Category: Football

VILLAREAL: Real Madrid missed a chance to go back to the top of the La Liga table after a shocking 1-2 defeat against Villareal on Saturday. 

The defending champions suffered their second loss of the season after an assist and goal from Villareal striker Gerard Moreno at El Madrigal, keeping table toppers Barcelona ahead in the title race.

The hosts opened the scoring through Yeremy Pino just after the break but a dubious handball call allowed Real Madrid to level in the 60th minute with Karim Benzema hitting the penalty,

But, the lead was restored quickly after David Alba handled Juan Foyth in the penalty area and Moreno fired home from the spot to secure points for Villareal, who climbs up to fifth after winning their third consecutive league game.

Madrid remain second, tie on 38 points with Barcelona who visit fourth-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Despite an unwanted result, Benzema became the joint sixth all-time goal scorer’s in the top Spanish League as he levelled Real legend Alfredo di Stefano’s 227 La Liga goals.

In another Saturday fixture, Mallorca sealed a thrilling 1-0 win over Valladolid, thanks to Abdon Prats’s late decider in stoppage time.

Meanwhile, Girona held Espanyol, who denies Barcelona victory last week in the Catalan derby, to a 2-2 draw after a tense game at RCDE stadium.

The action-filled matches of LaLiga 2022-23 are being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and are simultaneously streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

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ELCHE: Veteran striker Iago Aspas’ fifth-minute goal was enough to power Celta Vigo to run through the winless Elche and ended their eight-match losing streak in the ongoing LaLiga 2022/23.

The rock-bottom Elche continued to struggle in the ongoing season of the Spanish league as they remain the only team without a win after 16 league matches.

Elche’s defeat came following an unwanted start to the year 2023 as the side relegated from the Copa del Rey courtesy of a 1-0 loss at the hands of third-division club Ceuta.

Newly-appointed coach Pablo Machín also failed to turn the fortune in the bottom-ranked Elche’s favour as he sustained his third defeat after taking the charge. His first match was a 2-0 loss at Atlético Madrid before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Celta Vigo, which got the match-winner in just the fifth minute off Aspas, ended their eight-match losing streak, while their last triumph was in October against Real Betis. It also had been eliminated in the Copa del Rey midweek.

The triumph over Elche lifted Celta Vigo to 16th spot, three points clear of the relegation zone.

On the other hand, Cadiz also enjoyed a similar outcome in their match at Valencia as the side ended a three-match losing streak with a 1-0 triumph over the hosts and moved out of the relegation zone.

Cadiz, however, found their match-winner in the ninth minute when Ruben Alcaraz struck from just outside the box off Ruben Sobrino’s astounding assist having carried the ball all the way through before firing a perfect pass.

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PARIS: Seventeen days after guiding Argentina to an epic World Cup final victory over France, Lionel Messi reported back to work on Wednesday, his French club Paris Saint-Germain announced.

The 35-year-old seven-time Ballon d’Or winner reported back to the club’s training ground as they prepare for Saturday’s French Cup tie at third tier side Chateauroux.

Messi scored twice as Argentina drew 3-3 with France in the Qatar final, before prevailing in the penalty shoot-out. Since then he has been celebrating in Argentina and spending time with his family.

On Wednesday, he was given a guard of honour by his teammates at the training ground, before being presented with a small trophy by PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos, according to images posted by the club on its Twitter account.

Messi’s teammates Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in a losing cause in the final, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi returned to club duty just three days after the final with Brazil’s Neymar checking in a day later.

Messi is unlikely to play this weekend, more probably making his return in the home Ligue 1 match against Angers next Wednesday.

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RIYADH: Star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo who shocked the world with his huge deal with Al Nassr estimated at 200 million euros ($211m), claimed that he had many offers from all over the world including Europe.

Ronaldo arrived here ahead of his stint with Saudi Arabia’s club Al Nassr and came up with a major revelation by sharing that he turned down a swathe of offers from Europe and elsewhere, in a bid to be part of success of the country and culture.

“In Europe, my work is done,” he said, adding: “I had many offers in Europe, many in Brazil, Australia, the US, even in Portugal.

“Many clubs tried to sign me but I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to have not only football but (to be) part of this amazing country. And for me it was a challenge,” he added.

The Portuguese forward then described himself as a “unique” player and insisted his career is not over yet and is optimistic to break a few records here as he did in Europe.

“I’m a unique player. It’s good to come here, I broke all the records there (in Europe) and I want to break a few records here,” Ronaldo concluded.

It is apropos to mention that Ronaldo’s signing with Al Nassr until June 2025 is just the latest foray into top-level sports by oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which has moved into Formula One, boxing and golf, and snapped up English club Newcastle United.

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RIYADH: Portugal’s footballing superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived in Riyadh, along with his family, ahead of his unveiling before thousands of fans at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr club.

Cristiano Ronaldo was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The star footballer took pictures with the children, who came to the airport to welcome him. Ronaldo will attend a contract signing ceremony at the Marsool Club today.

Al Nassr is expecting a packed stadium for the unveiling, according to one official who did not want to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media.

Al Nassr, the nine-time Saudi league champions, have called Ronaldo’s signing “more than history in the making”, claiming he will inspire the rest of the league and even the country

Cristiano Ronaldo has touched down in Saudi Arabian capital after sealing a deal estimated at more than 200 million euros ($213m). The five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or is staying at a luxury hotel in the city with a large entourage.

Ronaldo’s signing with Al Nassr until June 2025 is just the latest foray into top-level sports by oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which has moved into Formula One, boxing and golf, and snapped up English club Newcastle United.

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SANTOS: FIFA will ask all the world’s countries to name a stadium for Brazilian football legend Pele, the head of the sport’s governing body, Gianni Infantino, said Monday at the late icon’s wake.

Infantino was in the city of Santos, Brazil, to pay his final respects to the player widely considered the greatest of all time, who died Thursday at the age of 82.

“We’re going to ask every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele,” Infantino told journalists at the Vila Belmiro, the stadium where the player known as “The King” first exploded onto the world stage with his exploits for his longtime club, Santos FC.

Attending the 24-hour wake along with the heads of the South American and Brazilian football confederations, Infantino was among the first to pay homage before Pele’s open casket, which was displayed in the middle of the field at Vila Belmiro stadium.

“We’re here with great sadness,” Infantino said. “Pele is eternal. He’s a global icon of football.”

FIFA had already flown the flags of the world at half-mast Friday outside its headquarters in Zurich in honor of Pele, whom the organization has named as the greatest player of the 20th century.

Pele, the only player in history to win three World Cups, died at a Sao Paulo hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Monday’s wake will be followed by a funeral procession through the streets of Santos Tuesday, then a private interment ceremony.

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RIYADH: Portugese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will be unveiled before thousands of fans at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr club on Tuesday, a spokesman said, after sealing a shock move estimated at more than 200 million euros.

The 37-year-old great, a five-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, will arrive late on Monday with his family together with media and technical staff, club spokesman Al-Walid Al-Muhaidib told AFP.

Ronaldo, who left Manchester United under a cloud after slamming the club in a TV interview, will appear at Al Nassr’s 25,000-capacity Mrsool Park stadium in Riyadh at 7:00 pm (1600 GMT) on Tuesday, officials said.

The latest, and possibly final, chapter in an illustrious career comes weeks after Portugal’s quarter-final exit from the World Cup in neighbouring Qatar, where his great rival Lionel Messi lifted the trophy with Argentina.

Ronaldo’s signing until June 2025 is just the latest foray into top-level sports by oil-rich Saudi, which has moved into Formula One, boxing and golf and snapped up English club Newcastle United.

Critics have dubbed the strategy “sportswashing” — an attempt by the conservative country to distract attention from its human rights record.

Al Nassr is expecting a full stadium for the unveiling, according to one official who did not want to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media.

Ronaldo is by far the biggest star to play in Saudi Arabia, although other heavyweights including George Weah, Pep Guardiola and Xavi also had stints in the wealthy Gulf in the twilight of their careers.

Al Nassr, the nine-time Saudi league champions, have called Ronaldo’s signing “more than history in the making”, claiming he will inspire the rest of the league and even the country.

In a tweet, Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal pledged to “support the rest of our clubs for quality deals with international stars soon”.

United terminated Ronaldo’s contract during the World Cup after an explosive interview where he said he felt “betrayed” by the club and had no respect for coach Erik ten Hag.

The Portuguese forward has long been one of the top-paid players in football, earning a reported salary of 31 million euros at Juventus before taking a pay-cut to rejoin United.

Ronaldo has won five Champions League titles (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), league titles in Italy (2019, 2020) with Juventus, in Spain (2012, 2017) with Real Madrid and in England (2007, 2008, 2009) with United.

He is also the top scorer in the Champions League and with the Portuguese national team, with whom he won Euro 2016.

In Qatar, he became the first man to score at five World Cups with his penalty in the group-stage win over Ghana.

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LENS: Paris Saint-Germain, without World Cup winner Lionel Messi and Neymar, lost for the first time in any competition since March 20 last year when they were defeated 3-1 at Lens on Sunday.

“Lens deserved their win,” said PSG coach Christophe Galtier.

Lois Openda scored one and set up another as Lens, who have only lost once in Ligue 1 this season, closed the gap on PSG at the top to four points after 17 rounds.

“We are happy to be four points behind,” said Lens coach Franck Haise. “This victory proves that we can beat anyone in this championship.”

PSG’s last loss was more than nine months ago when they fell 3-0 at Monaco in Ligue 1, although that still left them 12 points clear at the top of the table.

On Sunday at Lens, PSG were without Messi and suspended Brazilian Neymar, but Kylian Mbappe, the Golden Boot winner in Qatar, received a rousing welcome from the Lens fans as he warmed up.

Galtier said he hoped French fans would give Messi a similar reception.

“He’s going to join us on January 3, in 48 hours,” said Galtier. “I hope Leo will be well received. He won the most beautiful trophy by being very good. We know he’s a great and decisive player so we hope he’ll be well received obviously.”

“Kylian worked had,” said Galtier. “He showed a very good attitude.”

“Leo and ‘Ney’ were not there but that is no excuse.”

Lens took the lead after five minutes when PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma blocked an effort from Massadio Haidara to Przemyslaw Frankowski who scored.

Hugo Ekitike replied three minutes later, swinging hard as Brice Samba dived to gather a cross and driving the ball through the Lens goalkeeper’s grasp.

Lens took control after 28 minutes. Seko Fofana won possession on the edge of his own box, drove through a couple of challenges then measured a pass between the PSG central defenders to Openda. The Belgium sprinted clear, and squeezed a shot under Donnarumma.

Lens pressed from the start of the second half and in the 48th minute won possession deep in the PSG half.

The ball reached Openda in the box, his backheel left the defence flat-footed and allowed Alexis Claude Maurice to take a touch and score from close range.

Celebration Week

The French league normally takes the holiday season off but with matches to make up following the World Cup, it played one round immediately after Christmas and another on Sunday and Monday.

They have dubbed the games ‘Celebration Week’, in English, as a nod to the English tradition of Boxing Day games, but many fans are suspicious or hostile.

Among protest banners unfurled by fans in an almost empty stand at Nantes, where the home team beat Auxerre 1-0, was one that complained that the league and broadcasters were “killing” them.

In Monaco, Aleksandr Golovin smashed in the only goal from outside the penalty area as the home team did just enough to beat Brest 1-0 and tighten their grip on fourth place.

Angers remain anchored to the bottom after suffering a ninth straight loss, falling 2-1 to visiting Lorient who broke their own run of six games without a victory.

The home team’s Moroccan World Cup stars Sofiane Boufal and Azzedine Ounahi, who have just returned from vacation and reportedly been promised lucrative transfers, were honoured before the match but did not appear.

“I was happy to see Sofiane and Azzedine,” said Angers coach Abdel Bouhazama. “For the moment they are here. For the rest, I leave that to the club directors. I take care of what happens on the pitch.”

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DAMMAM: Electrified Al Nassr fans chanted Cristiano Ronaldo’s name and performed his signature celebration style, dubbed as ‘Siiiu’, in the stands as they eagerly await the Portuguese star’s arrival in Saudi Arabia. 

Star footballer signed a historic $75 million a year deal with Saudi club Al Nassr on Friday with a contract of two years, following his bitter exit from Manchester United.

While the sales of Ronaldo’s new jersey skyrocketed just hours after the deal was signed, the club fans are very excited to watch their new hero in action.

In a viral video doing rounds on Twitter, Al Nassr fans can be seen chanting ‘Ronaldo, Ronaldo’ and shouting Siiiu, his famous style of goal celebration, during the Saudi Pro League match on Saturday.

https://twitter.com/E_A77/status/1609243889885405187

Ronaldo, 37, left Premier League giants Manchester United last month following an explosive television interview in which the forward said he felt betrayed by the club and did not respect their Dutch manager Erik ten Hag.

He represented Portugal in Qatar, where he became the first player to score in five World Cups after netting a penalty in his side’s opening Group H game against Ghana. Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Morocco.

Ronaldo said Qatar would probably be his last World Cup as he plans to retire at 40, with a move to Saudi Arabia likely to mark the swansong in the career of one of the game’s greatest current players alongside Lionel Messi.

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RIYADH: Only hours after Cristiano Ronaldo penned a two-year contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, crowds flocked to a football kit store in Riyadh to buy the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s new club jersey.

Abdulmohsen al-Ayyban, 41, and his nine-year old son, Nayef, were among those queueing at Al Nassr club’s official kit store on Saturday where clerks where busy pressing Ronaldo’s name onto t-shirts.

“We are witnessing a historic moment,” al-Ayyban told AFP of the deal which he believes “will elevate the Saudi football league”.

Ronaldo on Friday signed for Al Nassr until June 2025 in a deal believed to be worth more than 200 million euros.

A wide smile stretched across Nayef’s face as he proudly held his new jersey aloft.

For the young Saudi, a dream has come true.

“I have always wanted Al Nassr to acquire the best player in the world,” he said. “I will make sure to watch all his games at the stadium.”

Ronaldo, 37, is expected to appear before fans next Thursday, an official from the Al Nassr club told AFP.

For Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo is the latest high-priced sporting jewel acquired to add lustre to their international image.

At home, the deal further fuelled national fervour that spiked after the kingdom defeated eventual winners Argentina in the early stages of the 2022 World Cup, a victory hailed as one of greatest shocks in the tournament’s history.

An unprecedented rush at the Al Nassr kit store started as soon as reports of the deal were leaked to the local press on Friday night — hours before the official announcement.

Abdulqader, the store manager said queues snaked all the way outside the shop and have only grown since.

T-shirt stocks have nearly emptied, pushing customers to bring in their own to have the player’s name printed on them — a process which will take up to two days.

“I have never seen anything like this in my life,” Abdulqader told AFP.

– Social media explosion –

Inside the store, a festive mood prevailed, as Lebanese, Egyptian and Chinese nationals bolstered the massive number of Saudis hoping to get their Ronaldo merch.

“I have been a fan of Ronaldo since I was a child and now the Saudi club I support has bought him… my joy is doubled,” said Saudi university student Mohammad al-Johni, decked out in the Al Nassr club’s official shirt.

“I will be the first person attending his welcoming ceremony,” the 23-year-old added.

Rakan Mohammad, a 21-year old university student, echoed the excitement.

“The deal confirms the value of the Al Nassr club,” he said. “Enthusiasm and expectations are high.”

On social media networks, Al Nassr’s channels saw a major boost.

Millions of new users followed the club’s Instagram page, bringing the total tally to nearly 4 million, up from around 800,000 prior to the announcement.

“The impact of the deal has already been felt, even before Ronaldo arrives in Saudi Arabia,” Ahmed Al-Zabani, a 19-year-old Saudi university student told AFP.

“The impact will continue to grow in the days to come”.

Many Saudis took to social media to praise the move.

“The dream has become a reality,” read an Instagram post by a shop printing Ronaldo t-shirts in the colours of the Al Nasser team.

The comments quickly flooded in with customers requesting shirts in their size.

“A picture for the history books,” wrote one Saudi user on Twitter, captioning an image of Ronaldo holding up his Al Nasser jersey.

Ronaldo heads to the Gulf after a year that saw him relegated to the bench for Portugal and cut adrift by Manchester United.

United parted ways with the Portuguese star after the veteran forward gave an explosive TV interview in which he said he felt “betrayed” by the club and had no respect for coach Erik ten Hag.

United terminated his contract while Ronaldo was with Portugal at the World Cup.

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