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Mbappe fires Madrid to victory at Real Oviedo

Mbappe fires Madrid to victory at Real Oviedo
Oviedo's Dani Calvo, right, challenges Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Oviedo and Real Madrid at Carlos Tartiere stadium in Oviedo, Spain, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. (AP)
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Updated 29 min 10 sec ago

Mbappe fires Madrid to victory at Real Oviedo

Mbappe fires Madrid to victory at Real Oviedo
  • For Oviedo, returning to Spain’s top flight after an absence of almost a quarter of a century

OVIEDO, Spain: Kylian Mbappe was again on target for Real Madrid as they overcame Real Oviedo 3-0 in La Liga on Sunday.
For Oviedo, returning to Spain’s top flight after an absence of almost a quarter of a century, the arrival of the 15-time European champions was a gala occasion, and the Asturian fans made their presence heard.
Star turns Mbappe and Vinicius Junior made the difference in the north of Spain. The Frenchman notched a brace before the Brazilian slid in a late third.
Coach Xabi Alonso made a couple of notable changes to his starting line-up from Madrid’s opening 1-0 win against Osasuna, dropping Vinicius and Trent Alexander-Arnold for Rodrygo Goes and club captain Dani Carvajal, returning from injury.
But the dropped Vinicius responded by producing an assist and a goal in his half-hour cameo.
Argentinian teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono made his full debut in another change for Los Blancos.
The 18-year-old showed his explosive dribbling ability early on when he burst past two defenders into the Oviedo box before going down and looking appealingly at the uninterested referee.
A rare foray forward by the hosts saw Leander Dendoncker run onto a throughball and try to catch Thibaut Courtois out with a chipped effort in the 23rd minute. The Belgian shotstopper beat a hasty retreat before easily plucking the ball from the sky.
Madrid came close to forcing a breakthrough when Arda Guler drive from inside the box was excellently saved by goalkeeper Aaron Escandell.
The Turkish international turned provider as he drilled a pass into Mbappe’s feet on 37 minutes, which the Frenchman welcomed on the turn before firing across Escandell.
The goal was met by furious protests from the home side after Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni seemed to follow through strongly on Dendoncker when winning possession back for his side in the build-up.
Madrid nearly doubled their lead five minutes into the second period when a defensive mix-up resulted in a clearance sliced straight into the hands of a grateful Escandell.
Rodrygo and the lively Mastantuono made way for Vinicius and Brahim Diaz just after the hour.
Diaz immediately created a gilt-edged chance for the galloping Fede Valverde when his cushioned pass found the Uruguayan inside the box, but Escandell produced a fingertip save to keep the score at 1-0.
Kwasi Sibo came within inches of sending the home support wild when, out of nowhere, he struck the post for Oviedo with Courtois rooted to the spot on 81 minutes.
That chance served to wake Madrid up. Vinicius won the ball two minutes later and drove forward toward the box before slipping a disguised pass to Mbappe who slotted home first time.
The Brazilian then scored in the 93rd minute, when Diaz found him in space and he slipped home a composed finish.
Elsewhere, Villarreal hammered Girona 5-0 at home as new signing Tajon Buchanan netted a hat-trick to open his La Liga account.
A second-consecutive defeat to start the season leaves Girona, who played Champions League football last season, bottom of the table with seven goals conceded and none scored.
The home side raced into a 4-0 lead inside 30 minutes, with Nicolas Pepe and Rafa Marin scoring as Buchanan grabbed a brace.
The Canadian then got his third four minutes after the hour to cap a scintillating performance by the Yellow Submarine.
Real Sociedad fought back from being 2-0 down at half-time in the Basque country to earn a point against Espanyol.
Pere Milla and Javi Puado gave the Catalans the lead, before Ander Barrenetxea and Orri Oskarsson hit back for Sociedad in eight second-half minutes.
Ante Budimir’s ninth-minute goal gave Osasuna a 1-0 win over 10-man Valencia.


Man Utd still winless after Fulham draw, Everton win to open new stadium

Man Utd still winless after Fulham draw, Everton win to open new stadium
Updated 24 August 2025

Man Utd still winless after Fulham draw, Everton win to open new stadium

Man Utd still winless after Fulham draw, Everton win to open new stadium
  • Grealish was the creator with a drilled left foot cross that Ndiaye timed his run perfectly to meet at the back post on 23 minutes

LONDON: Manchester United remain without a Premier League win this season after being held 1-1 at Fulham on Sunday, while a Jack Grealish-inspired Everton opened their new stadium with a 2-0 victory over Brighton.
Ruben Amorim’s United were left to rue Bruno Fernandes’ wayward first-half penalty as they were pegged back at Craven Cottage.
Rodrigo Muniz’s own-goal put United in front on the hour mark, but Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench to rescue a point for Fulham.
Amorim is seeking an upturn on a disastrous 15th-placed finish last season, but so far his new £200 million ($270 million) forward line of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, who again started on the bench, is yet to fire.
Despite an encouraging performance, United lost 1-0 to title-chasing Arsenal in their season opener last weekend and will feel another two points slipped away in west London.
Fulham, though, felt the visitors got the better of two controversial calls.
United’s penalty was awarded after a VAR review for grappling by Calvin Bassey on Mason Mount.
Fernandes is normally reliable from the spot, but blasted his effort high over the bar.
When United did finally get their first goal of the season it came via a Fulham body as Muniz deflected Leny Yoro’s header into his own net.
However, the home side were furious that this time VAR did not intervene for a push by Yoro on Bassey.
Fulham still managed to rescue a point when former Arsenal midfielder Smith Rowe’s run into the box was not tracked and he turned in Alex Iwobi’s cross 17 minutes from time.
After an emotional goodbye to Goodison Park, the club’s home since 1892, Everton are hoping the move to a new 53,000 capacity stadium will rekindle their bygone glory days.
Only four clubs have won more English top-flight titles than Everton’s nine.
However, they have not won a major trophy for 30 years and spent their final seasons at Goodison battling relegation.
“We’re trying to find a way of moving the club on. I think this is a big step forward for Everton,” said manager David Moyes.
Grealish has so far been the marquee new addition to Moyes’ squad and showed glimpses of the talent that saw Manchester City pay Aston Villa £100 million for him four years ago, providing the assist for both goals.
Iliman Ndiaye scored the final goal at Goodison against Southampton in May and made more history with the first goal at Everton’s new home.
Grealish was the creator with a drilled left foot cross that Ndiaye timed his run perfectly to meet at the back post on 23 minutes.
Brighton should not have come away from Merseyside empty-handed but wasted a series of chances.
Kaoru Mitoma struck the bar and Jan Paul van Hecke’s effort came back off the post, while Danny Welbeck spooned over with the goal gaping.
James Garner doubled Everton’s lead early in the second period with a blistering strike from Grealish’s lay-off.
Brighton still had the chance to set up a nervy finale, but Jordan Pickford saved Welbeck’s poor penalty to round off a memorable afternoon for the Toffees.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo insisted he wants to remain in charge after his side’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Callum Hudson-Odoi rescued a point for Forest after Ismaila Sarr’s first-half opener for Palace.
Nuno said on Friday his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis had deteriorated as odds on him being the first Premier League manager of the season to be sacked were slashed.
“That is nonsense. That does not make any kind of sense,” said the Portuguese coach on whether he is trying to engineer an exit from the club.


Hamburg celebrates Bundesliga return with goalless draw at Gladbach

Hamburg celebrates Bundesliga return with goalless draw at Gladbach
Updated 24 August 2025

Hamburg celebrates Bundesliga return with goalless draw at Gladbach

Hamburg celebrates Bundesliga return with goalless draw at Gladbach
  • Hamburg next faces city rival St. Pauli for a derby at home next Friday

BERLIN: Hamburger SV returned from a seven-year absence and emerged from its first game back in the Bundesliga with a 0-0 draw at Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The promoted side spent much of Sunday’s game defending, with goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes diving well to deny Gladbach captain Rocco Reitz among other saves.
“We knew we were coming up against a strong team that would have many people in midfield, so we kept it tight in the center and tried to hit on counterattacks,” Heuer Fernandes said. “Of course you never know where you stand after such a (difficult) pre-season, but I think everyone saw today how we can take on the league and that’s exactly how it should go.”
Hamburg substitutes Jean-Luc Dompé and Yussuf Poulsen increased their team’s attacking threat for the last 15 minutes. William Mikelbrencis, another substitute, thought he’d scored a late winner but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Hamburg was the last surviving member of the Bundesliga to have played every season since its formation in 1963, earning the nickname “der Dino,” until it was finally relegated in 2018 after several close shaves.
Hamburg next faces city rival St. Pauli for a derby at home next Friday.
Gladbach signed Gio Reyna from Borussia Dortmund on Saturday but the American wasn’t included in the squad.
Cologne’s successful return
Cologne marked its return as second-division champion with a 1-0 win at Mainz, which had Paul Nebel sent off on the hour-mark for a tactical foul to stop Jakub Kaminski. Kaminski would have been through on goal.
The sending off provided encouragement for Cologne, which had been primarily defending up to then, and Kaminski’s strike partner Marius Bülter headed the winner in the final minute.
“The whole 90 minutes were wild,” Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok said after his Bundesliga debut. “It wasn’t a culinary delight from a footballing point of view.”


NGSC 2025 wraps up Day 2, highlighting ֱ’s esports ambitions

NGSC 2025 wraps up Day 2, highlighting ֱ’s esports ambitions
Updated 24 August 2025

NGSC 2025 wraps up Day 2, highlighting ֱ’s esports ambitions

NGSC 2025 wraps up Day 2, highlighting ֱ’s esports ambitions
  • Throughout the day, a range of sessions highlighted the global momentum of gaming and esports

RIYADH: By the time the second and final day of the New Global Sport Conference 2025 ended in Riyadh, the city had truly come alive.

Leaders, influencers, creators and gamers all shared one clear message: ֱ is not just hosting the conversation on the future of gaming and esports — it is shaping it. With electric energy buzzing through every corridor, the closing day felt less like an ending and more like a launchpad for what is to come.

As Peter Moore, former CEO of Liverpool FC, told Arab News: “ֱ is the only country in the world that has an esports strategy as part of Vision 2030.” Speaking during one of the sessions, he added: “Esports will open the Kingdom’s arms to the world … I leave here blown away by what this country can do.”

Among the many standout discussions was “Content for the Next Generation: Revolutionizing Platforms, Formats, and Fan Engagement,” where Toshimoto Mitomo, chief strategy officer at Sony, spotlighted the impact of the MENA Hero Project — a program that has already drawn more than 200 applications from local developers and is now helping five projects prepare for commercial launch.

“Our role is to incubate creators so their games can reach global markets,” Mitomo said. “We’re enabling a vibrant ecosystem powered by local ingenuity and global ambition.”

The final session of the day — and of the conference —had attendees packing the room: “Blurring the Lines Between Games and Cinema.” Hosted by Rolling Stone’s senior gaming editor Christopher Cruz, the panel featured legendary game creator Hideo Kojima and acclaimed filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn. Together, they explored the merging worlds of interactive entertainment and cinema, touching on advancements such as artificial intelligence, 3D graphics, and online connectivity that are redefining how stories are told.

Kojima, reflecting on ֱ’s bold investments in gaming, praised the Kingdom’s forward-thinking approach: “The country I look at and they’re kind of creating something for the future. I feel so envious of this country. Everyone’s looking at this future … You have everything you need to create something new — art, movies, games. Let’s create the future together. And I want to play that, and I want to see that.”

Throughout the day, a range of sessions highlighted the global momentum of gaming and esports. Panels such as “Power Moves: Next-Gen Dealmakers in Gaming & Esports Investments” and “Content for the Next Generation” explored how innovation, technology, and investment are rapidly expanding opportunities — not just for players and developers, but for entire communities.

When the final applause echoed through the venue, it was clear that NGSC 2025 had achieved more than just two days of dialogue. It had galvanized a movement. Attendees left with notebooks filled with ideas, pockets full of LinkedIn connections, and a sense of shared purpose.

In just two days, Riyadh had established itself as more than a meeting ground; it had become the nerve center of a global industry in motion. NGSC 2025 did not simply end — it launched a new chapter, proving that ֱ is no longer just part of the game. It is helping to define its future.


Lusail International Circuit welcomes Seal for Qatar Grand Prix show

Lusail International Circuit welcomes Seal for Qatar Grand Prix show
Updated 24 August 2025

Lusail International Circuit welcomes Seal for Qatar Grand Prix show

Lusail International Circuit welcomes Seal for Qatar Grand Prix show
  • The British singer will perform after the practice and sprint race qualifying sessions on the Friday of race weekend

DOHA: British singer Seal will entertain the crowds at Lusail International Circuit during the F1 Qatar Grand Prix weekend.

The star will take to the stage on Friday, Nov. 28 following the weekend’s only practice session and sprint race qualifying.

Seal as sold more than 30 million records worldwide in a career spanning several decades. He is a four-time Grammy Award winner, including three in 1996 for his renowned “Kiss From a Rose” track — Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

More acts will be revealed for the Qatar Grand Prix in due course. The Fan Zone will also offer a range of entertainment including music, interactive activities, food and drink, and the F1 Fan Forum, where attendees can hear directly from drivers and team principals live on stage.

The Friday on-track action features Formula 2 action and a further support race yet to be announced. The sprint race takes place on Saturday, Nov. 29, followed by qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix. 


Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara calls time on illustrious career

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara calls time on illustrious career
Updated 24 August 2025

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara calls time on illustrious career

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara calls time on illustrious career
  • Pujara played 103 test matches but failed to win back his place in the Indian side in the last two years
  • The 37-year-old, who made test debut in 2010, last played for India in 2023 World Test Championship

NEW DELHI: Veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara dropped curtains on his illustrious India career on Sunday after playing 103 tests but failing to win back his place in the last two years.

The 37-year-old, who made his test debut in 2010, last played for India in the 2023 World Test Championship final but has been active in domestic cricket as well as county cricket in England.

“Wearing the Indian jersey, singing the anthem, and trying my best each time I stepped on the field — it’s impossible to put into words what it truly meant,” Pujara wrote on his social media pages.

“But as they say, all good things must come to an end, and with immense gratitude I have decided to retire from all forms of Indian cricket.

“Thank you for all the love and support!“

He joins former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from the same generation to quit test cricket within the past year.

Pujara scored 7,195 runs, including 19 hundreds, from 103 tests, averaging 43.60.

Pujara also played five one-day internationals but his solid defense and a remarkable ability to play marathon knocks made him an asset in test cricket.

He demonstrated those skills most notably in 2018-19 when India registered their maiden test series victory in Australia with player-of-the-series Pujara amassing 521 runs in seven innings.

Pujara batted a combined 11 hours in the opening test in Adelaide scoring 123 and 71 as India won the series opener.

Former India captain Anil Kumble led tributes to Pujara.

“Congratulations on a fantastic career! You have been a great ambassador of this wonderful game @cheteshwar1,” Kumble, who also coached an Indian side featuring Pujara, wrote on X.

“We are all proud of all your achievements on the cricket field. You gave it your all for the team! It was a privilege to have worked with you and may you continue to shine in your second innings.”