Atletico reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2016/2017 season after edging Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate.

Simeone’s men held a 2-0 first-leg lead, but Barcelona erased the advantage within 25 minutes through Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.

A fine team move restored Atletico’s lead, with Lookman finishing calmly, as the hosts maintained composure in spite of Barcelona’s early surge.

Barcelona showed little attacking threat in the second half, even after introducing Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski.

Hopes of a comeback ended late when Eric Garcia was sent off for fouling Alexander Sorloth as the last defender.

Atletico will now face either Arsenal or Sporting in the semi-finals, with first-leg matches scheduled for April 28 or 29.

Source: NAN

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Goals from Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth earned a 2-0 first-leg victory over 10-man Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona dominated proceedings, but Atletico’s ⁠rock-solid defence combined with swift counter-attacks paid off.

This was after Pau Cubarsi was sent off for hauling down Giuliano Simeone in the 42nd minute as the last man.

Alvarez brilliantly curled the resulting free kick from 25 metres into ‌the ⁠top corner in first-half stoppage time to silence the sold-out Catalan stadium.

Rashford struck the crossbar from a free kick ⁠soon after halftime.

However, Simeone’s side remained disciplined and doubled their lead in the 70th ⁠minute when Mateo Ruggeri crossed from the left and Sorloth volleyed ⁠in from close range, sealing a decisive away win.

Source: Reuters/NAN

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The exhibition match will take place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The event is hosted under the auspices of Mrs. Zahra Buhari-Indimi, daughter of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and is organised in partnership with Attom Foundation, inspired by Yahaya Attom, serial entrepreneur, business consultant, project manager and the brain behind the clothing line, Obsession Apparel.

Proceeds from the charity match will support the ZMB Homes Foundation, a charity that has long provided shelter and assistance to widows and orphans from across the country.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mrs. Buhari-Indimi expressed excitement about hosting the historic encounter, describing it as a “unique fusion of sport, charity, and continental friendship.”

She said the project aimed to channel funds toward youth empowerment, maternal health, and education for underprivileged communities.

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“This event is not just about football; it is about using the universal language of the game to unite people and bring hope to communities that need it most,” Buhari-Indimi remarked.

She encouraged Nigerians to turn out in large numbers to support the cause.

Echoing the inspiration drawn from her late father, President Muhammadu Buhari, she noted how his journey from humble beginnings to national leadership shapes the Foundation’s vision: “Baba came from a modest background but rose to achieve so much for Nigeria. I’m committed to helping many more people with similar backgrounds realize their potential, just as my father did.”

The Barcelona Legends squad is set to feature globally renowned icons, while the African Legends will showcase former international stars who shone both in Europe and on the continent.

Experts anticipate the event will rekindle nostalgia for fans and reinforce Nigeria’s status as a premier destination for high-profile sporting and charitable events.

Beyond the match, the occasion will spearhead a broader social impact programme, including a gala night, youth football clinics, and visits to selected schools and hospitals.

The programme will begin with a Gala night that will also raise awareness for the ZMB Foundation and Attom Foundation.

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Despite Real Madrid’s late win over Mallorca on Wednesday night, Hansi Flick’s side knew victory at the RCDE Stadium would secure them the championship with two games remaining.

After a goalless first half, Lamine Yamal broke the deadlock shortly after the restart with a stunning strike.

Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera was shown a straight red card for striking out at Yamal in the closing stages before Fermin Lopez wrapped up Barcelona’s win – and another title – in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Before the match, several people were reported to have been injured in an incident outside the stadium, where a driver appeared to lose control and a car went into the crowd.

According to Spanish media, an announcement was made over the public address system inside the ground saying the situation was under control with no serious injuries, while some Espanyol fans behind one of the goals had left the stands, feeling the match should not be played.

Elsewhere, Osasuna boosted their hopes of European qualification with a 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid at El Sadar.

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A first-half header from defender Alejandro Catena and a late second from Croatia forward Ante Budimir saw Osasuna move up to ninth – level on points with Rayo Vallecano in the battle for a spot in the Conference League.

Athletic Bilbao closed to within three points of third-placed Atletico and secured Champions League football with a 2-0 win at Getafe.

Gorka Guruzeta broke the deadlock with 14 minutes left before Dani Vivian made sure with a late second.

Real Betis fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Rayo Vallecano.

Jorge de Frutos put the home side ahead in the 37th minute, heading in a rebound after Pedro Diaz’s long-range strike rattled the crossbar.

Florian Lejeune made it 2-0 in first-half stoppage time with an angled free-kick from the edge of the box.

Conference League finalists Betis, though, fought back to get themselves on level terms in the 51st minute through Cucho Hernandez before Isco slotted in a penalty just after the hour.

Source: dpa/NAN

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Barca scored four goals in a dominant first half and survived having their goalkeeper sent off to clinch a record-extending 15th trophy.

French forward Kylian Mbappe put Real in front after five minutes, finishing a solo run with a shot inside the far post.

However, Lamine Yamal levelled for Barcelona in the 22nd before striker Robert Lewandowski gave them the lead from the spot.

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Raphinha increased the advantage with a stunning header from a Jules Kounde cross in the 39th minute and left back Alejandro Balde added a fourth for Barca deep into first-half stoppage time.

Raphinha made it 5-1 just after the break, before Barca were left with 10 men when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off for fouling Mbappe in the 56th minute.

Rodrygo beat substitute keeper Inaki Pena from the resulting free kick but 10-man Barca easily saw out the win.

Source: Reuters/NAN

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Last year’s Spanish and Italian champions, both struggling this season, played out a poor match in which both sides were toothless and lacking attacking flair.

Third in the LaLiga standings eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, Barcelona dominated the first half against a disorganised Napoli who barely managed to get out of their own half.

“It is not a good result for the return leg.

“We were better in all aspects of the game, we had to control and we struggled, we weren’t effective up front, it was a summary of our season,” FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez told reporters.

FC Barcelona were playing their first Champions League knockout match for three years.

Napoli were led by new coach Francesco Calzona with their Serie A title defence in tatters as they languish ninth in the domestic standings.

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Napoli were frustrated by FC Barcelona’s high pressing, missing simple passes and gifting the ball to the visitors who also looked short of ideas in possession.

Teenager Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player to appear in the knockout phase of the Champions League at 16 years and 223 days, was also bidding to become the tournament’s youngest scorer.

But he sent an early effort wide and had a strike from distance saved by goalkeeper Alex Meret.

Ilkay Gundogan twice shot wide for Barca before Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 60th minute.

He received a pass from Pedri just inside the box and made space to unleash a bullet strike into the bottom corner of the net.

That woke Napoli up and Nigerian Osimhen, playing his first game since the Africa Cup of Nations, equalised 15 minutes later with a fine swivelling strike from inside the box to leave the tie evenly poised ahead of the return leg in Spain on March 12.

“We have a lot of work to do, but I congratulated the team for rediscovering the desire to fight.

“We struggled at the start but I really liked the spirit of the side. The players gave their heart and soul to avoid defeat against a very strong opponent,” Calzona told reporters.

Source: Reuters/NAN

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The 35-year-old Argentina forward had been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, to join a league which already features Cristiano Ronaldo and now Karim Benzema.

However, with Messi’s two-year contract at Paris St-Germain, PSG, coming to an end this month, the World Cup winner confirmed he was set to head to the U.S.

“I made the decision that I am going to go to Miami,” Messi said.

“I still haven’t closed it 100 per cent. I’m missing some things, but we decided to continue on the path.”

MLS franchise Miami are co-owned by former England captain David Beckham.

The Florida side recently sacked Beckham’s former Manchester United and England team-mate Phil Neville as coach.

They are currently bottom of the 15-team Eastern Conference, but remain a fiercely ambitious club.

Messi had also been linked with a move back to his former club FC Barcelona.

But he confirmed that when that was not set to go through, he opted for a fresh challenge in the U.S.

“If the FC Barcelona thing didn’t work out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more in my family,” he said.

“I really wanted, I was very excited to be able to return (to FC Barcelona), but after having experienced what I experienced and the exit I had, I did not want to be in the same situation again — waiting to see what was going to happen.

“I heard that they had to sell players or lower players’ salaries and the truth is that I didn’t want to go through that, nor take charge of obtaining something that had to do with all that.”

PSG announced last week that Messi would be leaving and he had reportedly been offered a deal worth 400 million euros (343.5 million pounds) per year to move to Saudi Arabia.

Messi revealed that while his heart might have been pushing him towards a return to the Nou Camp, it was a move which he was not totally in tune with.

He felt it could have left him open to more issues down the line, having had to “walk the bullfight” at the end of his previous stay.

“I also wanted to look for something else and a bit of peace of mind,” Messi said.

“I had offers from other European clubs, but I didn’t even evaluate them because my idea was to go to FC Barcelona.

“If the FC Barcelona thing didn’t come out, analysing it, then (I was) leaving European football and much more (doing so) after winning the World Cup, which was what I needed to close my career on this side.

“Going to live in the U.S. in a different way and enjoying day-to-day much more, but with the same responsibility of wanting to win and always doing things well, but (now) with more peace of mind.”

Messi had talked with FC Barcelona manager and close friend Xavi over a potential return, but said he “spoke very little, once or twice at most” with president Joan Laporta.

“We were very excited because when something came out we would discuss if he really wanted me to come back, if it was good for the team and for him, and we kept in communication,” Messi said.

“We never even got to talk about the contract. A proposal was passed over, but never a formal, written, signed proposal, because there was still nothing and we did not know if it was going to be possible or not.

“There was the intention, but we couldn’t advance anything, we didn’t even talk about money formally.

“If it had been a matter of money I would have gone to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere. It seemed like a lot of money to me and the truth is that my decision was for the other side and not for money.”

FC Barcelona issued a statement which claimed that the club had “presented” a proposal for Messi’s return which had been desired by both parties.

The club added that they were later informed of the player’s decision to instead head to Miami.

“President Laporta understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subjected to in recent years,” the club statement read.

“Both Joan Laporta and Jorge Messi also agreed to work together to promote a proper tribute from Barca fans to honour a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barca.”

On its part, MLS welcomed Messi’s decision.

“We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and MLS this summer,” a statement from the organisation reads.

“Although work remains to finalise a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest football players of all time to our league.”

In spite of not making a return to FC Barcelona as a player, Messi, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, intends to eventually settle back in the city with his family.

His words: “Obviously I will like to be close to the club (in the future). What’s more, I’m going to live in FC Barcelona,” he said. “It is one of the things that we have very clear with my wife, my children.

“Hopefully, I don’t know when, but one day I can contribute something to the club and help because it is a club that I love as I always said.

“I appreciate the love I had from people during my career and I will like to be here again, yes.”

Source: dpa/NAN

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The AC Milan striker made the announcement on the San Siro pitch following his club’s final game of the Serie A season on Sunday.

“I have many memories and many emotions in here,” the Sweden international said.

“The first time I arrived here you gave me happiness. The second time, love. I will be a Milan fan for life.

“The time has come to say goodbye to football, but not to you. See you around, if you’re lucky. Forza Milan and goodbye.”

A clearly emotional Ibrahimovic was serenaded by the Milan fans and then given a guard of honour by his teammates as he left the pitch.

The former Manchester United striker has spent most of the season on the sidelines due to injury.

He played just four times for AC Milan and scored once in a 3-1 defeat at Udinese in March, and his departure from the club had already been announced.

In July last year he renewed his contract for another year, in spite of facing the prospect of a lengthy rehabilitation from knee surgery.

Shortly after helping AC Milan win the Serie A title he had undergone a planned procedure on his left knee.

It was to repair damage and instability caused by a previous anterior cruciate ligament injury.

As expected that meant a lengthy lay-off and Ibrahimovic did not make his first appearance of this season until the end of February.

Ibrahimovic began his career at Malmo and joined Ajax in 2001 after rejecting the overtures of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

“Arsene Wenger asked me to have a trial with Arsenal when I was 17. I turned it down. Zlatan doesn’t do auditions,” was how Ibrahimovic put it in his own inimitable style.

The prolific striker also had spells with Juventus and Inter Milan before an unhappy spell at FC Barcelona, where he complained about how he was used by manager Pep Guardiola.

“When you buy me, you are buying a Ferrari,” Ibrahimovic said.

“If you drive a Ferrari you put premium fuel in the tank, you drive on to the motorway and you floor the accelerator.

“Guardiola filled up with diesel and went for a spin in the countryside. If that’s what he wanted, he should have bought himself a Fiat from the start.”

Ibrahimovic joined AC Milan for the first time, initially on loan, in 2010 before moving to Paris St-Germain (PSG), where he scored 113 times in 122 league appearances.

He also enjoyed spells with Manchester United, with whom he won the Europa League and League Cup, and LA Galaxy before returning to the San Siro.

Sweden’s all-time top scorer with 62 goals in 122 matches, Ibrahimovic quit the national team after Euro 2016 but returned in 2021 for their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign

Source: dpa/NAN

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The club initially announced renovation plans in 2014, but a host of problems since have meant only a small part of the work has taken place.

The project now looks set to accelerate quickly upon the completion of the season, however, with Barca confirming on Monday that 20 investors have made €1.45 billion ($1.6 billion) available.

Barca assured concerned fans that “club assets were not used as a guarantee and a mortgage wasn’t taken out on the stadium.”

Repayments are set to be made in instalments paid at five, seven, nine, 20, and 24 years “with a flexible structure.”

“This operation once again confirms the club’s credibility regarding the Spotify Camp Nou project, the epicentre for Espai Barca,” a statement added.

“The project is essential when it comes to keeping Barcelona at the forefront of world sport, is one of the foundations for the club’s economic recovery and future viability.

“It is a tool to enable continuation of the governance model, whereby the over 146,000 Club members are its owners.

“In the coming days the club will hold a press conference regarding the details of the operation.”

While Barca will play out the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign at Camp Nou, it had already been confirmed they are to move to the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic for next season.

Barcas is reportedly hope to be back at Camp Nou in late 2024.

Source: dpa/NAN

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The 34-year-old added to Sergi Roberto’s opener as two goals late in the first half undid the Cadiz side.

Cadiz had held their own for much of the Camp Nou clash and had two goals from Roger disallowed.

Another clean sheet, FC Barcelona’s 17th shutout in LaLiga this season, puts Xavi’s side a step nearer the title.

This was a seventh consecutive league victory, the third time they have had such a run under the leadership of their former midfielder.

It sealed a double for the season, too.

FC Barcelona had won 4-0 in September against the team who are now fighting a relegation battle, sitting just two points outside the bottom three.

Cadiz thought they had made a 19th-minute breakthrough when a delicious pass over the top from Santiago Arzamendia, with the outside of his left boot, found Roger.

The striker finished well but had strayed a foot offside, to FC Barcelona’s relief.

Lacking service, Lewandowski barely had a sniff of goal until the 41st minute.

This was when a cross from Ferran Torres on the right looked ideal for him to nod in at the far post.

He was under pressure, though, and could not make a clean connection.

The same duo combined as FC Barcelona struck two minutes later.

Lewandowski’s stooping header from Torres’ clipped cross was kicked off the line by Isaac Carcelen but only as far as Sergi Roberto.

He slammed it back into the back of the net from eight yards.

Lewandowski drove in FC Barcelona’s second goal in first half stoppage time, a clinical low strike from 16 yards taking his haul to 15 in the league this season.

The former Bayern Munich striker prodded a shot against the top of the bar early in the second half.

Thereafter, Cadiz’s Roger had a second goal disallowed after finishing well from a corner, with team-mate Fali penalised for a nudge into Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The visitors perhaps had reason to feel aggrieved, and Cadiz kept pushing.

Ter Stegen saved well from substitutes Fede San Emeterio and Chris Ramos late in the game, before Anthony Lozano headed against the left post.

It was not to be their night.

Source: dpa/NAN

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