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GLOBALFOOTBALl, banana Island, Lagos (2026)

21/04/2026

BREAKING : Guardiola We'll try to catch up with Arsenal tomorrow; Rodri & Dias will be out

In the 34th round of the Premier League, Manchester City will face Burnley away. Before the game, Manchester City coach Guardiola attended a press conference and answered questions from the media.

Hello, Pep. By tonight, Arsenal will have been at the top of the Premier League table for 200 consecutive days. You have a chance to regain the lead tomorrow night, what does that mean to you?
It shows how good they are and how stable they have performed. In tomorrow's game we will try to catch up with them in points.

Obviously, this game is very close to Sunday's game. Facing Burnley is a completely different challenge than facing Arsenal. How do you make sure everyone can readjust after the high emotions on Sunday and be ready for the next game?
Yes, we communicated immediately in the locker room after the game on Sunday. Don't lose focus, the focus now is that Arsenal is the top team in the league. At that moment we will become champions, of course, the recovery time now is much less than in the past two weeks, only three days. So you have to observe the players' recovery, not just the recovery after that extremely demanding game emotionally and physically. At the same time, we have six games left, and we know very well what will happen if we get the result or if we don't.

Can I ask about Rodri's situation? You said after the game that he would have to be checked. Do you know the severity of his groin injury now?
I don't think he will be ready tomorrow. We have to look at the next game, the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, or the game against Everton in 12 or 13 days.

Will Ruben Dias be able to participate in this game?
Not yet.

Hi, Pep. If you beat Burnley tomorrow and overtake the team (Arsenal) you described as the strongest, how much will the title situation change psychologically?
Most teams know, just like Arsenal and Liverpool have experienced in the past few years, both sides know that we cannot lose or drop points. It is difficult to have a breather in our schedule now, and the requirements are very high. Of course, after these three days, especially the game against Everton, the opponents are very, very tough.

In this tight race, does the pressure shift? Is it more free for the pursuer or...?
It is more difficult psychologically and physically. After the game against Arsenal, we are going to Burnley and showing the level we should be. We have to adjust some details for the performance against Arsenal, and then go to win the game, because that's what we need.

Pep, I watched the analysis of the weekend's game last night, and mentioned the performance of Rodri and Bernardo Silva, thinking it was one of the top midfield partnerships I've ever seen. What do you think about this? And the courage they showed at certain moments?
Yes, the last few games have been very important. They are both very experienced, but have very unique personalities in the team. For example, when facing man-to-man defense, some players can pull left and right. His calmness with and without the ball, his physical confrontation, and many other aspects. They are no longer young people, they are experienced players who have played many games of this type and know how to play. They performed very well.

But not just those few games, we can't forget that we spent 16 or 17 months without Rodri. So a large part of the team's success depends on the players you have and the fact that you are not injured. When the players are mentally ready, we can compete. So I am very satisfied with everything we have done without Rodri. Last season was not perfect, but we reached the FA Cup final and eventually finished third, which was not a mess. But of course, if you have him, or partner with Kovacic... because we also have an incredible player like Kovacic, who has also been absent for a year. When injuries happen, it becomes more difficult to maintain continuity and improve tactical coordination. That being said, for example, Nico Gonzalez gave us huge help during Rodri's absence, and they helped us get to where we are now.

Pep, how would you describe this mentality? Because sometimes it seems that even if a player makes a mistake, they can react immediately. For example, we saw Bernardo early in the game, as well as Donnarumma. But they still played a huge role in that game and helped you get through.
Listen, I completely agree that this body language has been maintained for many months. Every mistake, the players feel it is their own fault. Everyone tries to continue. This happens for young lineups. But I know what I'm talking about, because whenever we win this kind of game, we always talk about mentality. Just like I said after my last press conference, if we didn't defend the cross in the last few minutes and conceded a goal, what would be said about our mentality? I know very well what will be said at that time: they are not calm enough and have no experience. But it's actually the same. People say "Ah, they hit two posts", but we also hit two posts. The opportunities are equal. The game is very tight, and details define many, many things.

Pep, there have been recent announcements about Bernardo Silva leaving the team, is there any clear news about John Stones' future at the club?
No, the only thing I can say is that he has been back in team training for two or three weeks since Monday and is training with us, which is the best news.

OK. Regarding the defense, Vitor Reis made some comments this week, saying that he hopes to return to the club next season. He has obviously been selected for the Brazilian national team. What do you think of his growth and his future?
For me, his performance at Girona is incredible. The reason he gets playing time there is that at that age, there may not be many opportunities here. He has grown as a player. In the end, he is facing the top strikers in Spain, which is not easy to deal with. He has grown a lot, and the people at Girona are very satisfied with him. We will make a decision about the future at the end of the season.
FIFA World Cup
Chelsea Football Club

13/04/2026

BREAKING : Lamine Yamal insisted Barcelona's hopes of reaching the Champions League semi-final does not all depend on him, but the winger is happy to take responsibility against Atletico Madrid.

Barca lost their last-eight first leg 2-0 at Camp Nou last week, with Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth getting on the scoresheet following a red card to Pau Cubarsi.

The Blaugrana's 2-0 defeat to Atleti was the 195th time in European Cup/Champions League history a team has lost the first leg of a knockout stage tie at home by 2+ goals.

Only two of the previous 194 have progressed to the next round – Manchester United against Paris Saint-Germain in 2018-19 and Ajax against Benfica in 1968-69.

Yamal leads all Barcelona players for successful dribbles (37) and total shots (32) in UEFA's flagship competition this season.

Meanwhile, no player has created more chances for the club than the 18-year-old (20), while only Fermin Lopez (10) has been involved in more goals (nine – five goals, four assists).

The teenager praised the ability of his team-mates, but insisted he is unfazed by the pressure placed on his shoulders.

"Luckily, I'm playing for Barcelona and we have a lot of quality," said Yamal.

"I don't think it all depends on me, and even if it did, I wouldn't mind. But I have faith in my team.

"From a young age, I've taken on more responsibilities than I should have. I'm used to it. I don't see it as a problem, but as a strength. I appreciate the trust my colleagues place in me."

Barca have come under criticism for their style of play this season, with their high line indirectly leading to Cubarsi's dismissal last week.

Hansi Flick, however, does not believe his tactics make things easier for Atleti.

"I'm not worried; it's our style of play," said the Barca head coach.

"We can defend better, but it all depends on the team. Everyone on the team needs to be involved and connected, and defend as a unit.

"Without the ball, we have to close down space and be more compact; that's how we want to play football.

"There are many situations where we've done very well. And we're capable of scoring goals."

13/04/2026

BREAKING: Neymar has two months to prove World Cup quality, says Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti revealed Neymar has two months to prove he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup for Brazil.

Neymar was left out of Ancelotti's Selecao squad for the March international break, where they lost friendlies to France and defeated Croatia in the United States.

He is Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals and has represented the Selecao at three World Cups, including their home tournament in 2014.

He has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 13 matches at the World Cup. Only Ronaldo Nazario (19), Pele (18) and Jairzinho (12) have directly contributed to more goals in the competition for Brazil.

The 34-year-old has struggled with injuries during his return to Santos, making just five league starts this season, but has registered five goal involvements in that time (three goals, two assists).

Neymar also underwent a procedure during the international break, though he played the full 90 minutes in Santos' win over Atletico Mineiro on Saturday.

Ancelotti has not ruled out the possibility of Neymar featuring for Brazil this summer, but insisted the winger must be at full fitness.

"He is capable of getting back to 100%," Ancelotti told L'Equipe when asked about the Santos star.

09/04/2026

BREAKING: Liverpool announce Robertson will leave at the end of the season

Liverpool have announced left-back Andy Robertson will depart the club at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract, bringing an end to a nine-year spell at Anfield.

Across his time at the club, the Scotland captain made 373 appearances after joining from Hull City in 2017.

In total, he amassed 69 assists and 13 goals, while winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and two EFL Cups, among a host of other titles.

Robertson had earlier been linked with a move to Tottenham during the January transfer window, but he opted to see out the final six months of his contract at Anfield amid the club's defensive injury crisis.

"After nine hugely successful campaigns at Anfield, the Scotland captain will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer," Liverpool announced in a press release.

"He will do so as a genuine Liverpool legend, having played a fundamental role in the successes of recent years over the course of his 373 appearances to date."

Robertson has played a reduced role this season, having been limited to just 15 starts this season following the arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.

09/04/2026

BREAKING: Official in key Man Utd clash is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour

An assistant referee – who faces allegations in his other role as a police officer of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague – is set to run the line at the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Leeds United.

Richard West could be stripped of his role as a sergeant with Humberside Police amid the claims.

However, he officiated at Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final between Chelsea and Port Vale at Stamford Bridge and is down to be a linesman at Old Trafford for the Roses fixture on Monday night.

While no final decision has been made by refs’ body PGMO, it is thought that the 51-year-old is unlikely to be stood down.

West faces a five-day hearing later this month where he will face claims of gross misconduct.

There is currently a view that no decisions over his career in football should be made until the result of the hearing is known – although that may change in the coming days.

According to a report in The Sun, West, who has performed as an assistant referee at hundreds of professional games, has been stood down from public duties at the force.

PGMO, who decide who officiates matches, are known to be aware of the allegations and internal discussions over the matter have taken place based on information available. They will be kept abreast of the hearing and its outcome.

Should he remain on the list, West will assist match referee Paul Tierney at Old Trafford, with Scott Ledger his opposite linesman.

09/04/2026

BREAKING: Simeone's gnarled Atletico Madrid machine cash in on red card at Nou Camp

Diego Simeone had his palms pressed together in the technical area as if he was saying his prayers. They were answered for Atletico Madrid’s man in black and then some.

First, he got what he wanted most in that moment: a yellow card for Pau Cubarsi upgraded to red after Barcelona’s centre back had clumsily tripped the Atletico manager’s son, Giuliano Simeone, to deny an obvious goalscoring opportunity when he was otherwise through.

Then, he got his beautiful bonus: Julian Alvarez’s special free-kick flying into the top corner to hand Atletico a lead they would never lose in this Champions League quarter-final first leg.

It was the ultimate double dagger for Barca – triple, even, when Hansi Flick considers how he will now be without the suspended Cubarsi for next week’s second leg in Madrid – and a reminder in how quickly a singular game of football can turn.

Atletico had never won a Champions League game away at a fellow Spanish opponent, nor had they conquered the Nou Camp in their last 25 visits across all competitions.

Now, Diego Simeone can say he has left this famous ground as a victor. Atletico did not play particularly well, but they refused to waste the opportunity they had been afforded when Alexander Sorloth scored their second of the night from nowhere. With that, they are in charge of this two-legged tie, with the eventual winner to face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.

You only needed to look at Raphinha’s numbers – 33 goal involvements in 33 games in the Champions League for Barca – to understand why those at the Nou Camp were lamenting the hamstring injury which ruled their winger out of this tie.

While unfortunate for Raphinha, that handed a wonderful opportunity to Marcus Rashford. Under Hansi Flick, the 28-year-old has largely acted as a substitute in 2026 and occasionally an unused one. That predicament has been cited by Thomas Tuchel, who must decide whether Rashford is worthy of starting for England at this summer’s World Cup.

The Manchester United loanee competed as if determined to seize his chance. Indeed, the opening 20 minutes of this match represented the Rashford show.

First, he cut inside on to his favoured right foot and tested Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso. Then, he scuffed a strike after being set up by Lamine Yamal.

There was a volleyed chance from 16 yards which saw the ball bounce narrowly wide, and a positive run which nearly led to an assist for Robert Lewandowski.

Were Tuchel watching from afar, he would have been impressed by the application. Rashford thought he had scored after 17 minutes when Yamal squared the ball for his tap-in, only for the assistant to lift his flag for offside against the 18-year-old assister.

The tie turned before half-time when Giuliano Simeone sprinted through and was tumbled over by Cubarsi. It was initiated by a marvellous ball in behind from Alvarez.

Referee Istvan Kovacs initially produced only a yellow – proof that not only Premier League officials make mistakes – and Atletico’s manager was dumbfounded. Diego Simeone pleaded for it to be reviewed, and Cabarsi was eventually shown a straight red card via Kovacs’ pitch-side monitor.

From the resulting free-kick, Alvarez produced perfection, sending the ball beyond the stretching Joan Garcia. Alvarez, the 26-year-old formerly of Manchester City, has been linked with Barcelona and the odd Premier League club. He left his impression on the Nou Camp here.

Simeone had been a bundle of energy when the foul on his son had not led to an immediate red. When this goal was scored, he was a picture of serenity, his hands not leaving his pockets.

Barcelona had to make changes at the break with Pedri and Lewandowski sacrificed. Rashford remained, his liveliness earlier having helped his cause. Twice he nearly scored, first when he rounded Musso before striking the side-netting after being sent too wide and then from a free-kick in a similar position to that scored by Alvarez.

Barca appeared in control, but arguably in true Atletico style, they confirmed this famous win when substitute Sorloth sent in Matteo Ruggeri’s cross.

09/04/2026

BREAKING:UCL Player of the Week nominees: Alvarez, Kvaratskhelia, Raya, Neuer

After the Round 1 of the Champions League Quarter-Final, the nomination for the Player of the Week is on. 4 outstanding POTM constitute this list. Who is your preferred player?

UCL POTW nominees stats:
David Raya(Arsenal): 5 saves, 3 clearances, 93% pass accuracy, block 1.57 expected goal

Neuer(Bayern Munich): 9 saves, block 1.05 expected goal, 1 clearance

Kvaratskhelia(PSG): 1 goal, 7 shots, 2 on target, xG 1.19, 1 successful dribble, 93% pass accuracy

Alvarez(Atletico): 1 goal, 2 shots, 2 on target, 5 successful dribble, 83% pass accuracy

06/04/2026

BREAKING: Beckham describes Inter Miami's new stadium as a 'dream come true'

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham described the club's first game at Nu Stadium as a "dream come true" as they christened the venue with a 2-2 draw with Austin FC.

Miami were denied a victory on their first outing at the 26,700-capacity venue, having played their home games at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale for the last six years.

Lionel Messi scored the Herons' first goal at their new stadium, the first time in his glittering club career that he had scored on his first appearance at one of his clubs' home stadiums (Camp Nou with Barcelona, Parc des Princes with Paris Saint-Germain, Chase Stadium with Miami).

But Austin were already 1-0 up by that point, and the visitors restored their lead late in the first half, with Miami requiring a late equaliser from Luis Suarez to salvage a point.

However, for Beckham, the result could not dampen a landmark day, as he lauded Miami's progress in a pre-match speech to the crowd.

"When I came to America and MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win championships, help raise the game of soccer that I love so much and to build my own team," Beckham said.

"Thirteen years ago, I announced Miami was my choice. We had no name. We had no fans. We had no stadium. Today, I stand in our new home.

"We are champions of MLS. We have the best player in the history of the game playing in Miami. Dreams really can come true."

Beckham's fellow co-owner Jorge Mas predicted the venue would be a fitting place for Miami to lift more trophies, having already won the Leagues Cup, the Supporters' Shield and the MLS Cup since Messi arrived in Florida three years ago.

"Today, we're home," Mas told the crowd. "I think this is a personification of what's possible. I think it's an amazing stadium, an amazing environment.

"And listen, our goal is to lift trophies and win championships, and I think this will be a proper home to do that with our fans."

Miami, who played their first five games of the MLS season away from home as they waited for work on Nu Stadium to be finalised, are back in action at the venue next Saturday, against the New York Red Bulls.

06/04/2026

BREAKING: FA decide on Gabriel Martinelli punishment after Arsenal star pushed referee

Gabriel Martinelli was cautioned in the closing stages of Arsenal's stunning FA Cup defeat to Southampton after pushing referee Sam Barrott on the arm

Gabriel Martinelli is set to avoid retrospective action from the Football Association after pushing the referee during Arsenal's shock FA Cup defeat to Southampton.

The Arsenal forward was cautioned in the closing stages of the 2-1 loss at St Mary’s after pushing Sam Barrott on the arm. The incident occurred in the 94th minute when Martinelli made contact with the referee while trying to quickly take a free kick.

But with Barrott taking action on-field, the Athletic report he is not set to be punished further by the FA.

Ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey slammed the Brazilian’s antics and insisted he should have been shown a straight red card. He said: "Referee Sam Barrott awarded a free-kick to Arsenal, Martinelli comes rushing in and he pushes Sam out of the way.

"Now I'm sorry, Gabriel Martinelli showed total disrespect for the match official Sam Barrott in that situation.

"Although Sam issued a yellow card, for me it's a red card. You just cannot put your hands on a referee, let alone push him out of the way. You've got to look around the country, up and down, Saturday and Sundays where we have local park referees going out and doing their games. What message does that send out to our local park referees?

"I thought Sam had a good game, he refereed the game well, but I think he let the refereeing community down by not sending off Gabriel Martinelli for pushing him at the award of a free-kick, so he could take the free-kick quickly."

Ref Support UK, a charity which trains and supports officials, wrote on X: "The FA cannot let him get away with that. This will be a missed opportunity if they don’t take action against Arsenal and Martinelli.

"There has been too many incidents in football where refs are pushed or shoved and football cannot let it escalate any more. I would have loved to see the ref send him off."

This will mark the second time this season that Martinelli has avoided retrospective action after there were calls for him to be banned following an incident with Conor Bradley.

On that occasion, Martinelli pushed the Liverpool defender off the pitch as he was down with what proved to be a season ending injury.

This latest Martinelli misdemeanour put the cherry on top of a miserable night for the Gunners who saw their dreams of the treble go up in smoke,

Having lost in the Carabao Cup final before the international break, the trip to the Championship side appeared the perfect remedy. Instead, they were deservedly on the losing end of things with Shea Charles scoring a late winner.

The Saints will now face Manchester City at Wembley, with Arsenal left to focus on the Champions League and Premier League.

05/04/2026

BREAKING: Al-Hilal 2-2 Al-Taawoun: Pro League title chasers salvage point but lose ground on Al-Nassr

8 hours ago / autty
Al-Hilal came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw against Al-Taawoun in the Saudi Pro League but now sit five points adrift of Al-Nassr at the top of the standings.

Simone Inzaghi's side were hoping to move back within three points of the leaders, who defeated Al-Najma 5-3 on Friday with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice.

But after Mohamed Meite scored his first Pro League goal to put them ahead late in the first half, wriggling away from Mohammed Mahzari and firing home at the near post, Al-Hilal found themselves behind to two efforts from Andrei Girotto.

The Brazilian defender found the net with two headers in the 55th and 67th minutes – with the latter coming at the back post after a long throw caused a scramble in the area – to leave Al-Hilal staring at a first league loss of the campaign.

And while a poacher's finish from Marcos Leonardo in the 77th minute maintained Al-Hilal's unbeaten record, they have now drawn eight of their 27 matches this campaign.

In third, Al-Ahli are level on points with Al-Hilal after easing to a 3-0 victory over Damac earlier on Saturday, with Ivan Toney and Matheus Goncalves scoring after Dhari Al-Anazi's own goal.

Data Debrief: Al-Taawoun maintain international break record

Al-Hilal needed three points to stay within reach of Al-Nassr, who they still have to face before the end of the season, but things were never going to be easy against fifth-placed Al-Taawoun.

The visitors are now unbeaten in their last seven Pro League games coming out of an international break, winning five and drawing two.

Al-Hilal are also unbeaten in their last five such matches, winning three and drawing two, but it is victories they need if they are to reclaim the title.

And they suffered another blow as it was announced that striker Karim Benzema's absence from Saturday's game was due to injury, with only four days until they return to Pro League action against Al-Kholood on Wednesday.

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21/04/2026

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