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Lewandowski scores winner as Barcelona beat Alaves to move closer to the top in Spanish league

Lewandowski scores winner as Barcelona beat Alaves to move closer to the top in Spanish league
arcelona’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their goal during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on Feb. 2, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 03 February 2025

Lewandowski scores winner as Barcelona beat Alaves to move closer to the top in Spanish league

Lewandowski scores winner as Barcelona beat Alaves to move closer to the top in Spanish league
  • Third-placed Barcelona are three points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid
  • Lewandowski scored his fourth goal in as many matches across all competitions, and his seventh in the last eight games
  • Second-to-last Valencia rebounded from the embarrassing 7-1 loss at Barcelona with a 2-1 home victory over 13th-placed Celta Vigo

MADRID: There was no rout this time but Barcelona still prevailed Sunday with Robert Lewandowski scoring a second-half winner as the Catalan club beat Alaves 1-0 to move within four points of rival Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish league.

“It’s not every time that we will be able to score three, four or five goals in a game,” Lewandowski said. “We had to be patient and in the end we did what we had to do, which was to score one more goal than our opponent.”

Madrid lost 1-0 at Espanyol on Saturday after a run of 10 victories in its last 11 matches in all competitions.

Third-placed Barcelona are three points behind second-placed Atletico Madrid, which ended a two-match winless streak in the league with a 2-0 victory against Mallorca on Saturday.

“We knew we had to win this match,” Lewandowski said. “We needed the victory. We had lost too many points in the league already.”

It was an unusually low-scoring game for Barcelona, which had claimed 14 goals in its last three matches — including a 7-1 rout of Valencia in the league.

Lewandowski scored his fourth goal in as many matches across all competitions, and his seventh in the last eight games.

The Poland striker scored from close range after a volley by Lamine Yamal from inside the area deflected off a defender.

Yamal had amazed the crowd only a few minutes into the game, using nifty moves to get past six defenders in a run that ended with Raphinha sending a shot wide of the net.

Alaves, which ended with no attempts on target, stayed inside the relegation zone with the loss. It has won only one of its last 11 matches in all competitions.

Head injuries for Gavi and Conechny

Barcelona midfielder Gavi and Alaves forward Tomas Conechny had to be substituted in the first half after a collision of heads while going for the ball about 10 minutes into the match at Montjuic stadium.

Gavi left the field on his own but Conechny was carried off on a stretcher and taken to a local hospital for further tests.

Alaves said Conechny sustained a head trauma and was expected to spend the night in the hospital.

Valencia rebound from embarrassing loss

Second-to-last Valencia rebounded from the embarrassing 7-1 loss at Barcelona with a 2-1 home victory over 13th-placed Celta Vigo, who are winless in its last five matches across all competitions. Valencia won two in a row at home in the league for the first time this season. It beat Real Sociedad 1-0 two rounds ago.

Ante Budimir scored a goal in each half as seventh-placed Osasuna defeated 11th-placed Sociedad 2-1 at home. It was the third straight league loss for Sociedad.

Osasuna won for the first time after nine consecutive league matches without a victory, with its last win in the competition coming against last-place Valladolid back in November.

Fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao missed a chance to move even closer to the top three after a 2-2 draw at ninth-placed Real Betis. Athletic twice came from behind to earn the draw in Seville.


Sharjah Self-Defence Club leads Round 7 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Sharjah Self-Defence Club leads Round 7 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 28 September 2025

Sharjah Self-Defence Club leads Round 7 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Sharjah Self-Defence Club leads Round 7 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • In youth division competition at Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah, Palms Sports were second and Al Ain Club third

FUJAIRAH: The seventh round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship got underway at Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah on Saturday with U-12, U-14 and U-16 athletes competing in the highly anticipated No-Gi category.

By the end of the day, Sharjah Self-Defence Club had maintained its lead in the overall rankings, followed by Palms Sports in second and Al-Ain Club in third.

Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the UAE’s emerging jiu-jitsu talent, saying that Round 7 shows significant progress in the younger divisions.

“The great performances we witnessed today offer hope for the future, demonstrating that we have a strong foundation capable of competing regionally and internationally,” he said.

“Today’s event in Fujairah went beyond sport, it became a national celebration, bringing together athletes and families under one roof. The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship has been deeply ingrained in our social fabric, imparting noble values like discipline, tenacity, and respect while bringing communities together across the emirates,” Al-Dhaheri added.

The competition continues on Sunday with the U-18, Adults, and Masters categories, with the ultimate No-Gi winner of the season to be determined.


Al-Ittihad sack coach Laurent Blanc after 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr

Al-Ittihad sack coach Laurent Blanc after 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr
Updated 28 September 2025

Al-Ittihad sack coach Laurent Blanc after 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr

Al-Ittihad sack coach Laurent Blanc after 2-0 loss to Al-Nassr

Al-Ittihad have sacked manager Laurent Blanc, the Saudi Pro League club said on Saturday following their 2-0 defeat against Al-Nassr a day earlier.
“Al-Ittihad announces the termination of its contractual relationship with the first team’s head coach Mr.Laurent Blanc and his coaching staff,” the club said on X.
Al-Ittihad added that they were also looking for “new technical staff that matches the club’s ambitions.”
Blanc took charge of Al-Ittihad in July last year and led the team to a domestic double, winning both the league title and the King’s Cup.
However, the team began the new season by exiting the Saudi Super Cup in the semifinals following a loss to Al-Nassr, before suffering a second defeat to the Riyadh-based side in the league on Friday. They are third in the standings, three points behind Al-Nassr.
 


Europe take a record lead into Ryder Cup’s Sunday singles

Europe take a record lead into Ryder Cup’s Sunday singles
Updated 28 September 2025

Europe take a record lead into Ryder Cup’s Sunday singles

Europe take a record lead into Ryder Cup’s Sunday singles
  • When a long, loud and obnoxious day ended, Europe set a record for the largest lead going into Sunday singles under the format that dates to 1979: Europe 11 1/2, USA 4 1/2
  • Barring the greatest comeback — or collapse — in Ryder Cup history, the Europeans will be heading back across the Atlantic Ocean with that precious gold trophy

FARMINGDALE, N.Y.: Europe painted Bethpage Black in blue scores Saturday with exquisite golf that demolished and disheartened the Americans, and proved to be the best response to a New York Ryder Cup crowd that was so hostile extra security was brought in to keep it from getting worse.

When a long, loud and obnoxious day ended, Europe set a record for the largest lead going into Sunday singles under the format that dates to 1979: Europe 11 1/2, USA 4 1/2.

“I didn’t imagine this,” European captain Luke Donald said. “Every time the Americans came at us, we came back. The resiliency and confidence they have is really, truly incredible.”

Rory McIlroy caught the brunt of verbal abuse and at one point turned to the spectators and said, “Shut the (expletive) up.” And then he stuffed his shot to 5 feet for birdie that closed out the foursomes match for another blue point.

It was like that all day. The louder the crowd, the better Europe played. And barring the greatest comeback — or collapse — in Ryder Cup history, the Europeans will be heading back across the Atlantic Ocean with that precious gold trophy.

“I’m seeing what looks like to be historical putting. They’re making everything,” US captain Keegan Bradley said. “They’re a great team. They’re great players. They’re a tough team to beat.”

The previous record after the four sessions of team play was 11-5. No team has rallied from more than a four-point deficit on the last day. Europe needs to win only three of the 12 singles matches for the outright win.

Scottie Scheffler also made it into the Ryder Cup record book. The world’s No. 1 player is the first to go 0-4 under the current format.

Nothing summed up the week for the Americans quite like the 10th hole in fourballs. Tommy Fleetwood hit a wedge about 2 feet under the hole. Scheffler followed with a shot that hit the hole and the base of the pin, then caromed into the rough.

But it was far more than one shot. Europe holed putts from big and small, often getting shouted at by the spectators as they lined up the shots. Nothing stopped them.

The Americans had a lead in only three of the 70 holes played in fourballs Saturday afternoon. US Open champion J.J. Spaun hit it tight on the 17th and 18th for birdies as he and fellow San Diego State alum Xander Schauffele squeezed out one of only two US points on the day.

The other belonged to DeChambeau and Cameron Young in the opening foursomes match.

The New York fans didn’t turn on the Americans for their performance. They cranked up the noise against Europe, shouting at them in the moments before — but not during — their shots, booing at every turn.

“Look, in between shots, say whatever you want to me,” McIlroy said. “That’s totally fine. Give us the respect to let us hit shots, and give us the same chance that the Americans have.”

New York State police spokesman Beau Duffy said two fans were ejected. The PGA of America said it added security to the McIlroy match and the other three. It also posted a message on the large video boards on “Spectator Etiquette.”

“Attendees consuming alcohol should do so in a responsible manner. Overly intoxicated attendees will be removed from the premises.”

Fans booed when the message was displayed.

McIlroy ultimately got the last laugh. He is unbeaten in his four matches. Fleetwood is 4-0 and can become the first European to go 5-0 on the road if he wins his singles match.

Whatever chances the Americans had might have ended on the final hole of the final match. Patrick Cantlay holed a few more big putts to keep them in the game, and a win on the 18th hole would have cut the deficit to five points.

Matt Fitzpatrick hit out of a bunker to 2 feet. Tyrrell Hatton, a last-minute sub for Viktor Hovland and his sore neck, hit wedge that nicked his teammate’s ball. It was another example of Europe’s superior play.

Cantlay’s shot spun back against the thick collar of the rough, and Sam Burns could only manage a shot to about 20 feet. Both missed. The throaty cheers of “Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole” returned, and the few American fans who stuck around that long were on their way home.

It got a little testy inside the ropes, too.

Fleetwood and Rose had a 3-up lead on the 15th over Scheffler and DeChambeau. Rose was first to putt from about 15 feet. But he felt DeChambeau’s caddie was in his space as he was lining up his putt and he told him so.

Rose made the putt, and DeChambeau matched him from 12 feet. DeChambeau barked at them going to the 16th tee and soon the caddies were involved.

There was warm handshakes a hole later when Europe won.

“I didn’t feel like that space was being honored,” Rose said. “I made my feelings known — asked him to move, maybe not as politely as I could have done, but in the scenario, it’s coming down the stretch. We both have a lot on our minds and it’s intense out there.

“I said to them, ‘If I should have done it a different way, I apologize.’ But other than that, I had to step up and hit a huge putt with a lot going on.”

Bradley was asked what message he would give to his team to keep hopes alive, and the New England native pointed to the Patriots’ stunning comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2017.

“Twenty-eight to three. I was at that Super Bowl,” Bradley said. “I watched it. What a cool thing to have witnessed live in person.”

The way this Ryder Cup has played out, 11 1/2 to 4 1/2 feels much bigger.


Inter stay on heels of rivals with 2-0 win at Cagliari

Inter stay on heels of rivals with 2-0 win at Cagliari
Updated 28 September 2025

Inter stay on heels of rivals with 2-0 win at Cagliari

Inter stay on heels of rivals with 2-0 win at Cagliari
  • Inter are on nine points, three off leaders Napoli who are at AC Milan on Sunday, while Cagliari remain on seven points, dropping to 10th spot
  • Cagliari are the Inter striker’s favorite opponents, with Martinez netting his 12th goal against the hosts, who failed to live up to expectations having lost just once previously this season

CAGLIARI, Italy: Inter Milan earned a 2-0 away win over Cagliari on Saturday thanks to an early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late strike by substitute Francesco Pio Esposito, and moved up to fifth in the Serie A standings.

Cristian Chivu’s Inter desperately needed a win to avoid losing touch at the top at this early stage of the season, having suffered two losses in their opening four games, and a second successive victory keeps them in touch with their title rivals.

Inter are on nine points, three off leaders Napoli who are at AC Milan on Sunday, while Cagliari remain on seven points, dropping to 10th spot.

The visitors’ job was made easier with a ninth-minute lead when Alessandro Bastoni put a cross into the area and Martinez rose to send his header into the far corner from the edge of the six-yard box.

Cagliari are the Inter striker’s favorite opponents, with Martinez netting his 12th goal against the hosts, who failed to live up to expectations having lost just once previously this season, that defeat coming against champions Napoli.

The opening half was a scrappy, physical affair, constantly interrupted by the referee’s whistle, where Cagliari never threatened Inter’s early lead, with not a single shot, on or off target, registered before the break.

With Inter unable to create any real chances to increase their lead however, the game remained delicately poised going into the second half.

Inter began to turn the screw after the break, Hakan Calhanoglu’s strike from outside the area crashing off the upright, and Marcus Thuram drove through on goal but his effort was saved by keeper Elia Caprile.

Esposito was brought on by Inter, the 20-year-old striker coming up against his older brother Sebastiano.

Sebastiano, on loan at Cagliari from Inter, had a rare chance for the hosts from a corner but his volley attempt at the back post was well off target.

Inter were given a warning about their fragile lead when Michael Folorunsho smashed a header off the post from Esposito’s corner and the visitors duly responded.

Davide Frattesi had a goalbound shot cleared off the line by Cagliari defender Riyad Idrissi and minutes later substitute Esposito scored his first Serie A goal.

Federico Dimarco pulled back the ball from the byline in the area and the unmarked Esposito was there to steer his shot into the back of the net and wrap up the win with eight minutes remaining.


Alaqraa dispatches Galal in 21 seconds in PFL MENA’s ‘Champions Collide’ fight night at The Arena Riyadh

Alaqraa dispatches Galal in 21 seconds in PFL MENA’s ‘Champions Collide’ fight night at The Arena Riyadh
Updated 28 September 2025

Alaqraa dispatches Galal in 21 seconds in PFL MENA’s ‘Champions Collide’ fight night at The Arena Riyadh

Alaqraa dispatches Galal in 21 seconds in PFL MENA’s ‘Champions Collide’ fight night at The Arena Riyadh
  • Alaqraa will next meet with Morocco’s Diani, who beat Lebanon’s Fazli in the other welterweight semifinal match
  • Saudi MMA fighter Hattan Alsaif announces decision to turn professional after a flawless 4-0 amateur career

RIYADH: Kuwait’s mixed martial arts fighter Mohammad Alaqraa defeated Egypt’s Ayman Galal by technical knockout in the PFL MENA Welterweight Semifinal Saturday night at The Arena Riyadh, earning his way to a final match with Morocco’s Badreddine Diani.

The fight ended in just 21 seconds after Alaqraa (9-1) landed a powerful kick to the thigh of Galal (4-2), sending the “Maestro” down, apparently injured. 

Alaqraa’s victory concluded an action-packed “Champions Collide” fight night featuring Professional Fighters League combatants from the Middle East and North Africa, which also saw Saudi fighter Hattan Alsaif announcing her decision to turn professional after a flawless 4-0 amateur career. 

“I knew he’s gonna think I’m gonna grapple and shoot in the beginning,” Alaqraa told Arab News after the fight. 

“As a fighter, we try our best to prepare for the fight. We do our best to see how the fight could go, but by the end of the day, it’s all about God and he plans it,” he said. 

Alaqraa will next meet Diani, who earlier defeated Lebanon’s Amir Fazli via split decision (27-30, 29-28 x2) in a fight marred by a judging controversy earlier in the night. Diani was initially announced as the loser, but the result was corrected to confirm his victory. 

In the Lightweight semifinals, Salah Eddine Hamli forced to submission Souhil Tairi in the third round via arm-triangle choke. Hamli will face the undefeated Mohammad Fahmi (6-0), who opened the night by subduing Mohsen Mohammadseifi in the first round.

The Featherweight bracket also shaped up as Islam Reda dominated Taha Bendaoud via unanimous decision. Reda will face Yanis Ghemmouri, who earned his semifinal victory over Izzeddine Al Derbani by unanimous decision.

In Bantamweight action, Islam Youssef defeated veteran Xavier Alaoui by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) to advance to the final against Nawras Abzakh, who beat Moktar Benkaci via unanimous decision.

Saudi rising star Malik Basahel remained unbeaten, crushing Ahmed Mostafa with a second-round rear-naked choke. Meanwhile, Hassan Ahmed Moustafa edged Abdulaziz Bin Moammar in a split-decision amateur showcase.

Adding to the evening’s excitement, Hattan Alsaif announced she will make her professional debut on Dec. 5 after a perfect 4-0 amateur career.

Hattan Alsaif made history when she became the first female from ֱ to sign a contract with a major MMA promoter – the PFL, now backed by Saudi’s public investment fund. (Instagram photo)

Reflecting on her journey, Alsaif told Arab News: “This type of sports are new to us. It’s true for, but Saudi people are really strong, they have really strong hearts, and they are brave.” Her announcement marks a milestone moment for women’s MMA in the Kingdom.

The “Champions Collide” event highlighted Riyadh’s growing status as a premier global destination for combat sports. Fighters from across the region left it all inside the cage as they chased glory and a shot at the inaugural PFL MENA crowns.