Newcastle United’s ‘wall of noise’ backed to drive Magpies one step closer to Champions League’s last 16

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe during the press conference on Tuesday. (Action Images/Reuters)
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Updated 25 October 2023
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Newcastle United’s ‘wall of noise’ backed to drive Magpies one step closer to Champions League’s last 16

NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe has challenged Newcastle United supporters to replicate their Champions League wall of noise yet again as the Magpies look to clinch successive wins in the competition.

A white-hot atmosphere greeted Paris Saint-Germain at St. James’ Park earlier this month and the French champions were blown away 4-1 to put Howe’s men top of Group F after two games.

And as the third game approaches, three more points for Newcastle against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening will maintain the Geordies’ European momentum.

Head coach Howe said: “It’s a tough game ahead. The beauty of the PSG game was the whole environment created by the supporters, but we need to forget that result. Take the confidence from it, but try to create that atmosphere all over again, and for us try to recreate those intensity levels and quality of our play to try to win the game.

“It’s another real top test. This group was always going to be that way and it’s great to be involved in. We knew this would be a tough examination for us; this is a key period in it now.

“We’ve made a good start but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. This is a pivotal game in the group.”

A lot of the talk in the run-up to the game has surrounded the availability of Italian international Sandro Tonali.

While the former AC Milan man has been in and out of the club’s Premier League starting XIs, he has started both Champions League encounters so far. And while the club await a decision on any potential ban for alleged illegal betting activity involving Tonali, Howe says the player is in his thoughts against the Bundesliga outfit.

Howe said: “As far as I’m aware, I’m expecting him to be available. I will plan like that until told differently. I can’t second guess what will happen. He has trained and is available.

“If that’s the case (UEFA does not want him involved), you know more than I do. I know very little. I’ve been preparing for the game. So I will wait to hear if anything concrete comes through.

"I haven’t (spoken to him about Saturday). It was emotional for him; that was clear to see. That will help him long-term. He will always be able to reflect back into that love he got from the supporters when he really needed it. Hopefully that will help his long-term relationship with the supporters.”

Meanwhile, on the injury front, Howe could welcome back Joe Willock for the first time this season.

The former Arsenal man has returned to full training after five months out of action, and is in contention for a place on the Magpies’ bench.

“Joe Willock is getting closer with every day that passes," said Howe, who had less positive news on his only other injury worry.

He added: “Sven Botman is still out. Apart from that we’re pretty similar to Saturday (4-0 win over Crystal Palace).

“I think Alexander Isak is back to full fitness. He’s trained really well in the build up to this game so I’m delighted at where his career is at and where his performances have been for us. I’m sure Alex will want to do well because it’s our next game.”

Dortmund, who trained on the St. James’ Park pitch on Tuesday night, head to Tyneside knowing a defeat would seriously put their progression in doubt. So far they are yet to score a goal and have picked up just one point in their opening two matches in the Champions League, despite being unbeaten and one win off the top of the Bundesliga table.

Head coach Edin Terzic is expecting a tough test against the Magpies, and he admits to being an admirer of Howe’s side.

Asked about Newcastle, Terzic said: “It’s not just the last couple of weeks; what they did last season was part of that. If you look at their whole history and the investment and money that has come in, they’ve been smart in the transfer market and built a team over 18 months.

“Qualifying for the Champions League through the Premier League is tough. When you look at this group we’re in you can see the strength and they’re top of the group at the moment, but only two games have gone so it’s really tight.

“Tomorrow we need to produce a good performance so we can earn victory. We can expect a warm welcome tomorrow night. It’s about us producing our game and energy on the pitch and making the most of this occasion.”


Bento’s refreshed UAE to go all out for a historic second World Cup appearance

Updated 19 March 2025
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Bento’s refreshed UAE to go all out for a historic second World Cup appearance

  • Paulo Bento’s team face Iran at Azadi Stadium on Thursday, before taking on North Korea at Riyadh’s Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium

DUBAI: Destiny’s call bellows increasingly louder for a refocused and retooled UAE set to restart a World Cup 2026 qualification quest imbued with fresh momentum.

Heroics were required for November’s clashes — and Paulo Bento’s men emphatically delivered with a 3-0 beating of Kyrgyzstan and an epochal 5-0 rout of perennial rivals Qatar. The interregnum between Group A activities for the third-placed side may have included December’s winless early exit from the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, but nothing can distract from their mission to earn just a second-ever berth at the globe’s premier sporting event.

The Whites’ prospects transformed from waning to tangible in the space of two matches. A consolation prize of a fourth-round slot is now almost secured, yet second-placed Uzbekistan in the final automatic-qualification berth are tantalizingly in range on 13 points to the UAE’s 10 points.

Arguably Asia’s sternest test awaits away at Iran’s cavernous Azadi Stadium on Thursday when the penultimate window kicks off, before a trip into the unknown against bottom-placed North Korea at Riyadh’s Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

These exacting challenges will be tackled with another wave of newly naturalized ADNOC Pro League stars in 2017 FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball winner Caio, Sharjah club-mate Luan Pereira, pacey Al-Wasl loanee Jonatas and granite Al-Wahda center-back Alaeddine Zouhir.

For local talents, outstanding 21-year-old Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club goalkeeper Hamad Al-Meqebaali presses for a debut and metronomic Al-Jazira midfielder Abdullah Ramadan returns from serious injury.

Rise, once again, to the occasion this month and history could be close at hand. There is no risk of getting carried away under the circumspect Bento’s care.

“We are striving for a better position in these qualifiers, and we are working towards that, one match at a time and step by step,” he told reporters, according to Emarat Al Youm newspaper. “As for me, I am happy with the players, especially since they are performing well.

“I expect a very strong match against the Iranian team, which is one of the strongest teams in the group and also one of the strongest teams in Asia. We have suffered in previous matches against these teams, but we have learned from that and will do our best.

“In some matches, the team did not deserve to lose.

“The current camp is the shortest compared to previous national team camps, as it is always better to prepare in sufficient time. But we must deal with the situation.

“We are working to get the national team players fully prepared. We started the camp with a specific group of players, but training continued after all the players had joined.”

The failure of a “Golden Generation” headlined by Omar Abdulrahman, Ahmed Khalil and Ali Mabkhout, plus their successors, to successfully navigate recent cycles ensured skepticism enveloped ambitions of playing at an expanded World Cup 2026.

Blowing this away has been Bento’s aim since his summer 2023 arrival. The ex-Portugal and South Korea boss has exhibited singular focus on this global target to the detriment of forgettable Gulf Cup and Asian Cup campaigns.

A good problem exists about how, and when, to integrate stellar introductory call-ups.

Caio is the unquestionable standout addition. The multifaceted 30-year-old has produced 14 goal contributions in 17 top-flight runouts as Sharjah cling on in the title race.

A mouth-watering prospect exists of an interchangeable attack in Bento’s 4-2-3-1 formation, with Caio at the fulcrum plus a selection taken from Shabab Al-Ahli flyers Yahya Al-Ghassani and Harib Abdalla, and Brazil-born options Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo, Bruno Conceicao and Jonatas.

Six-goal international marksman Sultan Adil is also surprisingly in the mix, despite playing zero club minutes throughout the 2024-25 season.

Wasl talisman Ali Saleh’s international absence since November’s injury issues has continued. A tally of nine goals in 18 league runouts for an evergreen Mabkhout at Al-Nasr did not prove enough to be reintegrated.

Pressure is also applied to Jazira center-back Khalifa Al-Hammadi’s continuing starting spot by Wahda pair Lucas Pimenta and Zouhir. Al-Ain’s Kouame Autonne is a lock.

Getting the blend right between new options and old ones is crucial. A solid third round to date could deliver an exceptional ending, returning the UAE to the World Cup for the first time since 1990 and avoiding the lottery of potentially multiple future qualification stages.

They attack these fixtures in the wake of this stage’s joint-second-biggest victory (5-0 versus Qatar). Only resurgent Iraq (four goals) and all-conquering Japan (two goals) have conceded fewer.

June 5’s meeting with Uzbekistan looms large. A dream return of four points from six this month would make Group A’s runners-up feel the heat from the UAE’s dogged pursuit and hold off a chastened Qatar in fourth.

The Whites, certainly, cannot afford a repeat of October’s dreary 1-1 draw with North Korea at this juncture.

Setting the platform now for future glory is the goal Bento and his recalibrated UAE are dedicated toward.

November’s emboldening results mean legendary status is within reach. They must seize it in March.


Caicedo stars as Real Madrid down Arsenal 2-0 in women’s Champions League, Lyon beat Bayern

Updated 19 March 2025
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Caicedo stars as Real Madrid down Arsenal 2-0 in women’s Champions League, Lyon beat Bayern

  • Lyon and Arsenal will host their respective second-leg quarterfinal matches next Wednesday
  • The big clubs’ belated investments in women’s football have had an adverse effect on clubs like Sweden’s Umeå IK and Germany’s Turbine Potsdam

LONDON: Linda Caicedo shined on a rainy evening in the Spanish capital as Real Madrid beat Arsenal 2-0 in the first leg of the women’s Champions League quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Eight-time champion Lyon is eyeing the semifinals after a 2-0 win at Bayern Munich in their first-leg quarterfinal thanks to goals from Tabitha Chawinga and Melchie Dumornay.

Bayern goalkeeper Maria-Luisa Grohs saved Lindsey Heaps’ penalty before the break and made a host of other saves, too.

Caicedo, the 20-year-old Colombia star, opened the scoring in Madrid’s Alfredo di Stéfano Stadium and proved a constant source of torment for the Arsenal defenders. Substitute Athenea grabbed the second goal late to put the Spanish side in a promising position to reach the semifinals.

Caicedo capitalized on Arsenal defender Leah Williamson’s botched effort to cut out Signe Bruun’s pass when she took a couple of strides forward to hold off Arsenal’s Emily Fox and fired the ball inside the left post in the 22nd minute.

Beth Mead went closest for Arsenal before the break.

Madrid suffered a blow in the 63rd when Melanie Leupolz went off with an apparent right knee injury after kicking the ball. The 16-year-old Irune Dorado went on in the German midfielder’s place.

Arsenal responded with a period of sustained pressure, albeit without reward, and Athenea scored on a counterattack in the 82nd. Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger got her hand to the ball but couldn’t keep Athenea’s powerful shot out.

“We knew how to endure,” Madrid coach Alberto Toril said. “In the Champions League there are important matches that you need to know how to play and that have many mini-matches within the games, and I think we did very well.”

Lyon and Arsenal will host their respective second-leg quarterfinal matches next Wednesday.

Madrid, a powerhouse in men’s soccer with a record 15 European titles, are bidding to reach the semifinals for the first time. The Spanish club was late to women’s soccer in comparison to rivals, only forming its women’s team after completing a merger and acquisition of another women’s soccer club in 2020.

The big clubs’ belated investments in women’s football have had an adverse effect on clubs like Sweden’s Umeå IK and Germany’s Turbine Potsdam.

The other quarterfinal matches are on Wednesday, when Wolfsburg face defending champion Barcelona at home, before Manchester City host English rival Chelsea.


Courtois back and Belgium are looking to turn the page on ‘Courtoisgate’

Updated 18 March 2025
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Courtois back and Belgium are looking to turn the page on ‘Courtoisgate’

  • The appointment of Rudi Garcia as the new coach this year paved the way for Courtois’ return
  • The 32-year-old goalie was picked for the Nations League playoff doubleheader against Ukraine

BRUSSELS: Thibaut Courtois is back with Belgium after a 21-month absence and the Red Devils are hoping the Real Madrid goalkeeper’s return will herald the start of a new era for the national team after a lean spell.
Courtois abruptly left the team in June 2023 ahead of a European Championship qualifier after falling out with Belgium’s then-coach, Domenico Tedesco. Their feud, which began over a captaincy dispute and was dubbed “Courtoisgate,” quickly escalated and damaged their relationship beyond repair.
The appointment of Rudi Garcia as the new coach this year paved the way for Courtois’ return. The 32-year-old goalie, who has made 102 appearances for Belgium, was picked for the Nations League playoff doubleheader against Ukraine.
After being away from the group for almost two years, Thibaut met with his Belgium teammates on Monday to settle any possible lingering misunderstanding.
“We’ve put things right, the squad has fully accepted Thibaut’s decision, and now we’ve got our sights set on moving forward, winning both playoff matches and qualifying for the World Cup,” Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans said on Tuesday during a press conference attended by Courtois.
Courtois said he had been in contact with other Belgium internationals over the last two years, but that speaking in front of the group this week to explain himself and clear the air was important.
“I thought it was clear to everyone. But when I got here yesterday, I saw that it wasn’t,” Courtois said. “So it’s nice to be able to speak in front of everyone. Everything is clear, we’re moving forward. Let’s not talk about it anymore from now on.”
Courtois’ comeback does not seem to please everyone, though.
Courtois doesn’t satisfy everyone
Koen Casteels, who was Belgium’s starting ‘keeper at the 2024 European Championship, has made himself unavailable for the national team reportedly because of the circumstances around Courtois’ return to the fold. Casteels also suggested that other players were not enthusiastic about Courtois’ return.
Courtois said he did not know what Casteels was talking about, adding that his fellow ‘keeper was responsible for his decision.
Asked if he had any regrets, Courtois admitted he might have overreacted, but reiterated his claim that Tedesco did not show enough respect. Courtois said he had some physical issues at the time, and that Tedesco never came to check how he felt.
“I had never seen that in my 16-year professional career,” he said. “I know I don’t have the easiest personality, I’m a winner and I speak my mind, so it didn’t help. Things should have been solved within the team.”
Tielemans praised Garcia’s efforts toward team harmony after a controversy “that unfortunately did more harm to our squad than what we wanted.”
Under Garcia’s predecessor, who was hired in February 2023 with the goal of rebooting the Red Devils, Belgium failed and Tedesco was fired after disappointing performances at both Euro 2024, when they lost to France in the round of 16, and the Nations League.
Garcia’s first match in charge is on Thursday against Ukraine, with the mission to keep the Red Devils in League A. Belgium will then start its qualifying for the World Cup in June.


Messi out of World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to adductor injury

Updated 18 March 2025
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Messi out of World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to adductor injury

  • Inter Miami said Messi underwent an MRI “to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region”
  • Argentine media initially reported Messi suffered a sore left thigh on Sunday during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil over the next eight days because of an injury to his adductor.

The 37-year-old Messi was not included in the 25-man squad announced on Monday by coach Lionel Scaloni. Later Monday, Inter Miami said Messi — the reigning Major League Soccer MVP — underwent an MRI “to assess the extent of the discomfort in his adductor region,” an injury that the team said occurred in Sunday’s win over Atlanta United.

“The examination’s findings confirmed the presence of a low-grade injury in the adductor muscle,” Inter Miami said. “His clinical progress and response to treatment will determine his availability for competition.”

Argentine media initially reported Messi suffered a sore left thigh on Sunday during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory.

Argentina, who lead South America, will visit second-placed Uruguay on Friday and host fifth-placed Brazil four days later at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Messi was not the only absentee for the two matches that could seal Argentina’s qualification. Also ruled out were Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Montiel and Giovani Lo Celso.

Scaloni also dropped Alejandro Garnacho and Claudio Echeverri from the larger squad announced on March 2.

Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner who captained and led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, has been sidelined several times by Inter Miami this season because of injury concerns.

This month, Messi missed three games but returned on Thursday for the second leg of the round-of-16 CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Cavalier SC.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said Messi was fit to start against Atlanta on Sunday. Messi scored in the 20th minute, just before he was reported to have been injured.


Barca mount late comeback to stun Atletico in thriller

Updated 17 March 2025
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Barca mount late comeback to stun Atletico in thriller

  • Torres bagged his second late on to round off a win which could prove decisive come the end of the season

MADRID: Barcelona battled back from two goals down to beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 and land an important blow in the Spanish title race on Sunday.
Lamine Yamal struck in the 92nd minute and Ferran Torres in the 98th to help take the Catalans back top of the table after Real Madrid beat Villarreal on Saturday to briefly claim pole position.
Barcelona have a game in hand on the champions with both sides level on 60 points, while Atletico trail the top two by four after they crumbled at home against Hansi Flick’s side to end a disastrous week following their Champions League elimination.
Having twice been caught out late by Atletico this season, this time it was Barcelona’s turn to provide the sting in the tail, extending their unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions.
Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth put Atletico ahead before Robert Lewandowski and Torres hit back for Barca, who went on to win in stoppage time.
Flick selected Marc Casado in midfield, with Frenkie de Jong not fit enough to be included in the matchday squad.
The German had warned his players to stay focussed after they conceded a 96th minute goal in December to surrender the lead at the top of the table to Atletico in a 2-1 home defeat.
Barcelona also conceded two late goals in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg to draw 4-4 against Diego Simeone’s side in February.
They played within themselves in the first half, overly cautious and conserving energy, failing to create many openings.
Teenage winger Yamal created one for himself but fired wide with Jan Oblak’s goal gaping, while Lewandowski directed a header at the Slovenian stopper.
At the other end Atletico wanted a penalty when Inigo Martinez pulled back Marcos Llorente in the area but they were not given it.
Barcelona’s best chance of the first half came when Pedri played in Lewandowski, who hit the top of the crossbar with a powerful drive. From the resulting goal kick, Atletico found the opener.
The hosts worked the ball to Griezmann, who threaded a brilliant pass across the area to Giuliano Simeone, with Alvarez finishing from his cut-back.
It provided a moment of joy for the former Manchester City striker who felt deep frustration in midweek when his penalty against Real Madrid was controversially disallowed for a supposed double touch on the ball, as Atletico were eliminated in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday.
Yamal probed after the break as Barca looked for a way back in and Simeone turned to his bench to freshen up his side, who played 120 draining minutes against Los Blancos.
The coach introduced Sorloth and Conor Gallagher and they combined for Atletico’s second goal.
Atletico put together another fine team move with Griezmann heavily involved, before Gallagher squared to perennial super-sub Sorloth to net his 11th league goal of the season, despite just nine starts.
Barcelona had complaints about a Rodrigo De Paul handball in the build-up dismissed and they turned their anger into an instant response.
Martinez drove forward with the ball and slung it into the box for Lewandowski, who controlled well and powered a low finish past Oblak to spark the comeback.
Substitute Torres netted the equalizer when Raphinha, on an othewise quiet night in the capital for the Brazilian, crossed from the right.
With Atletico shaken, Barcelona took full advantage, with Yamal’s deflected shot from distance sending them ahead in stoppage time.
Torres bagged his second late on to round off a win which could prove decisive come the end of the season.