Bayern Munich sink Real Madrid to reach Champions League semis

Late strikes from Luis Diaz and Michael Olise sealed a dramatic 4–3 win for Bayern Munich over Real Madrid on Wednesday, clinching a 6–4 aggregate victory and setting up a Champions League semi-final with holders Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The tie was level at the break in the second leg after a scintillating opening half, with record 15-time European champions Real going ahead three times on the night.

Bayern won 2-1 last week in the Spanish capital, but Arda Guler pounced on a loose Manuel Neuer pass to put the visitors ahead after just 34 seconds at the Allianz Arena. He scored again from a free-kick after Aleksandar Pavlovic equalised.

Harry Kane put Bayern back ahead in the tie only for Kylian Mbappe to restore parity overall when he put Madrid 3-2 up before half-time.

Eduardo Camavinga was sent off for a second yellow card with four minutes left, and Bayern pushed forward, Diaz blasting into the corner from outside the box after a crucial deflection.

With Real pressing for an equaliser, Olise curled in a magnificent shot to rubberstamp Bayern’s ticket to the last four and keep alive their quest for a seventh European crown. They will head to Luis Enrique’s PSG at the end of the month.

Tempers boiled over after the final whistle, with Guler picking up a straight red for confronting the referee.

The defeat for Real Madrid effectively ended their season as they look set to finish without a major trophy for the second year running. Barcelona hold a nine-point lead in La Liga and Real suffered a shock last-16 exit in the Copa del Rey.

For the first time in Real’s long history in the Champions League, their starting XI did not contain a single Spanish player. Jude Bellingham, who impressed off the bench in the first leg, was one of four changes to the line-up made by Arbeloa.

Neuer, widely lauded after a vintage performance in Madrid, gifted Real an opener. The Bayern goalkeeper miscued a pass directly to Guler, who floated a first-touch shot into the unguarded goal in the first minute.

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Bayern Munich looked stunned but struck back almost immediately when Pavlovic headed in a Kimmich corner after Real goalkeeper Andriy Lunin failed to read the flight of the ball.

The match had barely time to settle before Real were ahead once more thanks to a Guler goal, with Neuer again not at his best.

The Turkey international whipped a free-kick into the top corner which Neuer got a hand to but was unable to keep out.

The match continued to swing back and forth before the break, as Kane struck first before Mbappe responded by getting himself on the scoresheet.

Kane slotted clinically into the bottom corner in the 38th minute to again haul Bayern level on the night, and ahead in the tie, before Mbappe ran onto a Vinicius Junior pass and slotted home to level the tie 4-4 on aggregate.

With Real regularly cutting into Bayern’s high line, coach Vincent Kompany responded by introducing the pace of Alphonso Davies at the interval.

Both sides traded chances in the second half, with Olise particularly dangerous, forcing a fingertip save from Lunin with 20 minutes left.

Camavinga came on midway through the half but picked up two yellow cards in quick succession to leave his team a man down in the closing stages.

It proved a turning point as Bayern Munich struck three minutes later when Diaz’s effort took a touch off Eder Militao and flashed beyond Lunin.

Olise made certain of Bayern’s progress deep into stoppage time as the German giants took down Real in a knockout clash for the first time since 2012.

READ: Longtime Messi friend Guillermo Hoyos unveiled as Inter Miami coach

Longtime Messi friend Guillermo Hoyos unveiled as Inter Miami coach

Guillermo Hoyos said his long friendship with Lionel Messi will not stop him from working the Argentine superstar hard in training, as he was unveiled as the new coach of MLS side Inter Miami on Wednesday.

Hoyos, previously Miami’s sporting director, replaces Javier Mascherano, who departed the club for “personal reasons” on Tuesday, just four months after guiding the club to its first MLS Cup title.

The 62-year-old Hoyos was a key mentor of Messi’s in Barcelona’s youth team more than two decades ago, and the Argentine pair have remained close ever since.

“Friendship is non-negotiable. We share a friendship that spans many years,” said Hoyos, speaking in Spanish, at his first press conference.

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“However, that friendship does not mean that we will be constantly hovering over him or in his face every single day.”

A club statement initially said Hoyos will take charge of the team for the “upcoming matches,” but the team has since referred to him as head coach in social media posts.

Club sources told AFP that Hoyos is expected to remain at the helm only until the middle of the year, with a new coaching setup in place by the start of the Leagues Cup in August.

After seven rounds this season, Inter Miami sit third in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Messi, a 2022 World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d’Or laureate, is the jewel in the crown of Miami’s squad.

READ: Iran to play World Cup 2026 in USA: FIFA president Infantino confirms

Iran to play World Cup 2026 in USA: FIFA president Infantino confirms

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that Iran will “for sure” participate in the upcoming World Cup 2026, scheduled in the United States of America (USA), Mexico and Canada, despite the Middle East war.

“Iran is coming for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful situation, which would definitely help,” Infantino told an economic conference organised by broadcaster CNBC.

“But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play,” he said of the team’s upcoming matches scheduled in the United States in June.

Infantino had made similar comments in March, when he attended an Iran-Costa Rica friendly in Antalya, Turkey, even though US President Donald Trump had previously suggested that Iranian players might not be “safe” in the United States.

Iran is scheduled to play its three Group G matches in the United States, two in Los Angeles, one in Seattle, with their base for the tournament in Tucson, Arizona.

Iran’s participation in the global tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico had been thrown into doubt by the conflict launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.

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Iran raised the prospect of a “boycott” of the competition before asking FIFA to move its matches from the United States to Mexico, a request the world governing body rejected.

After several weeks of air strikes on Iran and Iranian reprisals against Israel and other countries in the region, a fragile truce came into effect on April 8.

But Tehran has sealed off the strategic Strait of Hormuz and since Monday Washington has imposed a blockade on ships coming from or heading to Iranian ports.

“Sports should be outside of politics,” Infantino said on Wednesday.

“If there’s nobody else that believes in building bridges and keeping them intact and together, we are doing the job,” he said.

The World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, starts on June 11.

READ: Babar Azam reaches historic T20 landmark during PSL 11 clash

Babar Azam reaches historic T20 landmark during PSL 11 clash

KARACHI: Ace batter Babar Azam on Wednesday became the fourth player overall to complete 100 half-centuries in T20 cricket. 

The Peshawar Zalmi skipper achieved the feat during his side’s clash against Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

With this milestone, Babar joined Australia’s David Warner, India’s Virat Kohli, and England’s Jos Buttler.

Most half-centuries in men’s T20s

David Warner (Australia) – 116 in 435 innings
Virat Kohli (India) – 107 in 401 innings
Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 100 in 341 innings
Jos Buttler (England) – 100 in 468 innings

Notably, Babar has been in fine form in PSL 11 and currently sits second on the run-scorers’ chart. The right-hander has amassed 301 runs in six matches at an average of 75.25 at a strike rate of 132.59.

Babar scored an unbeaten 71 off 51 balls in Zalmi’s dominant win over Gladiators, marking his 100th half-century in T20s.

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Chasing a modest target of 155, Zalmi got off to a strong start as Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam put together a brisk 75-run opening stand. Haris scored 35 off 28 balls before being dismissed, but the platform had already been set.

Babar, anchoring the innings, found support from Kusal Mendis, who contributed 21 runs during a steady 49-run partnership. After Mendis departed, Babar ensured there were no late hiccups.

The Zalmi captain remained unbeaten on 71 off 51 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries, and guided his side home comfortably with nine balls to spare.

Earlier, Zalmi’s decision to field first proved spot on as Quetta struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 154 in 20 overs.

Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit starred with the ball, both taking wickets.

For his outstanding bowling performance, Muqeem bagged his second player of the match award.

READ: Babar Azam credits bowlers for dominant win against Quetta Gladitors

Babar Azam credits bowlers for dominant win against Quetta Gladitors

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam credited bowlers after his side thumped Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Zalmi registered an eight-wicket win over Gladiators to extend their six-game unbeaten run in the tournament — six wins out of six games.

Sufiyan Muqeem delivered with the ball, scalping a three-wicket haul while Babar Azam made an unbeaten 71* from 51 balls with the aid of 10 fours.

Following this victory, Peshawar Zalmi have consolidated the top spot with 13 points and are on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Babar Azam discussed the conditions and praised the bowlers for delivering successfully throughout the fixtures.

“We assessed the conditions and our bowling attack has been delivering consistently and we were relying on it. It’s a team game, and combined effort is helping us win. We’re keeping the players sitting out ready and that’s why we see them performing well,” he remarked.

He also hailed emerging bowler Mohammad Basit Ali, who took a three-wicket haul.

“Take the example of Basit, who bowled fantastically,” said Babar.

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The skipper also mentioned his own form, noting that he tries to take the game deep to ensure his team crosses the finishing line.

“On my personal form, yes I feel good, when you spend time out in the middle, it gives you confidence and I am trying to carry my confidence and play a winning role. Focus has been on building partnerships and to take the game deep,” he concluded.

Peshawar Zalmi’s next fixture will be against Quetta Gladiators on April 19 at the same venue.

READ: Babar, Muqeem star in dominant win for Peshawar Zalmi

Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Barcelona Open

Carlos Alcaraz withdrew on Wednesday from the Barcelona Open because of a wrist injury that troubled him in his first-round match, potentially casting doubt over his Roland Garros defence.

“I won’t be able to continue in the tournament,” Alcaraz told reporters a day after his win over Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen.

“I felt my wrist give out on a return during the match. After the tests, we saw that it’s a more serious injury than any of us expected, and I have to listen to my body so it doesn’t affect me in the future.”

It is the second time in three years injury has forced Alcaraz to withdraw from the Barcelona tournament. He won it in 2022 and 2023, and finished runner-up to Holger Rune 12 months ago.

Alcaraz had been scheduled to face Tomas Machac on Thursday for a place in the quarter-finals.

“I have to go home to start my recovery as soon as possible with my team, the doctors, and the physical therapist, and get — or try to get — as healthy as possible as soon as possible for the tournaments I have coming up,” the Spaniard said.

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“I hope you’ll be able to see me on the court again as soon as possible.”

Alcaraz received a medical timeout at the end of the first set during his 6-4, 6-3 win over Virtanen on Tuesday but did not show any signs of physical discomfort.

He said he hoped it was “nothing” after the match and that without time to rest between tournaments that it was normal to have “little niggles”.

Alcaraz lost his world number one ranking this week following his defeat by Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo Masters final on Sunday. He would have had a chance to regain it by winning the title in Barcelona, with Sinner not playing this week.

The 22-year-old Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in January with his triumph at the Australian Open.

He holds a 22-3 record this season and also won a title in Doha.

Alcaraz said earlier this month he was hoping to play a full season on clay before starting his French Open title defence in late May.

Last year he won in Monte Carlo but skipped the Madrid Open, returning in Rome to lift the trophy there for the first time.

READ: Karachi Kings pick Jason Roy as Muhammad Waseem replacement

Karachi Kings pick Jason Roy as Muhammad Waseem replacement

Karachi Kings have picked Jason Roy as a replacement for opening batter Muhammad Waseem for the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The franchise revealed the signing in a press release, praising the highly experienced batter.

“Karachi Kings are excited to announce the signing of England’s powerhouse opener, Jason Roy, for the PSL 11 season. Roy joins the squad as a replacement for Muhammad Waseem,” the press release wrote.

“Known for his fearless striking and vast experience in the T20 circuit, Roy is no stranger to the HBL PSL, where he has consistently been one of the most destructive overseas batters. His arrival is set to bolster the Kings’ top order as the tournament enters its most critical phase,” it added.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The UAE duo of Muhammad Waseem and Khuzaima Bin Tanveer had earlier left the PSL midway after being recalled by the Emirates Cricket Board to participate in the domestic D50 tournament.

The directive required both players to return immediately and feature in the ongoing 50-over competition in the UAE.

Karachi Kings have also confirmed that the replacement for Khuzaima bin Tanveer will follow in due course.

It is worth mentioning that the 35-year-old Roy represented Quetta Gladiators for five seasons from 2017 to 2024. Overall, he has 38 matches in PSL, amassing 1260 runs at an average of 36.00 with a strike rate of 146.51, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.

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Overall, he has played 470 T20 matches in which Roy has accumulated 10584 runs with the aid of 6 centuries and 69 half-centuries.

Karachi Kings Updated Squad

Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Moeen Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Adam Zampa, Reeza Hendricks, Ihsanullah, Jason Roy, Aqib Ilyas, Haroon Arshad, Shahid Aziz, Rizwanullah, Muhammad Hamza, Mir Hamza

READ: Rilee Rossouw sets PSL record during Peshawar Zalmi clash

Babar, Muqeem star in dominant win for Peshawar Zalmi

KARACHI: Sufiyan Muqeem and Babar Azam propelled the dominant Peshawar Zalmi to a decisive eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Zalmi chased down a mere target of 154 in 18.3 overs, losing only two wickets in the process.

Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam made light work of the chase, adding 75 in 8.4 overs. The former played the core aggressor role while the latter played the second fiddle.

Haris departed after hitting five fours and a six in his 35 from 28 balls.

Following his departure, in-form Kusal Mendis paired up with Babar and stitched a 49-run partnership that threw the Gladiators out of the game. There wasn’t much to cheer for Quetta Gladiators bowlers as Zalmi batters kept them at bay with their stroke play.

Mendis was eventually caught after scoring 21 off 19 balls. Meanwhile, Babar continued to anchor the innings and finished with a boundary.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

He top-scored with 71* from 51 balls laced with 10 fours while Aaron Hardie struck one boundary in his unbeaten 18 from 14 balls.

For Quetta Gladiators, Alzarri Joseph and Saud Shakeel picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi’s spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and pacer Mohammad Basit’s three-wicket haul bundled out Quetta Gladiators for a modest total

Put in to bat first, Quetta Gladiators’ shambolic batting display saw their innings folded for 154 in 20 overs.

The Gladiators lost their promoted opener, Ahsan Ali, for four in the first over.  Following the early wicket, Saud Shakeel and Rilee Rossouw added 35 for the second wicket partnership. The scorecard read 39 when skipper Saud was run out after making 16 from 13 balls.

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Peshawar Zalmi continued to chip away with wickets at regular intervals. Rossouw (26 off 18 balls) was cleaned up by Sufiyan Muqeem, whereas Shamyl Hussain departed for 12.

Consequently, Gladiators were 86-4 in 11.4 overs. The only silver lining was Hassan Nawaz, who top-scored with 37 off 35, including four boundaries.  He was involved in a brief 26-run stand with Khawaja Nafay before getting caught behind.

Nafay could not get going as well and was lbw for 20.

Peshawar Zalmi bowlers squeezed the runs flow and eventually bowled the opposition out on the final ball of the innings.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit shared six wickets between them.

READ: Rilee Rossouw sets PSL record during Peshawar Zalmi clash

Rilee Rossouw sets PSL record during Peshawar Zalmi clash

KARACHI: Top-order batter Rilee Rossouw on Wednesday became the first overseas player to feature in 100 matches in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Rossouw reached the landmark while turning out for Quetta Gladiators in PSL.

After this, he became the fourth player overall—after Imad Wasim, Babar Azam, and Fakhar Zaman — to complete a century of matches.

Before the match, PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer and Quetta Gladiators Owner Nadeem Umar congratulated Rilee Rossouw and presented him with a Gladiators helmet.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Rilee Rossouw has featured in 10 editions of the tournament since 2017. The left-hander has represented Quetta Gladiators for six seasons and Multan Sultans for four seasons in the PSL.

The left-hander has previously represented Quetta Gladiators for six seasons and Multan Sultans for four seasons in the PSL.

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Notably, he is also the fourth-highest run-scorer in the PSL with 2366 runs, with 11 half-centuries and three centuries.

The 36-year-old is also the leading run-scorer among overseas players in the tournament.

Playing XIs 

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousuf, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Aeron Hardie, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit Ali, Ali Raza

Quetta Gladiators: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Tom Curran, Jahandad Khan, Ahsan Ali, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

READ: England captain Ben Stokes ‘lucky’ to be alive after facial injury

PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi win toss against Quetta Gladiators

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi have won the toss and decided to field first against Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday. 

Head to Head

Zalmi lead the head-to-head with 13 wins, while the Gladiators have won 10 games.

Matches: 24 Peshawar Zalmi 13, Quetta Gladiators 10

Playing XIs

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousuf, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Aaron Hardie, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit Ali, Ali Raza

Quetta Gladiators: Shamyl Hussain, Saud Shakeel (c), Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Tom Curran, Jahandad Khan, Ahsan Ali, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

READ: England captain Ben Stokes ‘lucky’ to be alive after facial injury