LONDON: A chastening night for Real Madrid coincided with a coming of age moment for Tottenham.
The European champions in three of the last four seasons were not just beaten in north London, but dismantled with ease by a Tottenham lineup lacking that kind of Champions League pedigree.
Such was Tottenham’s superiority, Madrid seemed fortunate to leave Wembley Stadium with only a 3-1 loss on Wednesday.
While Tottenham celebrated qualifying for the knockout phase for only the second time, the Champions League holders were reeling from their first group-stage loss in five years.
Coming directly after its Spanish league defense was hit by a surprise loss at Girona, the psychological impact will be even greater for Zinedine Zidane’s team.
“I am not worried,” the Madrid coach said. “We played against a team who were better than us tonight and we have to accept it.”
Madrid’s fragile defense was beaten too easily by Tottenham, a club that hasn’t won the English league since 1961 but has finished third and second in the Premier League in recent seasons. Dele Alli, suspended for the opening three games in Group H, made an explosive return to the Champions League with two goals.
Alli and Harry Kane then combined to set up Christian Eriksen in the 65th minute to build a commanding lead that ensured Cristiano Ronaldo’s strike in the 80th was a mere consolation for Madrid.
“It’s important we don’t just compete but we do win,” Alli said. “We feel like we are a top side, and nights like this show we are.”
The victory took Tottenham three points clear of Madrid at the top of the group, ensuring passage into the last 16 with two games to spare. Tottenham has only competed in the knockout phase once before — in the 2010-11 season when it was eliminated by Madrid in the quarterfinals.
Then, Madrid beat Tottenham 5-0 on aggregate, but the tables have turned. Last month, Tottenham secured a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital and now it has beaten Madrid for the first time as Zidane endured one of the most painful games of his 22-month reign.
“After the loss in La Liga it’s always tough to recover from a morale point of view,” Zidane said. “Now it’s going to be even more difficult, because that’s two losses in a row.”
Tottenham’s victory came almost seven years since it beat another reigning European champion — Inter Milan — 3-1 in the group stage on Nov. 2, 2010 at White Hart Lane. Mauricio Pochettino’s team was dumped out in the group stage last season, but now appears far more adept among the continent’s elite.
“You have all seen today that Tottenham is a big team,” Pochettino said. “We now belong not only among the best in England but in Europe. Results like these help people see where we are going.”
And it was achieved with a core of inexpensive homegrown players, too. Three of them combined for the opener.
Harry Winks chipped a pass to Kieran Trippier, who squared the ball across the penalty area for Alli to squeeze into the net in the 27th.
This was a night of frustration for Ronaldo, summed up shortly after Alli’s goal when he hit the side netting and shot straight at goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Ronaldo put his head in his hands.
It would get worse for Ronaldo.
The hosts sliced through the spine of the Madrid team in the 56th before Alli’s shot deflected off Sergio Ramos and wrong-footed goalkeeper Kiko Casilla to land in the net.
At the other end, Tottenham was adeptly neutralizing Madrid, and Ramos and Ronaldo were successfully crowded out when they were close to goal around the hour.
Another counterattack unsettled Madrid and ended with the third goal in the 65th. Alli released Kane, whose diagonal pass reached Eriksen. Luka Modric, in the Tottenham side that beat Inter Milan in 2010 before joining Madrid, was outmuscled by Eriksen and the ball was slotted into the net.
The only blots for Tottenham were a first-half hamstring injury for Toby Alderweireld, Alli missing out on a hat trick with an off-target header, and not keeping a clean sheet.
But a Tottenham side that has fallen short in the last two seasons when pursuing the Premier League title would not collapse against the European champions on a memorable night for a club that has won just one trophy this millennium, the League Cup.
“This means nothing if at the end of the season we haven’t won a trophy,” Pochettino said.
Tottenham comes of age, humbling Madrid to reach CL last 16
Tottenham comes of age, humbling Madrid to reach CL last 16
Kvaratskhelia’s wonder goal helps PSG beat Aston Villa 3-1 in 1st leg of CL quarterfinals
- Kvaratskhelia put PSG in front four minutes after the break and left back Nuno Mendes added a third goal in stoppage time with a fine finish of his own
PARIS: A wonder goal from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia upstaged a brilliant curling shot from teammate Désiré Doué as Paris Saint-Germain beat Aston Villa 3-1 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday.
After Morgan Rogers gave Villa the lead in the 35th minute, the 19-year-old Doué drew PSG level four minutes later with the 12th goal of his breakthrough season.
Kvaratskhelia put PSG in front four minutes after the break and left back Nuno Mendes added a third goal in stoppage time with a fine finish of his own.
“I think the result reflects the difference between us and them,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique, whose side has greater firepower and showed more of a threat going forward. “Our objective is to keep the ball and be aggressive in attack.”
Kvaratskhelia’s was the goal of the night.
He sprinted down the left from just over the halfway line and then mesmerized Villa’s defense in a blizzard of quick feet and superb balance.
Advancing at pace with the ball seemingly glued to his right foot, he then wrong-footed defender Axel Disasi with a sudden change of direction, before rolling the ball onto his left foot in one smooth motion and blasting an unstoppable shot over the head of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
“For a coach like me it’s so great to have a player like him, with his mentality. He scored a brilliant goal,” Luis Enrique said about Kvaratskhelia. “We tried to sign him last summer and it didn’t work out. We signed him (in January) when we didn’t really expect to. He’s got everything to be part of our project.”
The return leg is next Tuesday.
In Wednesday’s other game, five-time champion Barcelona crushed Borussia Dortmund 4-0 with veteran striker Robert Lewandowski scoring twice either side of goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Kvaratskhelia belongs in such elite company.
His goal was exactly the kind of effort that earned the flying Georgia winger the nickname ” Kvaradona ” when he was playing for Napoli, in reference to soccer maestro Diego Maradona — the Italian club’s greatest ever player — and prompted PSG coach Luis Enrique to spend 70 million euros (then $72 million) on him in the winter transfer window.
Shortly after Kvaratskhelia’s goal, Martinez made a great save low to his right against Achraf Hakimi’s powerful shot as PSG poured forward looking for a third goal.
Villa was at this stage of the competition for the first time since 1983 and dealt well with early pressure before taking the lead with a well-worked goal.
Bustling captain John McGinn won the ball in midfield and advanced before picking out Marcus Rashford, the forward who scored a stoppage-time winner here for Manchester United six years ago. Rashford fed Youri Tielemans overlapping down the left and he pinged a cross to the back post where Rogers was left unmarked to tap in.
The lead was brief as Doué picked up the ball on the left of the penalty area, skipped past two players and curled the ball into the top right corner.
“He’s got everything he needs to become a great player,” Luis Enrique said. “He really doesn’t need much space to dribble.”
Martinez played long balls early on to test PSG’s defense, but he was soon called into action with a flying save from Dembélé’s angled strike in the eighth minute.
He couldn’t do much about the goals that beat him, however, with Nuno Mendes showing a forward’s touch when he latched onto Dembélé’s pass, cut inside a defender and deftly guided the ball in.
“We’ve watched their last few games and know how deadly and sharp they’ve been,” Rogers said. “They’ve put the world on notice now.”
But Villa coach Unai Emery believes he can still eliminate the club he coached from 2016-18.
“I believe we will win next week,” he said. “Villa Park is our home.”
Record licensing and new infrastructure drives unprecedented growth in Saudi sports sector
- More than 2,400 gyms and centers licensed
- New complexes in Taif and Makkah spearhead infrastructure drive
RIYADH: Strategic investment is fueling a world-class sports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, as highlighted this week at the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh.
Held under the joint patronage of the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Investment, the event has drawn together more than 3,000 media professionals, 140 speakers and representatives from more than 100 sports agencies and channels from 60 countries.
Key themes on the first day included innovation and technology in sports, sustainable sports development, empowering women in sports, global partnerships and economic growth, and sports for health and social impact.
A highlight was a ministerial panel discussion, “From Vision to Execution — Government Integration to Achieve Sports Investment Growth Goals.” Taking part were Deputy Sports Minister Badr Al-Qadi, Deputy Tourism Minister Princess Haifa Mohammed Al-Saud, and Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, assistant investment minister. The session emphasized the importance of cross-governmental collaboration in driving sector growth and attracting private investment.
“There is no doubt that sports and investment are two sides of the same coin,” said Al-Qadi during the opening ceremony.
“Sports have now become a leading industry globally, playing a crucial role in achieving investment and strategic goals, enhancing economic growth and creating opportunities within an attractive environment. We anticipate further significant announcements and partnerships to emerge from the Sports Investment Forum in the coming days.”
Al-Qadi also highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to increasing private sector participation in sports, stating an ambition to increase the current level of 15 percent to 25 percent.
This goal is being supported by a range of initiatives, including streamlined licensing processes — something which has already led to a boost in new sports facilities. As of 2024, the Kingdom is home to 2,423 licensed gyms and sports centers, 737 academies and 285 private clubs, underlining the growing accessibility and appeal of sports across the country.
To support this growth, world-class sports infrastructure is being actively developed across the Kingdom, with projects underway in key cities with passionate sports communities.
A proposed sports complex in Taif will encompass 34,650 sq. meters with 23 indoor and outdoor courts, while a complex Makkah’s King Abdulaziz Sport City features 14 indoor and outdoor courts.
Rally Jameel organizers reveal plans for 2025 edition
- Rally Jameel 2025, which runs from April 21-26, will see pilots and co-pilots competing across Jordan and Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes, beginning in Petra and ending in Qassim
- Munir Khoja: Rally Jameel continues to evolve as a powerful platform that brings together women from across the globe to share in a unique motorsport experience
JEDDAH: The first women-only navigational rally in the Middle East kicks off from Petra in Jordan, where 100 women from 37 countries take the driver’s seat for a journey of unique motorsport experience, empowerment, and adventure.
The Rally Jameel 2025, which runs from April 21-26, will see pilots and co-pilots competing across Jordan and Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes, beginning in Petra and ending in Qassim.
During a press conference held at Hayy Jameel, organizers of Jameel Motorsport announced that the fourth edition of Rally Jameel will bring together 45 teams from 37 countries. With 25 returning teams from previous editions and 20 first-time participants, the 2025 edition reflects the event’s growing global momentum and reputation as a platform for competition, cultural exchange, and empowerment.
Munir Khoja, managing director of Jameel Motorsport and marketing communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “Rally Jameel continues to evolve as a powerful platform that brings together women from across the globe to share in a unique motorsport experience. This year, we proudly celebrate the return of seasoned teams who have helped shape the rally’s legacy, while welcoming a new wave of competitors eager to make their mark. It’s this vibrant mix of experience and fresh energy that makes the rally so special. With its expanded route and increasing international recognition, Rally Jameel not only advances women’s participation in motorsport, but also embodies the spirit of Vision 2030 by showcasing the natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure tourism potential of our region.”
With interest in the 2025 Rally Jameel already running at record levels, Abdullah Bakhashab, head of the organizing committee, had detailed the outline route for the six-day event.
He said: “Racing from Petra to Qassim on deserts, mountain ranges, and coastal vistas, the route for the 2025 Rally Jameel covers 1,500 km, taking the 45 teams deep into the natural beauty and geographic diversity of Saudi Arabia and Jordan.”
Asked about the historic milestone as the rally goes global for the first time, he explained: “This year’s rally is witnessing a significant leap forward, as an agreement has been reached with the Kingdom of Jordan to launch the rally from Petra and they have welcomed the idea and given us all the support we needed.”
He added that advanced technologies are being utilized in the participating cars.
“Unlike traditional speed-based rallies, Rally Jameel focuses on navigation and strategy, offering competitors an experience that blends adventure with technical expertise.
Speaking about promoting and supporting local female racers, Bakhashab confirmed it is one of the main goals of Rally Jameel, saying: “Since it started, it is all about the empowerment of women and we are glad that through the previous editions we had so many names who are now taking their competitions into higher level around the world.”
He added: “Not just Saudi women come to race but also participants from as far away as the USA and Europe.”
According to organizers, the rally offers a unique lens for participants and attendees to experience the natural beauty and geographic diversity of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. This immersive journey not only attracts motorsport enthusiasts, but also highlights the region’s potential as a world-class destination for outdoor exploration.
With a diverse field of competitors, this edition underscores the rally’s role in uniting women from around the world through adventure, resilience, and shared passion for motorsport. It also serves as a stage for building connections across cultures, championing inclusivity, and celebrating personal breakthroughs on and off the course.
Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are back in the fold at the Masters
- “I think we would all like to see that,” Rahm said about a potential unification. “But as far as I can tell and you guys can tell, it’s not happening anytime soon”
AUGUSTA, Georgia: For now, there’s another tradition unlike any other at the Masters: the first opportunity in nine months for all the world’s best players to compete against each other.
Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are among the biggest stars in golf that hardly anyone sees during this great divide in golf between the PGA Tour and Saudi-funded LIV Golf that doesn’t appear to have a bridge in the immediate works.
“I think we would all like to see that,” Rahm said about a potential unification. “But as far as I can tell and you guys can tell, it’s not happening anytime soon.”
Rahm still goes upstairs in the Augusta National clubhouse to the locker room set aside for Masters champions where he can find plenty of friends, six of them colleagues at LIV Golf and plenty others who can see beyond the strife.
DeChambeau still dreams of winning a Masters green jacket like he did when he was a kid. Even so, there is another identity at the first major of the year because it’s been so long since so many of the best were in the same field.
“Anytime I get an opportunity to play against everyone, the best players in the world, it’s great,” DeChambeau said. “I think that’s what we’re all hoping for at some point is for that to be figured out. That’s beyond me and beyond my scope, unfortunately. I think at some point if the players get all together, I think we could figure it out. But it’s a lot more complicated, obviously, than what we all think.”
Rahm returns to Augusta National in a far different frame of mind.
He was the defending Masters champion last year, fresh off his decision to go back on his proclaimed “fealty” to the PGA Tour and sign for LIV Golf.
He had a major championship season to forget, never seriously contending in any of them, missing the US Open with a toe infection.
“There was a few times where there was a lot of questions that I didn’t really have an answer to ... the state of the game and what’s happening. We all want a solution and it’s hard to give one. When it comes to this week, last year for me was tough because it was the first major after joining LIV and I was also defending. There was a lot going on that week.”
There doesn’t appear to be much going on in terms of a solution.
The second White House meeting with President Donald Trump in February resulted in what amounts to a stalemate.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Public Investment Fund behind LIV Golf, wants a path forward for team golf. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said while the goal was bringing together golf’s best, “The only deal that we would regret is one that compromises the essence of what makes the game of golf and the PGA Tour so exceptional.”
PIF recently sent a proposal offering $1.5 billion and Al-Rumayyan a seat on the PGA Tour Enterprises, to which the tour found no need to respond because it was ground already covered with no solution what to do with two tours.
Rahm, DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and other LIV players arrived from Miami after the first domestic LIV event at Trump Doral. According to Sports Business Journal, the PGA Tour averaged 1.75 million viewers on NBC for Brian Harman winning the Valero Texas Open. LIV Golf averaged 484,000 viewers on Fox for Marc Leishman winning.
And now they are all at Augusta National, and golf feels normal again amid dogwoods and azaleas, and far less Georgia pines wiped out by Hurricane Helene last fall.
It’s a big stage for the top players on LIV Golf to perform because opportunities are limited, even as players are thinking more about winning a major than proving anything beyond that. DeChambeau wants a first green jacket as badly as Rahm wants a second, as much as Scottie Scheffler is trying to win a third.
“I don’t think you need to do anything to make the Masters any more special than it already is,” Rahm said. “Coming here, there’s no added anything to that. Majors have always been aside from every event in the world, and when you come to one of those, it doesn’t feel any different to what it was before or anything like that.”
Toward the end of Rahm’s press conference, he was asked about the world ranking — LIV Golf events do not get points — and where he felt he was among the best in the world.
“Where am I in the world rankings at this point? Am I out of the top 100 yet?” he asked Close. The two-time major champion is coming up on the two-year anniversary of when he was No. 1 in the world. He dropped five spots this week to No. 80.
“A couple weeks to go and I’ll be gone,” Rahm said with sarcasm mixed with reality. “I’m not going to say exactly a number, but I would still undoubtedly consider myself a top-10 player in the world. But it’s hard to tell nowadays.”
He wouldn’t get much of an argument. During his time on LIV, the Spaniard has never finished out of the top 10 in any 54-hole tournament he finished.
In the seven tournaments he played outside LIV last year — including the Olympics — Rahm has five top 10s, a missed cut at the PGA Championship and a tie for 45th in the Masters.
“I think last year the state of my game was being unfairly judged based on how I played here and at the PGA compared to how I really played throughout the whole year,” Rahm said. “While I understand why, I don’t think it was the most fair state of my game.”
Morocco’s El-Jamari scores spectacular win at ONE Fight Night 30
- Compatriot Chafi puts in disappointing performance against rising English fighter George Jarvis in lightweight Muay Thai matchup
BANGKOK: Moroccan Muay Thai stars Elmehdi El-Jamari and Mouhcine Chafi had differing fates at ONE Championship show ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia vs. Knowles.
The two Moroccans participated in the weekend event which was held inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium and featured bouts in several fighting genres.
El-Jamari scored a first-round knockout victory over Thai counterpart Thongpoon PK Saenchai in a strawweight Muay Thai bout, raising his overall professional record to 27-1.
The 28-year-old put in an excellent attacking performance, pressing forward from the opening bell before an impressive boxing combination saw him land a left hook that finished his opponent at 2:56 of the first round.
Chafi suffered another disappointing performance as he was dominated by rising English fighter George Jarvis in a lightweight Muay Thai matchup.
Following his third consecutive loss, and after the unanimous decision, the former WBC light heavyweight Muay Thai champion saw his record slump to 32-8.
