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Monday match against Al-Hilal is ‘difficult,’ says Al-Qadsiah’s coach Gonzalez

Monday match against Al-Hilal is ‘difficult,’ says Al-Qadsiah’s coach Gonzalez
Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal will face off on Monday in the 17th round of the Saudi Roshn League in what Al-Qadsiah’s Spanish coach Michel Gonzalez described as a “difficult” match on Saturday. (X/@AlQadsiahEN)
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Updated 25 January 2025

Monday match against Al-Hilal is ‘difficult,’ says Al-Qadsiah’s coach Gonzalez

Monday match against Al-Hilal is ‘difficult,’ says Al-Qadsiah’s coach Gonzalez
  • ‘We’ve played 19 matches in the league and the cup without fear, and we will continue in the same way,’ the Spaniard told a news conference
  • ‘Al-Hilal are an offensive team with a high-scoring record’

AL KHUBAR: Al-Qadsiah and Al-Hilal will face off on Monday in the 17th round of the Saudi Roshn League in what Al-Qadsiah’s Spanish coach Michel Gonzalez described as a “difficult” match on Saturday.
Addressing a news conference ahead of the match that takes place at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Dammam, Gonzalez said: “I’m old enough that there’s nothing I fear anymore. I’ve lived my whole life without fear, but I respect everyone.
“My lack of fear doesn’t mean I don’t respect the opponent. We are here to compete with the other teams. However, the only thing I fear is when my wife looks at me.”
From the Spaniard’s perspective, in sports, “fear has no impact.”

“We’ve played 19 matches in the league and the cup without fear, and we will continue in the same way. That’s our goal. However, we greatly respect the opponent, and we approach the match with significance but without any fear,” he told the conference.
The Spanish coach stressed that they will play a match against the champion, “Al-Hilal, a team known and distinguished by its players and coach.”
“Our opponent possesses both individual and collective abilities that enable them to play at the highest levels in any league in the world,” Gonzalez said.
Currently, Al-Qadsiah are in their best form, and they will deliver a great performance in Monday’s match that allows them to secure the three points, the coach said.
He emphasized that Al-Qadsiah play as a team and respects all opponents, emphasizing: “Al-Hilal are an offensive team with a high-scoring record. However, we have excellent defensive players. Statistically, we are also distinguished defensively, while Al-Hilal excel offensively.
“We are aware that our opponent will miss their Serbian striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scores even with half-chances. Personally, I wished all players on both teams were fully ready and without absences.”
The Brazilian substitute, Marcos Leonardo, according to Gonzalez, is a remarkable striker with great abilities, and his scoring record speaks for itself.


Jannik Sinner crowned champion at Six Kings Slam in Riyadh after fierce battle with Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner crowned champion at Six Kings Slam in Riyadh after fierce battle with Alcaraz
Updated 43 min 49 sec ago

Jannik Sinner crowned champion at Six Kings Slam in Riyadh after fierce battle with Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner crowned champion at Six Kings Slam in Riyadh after fierce battle with Alcaraz
  • Novak Djokovic was forced to retire from his match against Taylor Fritz after a grueling first set

RIYADH: Jannik Sinner claimed the title at the second staging of the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh with a commanding performance against Carlos Alcaraz in the final, solidifying his place as one of the dominant forces in men’s tennis.

In front of a packed and electrified crowd at ANB Arena, Sinner outplayed Alcaraz in straight sets, showcasing clinical precision and relentless aggression from the baseline. The Italian was in imperious form from the first point, breaking early and maintaining control throughout the match.

“I was looking forward to this match,” Sinner said in the post-match press conference. “It was a great performance from my side, but also, you know, seeing the electric audience today was very nice to be part of this match.”

Sinner, who now adds another elite-level title to his growing collection, praised both the crowd and the tournament's atmosphere. 

“The whole week has been very, very nice. To me and to all the players, the atmosphere has been amazing since day one. We feel it as competitors – when someone needs a little bit of support, they’re ready to do that. It was a very balanced audience. I'm very happy to be part of this second staging of Six Kings Slam,” he said.

Italy's Jannik Sinner hits a return against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz during the final the Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament in Riyadh on October 18, 2025. (AFP)
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action against Italy's Jannik Sinner during the final the Six Kings Slam exhibition tennis tournament in Riyadh on October 18, 2025. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

The final marked another chapter in the burgeoning rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz, two of the sport’s brightest young stars. While Alcaraz showed flashes of brilliance — especially in the second set — he was ultimately unable to match Sinner’s consistency and tactical execution.

“Well, I just, I try to compete,” Alcaraz said following the loss. “It was really disappointing for me … after the first, I just told myself, ‘Okay, go there, try to compete, improve your game.’ I was making a few mistakes. I played a little bit better, but it wasn’t enough.”

Despite the defeat, the Spaniard maintained a forward-looking mindset. “I think this match is going to give me great feedback. When I’m coming back home, I’ll practice the things that I need before the next tournament. I’ll try to get the best feedback that I can from this match.”

Earlier in the day, the tournament’s third-place playoff delivered an unexpected twist as Novak Djokovic was forced to retire from his match against Taylor Fritz after a grueling first set. The highly anticipated clash — just weeks after their US Open quarterfinal — lived up to expectations early, with both players locked in a tense battle that lasted over an hour and 15 minutes.

Fritz Taylor hits a return against Novak Djokovic in their third place match at the ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)
Novak Djokovic in action during his third place match against Taylor Fritz at the ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday. (AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shalhoub)

Fritz edged the opening set via a tiebreak, but before the second could begin, Djokovic withdrew due to physical discomfort. Reflecting on the set, the Serbian legend remarked, “It was one of the longest sets I’ve played.”

While the retirement brought an abrupt end to the contest, Fritz’s resilience and form were evident throughout a high-quality first set.

The Six Kings Slam, which brings together six of the world’s top-ranked players in a unique invitational format, has quickly become a marquee event on the tennis calendar. With its star-studded lineup, electric crowd energy, and sold-out arena, the tournament once again delivered world-class tennis to a growing fanbase in the Middle East.

As Sinner hoisted the trophy under the Riyadh lights, one thing became clear: the future of men’s tennis is not just promising — it's already here.


Verstappen wins dramatic US Grand Prix sprint, McLarens crash

Verstappen wins dramatic US Grand Prix sprint, McLarens crash
Updated 18 October 2025

Verstappen wins dramatic US Grand Prix sprint, McLarens crash

Verstappen wins dramatic US Grand Prix sprint, McLarens crash
  • The McLarens are without a race win since Australian Piastri’s victory at the Dutch Grand Prix in August

AUSTIN: Max Verstappen made the most of a first-corner collision between the two McLaren drivers to win Saturday’s sprint race at the United States Grand Prix and reduce Oscar Piastri’s lead over him by eight points.

The four-time world champion turned his third consecutive sprint pole at the Circuit of the Americas into a third straight sprint win, reducing the gap between him and Piastri to 55 points.

Lando Norris remained second, 22 points behind Piastri who had crashed into him after being hit by Nico Hulkenberg’s Sauber as the German driver attempted to sweep inside the McLarens at Turn One.

Verstappen went on to win after 19 laps, ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, Williams’ Carlos Sainz and the two Ferraris, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth after a slick overtake of Charles Leclerc.

“The start was good,” said Verstappen. “But then, of course, there was the safety... It took a few laps to have good pace so we need to work out what happened there.

“We need to be better in race trim tomorrow to fight the McLarens. We’ll take a look. We have some ideas so hopefully it will work better.”

The McLarens are without a race win since Australian Piastri’s victory at the Dutch Grand Prix in August.

“We both went pretty deep into Turn One,” said Piastri. “I tried to cut back but I got a hit... Not a great way to start the day — I need to take another look.”

Norris said: “There’s not a lot I could do. I was taken out and that was it.”

- Verstappen’s perfect start -

On a hot day in Austin, Verstappen made a perfect start to lead away up the hill into Turn One.

The accident behind him was caused by Hulkenberg tagging Piastri who was lifted airborne into Norris’s car.

For McLaren and their duelling title-chasers, it was a disastrous start and gifted Verstappen an opportunity to make a substantial cut into Piastri’s championship lead.

Hulkenberg lost his front wing as he progressed, leaving debris across the track, with Fernando Alonso also retiring his Aston Martin due to a puncture.

The contest resumed after five controlled laps behind the safety car, of the 19 in total, with Verstappen surging away, chased by Russell.

Sainz continued to hang on in third for Williams with the two Ferraris breathing down his neck.

On lap eight, Russell made a dive down the inside at Turn 12 in an attempt to pass Verstappen, but succeeded only in ensuring both slid off before rejoining.

Behind them, a lap later, Hamilton executed a perfect move to pass Leclerc for fourth and then resist his fightback.

Verstappen stayed in control, but complained that his car was imperfect.

He held on to a 2.4-second lead while Sainz battled to resist Hamilton’s pace before a second safety car intervention.

That came when Lance Stroll speared his Aston Martin into Esteban Ocon’s Haas inside Turn One, prompting the flags that curtailed the final laps.


Mayele wins CAF Super Cup for Pyramids

Mayele wins CAF Super Cup for Pyramids
Updated 18 October 2025

Mayele wins CAF Super Cup for Pyramids

Mayele wins CAF Super Cup for Pyramids
  • The goal came after Imad Riahi was dispossessed by Mohamed Chibi
  • Mayele was a key figure when Pyramids lifted the Champions League at only the second attempt last season

JOHANNESBURG: Star striker Mahmoud Mayele scored the only goal of the game as Pyramids of Egypt beat Renaissance Berkane of Morocco 1-0 in the CAF Super Cup match on Saturday in Cairo.
The 31-year-old from the Democratic Republic of Congo struck on 75 minutes in the annual clash between the holders of the CAF Champions League and the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup.

The goal came after Imad Riahi was dispossessed by Mohamed Chibi as he tried to take the ball into the Pyramids half at the 30 June Stadium in the Egyptian capital.
Moroccan Chibi pushed the ball into the Berkane area and Mayele fired a low shot across goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi and into the net off the far post.

Mayele, who joined Pyramids in 2023 from Tanzanian club Young Africans, changed his first name from Fiston to Mahmoud after converting to Islam last month.
He was a key figure when Pyramids lifted the Champions League at only the second attempt last season, finishing as leading scorer with nine goals in the premier African club competition.
Pyramids, whose victory was worth $500,000, are the third Egyptian club to win the Super Cup after Al Ahly (eight titles) and Zamalek (five).
Berkane were victorious in a previous Super Cup appearance three seasons ago.


Trossard sinks Fulham as leaders Arsenal go three points clear

Trossard sinks Fulham as leaders Arsenal go three points clear
Updated 18 October 2025

Trossard sinks Fulham as leaders Arsenal go three points clear

Trossard sinks Fulham as leaders Arsenal go three points clear
  • Belgian forward Trossard bagged his first league goal this season in the second half at Craven Cottage
  • Arsenal were installed as the bookmakers’ favorites to win the Premier League after Liverpool’s two successive defeats knocked the champions out of pole position

LONDON: Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League as Leandro Trossard sealed a 1-0 win against Fulham on Saturday.
Belgian forward Trossard bagged his first league goal this season in the second half at Craven Cottage.
That was enough to clinch Arsenal’s fifth successive victory in all competitions and extend their unbeaten run to eight games.
Arsenal were installed as the bookmakers’ favorites to win the Premier League after Liverpool’s two successive defeats knocked the champions out of pole position.
Manchester City’s 2-0 win against Everton earlier on Saturday had taken them briefly above Mikel Arteta’s side into first place.
But the north Londoners regained top spot with an efficient if unspectacular performance by the banks of the River Thames.
“It is a really tough place to come. We have experienced that in the last few years. We put a lot into it. We had some giveaways in the first half, but we became more dominant throughout the game,” Arteta said.
“They have been together for many years, so they know how to adapt.”
Arsenal have won six of their eight league matches this season as they chase a first English title since 2004.
Fulham threatened an early opener when Harry Wilson’s reverse pass reached Raul Jimenez, but the Mexican’s effort was pushed away by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Pouncing on a misplaced pass by Gabriel Magalhaes, Wilson went close with a curler that flashed just past the far post.
Riccardo Calafiori thought he had given Arsenal the lead against the run of play, but the defender’s sweet strike was disallowed for offside after a VAR check.
Wilson almost squeezed a low drive past Raya from the edge of the area before Josh King’s cross forced the ‘keeper to tip the ball over his bar.
Running onto Bukayo Saka’s pass, Viktor Gyokeres was denied by a good save from Fulham ‘keeper Bernd Leno as the Arsenal striker’s goal drought reached seven games.
Calafiori volleyed over from 18 yards and Declan Rice drilled wide on the stroke of half-time.
Trossard’s wayward shot from close-range was followed by a goal-line clearance from Timothy Castagne moments later as Arsenal’s frustration mounted.
Arteta’s men nearly paid for those misses when Wilson lashed a fierce volley narrowly over.
But Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger, a noted Arsenal fan, was watching from the stands and the Gunners finally got some satisfaction in the 58th minute.
Arsenal’s set-piece prowess proved decisive as Gabriel flicked on Saka’s corner and Trossard converted from close range.
Arsenal have now scored 37 goals from corners in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
The momentum was with the Gunners and Saka slalomed through the Fulham defense for a shot that forced Leno into a smart stop.
Arsenal were denied a penalty when Kevin’s challenge on Saka was initially ruled a foul before referee Anthony Taylor had to overturn his decision after VAR showed the Brazilian’s tackle made contact with the ball.
Gyokeres scored 97 times in 102 matches for Sporting Lisbon, but the Swede has just three goals for his new club.
His travails showed no signs of ending as he smashed over with the goal at his mercy, then fired straight at Leno, but Arsenal had already done enough to boost their title charge.


Kane scores and inspires Bayern to 2-1 win over Dortmund in Bundesliga’s Klassiker

Kane scores and inspires Bayern to 2-1 win over Dortmund in Bundesliga’s Klassiker
Updated 18 October 2025

Kane scores and inspires Bayern to 2-1 win over Dortmund in Bundesliga’s Klassiker

Kane scores and inspires Bayern to 2-1 win over Dortmund in Bundesliga’s Klassiker
  • Kane scored in the 22nd minute with a header to Joshua Kimmich’s corner
  • It mattered little, as Olize sealed the win by sliding in to cut out substitute Jobe Bellingham’s attempted goal-line clearance in the 79th

MUNICH: Harry Kane scored again as Bayern Munich dealt Borussia Dortmund their first Bundesliga loss of the season by winning Der Klassiker 2-1 on Saturday.
Bayern, the defending champion, dominated and delivered a statement to their closest rival after six rounds.
Kane launched the first good chance, while defending. He eluded two Dortmund forward, and sent the ball forward. Michael Olize drew a save from Gregor Kobel, who then secured Luis Díaz’s effort from the rebound.
Kane scored in the 22nd minute with a header to Joshua Kimmich’s corner. It was his 22nd goal for club and country this season and stretched his scoring streak in the Bundesliga to five games that have yielded nine goals.
Olize grazed the left post with another shot. The only complaint Bayern could have at the break was that they were leading only 1-0.
Dortmund improved significantly after the interval when Felix Nmecha went close, Serhou Guirassy fired over, and Karim Adeyemi failed to capitalize on a rare Kimmich mistake.
It mattered little, as Olize sealed the win by sliding in to cut out substitute Jobe Bellingham’s attempted goal-line clearance in the 79th. That move started with a brilliant cross-field ball from Kane for Díaz.
Substitute Julian Brandt scored seconds after his introduction, but Kane defended as Bayern held on for their 11th consecutive win across all competitions.
Poulsen honored
Leipzig held on beat promoted Hamburger SV 2-1 after the home fans honored Hamburg’s Danish forward Yussuf Poulsen with a huge tifo in tribute to his 12 years at the club in his first game back. Leipzig were still in the third division when Poulsen joined from Lyngby in 2013.
Heidenheim drew with Werder Bremen 2-2, Augsburg drew in Cologne 1-1, and Christian Eriksen made his first start for Wolfsburg in a 3-0 loss at home to Stuttgart. It was Wolfsburg’s fourth straight Bundesliga defeat and a sixth league game in a row without a win.