Man City rally to avoid Champions League exit, face Madrid or Bayern next

Man City rally to avoid Champions League exit, face Madrid or Bayern next
Manchester City's Savinho celebrates after scoring. (AP)
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Updated 30 January 2025
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Man City rally to avoid Champions League exit, face Madrid or Bayern next

Man City rally to avoid Champions League exit, face Madrid or Bayern next

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: Manchester City saved themselves from an embarrassing early Champions League exit with three second-half goals to beat Club Brugge 3-1 on Wednesday.
However, it may be a stay of execution for Pep Guardiola’s men as they will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the play-off round.
Despite a first defeat in 22 games for Brugge, they also sneaked into the next round in 24th place and will take on Atalanta or Borussia Dortmund next.
The Belgian champions were on course to send City packing before the knockout stages for the first time since 2012 when Raphael Onyedika fired the visitors into the lead just before half-time.
City needed all three points after winning just two of their opening seven matches in the competition’s new format and turned it around just in time.
Mateo Kovacic levelled from the edge of the box before the unfortunate Joel Ordonez turned in Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
Substitute Savinho then drilled in the third to ease the nerves of Pep Guardiola, who anxiously prowled the touchline throughout and was booked for protesting toward the officials.
The drama at the Etihad on a nervous night began before the action even got underway as a merchandise stand caught fire on the perimeter of the stadium shortly before the teams arrived.
Brugge were not daunted by the task that faced them against a diminished version of the English champions and started brightly with Christos Tzolis a constant menace.
City slowly warmed to their task as Ilkay Gundogan slotted home but was flagged offside from Bernardo Silva’s header.
But Brugge remained a persistent threat on the counter-attack and got their reward just before half-time.
Tzolis was again the creator as the Greek’s cross was this time swept home by Onyedika.
Guardiola responded by introducing Savinho for Gundogan at the break in what proved to be an inspired change as City posed far more attacking threat in the second period.
John Stones headed wide a glorious chance to equalize just seconds after the restart.
Kovacic then provided much-needed drive from the City midfield as the Croatian powered forward and slotted in from the edge of the box to level on 53 minutes.
But in the nine minutes between City’s first and second goals, Brugge could have sent the 2023 champions to an early exit.
Tzolis fired too close to Ederson, drilled a shot inches wide and was prevented another clear sight of goal by Gvardiol’s last-ditch intervention with a hat-trick of big chances.
At the other end, it was Brugge who did the hard work for City as Gvardiol’s low cross was turned into his own net by Ordonez.
Guardiola furiously kicked a water box during his celebration.
The City boss’ mood was not helped when Erling Haaland wasted his one huge chance of the evening as Simon Mignolet saved a one-on-one and Savinho’s follow-up effort was cleared off the line by Brandon Mechele.
But Guardiola was finally able to offer a smile of relief 13 minutes from time when Savinho took down Stones’ cross on his chest and blasted in his first Champions League goal.
Guardiola even embraced his counterpart Nicky Hayen before the match finished as the two exchanged a handshake during stoppage time.
But the City manager will be under no illusions that his side will need to be much better if they are to have aspirations of conquering Europe again in the coming months.


Raducanu waives complaint against man who caused her ‘visible distress’ at Dubai Championships

Raducanu waives complaint against man who caused her ‘visible distress’ at Dubai Championships
Updated 20 sec ago
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Raducanu waives complaint against man who caused her ‘visible distress’ at Dubai Championships

Raducanu waives complaint against man who caused her ‘visible distress’ at Dubai Championships
  • Authorities initiated legal action against unidentified man, who was given restraining order
  • Legal expert tells Arab News: ‘In such cases, the public right will not be pursued against the suspect considering that Raducanu has dropped her complaint’

BEIRUT: British tennis star Emma Raducanu has waived her complaint against an unidentified tourist who caused her “visible distress” during the Dubai Championships earlier this week.
On Thursday, it was reported that the Dubai authorities initiated legal action against the individual, who was identified as a “tourist” and remained unnamed, after the 2021 US Open winner lodged a complaint against him.
Raducanu was playing against 14th-seeded Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in the second-round on Tuesday evening when she was seen approaching the chair umpire in tears. The WTA later linked her reaction to the presence of the unidentified man, who security personnel removed from the first-row seats and ejected from the stadium.
Dubai Media Office issued a statement on X saying that the emirate’s authorities took swift action to address the incident “in accordance with local legal protocols.”


It said: “Following Raducanu’s complaint, Dubai Police detained a tourist who approached her, left her a note, took her photograph, and engaged in behavior that caused her distress during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
“While Raducanu later chose to drop the charges, the individual signed a formal undertaking to maintain distance from her and has been banned from future tournaments. Dubai remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the emirate.”
In a follow-up comment, a legal expert told Arab News: “In such cases, the public right will not be pursued against the suspect considering that Raducanu has dropped her complaint. In such type of crimes, and as per the penal law and criminal procedures law, if a complainant drops their complaint then the case would be dismissed instantly.
“Also, if both parties (complainant and suspect) reconcile or reach a settlement, then the case would be dropped.”
The expert added that the suspect, if he has not been released, would be freed soon.
The WTA said that the individual has been banned from all its events pending a threat assessment.
The 22-year-old Raducanu lost the match 7-6(6) 6-4 but later said she was proud of how she responded after the “difficult experience.”
On Wednesday, having left Dubai, Raducanu said in a post on Instagram that she was “doing OK” after the “difficult circumstances.”


Tom Clover eyes Saudi Cup meeting success with Al Nayyir after Qatar triumph

Tom Clover eyes Saudi Cup meeting success with Al Nayyir after Qatar triumph
Updated 20 February 2025
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Tom Clover eyes Saudi Cup meeting success with Al Nayyir after Qatar triumph

Tom Clover eyes Saudi Cup meeting success with Al Nayyir after Qatar triumph
  • Newmarket-based trainer sets his sights on further glory

LONDON: Newmarket-based trainer Tom Clover is setting his sights on further international success at the Saudi Cup meeting this weekend, as he prepares Al Nayyir for the Group 2 Red Sea Turf Handicap.

This comes on the back of a major victory for the trainer in Qatar, where his sprinter Rogue Lightning stormed to success in the Dukhan Sprint.

Clover, who operates from the historic Kremlin House Stables, has been enjoying a career-best run, with 2024 marking his most successful year in terms of winners and prize money since he began training eight years ago.

His recent triumphs include victories at the York Ebor Festival and Newmarket’s Cambridgeshire Meeting, adding to his 2023 Group 2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes win at Royal Ascot with Rogue Millennium.

Rogue Lightning, a 5-year-old acquired for £1 million ($1,264,600) by Blandford Bloodstock agent Richard Brown on behalf of the emir of Qatar’s Wathnan Racing, delivered a commanding performance at Al Uqda Racecourse on Sunday.

“Rogue Lightning was always a horse we held in high regard. It was really exciting for the whole team, particularly for Carrie, who has been out there with him,” Clover told Great British Racing International.

“It was important for us to get a win for Wathnan Racing, who have been great supporters, and to deliver a major victory for them on their big day. It was a huge thrill and a day we will always remember.”

Attention now turns to Al Nayyir, who will represent owner Elbashir Elhrari in Saturday’s Red Sea Turf Handicap in the Kingdom.

Newmarket-based trainer Tom Clover is setting his sights on further international success at the Saudi Cup meeting this weekend, as he prepares Al Nayyir (pictured) for the Group 2 Red Sea Turf Handicap. (Supplied/GBRI)

The 7-year-old gelding, who only joined Clover’s yard in July 2024, has already shown his class, finishing second in a Group 2 at York and securing an emphatic eight-length victory in a Listed race at Newmarket.

A strong performance in Saudi Arabia could set him up for a tilt at the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup at the Dubai World Cup meeting in April.

Clover is optimistic about his chances, despite the challenge of conceding weight to his rivals.

He said: “I am very pleased with Al Nayyir’s condition. He’s traveled well and improved in his coat with a bit of sun in Saudi Arabia. It’s a big ask giving this weight away to the rest of the field, but he has drawn nicely, he is a high-class horse, and we think he will run a big race.

“He is a 7-year-old now, but he is by Dubawi, and they improve with age. He is just a wonderful horse to deal with, and we hope to see him win a big race this year.”

With momentum firmly on his side, Clover will be hoping Al Nayyir can continue his stable’s upward trajectory and add another prestigious victory to his growing list of achievements.


Rublev needs 8 match points to beat De Minaur in Qatar Open quarterfinals

Rublev needs 8 match points to beat De Minaur in Qatar Open quarterfinals
Updated 20 February 2025
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Rublev needs 8 match points to beat De Minaur in Qatar Open quarterfinals

Rublev needs 8 match points to beat De Minaur in Qatar Open quarterfinals
  • The Russian fifth seed wasted a 5-2 lead in the last set against the Australian second seed
  • He’ll face Canada’s Félix Auger-Aliassime

DOHA: Andrey Rublev saved one match point and needed eight of his own to subdue Alex de Minaur 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (8) in the Qatar Open quarterfinals on Thursday.
The tortuous journey to the win prompted Rublev to joke about de Minaur, “I wanna punch him.”
The Russian fifth seed wasted a 5-2 lead in the last set against the Australian second seed, who forced the tiebreak with remarkable scrambling.
But after 2 1/2 hours, Rublev was through to his fourth semifinals in Doha, where he won the title in 2020.
He’ll face Canada’s Félix Auger-Aliassime, who beat Daniil Medvedev when the Russian retired after losing the first set 6-3.
“I felt he was playing normal,” Auger-Aliassime said on court. “And then I broke, I held my serve. And he just told (the umpire) that he didn’t want to shake our hands because he was sick. I hope it’s nothing too bad. I was surprised.”


Inter Milan goalie Yann Sommer injures thumb ahead of key Serie A and Champions League games

Inter Milan goalie Yann Sommer injures thumb ahead of key Serie A and Champions League games
Updated 20 February 2025
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Inter Milan goalie Yann Sommer injures thumb ahead of key Serie A and Champions League games

Inter Milan goalie Yann Sommer injures thumb ahead of key Serie A and Champions League games
  • Thumb injuries can sideline goalkeepers for several weeks
  • Sommer also could miss the Champions League round-of-16 games

MILAN: Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer has a broken right thumb ahead of key games in Serie A and the Champions League.
Inter said the Swiss ‘keeper’s injury was revealed in tests on Thursday and “necessary therapy will be decided in the coming days.”
Thumb injuries can sideline goalkeepers for several weeks though no timetable was set by Inter for Sommer, who has started every Serie A and Champions League game this season.
The defending Serie A champion are second in the standings, trailing Napoli by two points, and travel to Naples at the end of next week. Inter first host Genoa on Saturday.
Sommer also could miss the Champions League round-of-16 games on March 4 or 5 then March 10 or 11. Inter will be drawn against Feyenoord or PSV Eindhoven when the pairings are made on Friday.
Sommer’s backups are Raffaele Di Gennaro and Josep Martinez.


Bentaleb’s remarkable return could inspire Lille’s run for a Champions League spot

Bentaleb’s remarkable return could inspire Lille’s run for a Champions League spot
Updated 20 February 2025
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Bentaleb’s remarkable return could inspire Lille’s run for a Champions League spot

Bentaleb’s remarkable return could inspire Lille’s run for a Champions League spot
  • Doctors doubted the Algeria international would ever play again let alone resume his career at the top level
  • “It’s a story worthy of a movie. It brings Nabil even more joy and emotion because he is a boy who is very well liked in the group,” coach Bruno Genesio said

PARIS: If Lille need further motivation in their drive to qualify for the Champions League next season, then they need only look at Nabil Bentaleb’s remarkable return.
The Lille midfielder scored four minutes after going on last Sunday in a 2-0 win at Rennes and was mobbed by his teammates.
It wasn’t that he scored so soon after going on that made the goal so special, but rather because Bentaleb started training again only this month after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest in mid-June.
The 30-year-old was put into an artificial coma and fitted with a pacemaker-defibrillator days later. Doctors doubted the Algeria international would ever play again let alone resume his career at the top level.
“It’s a story worthy of a movie. It brings Nabil even more joy and emotion because he is a boy who is very well liked in the group,” coach Bruno Genesio said. “It’s pretty rare to experience this. It’s a moment that will remain engraved in the history of the club.”

Bafodé Diakité said the atmosphere in the dressing room after last Sunday’s win was something special.
“I had never experienced anything like that,” he said. “It goes beyond football.”
Now Bentaleb and his teammates must focus on catching Monaco and Nice in the Ligue 1 race for a top-four Champions League spot.
Fifth-placed Lille are only two points behind Monaco and Nice in third, so things could change on Saturday when Lille host Monaco.
Third place is a realistic ambition for all three sides, given that unbeaten leader Paris Saint-Germain seem too far ahead and free-scoring Marseille are six points clear in second place.
Former teammates face each other
When Nice take on rock-bottom Montpellier on Sunday, former strike partners Gaëtan Laborde and Andy Delort are set to face each other amid contrasting circumstances.
Laborde has nine league goals for Nice this season, while Montpellier signed Delort on loan from Algerian side MC Alger to help in their desperate relegation battle.
Laborde and Delort enjoyed three full seasons together at Montpellier from 2018-21 and formed a strong partnership, with Laborde netting 33 league goals and Delort getting 38.
They began the next season together before both left. Their paths quickly met again when they played half of the 2022-23 season together at Nice — before Delort joined Nantes and angered Nice fans.
Timing could be right to beat PSG
PSG have not lost anywhere since Nov. 26 at Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
But Lyon will threaten that. Lyon will be fully rested after not playing in the Europa League this week. It is also resurgent after eight goals in the past two games under new coach Paulo Fonseca. PSG played on Wednesday when they trounced Brest 7-0 in the Champions League.
Rayan Cherki has found top form for Lyon in recent weeks and Fonseca has unearthed a surprising finisher.
Veteran midfielder Corentin Tolisso has scored in all three games since Fonseca took over and is enjoying his best scoring season since the 2017-18 campaign with Bayern.