Late penalty dents Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League title hopes

Special Late penalty dents Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League title hopes
Kostas Fortounis scores from the penalty spot in the 96th minute. (X/@Khaleejclub)
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Updated 26 February 2025
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Late penalty dents Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League title hopes

Late penalty dents Al-Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League title hopes
  • League leaders struggle to break down a determined Al-Khaleej, who were denied two first-half penalty claims
  • Visiting Al-Itthad take lead late on but have to settle for a draw after a penalty decision finally goes the way of the home side in 96th minute

Al-Ittihad were held to a 1-1 away draw at Al-Khaleej on Wednesday thanks to a late, late penalty that cut their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League from seven points to five.

The results gives second-place Al-Hilal, as well as Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah who are a further four points back, some added hope with just 12 games of the season remaining. All three of them won on Tuesday.

Most people expected Al-Ittihad, who won the “Saudi El Classico” clash against Al-Hilal 4-1 on Saturday and have been in great form, to make it five wins out of five when they traveled to Al-Khaleej, who are 18 points behind them in ninth place.

However, it was to be a frustrating first half for the visitors. The home side sat deep, with men behind the ball, but still managed to look dangerous going forward.

For a long time, Al-Ittihad struggled to break the hosts down and things could have been even worse for the league leaders midway through the half. Al-Khaleej thought they had a penalty after 26 minutes, when Hassan Kadesh appeared to handle a cross into the area from Konstantinos Fortounis, but the referee was having none of it and the video assistant referee did not intervene. Minutes later, Al-Khaleej had another penalty appeal turned down.

Karim Benzema came close to breaking the deadlock for the visitors in first-half added time, with a low-driven free-kick. However, Ibrahim Sehic dove to make the crucial save that ensured the teams went in at the break on level terms.

The second half continued along similar lines but the Tigers began to push forward and look more dangerous. The reward for their efforts finally came with 12 minutes remaining.

Fawaz Al-Saqour, set free down the right by the in-form Moussa Diaby, made it to the byline and squared the ball across the six-yard box for Abdulrahman Al-Oboud to tap home at the far post from the closest of ranges, much to the relief of the fans who had traveled from Jeddah.

The relief turned to disappointment in the sixth minute of added time, however, when Al-Khaleej rescued a point in dramatic fashion, with Fortounis firing home from the penalty spot to the delight of the home fans in Riyadh.

Earlier, Al-Ettifaq defeated Al-Taawoun 1-0 to record a third win in four games since the departure of Steven Gerrard as head coach. A late goal from the in-form Gini Wijnaldum broke the deadlock and was enough to move the team up into seventh place in the league.


Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol
Updated 18 June 2025
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Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol
  • The 24-year-old García recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga
  • Barcelona said they activated a release clause of $28.5m

BARCELONA: Barcelona are signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García, who was once linked to a move to Arsenal, to a six-year contract, the Spanish champion said Wednesday.

The 24-year-old García recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga when he led all goalies in saves with an average of almost four a game.

He will now join Espanyol’s main rival.

Barcelona said they activated a release clause of 25 million euros ($28.5 million) and that García is expected to sign the contract Friday in a “private ceremony” at the club offices.

The fee could help Espanyol reinforce a squad after they only avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

García had been close to a possible move to Arsenal last summer after he helped Spain win Olympic gold in Paris. He stayed put and was Espanyol’s best player.

García has yet to debut for Spain’s senior side, but it is considered only a matter of time before he does if he continues to play well.

His arrival to Barcelona puts in question the role of veteran Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was injured most of the season. He is under contract through 2028.

Following Ter Stegen’s injury, Barcelona convinced Wojciech Szczęsny to come out of retirement and sign a contract for the remainder of last season. Barcelona’s other goalie is Iñaki Peña.

While several Barcelona players have joined Espanyol later in their careers, it is rare for an Espanyol player to move to Barcelona. Their derbies are heated affairs.


Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025
Updated 18 June 2025
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Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025
  • Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023, beat the fourth-seeded Paolini 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open
  • Paolini was playing for the first time since winning the French Open doubles title with fellow Italian Sara Errani

BERLIN: Last year’s Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini got off to a losing start in her first grass-court match of 2025, a straight-sets loss to Ons Jabeur.

Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023, beat the fourth-seeded Paolini 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open on Wednesday after the Italian had a first-round bye.

Jabeur could face 2023 Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova or Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Paolini was playing for the first time since winning the French Open doubles title with fellow Italian Sara Errani. Paolini lost to Elina Svitolina in the fourth round of the French Open singles.


Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game
Updated 18 June 2025
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Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game
  • Squad greeted by Saudi Arabia’s Consul General in Houston Shafi Al-Otaibi.
  • Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued recovery work, guided by the team’s medical staff

AUSTIN: The Saudi national football team has touched down in Austin, Texas, and is now in the final stretch of its preparations for Thursday night’s highly anticipated Concacaf Gold Cup game against the United States at Q2 Stadium.

Arriving from San Diego late Tuesday, the squad was greeted by Saudi Arabia’s Consul General in Houston, Shafi Al-Otaibi. Saudi Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal extending his thanks to the consulate for their hospitality and the smooth coordination of arrival logistics.

Once settled, the Green Falcons got straight to work. Under the watchful eye of head coach Herve Renard, the team trained at St. Edward’s University. The session featured a mix of warm-ups, and a short game on half the pitch, before winding down with stretching routines.

Injury updates came from the sidelines, where Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued their recovery work individually, guided by the team’s medical staff.

Saudi Arabia will hold one final training session on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. local time, again at St. Edward’s. The opening 15 minutes will be open to the media.


PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
Updated 18 June 2025
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PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
  • Al- Hattan Al-Saif: ‘I don’t care who I’m facing — I’m ready for anyone’

The heat is rising ahead of the much-anticipated showdown in the Professional Fighters League MENA, as Saudi fighter Hattan Al-Saif and Lebanese contender Nour Fleyti exchanged fiery statements that set the stage for an electrifying bout scheduled for July 4 at the Green Halls in Riyadh.

Speaking at the official pre-fight press conference, both fighters exuded confidence and determination, making it clear this is more than just a match — it is a clash of wills.

Al-Saif said: “I don’t care who I’m facing — I’m ready for anyone.”

She dismissed any concerns about her opponent, and added that victory in combat sports is not accidental but the result of relentless dedication.

“Winning doesn’t happen by chance — it’s a result of continuous hard work and commitment,” she said. “I’m prepared for any opponent. Every fight requires a different strategy.”

When asked about criticism of Arab women in combat sports, Al-Saif responded firmly: “I don’t pay attention to outdated opinions. I’m doing what I love and chasing my goal.”

Fleyti said: “I love surprises — watch my answer inside the cage.”

She expressed her excitement to finally step into the PFL MENA cage, describing it as a long-awaited opportunity.

“I respect Hattan as a fighter,” she said, adding: “But she’ll be facing me — and I’m stronger. I will surprise everyone inside that cage.”

Fleyti promised a thrilling performance: “Expect a fun fight. I don’t find fighting difficult — I enjoy every second of it.”

A battle of pride and passion awaits as the two fighters prepare to face off.

With Al-Saif’s unwavering confidence and Fleyti’s bold promises, Riyadh is set for a showdown that transcends sport. One question remains: Who will prove to be the stronger force inside the cage?

The answer awaits on July 4.


Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener
Updated 18 June 2025
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Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener
  • Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14
  • Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan

Hosts England will kick off their 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12 while holders New Zealand begin their title defense against the West Indies a day later, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday.

Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, two-times runners-up South Africa, 2020 finalists India and Pakistan, as well as two teams from the Global Qualifier tournament.

New Zealand, 2009 champions England, Sri Lanka, 2016 winners West Indies and the other two teams from the Global Qualifier are in Group 2.

The top two teams from Group 1 and Group 2 will advance to the semifinals of the biennial T20 international tournament, which will be contested by 12 teams for the first time.

“World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different – it has the potential to be truly game-changing,” England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said in a statement.

“Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it’s going to be unmissable. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14.

Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground and Lord’s are the other venues.

The final will take place at Lord’s on July 5.