Category: Football

Real Madrid thrash Salzburg to get back on Champions League track

Champions League holders Real Madrid got back on track in Europe with a 5-1 victory over RB Salzburg on Wednesday to ensure they will not be eliminated at the first hurdle.

Read Also: PSG sink Man City with stunning Champions League comeback

Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes struck twice each with French superstar Kylian Mbappe also on target in a ruthless display at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side lost three of their first six games in a worrying start to the competition and will likely have to compete in the extra play-off round in February which is part of the competition’s new format, unless they can scrape a top-eight spot.

Victory left Los Blancos 16th, a point behind Bayer Leverkusen in eighth, which is the final spot for direct qualification to the last 16.

Rodrygo

Brazilian winger Rodrygo struck twice in the first half to help Madrid take control, with Mbappe netting soon after the break and Vinicius grabbing a brace of his own to bring up a century of goals for the club.

“I’m very happy after reaching 100 goals with this shirt,” Vinicius told Movistar, noting he was close to Brazilian compatriot Ronaldo Nazario’s tally of 104.

“I hope to be able to continue like this and score a lot of goals, and mark an era in this team — that’s my dream.”

Defeats by Liverpool, AC Milan and Lille put Madrid under pressure ahead of their final two group matches and their Austrian visitors started with vim, pinning back Los Blancos.

Madrid created little of note until Rodrygo’s opener after 23 minutes changed the dynamic of the game.

Madrid created little of note until Rodrygo’s opener after 23 minutes changed the dynamic of the game.

The winger, in sensational form in recent weeks with eight goals in his last nine games across all competitions, finished neatly after Jude Bellingham nudged a cross into his path at the back post.

His second goal was even better, set up by Bellingham with a brilliant backheel, which Rodrygo finished first time with a crisp curling strike.

“It’s so easy to play with Jude, he makes everything easy, the movements he makes, his second assist was very nice and I love playing with him,” said Rodrygo.

Mbappe

Mbappe notched the third early in the second half, pinching the ball from Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich and tapping home to continue his own recent run of fine form after a shaky start to life at Madrid.

Veteran midfielder Luka Modric sent Vinicius down the left with a fine pass for Madrid’s fourth, and the Brazilian finished with a powerful drive across Blaswich.

Vinicius netted again after Fede Valverde burst down the middle and put him through after a slick team breakaway, with the forward stroking home with ease after losing his marker.

Mads Bidstrup slapped home a volley late on to offer Salzburg scant consolation, as well as carrying on Madrid’s unenviable run of conceding in each of their Champions League outings this season.

January 23, 2025
Arsenal beat Dinamo on, course for Champions League last 16

Arsenal moved within touching distance of the Champions League last 16 after Declan Rice’s goal in just 106 seconds inspired their 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

Read Also: PSG sink Man City with stunning Champions League comeback

Mikel Arteta’s side raced into the lead in their penultimate league phase fixture thanks to Rice’s clinical finish.

Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard netted in the second half at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal climbed to third place in the standings.

Arsenal have won five of their seven league phase matches, losing just once, and are almost certain to finish in the top eight, which secures automatic qualification for the last 16.

The north Londoners, who have never won the Champions League, travel to Girona for their last match in the league phase next week knowing a point will guarantee a top-eight berth.

With Arsenal holding a three-point lead over a group of teams below eighth place, even a defeat could still send them through given their superior goal difference.

This was a much-needed victory for Arsenal after last weekend’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, in which the Gunners blew a two-goal lead to dent their Premier League title hopes.

Arsenal have won just two of their last six games in all competitions and moving to the brink of the Champions League last 16 is a welcome boost following their FA Cup exit against 10-man Manchester United and League Cup semi-final first leg loss to Newcastle.

Arteta had urged his players to take advantage of their “strong position” in the league phase by winning on home turf against a Dinamo team fighting to secure a place in the knockout stage play-offs.

They rose to the challenge as Arteta’s decision to play Jakub Kiwior in central defence in the absence of the injured William Saliba was rewarded.

Arsenal moved within touching distance of the Champions League last 16 after Declan Rice’s goal in just 106 seconds inspired their 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

Read Also: PSG sink Man City with stunning Champions League comeback

Mikel Arteta’s side raced into the lead in their penultimate league phase fixture thanks to Rice’s clinical finish.

Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard netted in the second half at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal climbed to third place in the standings.

Arsenal have won five of their seven league phase matches, losing just once, and are almost certain to finish in the top eight, which secures automatic qualification for the last 16.

The north Londoners, who have never won the Champions League, travel to Girona for their last match in the league phase next week knowing a point will guarantee a top-eight berth.

With Arsenal holding a three-point lead over a group of teams below eighth place, even a defeat could still send them through given their superior goal difference.

This was a much-needed victory for Arsenal after last weekend’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, in which the Gunners blew a two-goal lead to dent their Premier League title hopes.

Arsenal have won just two of their last six games in all competitions and moving to the brink of the Champions League last 16 is a welcome boost following their FA Cup exit against 10-man Manchester United and League Cup semi-final first leg loss to Newcastle.

Arteta had urged his players to take advantage of their “strong position” in the league phase by winning on home turf against a Dinamo team fighting to secure a place in the knockout stage play-offs.

They rose to the challenge as Arteta’s decision to play Jakub Kiwior in central defence in the absence of the injured William Saliba was rewarded.

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Havertz strikes

Jurrien Timber had struggled in the heart of Arteta’s defence in the Villa game, but Kiwior was more comfortable alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.

Arsenal made a flying start in the second minute as Gabriel Martinelli surged down the left flank and crossed towards Havertz, whose cushioned pass was lashed home by Rice from 10 yards.

The Gunners’ quickest Champions League goal since 2014 provoked an angry response from Dinamo fans, with Rice pelted with plastic cups when he took a corner moments after his opener.

Rice was unfazed and his goal-bound drive was blocked by Dinamo captain Arijan Ademi before Gabriel headed just wide from Odegaard’s corner.

Gabriel screamed in frustration after that miss and Arteta looked equally vexed when Havertz headed woefully wide from another good opportunity.

Croatian champions Dinamo, managed by former Italy World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, barely got out of their own half for long periods.

Odegaard and Raheem Sterling combined to set up Martinelli but the Brazilian’s 20-yard drive was too close to Dinamo keeper Ivan Nevistic.

With Arsenal struggling to deliver the knockout blow, Ethan Nwaneri replaced Sterling as the teenage forward returned from a four-game injury absence.

Havertz finally put the result beyond doubt in the 66th minute, rising to meet Martinelli’s pin-point cross with a glancing header from 12 yards.

After Havertz’s wife was sent death threats following his penalty shoot-out miss against Manchester United, the striker is beginning to work his way back into favour among Arsenal fans.

The much-maligned German’s second goal in his last two games took him to 14 in all competitions this season.Odegaard wrapped up the comfortable victory in stoppage-time with a cool finish from Leandro Trossard’s cross.

January 23, 2025
Chelsea Complete €14m Signing of Veiga from Basel

Chelsea has completed the signing of Renato Veiga for a fee in the region of 14 million euros (€14 million).

Veiga, 20, joined the Blues from the Swiss side, Basel on a seven-year deal with an option for another season.

“I’m buzzing to be here at Chelsea, this is one of the biggest clubs in England, the biggest for me.

“I’m excited to get started,” he was quoted as saying by sports journalist, Fabrizio Romano.

He made 26 appearances for Basel across all competitions last season and scored two goals.

The versatile player (defender and midfielder) will be the sixth signing of the west London club in this summer transfer window after Tosin Adarabioyo joined on a free transfer, penning a four-year deal.

1Other signings are Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Estevao Willian who will join the club next summer.

November 13, 2024
Eguavoen Vows Super Eagles Will Go All Out in AFCON Qualifying Double-Header Against Libya

Augustine Eguavoen, caretaker coach of the Super Eagles, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure maximum points in their upcoming double-header against Libya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

A win in both matches would ensure Nigeria’s qualification for the AFCON 2025 finals, to be held in Morocco.

Currently sitting at the top of Group D with four points from two games, Eguavoen emphasized the importance of early qualification to avoid any last-minute pressure in the qualifying campaign.

“We have to be practical about it: our best and surest route to the finals will be to pick up the six points in the matches with Libya, and be somewhat guaranteed of a place in Morocco even before Matchday 5. We don’t want to be in any anxiety in the run-in of this qualifying campaign,” Eguavoen told the NFF website.

Though the Super Eagles will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined with an injury, Eguavoen remains confident in the team’s other attacking options.

“I admit we will miss Victor (Osimhen), but I believe in the other strikers available to get us the goals that will give us the three points in Uyo, and the three points in Libya,” he added.

October 30, 2024
Airport Ordeal Leads to Super Eagles’ AFCON Qualifier Boycott Against Libya

The captain of the Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong, has announced that the Nigerian national football team will boycott their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya, citing “unfair treatment” upon their arrival in the North African country.

The announcement was made on Monday morning via Troost-Ekong’s social media account on X (formerly Twitter).

The decision comes after the Nigerian team endured over 12 hours of detention at an abandoned airport in Libya. This occurred after their plane was unexpectedly diverted while descending into the country. The Super Eagles had traveled for the second leg of the AFCON qualifying series, following their 1-0 victory against Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Friday.

Troost-Ekong expressed frustration in a series of tweets, highlighting the difficult conditions the team had faced, including being stranded without phone connection, food, or drink, and denied access to any hotels after landing.

“We’ve been held at an abandoned airport in Libya for over 12 hours. Our plane was diverted while descending, and the Libyan authorities have rescinded our approved landing in Benghazi for no reason. They’ve locked the airport gates and left us stranded,” he tweeted.

The Al-Kholood defender described the experience as “disgraceful behavior” and called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to launch an investigation into the incident. He also revealed that the team has decided not to proceed with the match, expressing safety concerns and a lack of trust in their treatment in Libya.

“Even if CAF allows the game to proceed, we have decided that we will NOT play. We respect ourselves and our opponents when they are guests in Nigeria, but we will not accept this treatment. Let them have the points,” Troost-Ekong added.

The captain noted that the Nigerian government had been contacted to intervene and rescue the team from the situation. He further explained that the Tunisian pilot, who navigated the emergency diversion, was also denied accommodation, with the Nigerian crew forced to sleep on the plane.

In response, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a statement acknowledging the players’ decision to boycott the game and confirmed that efforts were being made to fly the team back to Nigeria.

“Players have resolved not to play the match any longer, and NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home,” the statement read.

At the time of this report, CAF had yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident in Libya.

October 30, 2024
BREAKING: Super Eagles Ready to Depart Libya After Airport Delay

The officials and players of the Super Eagles of Nigeria are ready to depart from Libya in the aftermath of over 14 hours of alleged maltreatment by the country on Sunday, Okay.ng reports.

This was made available by a sports enthusiast, named as Pooja Media, through his X handle on Monday.

He Stated: “Super Eagles players and all officials are boarding to fly out of Libya to Nigeria. Thank God.”

In Confirmation, a player, Bruno Onyemaechi, wrote: “Me and Libya, I don wash my hands commot. Nothing concerns me and una again. Thank God I’m going back.”

October 30, 2024
CAF Launches Investigation into Super Eagles’ Airport Ordeal in Libya

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued an official statement regarding the recent delay and mistreatment of the Nigerian national football team at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.

The Super Eagles, along with their officials, were left stranded at the airport for over 15 hours without access to food, water, or internet.

The Nigerian team had traveled to Libya for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, originally scheduled for Tuesday, but the match has now been canceled following the ordeal.

The players and staff have since departed from Libya and will no longer participate in the fixture.

CAF expressed its concern over the incident and has referred the matter to its Disciplinary Board for further investigation.

In a statement released on Monday, CAF confirmed that it had been in contact with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities after learning of the situation.

“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities,” the statement read.

CAF emphasized that the Disciplinary Board would investigate the situation to determine whether any violations of CAF Statutes and Regulations occurred and ensure that appropriate action is taken.

“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations,” CAF added.

The incident has sparked outrage among football fans and officials, with many criticizing the handling of the Nigerian team’s arrival in Libya. Calls for accountability and a thorough investigation continue to grow as CAF’s Disciplinary Board begins its review of the case.

As of now, the Super Eagles have safely left Libya, and it remains unclear how this incident will affect future AFCON qualifying matches.

October 30, 2024
Libyan Football Federation President Quits

Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, the president of the Libyan Football Federation, has quit his position, citing that he doesn’t want to be part of the failure of Libyan sports, Okay.ng reports.

This decision comes amid growing tensions surrounding the treatment of the Nigerian national team ahead of a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Al-Shalmani’s resignation was announced during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly, where he reflected on the challenges faced during his tenure. He expressed gratitude to his colleagues and forgave everyone from all segments of the sports sector. Despite the circumstances, Al-Shalmani stood firm on his record of service, highlighting his history in the International, Arab, and African Federation.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, scheduled to play against Libya, faced inhumane treatment upon arrival, being held at an abandoned airport for over 15 hours. This led to the team resolving not to play the match, citing safety concerns. However, the Libyan Football Federation clarified that the delay was due to routine air traffic and logistical challenges, not deliberate foul play.

The Super Eagles players and officials have departed from Libya, with player Bruno Onyemaechi expressing relief, saying “Thank God I’m going back.”

October 30, 2024
Super Eagles Coach Augustine Eguavoen Describes Team’s “Horrible Ordeal” in Libya

Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen has spoken out about the “horrible ordeal” the Nigerian national football team endured in Libya, where they were stranded for nearly 20 hours at an abandoned airport ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Mediterranean Knights.

The Nigerian contingent, including players and officials, were left without access to water and food, more than two hours’ drive from the venue of their scheduled match.

The team ultimately withdrew from the game and returned to Nigeria on Monday evening.

Upon their arrival in Nigeria, Eguavoen expressed his frustration with the Libyan authorities’ treatment of the team.

“Thanks to the Libyans for letting us go, but it was a horrible 18-20 hours of experience and we don’t want to go through that again,” said Eguavoen.

The Super Eagles coach described how the team was effectively held hostage at the airport and explained that the dire conditions made it impossible for them to compete in the match.

“We were held hostage, we could not have played this match under these circumstances,” Eguavoen said. “We know how football can unite the entire world, but in this regard, for them to act like this, I cannot comprehend seriously.”

October 30, 2024
Tunisian Pilot Sheds Light on Super Eagles’ Flight Diversion to Remote Libyan Airport

The Tunisian pilot who flew the Nigerian national football team to Libya has provided crucial details regarding the unexpected diversion of their flight to Al-Abraq, a remote airport nearly 300 kilometers east of their intended destination, Benghazi.

The Nigerian delegation, en route for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, found themselves stranded for over 16 hours following the diversion.

In a video interview shared by Sports Analyst Festus Dada on X (formerly Twitter), the pilot clarified that the decision to divert the flight was made by Libyan authorities, not him.

He explained that the original flight plan was to land at Benghazi’s Benina Airport, with prior approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority.

“The flight plan was to land at Benghazi, Benina, and we had approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority. However, as we began our descent, we were instructed to divert to Al-Abraq, which wasn’t even listed as our alternate airport. This decision came from the highest Libyan authorities, not me,” the pilot said.

The unexpected diversion raised serious safety concerns. The pilot explained that the fuel onboard had been calculated based on their original destination, and the last-minute change could have posed risks.

“In aviation, we calculate fuel based on our destination. Diverting unexpectedly can compromise safety. I repeatedly questioned the directive and warned them about fuel limitations, but they insisted that we land at Al-Abraq, citing orders from the highest authority,” he added.

The pilot firmly denied media reports suggesting that the diversion was his decision, emphasizing that all aviation communications are recorded and available for review.

“Everything is documented. I asked to land in Benghazi as per my flight plan, but they denied it, instructing me to divert immediately,” he stressed.

He also highlighted the difficulties of landing at Al-Abraq, describing it as an ill-equipped airport lacking essential navigation tools, including an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR), which are crucial for safe landings, especially in poor weather conditions.

“I had to make a visual landing, which is risky, especially in those conditions. It was not easy, but fortunately, we landed safely,” the pilot said, noting that his familiarity with the region helped him manage the situation.

Following the ordeal, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of the qualifier match against Libya.

“The players have resolved not to play the match, and NFF officials are now making arrangements to fly the team back home,” read a statement from the NFF.

October 30, 2024