Brazilian forward scored from the spot after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Dani Olmo inside the box, rescuing Barca in the dying moments. Hansi Flick’s men had been trailing 3-1 just past the hour mark, with Borja Iglesias netting a hat-trick to overturn Ferran Torres’ early goal and put the visitors in control. However, Barcelona fought back, with quick-fire goals from Olmo and Raphinha leveling the match. Just as it seemed Celta would escape with a draw, the VAR intervention handed Barca a lifeline — and Raphinha made no mistake. The win pushes Barcelona seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who face Athletic Club on Sunday. Source: BBC

Lionel Messi, one of the most iconic figures in global football, is set to add another memorable chapter to his storied career this time, in the heart of Cleveland. Inter Miami’s matchup against Columbus Crew will take place at Cleveland’s NFL venue, Huntington Bank Stadium, marking the first time the Crew will host a Major League Soccer match outside of Columbus. The unique setting, better known for the Cleveland Browns’ raucous “Dawg Pound,” will instead be filled with passionate Crew fans as Messi takes center stage. The opportunity came thanks to the Haslam Sports Group, which owns both the Browns and the Crew. Since acquiring the MLS club in 2019, the Haslams have held the option of staging a match in Cleveland, and the Messi effect made this the perfect moment. “This is a unique moment in time with Messi where we can fill the building and ensure that the first experience Northeast Ohio has with the Columbus Crew is in a packed house,” said Josh Glessing, the Crew’s president of business operations. This will be Messi’s 11th MLS game played in an NFL stadium since he joined Inter Miami in 2023 after guiding Argentina to a World Cup triumph in 2022. These matches have proven to be major draws, averaging more than 61,000 fans. Last year’s clash between Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium drew a massive 72,610 fans—far surpassing typical MLS attendance figures. The Crew hopes to break their own single-game attendance record of 31,550, set in 1996 at Ohio Stadium. MLS executive vice president Camilo Durana said Messi’s presence is doing more than selling tickets—it’s building lasting enthusiasm for the sport. “The impact Messi has on MLS and soccer in the U.S. is clear. But there’s also a long-term legacy being created that people are just starting to recognize,” Durana said. Northeast Ohio isn’t new to soccer. The Cleveland Force of the 1980s was one of indoor soccer’s biggest draws, and the region continues to foster talent at the youth and collegiate levels. The University of Akron's soccer program remains one of the most successful in the nation, having produced multiple MLS players, including current Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe. Cleveland nearly landed a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team, and while that bid fell short, a new local group has announced plans to join the WPSL Pro—a Division II league considered a pipeline to the NWSL. This game also has serious on-field significance. It’s a battle between the last two unbeaten teams in MLS. Columbus Crew (5-0-3) lead the Eastern Conference with 18 points, while Inter Miami (4-0-3), with one game in hand, trails just behind in fourth. Messi has already tallied three goals and two assists in four matches this season. For Cleveland native Sean Zawadzki, a midfielder for the Crew, the match has extra meaning. “It’s a dream come true,” Zawadzki said. “I grew up cheering for teams at this stadium. To play here in front of family, friends, and fans in my hometown—it’s something I’ll never forget.” With high stakes, record-breaking expectations, and the Messi factor in full effect, Saturday’s match in Cleveland promises to be a landmark moment for Ohio soccer.    

Joe Thompson, a former Manchester United academy player who made more than 200 appearances for local club Rochdale, has died. He was 36. Fifth-tier English club Rochdale announced that Thompson, who had been fighting cancer for a third time, died Thursday at home with family by his side. “We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality,” Rochdale said in a statement on Friday. “He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story. Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae.” A midfielder, Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2013 while playing for Tranmere. The disease returned three years later. Thompson announced he was cancer-free in 2017 and less than a year later entered himself “into Rochdale folklore,” the club said, by coming off the bench in the final game of the 2017-18 season to score in a 1-0 win that kept the team in the third tier. Slot avoids talk of Premier League title, Alexander-Arnold's future at Liverpool He retired in 2019 and went on to become a motivational speaker and soccer pundit. He also held an ambassadorial role with United. Last year, Thompson was diagnosed with cancer for a third time. United posted a tribute to Thompson on its social media channels, saying he “epitomized our club’s values.” Rochdale, located just north of Manchester, said its players would wear black armbands during Friday’s match at Altrincham in the National League.

Arne Slot says he's not thinking about Liverpool clinching the Premier League title on Sunday. The Dutchman would join a small group of coaches to win the title in their first year in charge at a new club, reports AP. “The honest answer is no, but I’m not sure if you believe me,” Slot said Friday when questioned about securing the crown. “I’m not looking backwards a lot, and I’m not looking forward a lot. That’s the type of person that I am.” Liverpool is on the verge of sealing its 20th English top-flight title, which would equal Manchester United's record. It can happen Sunday if, first, Ipswich beats second-place Arsenal, and then Liverpool defeats Leicester. “My thoughts are not on that at all,” said Slot, whose team holds a 13-point lead with six games left. Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp last summer, is set to join elite company. Jose Mourinho (Chelsea, 2004-05), Carlo Ancelotti (Chelsea, 2009-10), Manuel Pellegrini (Manchester City, 2013-14), Claudio Ranieri (Leicester, 2015-16), and Antonio Conte (Chelsea, 2016-17) all won the Premier League in their first season. Of that group, only Ranieri had previously coached in the division. Pakistan clinch Women's Cricket World Cup spot after four straight wins It wouldn't be the first time that a Liverpool manager accomplished the feat. Joe Fagan led the Reds to the top-flight title in 1984, two years before Kenny Dalglish did the same. Alexander-Arnold's status Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have both signed two-year extensions, but Slot offered no insights on the contract status of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The right back has been strongly linked to a move to Real Madrid this summer. “We don't talk about this as long as things are not done yet, and they aren’t, so that’s why we don’t talk in public about this situation,” Slot said. Alexander-Arnold, whose current contract ends in the summer, could be an option off the bench for the game at Leicester, the manager added. The defender has returned to training after being sidelined with an ankle injury sustained more than five weeks ago.

Old Trafford witnessed one of its most unforgettable European nights as Manchester United pulled off a stunning 5-4 comeback victory over Lyon to secure a place in the Europa League semifinals. Despite their struggles in the Premier League this season, United delivered a performance full of heart and drama. After surrendering an early two-goal advantage, the Red Devils found themselves trailing 4-2 in extra time against a Lyon side reduced to 10 men. But the comeback kings refused to fold. Ticket sales for Bangladesh-Zimbabwe first Test begins on Saturday Captain Harry Maguire emerged the hero, scoring a last-gasp winner in stoppage time of extra time, sparking wild celebrations and reviving hopes of silverware in an otherwise turbulent season. Head coach Ruben Amorim remained optimistic: “We still have time to make something special of this season, so we have to think like that and be positive,” he said after the match. United now face Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao in the semifinals, after they eased past Rangers 2-0 in their quarterfinal clash. Elsewhere, Tottenham also advanced to the final four, securing a gritty 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt to go through 2-1 on aggregate—another bright spot in a challenging domestic campaign. History was made in Norway too, as Bodo/Glimt became the first Norwegian team to reach a European semifinal. They overcame Lazio in a dramatic penalty shootout, following a 3-3 aggregate scoreline after extra time in Rome.      

Bangladesh Women’s Football team will play two matches in a tri-nation football series in Jordan capital Amman involving much superior Jordan and stronger Indonesia in May and June next ahead of their Asian Cup Qualifiers against Myanmar in  nest June- July. Bangladesh women’s team, FIFA ranked 133rd,  will fly to Jordan on May 27 to play one match each against FIFA ranked 74th Jordan on May 31 and FIFA ranked 94th Indonesia on June 3, both in Amman. Ticket sales for Bangladesh-Zimbabwe first Test begins on Saturday Bangladesh, which seriously looking for playing some preparatory matches against stronger teams ahead of the Asian Cup Qualifiers against Myanmar, finally got the opportunity to measure their ability and strength. Regarding inclusion of 18 rebel footballers in Jordan-bound team, chief of the BFF Women’s wing Mahfuza Akter Kiron said, ten players  of them , now in Bhutan to play in the Bhutan women’s national league. "Head coach of the Women’s team Pater Butler will form team for Jordan, I do not like to interfere in his job", she said.

 Arsenal defeated defending champion Real Madrid 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2009 in a match where VAR played a key role in two penalty decisions. Arsenal advanced 5-1 on aggregate after winning 3-0 in London last week, keeping alive its chances of winning Europe’s top club competition for the first time. It will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals. Inter Milan advanced past Bayern Munich on Wednesday and will meet Barcelona in the semifinals. There was no historic comeback for Madrid this time. No late goals, no high drama, no magic at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The 15-time European champions fell short of the last four for the first time since 2020, ending its shot at a third Champions League title in four seasons. “There was a lot of talk coming here about (Real Madrid) coming back, because they’ve done it so many times before, but we had so much belief and confidence from that first game to come here and win,” Arsenal's Declan Rice said. "We had it in our minds and now we’ve done it in real life.” Momentum shift Madrid's hopes of staging another comeback took a big hit when a five-minute VAR review overturned a penalty for a hold on Kylian Mbappé in the first half with the game tied 0-0. Arsenal earlier had been awarded a penalty after a video review, but Bukayo Saka missed his spot kick. Barcelona protects its La Liga lead with a narrow win at Leganes Saka was able to put Arsenal ahead from inside the area after Mikel Merino's pass in the 65th minute, and Madrid couldn’t manage more than an equalizer by Vinícius Júnior a couple of minutes later after a defensive blunder by William Saliba. Gabriel Martinelli completed the scoring three minutes into stoppage time, also after an assist by Merino. “This is one of the best nights in my football career, for sure," Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said. "It’s a really special one against a team that has been an inspiration for a lot of us in this competition. To win this tie in the manner that we have, we can be very proud.” Injured Mbappe Mbappé was replaced by Brahim Díaz in the 75th with an apparent injury and part of the crowd at the Bernabeu jeered the France star when his substitution was announced. It was another lackluster performance for Mbappé, who is yet to win a Champions League title. “It’s a tough moment,” Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez said. “We tried but in the end we couldn’t achieve our goal. We’ll come back stronger. Madrid always does.” It was a tough assignment for Madrid from the start. Arsenal hasn't lost by a three-goal margin in nearly three years, and only four times has a home team erased a first-leg deficit of three goals or more in the Champions League era, according to UEFA. Arsenal hadn’t lost to Madrid in the teams’ three previous meetings. It also overcame Madrid in the Champions League knockout stage in 2005-06, when it reached the final and eventually lost the title to Barcelona. Ancelotti's perspective “We have to hold our heads high because we did very well in this competition in recent years,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "This year we have to endure and suffer. In sport, this can happen because there are no invincible teams. I was clear with my players. We have to keep our heads up, we have to learn from it and fight for the next game.” Ancelotti said he didn't know if the loss would mean his last Champions League match with Madrid, “Maybe the club will decide to make a change. It could be this year or next year, when my contract runs out," he said. “The day I finish here I can only do one thing and that is to thank this club. It could be tomorrow, in 10 days or in a year and the only thing I will do is thank the club.” Mohammedan boost title hopes beating Bashundhara Kings Backed by a raucous crowd at the Bernabeu, Madrid tried to get off to a strong start. It found the net in the second minute but Mbappé's effort was disallowed for a clear offside. Arsenal had a chance to increase its advantage after being awarded a penalty about 10 minutes later, but Saka’s chip from the spot was saved by Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The penalty was awarded after Raúl Asencio held Mikel Merino inside the area during a corner kick in an action that was missed by French referee François Letexier. But he was called over to the pitchside monitor by the VAR to review the incident and then pointed to the spot. Video review played a role again in the 23rd, after Mbappé was held inside the area by Rice. Letexier pointed to the spot but after a lengthy VAR check he had to reverse his decision.

Krishna Rani Sarkar,  the senior footballer of the SAFF Women's champions Bangladesh football team finally left Dhaka for Thimphu on Wednesday to play in the Bhutan Women's National Football League. Krishna, who was supposed to fly Bhutan last Sunday along with five other Bangladeshi booters, failed the missed the trip for not getting work permit in time and finally reached Bhutan on Wednesday. Earlier on last Sunday, five more senior footballers of the SAFF Women's champions Bangladesh team left the capital for Thimphu to play in the Bhutan National Women's Football League beginning there on April 15. They are ---Sanjida Akter, Maria Manda, Shamsunnahar Sr,  Masura Parvin and Rupna Chakma . Four players --Bangladesh captain Sabina Khatun, SAFF's best player Ritu Porna Chakma, reliable national booters Monika Chakma and Matsushima Sumaya--reached Thimphu in the first week of this month to play for Paro FC in the Bhutan league. Six-team super league of Dhaka Premier Division Cricket kicks off Thursday With the inclusion of Krishna, a record 10 players from Bangladesh playing togather for first time in foreign league. Apart from Paro FC,'s Sabina, Ritu Porna, Monika and Sumaiya, national defender Masura Parvin, SAFF's best goalkeeper Rupna Chakma and Krishna Rani Sarkar will play for the Transport United while Maria Manda, Sanjida Akter and Shamsunnahar Sr will play for Thimphu City. Earlier, Captain Sabina Khatun also played in the Maldives league while Sanjida Akter played for Kolkata East Bengal Club. Besides, four Bangladeshi players--Sabina Khatun ,Ritu Porna, Maria Manda and Monika Chakma -- played for Royal Thimphu College FC of Bhutan in the AFC Women's Champions League in August last year.

One of Diego Maradona's daughters testified Tuesday in the trial of seven medical professionals accused of negligence in the soccer great's death, describing the room where her father underwent home hospitalization in 2020 as “disgusting” and “smelling of urine.” Dalma Maradona said she and her siblings were deceived by the doctors treating their father. “They promised us a home hospitalization that never happened,” said Dalma, the eldest of the former Argentina captain’s five children and the first of them to testify in court. “They made us believe in something that never happened. They deceived us in the cruelest way to support that,” she added. Maradona, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986, died on Nov. 25, 2020 while undergoing home hospitalization on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, days after undergoing surgery for a hematoma that formed between his skull and brain. He was 60. Dalma said the facility was not fit for medical treatment. “It smelled like urine, the bed was disgusting,” she said. "There was a portable toilet. There was this panel on the windows to keep out the light. There was nothing. It was horrible. The kitchen was disgusting.” Doctors testify Maradona should not have undergone surgery before his death Seven healthcare professionals, including a neurosurgeon and a psychiatrist, are on trial for failing to provide adequate care and could face a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Dalma recalled that after the hematoma surgery, neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and psychologist Carlos Díaz — three of the defendants whom she identified as “my father’s doctors” — suggested home hospitalization since Maradona did not want to remain hospitalized. “There were three options (voluntary hospitalization, forced hospitalization, and home hospitalization), but they made us understand that home hospitalization was the only option,” Dalma said. “They promised us 24-hour nurses to monitor his blood pressure and to give him medication.” Last week, Diego Maradona’s ex-wife and a doctor also questioned the decision to take him to a private home following the surgery instead of admitting him to a rehabilitation center. The deficiencies in Maradona’s home care are one of the prosecution’s key pieces of evidence against the defendants. Dalma Maradona said the last time she saw her father alive was at the hospital as she had not been allowed access to the house where he was rehabilitating until after he was dead. “I went into the room (after he died), he was very swollen. He was covered with a sheet, but you could see he was swollen,” she said. “I threw myself on him because I thought he was going to wake up. His face was very swollen, his hands, his face. His stomach, his body. Everything.” Experts involved in Maradona’s autopsy testify that he had an abnormally large heart She added: “I miss him every day of my life, and what pains me the most is knowing that if they (the doctors) had done their job, this could have been avoided,” Dalma concluded. “It’s still very painful to remember the abuse he suffered, and I didn’t know. If I had known this was going to be the outcome, I would have handled it differently. But I never thought about it.”