Kane’s injury time goal saves Bayern against Leipzig

Kane’s injury time goal saves Bayern against Leipzig
Bayern Munich’s Raphael Guerreiro, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Kane, Kim Min-jae and Eric Dier celebrate after their Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena, Munich, on Feb. 24, 2024. (Reuters)
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Updated 24 February 2024
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Kane’s injury time goal saves Bayern against Leipzig

Kane’s injury time goal saves Bayern against Leipzig
  • Bayern had lost three matches in a row for the first time in nine years
  • The win reduced the gap to leaders Bayer Leverkusen to eight points with 11 games left

BERLIN: Harry Kane scored two goals in the second-half, including an injury time winner, to snatch Bayern Munich a 2-1 home win over RB Leipzig on Saturday, ending the side’s worst run since 2015.
Bayern had lost three matches in a row for the first time in nine years before the club announced this week that coach Thomas Tuchel would leave in the summer.
Bayern captain Manuel Neuer told Sky “it might seem a bit like the good old Bayern luck, but we deserved to win today.”
The win reduced the gap to leaders Bayer Leverkusen to eight points with 11 games left.
Neuer said Tuchel’s exit “cast a bad light on us as players, that we weren’t able to make it work with a top coach like Thomas Tuchel.
“It’s our mistake. We want to keep things going professionally until the end.”
Kane broke the deadlock midway through the first half but Leipzig hit back with 20 remaining minutes, Benjamin Sesko equalising for the visitors.
With Bayern in danger of conceding further ground to Leverkusen in the title race, Kane stepped up and scored in the first minute of injury time, his 27th league goal of the season.
Kane had a golden chance to release the pressure on the home side just five minutes in but his point-blank header was pushed onto the post by Janis Blaswich.
The England captain went close once more just before half-time but a bicycle kick was directed straight at Blaswich.
Kane finally broke through after 56 minutes, slamming a low shot into the Leipzig goal, his 26th strike in 23 games.
Leipzig, who had not lost to Bayern in the league in two years, pressured the German champions, breaking through after 70 minutes through Sesko.
Sesko collected a short Dani Olmo pass and drove his shot low, with the ball deflected by Leon Goretzka and rolling into the net.
The match looked set for a stalemate until Kane latched onto a pass from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, before volleying past Blaswich to seize a valuable win.
Stuttgart were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Cologne.
Stuttgart were without injured Brighton loanee Deniz Undav, who had scored five goals in his past four league games, picking up the slack from striker Serhou Guirassy, who has only recently returned to club action after the Africa Cup of Nations.
Stuttgart took the lead in the 53rd minute, Enzo Millot finishing off the type of well-worked team move which has become the hallmark of Sebastian Hoeness’ side this season.
Cologne drew level nine minutes later, though, Eric Martel tapping in after being left unmarked at the far post from a free-kick.
After needing to win a two-legged relegation play-off to stay in the top division last campaign, Stuttgart have been this season’s Bundesliga surprise packages and stay third as they bid to return to the Champions League for the first time since 2010.
A disappointed Stuttgart captain Waldemar Anton said: “If you want to play international football you have to come out on top in games like this.”
Elsewhere, Union Berlin drew 2-2 at home to Heidenheim.
The visitors forged ahead through Nikola Dovedan on just three minutes thanks to a defensive blunder.
Germany left-back Robin Gosens drew Union level in the 44th minute, sending an ungainly shot across the face of goal and into the net, moments before Andras Schafer gave the hosts the lead.
Heidenheim, who are surprisingly within touching distance of the European placings in their first top-flight season, equalized through Jan-Niklas Beste, who chipped the ball home after a counter-attack.
Borussia Moenchengladbach thumped Bochum 5-2 at home, picking up a crucial three points to move eight clear of the relegation play-off spot.
Darmstadt went within inches of a third win of the season, having two goals chalked off in the dying stages for offside and handball in a 1-1 draw at Werder Bremen.
The result keeps Darmstadt last on 13 points.


Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win

Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win
Updated 09 October 2024
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Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win

Chelsea edge Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League, Lyon win
  • Eight-time winners Lyon eased to a comfortable victory against debutants Galatasaray

PARIS: Chelsea began their hunt for Women’s Champions League glory with a 3-2 win over Real Madrid on Tuesday, while eight-time winners Lyon eased to a comfortable victory against debutants Galatasaray.
Sjoeke Nuesken and Guro Reiten gave Chelsea the lead before Alba Redondo pulled one back for the visitors before half-time.
Mayra Ramirez struck in the second half to restore Chelsea’s two-goal advantage. A late Linda Caicedo tap-in set up a nervy finale at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea went into the lead in the second minute when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s cross struck the unfortunate Sheila Garcia, via the head of Nuesken, and trickled into the Madrid net.
The English champions doubled their lead shortly before the half-hour as the referee pointed to the spot after Maria Mendez caught Nuesken as the pair fought over a loose ball in the box.
Reiten slotted the spot-kick beyond the reach of Misa Rodriguez, who had correctly guessed which way to dive.
Madrid halved the deficit on 39 minutes. Fine wing play by Olga Carmona created the chance and after some pinball in the Chelsea box, Redondo showed composure to take a touch and finish from 10 yards.
Ramirez restored the hosts’ two-goal lead eight minutes into the second half with a header that looped over goalkeeper Misa.
Caicedo converted from close range in the 84th minute after Lucy Bronze had blocked a goal-bound effort on the line, however the Spaniards were unable to complete the comeback as Chelsea ground out the win.
Also in Group B, Dutch club Twente beat Celtic 2-0 in Glasgow thanks to a Kayleigh van Dooren brace either side of the interval.
Earlier, a trio of headers from Kadidiatou Diani, who scored twice, and Vanessa Gilles gave last year’s beaten finalists Lyon a 3-0 home victory over Galatasaray.
France attacker Diani opened the scoring when she stole in to nod home a Tabitha Chawinga cross with 34 minutes on the clock.
Chawinga then got her second assist of the match — and Lyon scored their second goal — right on the stroke of half-time as Gilles turned in her chipped cross from close range.
Gilles went close with another header early in the second period, but her towering effort from a corner rattled against the crossbar.
Diani did make it three in the 77th minute, her guided header crept inside the far post after Amel Majri had burst down the left flank and drilled in a cross.
“They had a lot of fight and it’s never easy to combat that, but that’s football and that’s the Champions League. We’re so happy to come away with the win,” said Lyon defender Gilles.
In the Italian capital, a 14th-minute penalty converted by new captain Manuela Giugliano was enough for Roma to upset two-time champions Wolfsburg 1-0.
The visitors struck the woodwork twice after the break but were left frustrated as Roma held on to take all three points and go second in Group A — behind Lyon on goal difference.
On Wednesday, Arsenal visit Bayern Munich and Champions League holders Barcelona start their title defense at Manchester City.


Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga

Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga
Updated 08 October 2024
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Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga

Riyadh Season to sponsor Spain’s La Liga
  • Three-season deal positions Riyadh Season as the official sponsor of one of the world’s strongest leagues
  • La Liga President Tebas highlights strategic importance of the Kingdom to La Liga

RIYADH: Riyadh Season is to sponsor Spain’s La Liga for the next three seasons.

Riyadh Season, which was represented by Faisal Bafarat, the CEO of the General Entertainment Authority, signed the partnership agreement with Spanish football’s La Liga President Javier Tebas.

It marks a three-season deal that positions Riyadh Season as the official sponsor of one of the world’s strongest football leagues.

Tebas highlighted the strategic importance of the Kingdom to La Liga, noting the immense passion that Saudi football fans have for the Spanish league.

He added that La Liga is committed to fostering the growth of the sports and entertainment industry in the Kingdom by supporting initiatives like Riyadh Season.

David Villa, La Liga’s ambassador, expressed confidence that the partnership with Saudi Arabia would open new avenues for collaboration.

He stressed that football in the Kingdom had experienced tremendous growth in recent years, making it an ideal partner.

The partnership, which reflects Riyadh Season’s global presence, aims to initiate promotional activities for both brands and implement joint initiatives targeting football fans and visitors to Riyadh Season.


France start post-Griezmann era amid Mbappé controversy

France start post-Griezmann era amid Mbappé controversy
Updated 08 October 2024
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France start post-Griezmann era amid Mbappé controversy

France start post-Griezmann era amid Mbappé controversy
  • Deschamps insisted that Real Madrid are Mbappé’s employer, not the French Football Federation, and he took the best option to avoid putting the striker in a delicate position
  • “I know very well that he’s not going to go against his club,” Deschamps said

PARIS: Antoine Griezmann has retired from France duty. Kylian Mbappé is absent, nursing a minor thigh injury in Madrid.
Ahead of Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium, France’s leadership is scarce.
“The lack of experience doesn’t help,” France coach Didier Deschamps admitted this week.
Mbappé is France’s usual captain while Griezmann, who surprisingly announced the end of his international career last month, was the vice-captain. Together, they led France to the 2018 World Cup title and were Deschamps’ most influential players in recent years.
Deschamps has yet to announce who will wear the captain’s armband for the upcoming matches.
“The end of Antoine’s international career and Kylian’s absence, that leaves room,” Deschamps said. “The group is obviously younger, with less experience.”
For sure, the armband won’t be going to veteran midfielder N’Golo Kanté. He was left out of the squad because of an adductor injury. Neither will experienced defender Dayot Upamecano, who has 27 caps for France but had to withdraw from the squad with a right thigh injury.
Deschamps said he will choose among players who are capable of taking on the responsibility of captaincy, without it altering their behavior, or diminishing their level of performance.
Following a mediocre European Championship where they reached the semifinals without playing well, France are in need of good and convincing results. Their previous Nations League matches were not entirely reassuring — defeat to Italy followed by a win against Belgium.
Italy have a three-point lead over France and Belgium in their group after two rounds. France play Israel on Thursday and travel to Belgium four days later.
Mbappé, who has 48 goals for France, failed to score against Italy and Belgium and Deschamps later said he had not been his usual self during the international break.
After the Real Madrid forward went on as a substitute in Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss at Lille last week, his omission from Deschamp’s squad came as a surprise. And that surprise turned into controversy when the Tricolors captain started a Spanish league game for Madrid following his omission from the France squad, amid sharp criticism from fans.
Deschamps insisted that Real Madrid are Mbappé’s employer, not the French Football Federation, and he took the best option to avoid putting the striker in a delicate position.
“I know very well that he’s not going to go against his club,” Deschamps said. “You have to do what’s in the player’s best interests without putting him in difficulty.”
Deschamps is hoping his rejuvenated squad will bring an extra dose of enthusiasm that has been lacking in France’s previous outings.
“You have to channel everything,” he said. “There is an emotional aspect, managing the emotions will be important.”
Asked for his views on what makes a good leader, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté said, “It’s something you are born with.”
Konaté added he was “saddened” by Griezmann’s decision to retire. “He was a typical example of a leader.”
Now that the way is clear for someone to take his place, Konaté said he could see himself taking over and mentioned the names of goalkeeper Mike Maignan, defender Jules Koundé and Aurélien Tchouaméni as possible new leaders.
“A leader,” Konaté said, “has to be there when things go wrong.”


Ex-Barcelona and Spain star Iniesta retires aged 40

Ex-Barcelona and Spain star Iniesta retires aged 40
Updated 08 October 2024
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Ex-Barcelona and Spain star Iniesta retires aged 40

Ex-Barcelona and Spain star Iniesta retires aged 40
  • Andres Iniesta came up through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and made his first-team debut in 2002 aged just 18

BARCELONA: Former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, who won two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with an all-conquering Spain team, announced his retirement from football on Tuesday at the age of 40.
“Being on the pitch is over,” a visibly emotional Iniesta told reporters at a news conference in Barcelona.
“I can’t stay away from football, it’s my life and will continue to be my life. Now I need to continue educating myself, I’m in the process of doing my coaching diploma and that’s the next step.”
“I will try to come back and do a great job, but it won’t be running after the ball, but from another place,” he added.
Iniesta came up through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and made his first-team debut in 2002 aged just 18, becoming a mainstay in the midfield before his departure 16 years later.
He won nine La Liga titles and the Champions League four times with Barcelona, but his greatest moment came in the 2010 World Cup final when he scored the winning goal against the Netherlands in extra time.
After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta spent five years with Japanese club Vissel Kobe before playing one final season with Emirates of the UAE.


Manchester City accuse Premier League of ‘misleading’ claims after legal case

Manchester City accuse Premier League of ‘misleading’ claims after legal case
Updated 08 October 2024
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Manchester City accuse Premier League of ‘misleading’ claims after legal case

Manchester City accuse Premier League of ‘misleading’ claims after legal case
  • The Premier League champions launched a legal challenge to the regulations earlier this year on the grounds that they breached competition law

LONDON: Manchester City have accused the Premier League of a “misleading” response following a legal case concerning rules governing commercial deals.
City wrote to the other 19 Premier League clubs and the league late Monday to challenge the league’s interpretation of the outcome, saying their position was that all the associated party transaction (APT) rules were now void.
The Premier League champions launched a legal challenge to the regulations earlier this year on the grounds that they breached competition law.
The APT rules are designed to ensure commercial deals with entities linked to a club’s owners reflect fair market value and are not artificially inflated.
The Premier League champions and the Premier League both claimed victory on Monday after the publication of a decision of an arbitration panel.
The English top flight said in its summary that City were “unsuccessful in the majority of (their) challenge” and that the tribunal considering the case had determined the APT rules were necessary and pursued a legitimate objective.
But City, in their own statement, said the tribunal had declared the APT rules “unlawful” and that the league had abused a dominant position under competition law.
The club’s general counsel, Simon Cliff, in his letter to the other clubs, said: “Regrettably, the (Premier League) summary is misleading and contains several inaccuracies.”
“Of even greater concern, however, is the Premier League’s suggestion that new APT rules should be passed within the next 10 days,” he said in an email, according to Britain’s PA news agency and the BBC.
“When the Premier League consulted on and proposed the original APT Rules in late 2021, we pointed out that the process (which took several weeks) was rushed, ill-thought-out and would result in rules that were anti-competitive. The recent award has validated those concerns entirely.
“The tribunal has declared the APT rules to be unlawful. MCFC’s position is that this means that all of the APT rules are void, and have been since 2021.”
Cliff told the other clubs that it was “peculiar” that the league had said in its summary that City were unsuccessful in the majority of their challenge.
“While it is true that MCFC did not succeed with every point that it ran in its legal challenge, the club did not need to prove that the APT rules are unlawful for lots of different reasons,” he wrote.
“It is enough that they are unlawful for one reason. In the event, the tribunal found the APT rules are unlawful for three different sets of reasons.”
The Premier League said changes to the rules arising from the tribunal judgment could be made “quickly and effectively” and is understood to have called a clubs meeting to discuss making those changes.
But Cliff warned against a “kneejerk reaction,” saying it could lead to further legal proceedings.
The Premier League declined to comment but stands by its summary and rejects any assertion that it was either inaccurate or misleading.
The case is separate from an ongoing hearing involving City, with the club fighting 115 charges relating to alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.