MADRID : Barcelona needs to brace for some tough times ahead while adjusting to the post-Lionel Messi era.
That message was clear after the 3-0 loss at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday, the team’s first defeat since Messi left amid the club’s financial struggles.
“It is what it is, we are what we are now,” veteran Barcelona captain Gerard Piqué said after the Catalan club was outplayed from the start at the Camp Nou. “It’s a complicated season.”
Looking nothing like the team that used to thrive when Messi was on the field, Barcelona couldn’t get a single shot on goal the entire match and saw Bayern constantly threaten the other way.
“We would like to have competed better, but this is what we have right now,” Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman said. “I can’t complain about our attitude, we tried our best. But there is a difference in talent and a difference between a team that has played a long time together and our team with lots of young players. It is difficult to accept, but we have to keep working.”
The loss came more than a year after the embarrassing 8-2 debacle against Bayern in the quarterfinals of the Champions League two seasons ago, a defeat that began exposing Barcelona’s struggles on and off the field.
“Poor Barça,” read a front-page headline from sports daily Marca on Wednesday.
“The sad reality,” said the daily Sport.
Koeman, who was hired shortly after the rout against Bayern, said it will take time for Barcelona to return to a top level.
“Our young players have a lot of potential, in two or three years they will be playing much better,” Koeman said. “But right now, it is what it is.”
Koeman also lost Antoine Griezmann in the transfer window last month, when the team’s main addition was Netherlands forward Memphis Depay. The club added veteran Sergio Aguero but he is among the several players recovering from injury, along with youngsters Ousmane Dembélé, Sergiño Dest and Ansu Fati. Koeman used 18-year-old Yusuf Demir and 17-year-old Gavi on Tuesday. Pedri González, also 18, was a starter.
“I look at the positive fact that we had some 18-year-old players coming into the match,” Piqué said. “It’s our reality now.”
Barcelona will have to rely a lot on its youngsters as it tries to recover from dire financial conditions caused by the pandemic and poor management. The Catalan club wasn’t able to hand Messi a new contract and saw him leave for free to Paris Saint-Germain, one of the main contenders for the Champions League title this season.
President Joan Laporta asked fans to keep supporting Barcelona and said he needs time to get the club back on track.
“I am upset and disappointed as all of you are,” he said in a video message. “I need to tell you that what is happening is one of the situations that we expected. And I ask for your patience, and that you continue supporting our team. I also ask for your trust in us, the people who are managing the club. We need your trust and time, and do not doubt that we will solve this situation.”
There were signs Barcelona fans weren’t too optimistic when they failed to buy all tickets available for Tuesday’s match, something that rarely happened when Messi was still around, especially in a big Champions League match.
Piqué said it was “hurtful” to hear jeers from the Camp Nou crowd for Sergi Roberto, who was singled out for his poor performance while playing improvised on the right flank.
To make things worse, Pedri and Jordi Alba sustained muscle injuries during the match and are expected to be sidelined for a while.
Piqué said the next few weeks will be key for Barcelona, a five-time champion in Europe’s top competition.
“We need to win our next matches in the Champions League and stay among the leaders in the Spanish league,” Piqué said. “Right now we are not considered favorites but we will see what happens at the end of the season. Chelsea also wasn’t the favorite to win the Champions League last season.”
Barcelona’s next match in Group E will be at Benfica later this month. Benfica opened with a 1-1 draw at Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday.
Grim future: Loss to Bayern exposes Barcelona’s new reality
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Grim future: Loss to Bayern exposes Barcelona’s new reality
- Barcelona couldn’t get a single shot on goal the entire match and saw Bayern constantly threaten the other way
- “Poor Barça,” read a front-page headline from sports daily Marca on Wednesday and “The sad reality,” said the daily Sport
LIV Golf’s Herbert in charge at Australian Open, Smith two back
- Smith, who finished second at last week’s Australian PGA Championship, is yet to win an Australian Open and has made no secret of his desire to do so
- In the women’s tournament, Australia’s Su Oh shared a one shot lead with South Korean teenager Yang Hyo-jin ahead of major winner Hannah Green
MELBOURNE: Lucas Herbert drained an eagle at the last in a flawless eight-under-par 63 Thursday to lead the Australian Open in Melbourne and upstage LIV Golf teammate Cameron Smith who trails by two.
In the women’s tournament, Australia’s Su Oh shared a one shot lead with South Korean teenager Yang Hyo-jin ahead of major winner Hannah Green.
Starting on the 10th, Australia’s Herbert sunk six birdies to no bogeys before his sensational eagle propelled him into the outright lead at the second event of the DP World Tour’s 2025 season.
He ended one clear of Rintaro Nakaro — Japan’s amateur champion in 2023 — and American Ryggs Johnson, with 2022 British Open champion Smith a shot further back in a four-way tie.
The mixed Australian Open involves men and women teeing off in alternating groups on the same courses.
Kingston Heath in Melbourne’s famous sandbelt region is the main venue across all four days with Victoria Golf Club also hosting play on the opening two days.
“I felt like there was a lot of shots left out there,” said Herbert, a three-time winner on the European circuit, after negotiating soggy fairways and soft greens.
“I feel like that with every round of golf, to be fair, but didn’t really think I holed that many. Just hit it quite nicely.”
Nakaro was the early pacesetter with eight birdies, but his round was spoilt by a bogey at the last.
“I’m surprised but very happy,” said the 21-year-old, who plans to turn professional next year.
Smith, who finished second at last week’s Australian PGA Championship, is yet to win an Australian Open and has made no secret of his desire to do so.
He was one-over after three, but then reeled off six straight birdies to remain in the hunt.
“I mean the greens are soft and there wasn’t much wind out there this morning, so a lot of those par-fives played really quite short whereas typically you get one hole into the wind or something like that,” he said.
“So yeah, I was just able to take advantage of that.”
At stake for the men is a place at next year’s British Open at Royal Portrush with the top three earning a spot.
Chilean defending champion Joaquin Niemann, Smith and Englishman Jordan Smith are already exempt.
Niemann, also on the LIV Tour, had a day to forget with 73 while Smith carded 70.
Australia’s Su shot nine birdies in her 66 to lead the women’s field alongside Yang, just 17.
But they have Green, a three-time winner on the LPGA Tour this year, breathing down their neck.
“I’ve worked really hard the last few months and felt like I was hitting the ball a lot better and just happy and proud,” said Su.
South African defending champion Ashleigh Buhai struggled to 73 to be seven adrift.
Record number of local golfers to take part in 2024 Saudi International at Riyadh Golf Club
- Four Saudis, including Othman Almulla and Faisal Salhab, will participate in next week’s tournament
- Locals join Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Tyrrell Hatton and Bubba Watson in stellar line-up
RIYADH: For the first time in its history, the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers will feature an unprecedented line-up of Saudi Arabian players with four representatives from the Kingdom in the event, which takes place from Dec. 4-7 at Riyadh Golf Club.
Othman Almulla, Faisal Salhab, Saud Al-Sharif and Khalid Walid will take part in the competition, marking a groundbreaking moment for Saudi golf on a global stage. They are joined by Golf Saudi ambassador, the UK-born Shergo Al-Kurdi, who represents Jordan internationally.
Almulla, Saudi Arabia’s first professional golfer, has paved the way for the game’s growth in the Kingdom and remains a key ambassador for the sport. Before turning professional in 2019, he became the first Saudi golfer to win the Qatar Open and qualify for two professional events, the 2007 Dubai Desert Classic and the 2008 Qatar Masters.
“It’s an honour to be part of this milestone for Saudi golf, competing alongside my fellow countrymen on such a prestigious stage,” Almulla said. “The PIF Saudi International is a testament to the incredible progress golf has made in the Kingdom and the bright future ahead. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without Golf Saudi’s support, and I’m proud to represent Saudi Arabia while inspiring the next generation of golfers to elevate the game even further.”
Salhab turned professional last year and has represented Saudi Arabia at various international tournaments, including the Pan Arab Golf Championships. Attieh, meanwhile, made history in February 2024 at the International Series Oman when he became the first amateur player from Saudi Arabia to make the cut.
Almulla, Salhab and Al-Sharif are also Golf Saudi ambassadors, whose mission is to elevate the game in the Kingdom.
The growing number Saudi players, who will be competing alongside global superstars such as Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Tyrrell Hatton, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen, reflect the targets set by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global golf destination.
Alongside the professional action, the Saudi International aims to encourage more individuals, particularly young Saudis, to take up the sport.
Through its Go Golf initiative, Golf Saudi offers three months of free lessons for all new golfers in the Kingdom, followed by 12 complimentary rounds, as well as discounted memberships and coaching. Golf Saudi is committed to expanding access to the sport for players at all levels and building a vibrant golf community in the Kingdom.
Trae Young inspires Hawks to victory over Cleveland
- Young put the game beyond the Cavs with a 39-foot three-pointer to make it 129-122 with 1:43 remaining just moments after he had turned the ball over
- Serbian Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a convincing 122-103 win at the Utah Jazz with 30 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists
- Led by Anthony Davis with 19 points and 14 rebounds, the Los Angeles Lakers ended the San Antonio Spurs four-game winning streak with a 119-101 victory
MIAMI: Eastern Conference leaders the Cleveland Cavaliers suffered their first home loss of the season with a surprise 135-124 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.
Cleveland’s second loss of the season came afer a strong second half display from Atlanta with De’Andre Hunter scoring 26 points off the bench, Jalen Johnson adding 22 points and Trae Young contributing 20 with a career-high 22 assists.
Young put the game beyond the Cavs with a 39-foot three-pointer to make it 129-122 with 1:43 remaining just moments after he had turned the ball over.
Johnson said Young’s assists had been crucial to the victory and that he deserved more credit for his role on the team.
“He was really getting off the ball and finding everyone... a lot of people don’t necessarily talk about him even though he’s leading the league in assists, but they don’t talk about him as the playmaker,” Johnson said.
The win moves the Hawks to 8-11 on the season and Young said the team had shown what they were capable of.
“They are a really good team who have been playing well all year and I feel we have been a little inconsistent but the times that we have played well, we’ve played really well,” he said.
Donovan Mitchell scored 30 for Cleveland and Evan Mobley put up 22 points and 12 rebounds, but the Cavs missed out on a chance to become the first team to start with an 18-1 record.
Serbian Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a convincing 122-103 win at the Utah Jazz with 30 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Denver had come back from an early 12-point deficit with a 21-4 run midway through the game turning the contest in their direction.
The Houston Rockets needed overtime to beat the 3-14 Philadelphia 76ers, with Alperen Sengun scoring 22 points and claiming 14 rebounds and seven assists.
Half of Turkish center Sengun’s points came in overtime where the Rockets made sure of moving to 14-6.
“My teammates trusted me in overtime and I didn’t want to fail them,” Sengun said. “It was ugly but a win is a win in the NBA.”
James Harden scored 43 points for the Los Angeles Clippers as they beat the struggling Washington Wizards 121-96.
Harden scored 23 of his points in the first quarter and left the game late in the third quarter with the Wizards already condemned to their 13th straight defeat.
“We have to continue to find ways to win,” said Harden of the 12-8 Clippers.
“Defensively we need to do a lot better, sometimes we get a little too comfortable... we just need to continue to get better as a unit.”
The Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets 98-94, with Tyler Herro scoring 27 points and Duncan Robinson draining six three-pointers in the win.
“He’s a shot-maker, he’s not afraid of the moment,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Herro.
Bam Adebayo claimed 10 rebounds and 10 assists for the Heat while LaMelo Ball had 32 points and 10 rebounds for Charlotte.
Miami’s star Jimmy Butler left the game in the third quarter with a tight back and did not return.
The Hornets were closing in on the lead but Herro made a 29-foot three-pointer and then grabbed Ball’s attempted pass to Brandon Miller for the crucial turnover.
Led by Anthony Davis with 19 points and 14 rebounds, the Los Angeles Lakers ended the San Antonio Spurs four-game winning streak with a 119-101 victory.
LeBron James helped with 16 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds while France’s Victor Wembanyama top scored for the Spurs with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite being without injured Slovenian star Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks had a comfortable 129-114 win over the New York Knicks with Kyrie Irving scoring 23 points.
Dennis Schroder top scored with 29 points as the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Phoenix Suns 127-117. Kevin Durant put up 30 points and 8 rebounds for the Arizona team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points and had 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the Oklahoma City Thunder in an impressive 105-101 win at the Golden State Warriors.
The Thunders lost forward Jalen Williams to an eye injury in the second quarter of the game while Stephen Curry was missing for the Warriors due to a knee injury.
Pakistan hopes for fair deal from ICC on Champions Trophy impasse with India
- PCB says it’s unacceptable that Pakistanis play in India while Indians don’t come to Pakistan
- Pakistan has spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of three stadiums chosen for tournament
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hopes it will get a fair deal on “equality” when the International Cricket Council (ICC) holds a virtual meeting on Friday to finalize details for next year’s Champions Trophy.
There’s an impasse for the eight-team, 50-over format tournament after India declined to tour Pakistan for the event, scheduled to be held from Feb. 19 to March 9.
A decades-long tense political situation between the two South Asian countries hasn’t seen India playing international cricket in Pakistan since 2008 when it competed in Asia Cup.
Both nations have competed in ICC tournaments with Pakistan touring India last year for the 50-overs World Cup.
“I promise we’ll do what is best for Pakistan cricket,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in Lahore. “We’re still clear in our stance that it’s not acceptable that we play cricket in India, and they don’t play cricket here. Whatever will happen, will happen on the basis of equality. We’ve told the ICC very clearly, and what happens next we’ll let you know.”
The ICC board could decide the issue in a vote among members.
“Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” Naqvi said. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here.”
Earlier this month, the ICC told the PCB that the Board of Control for Cricket in India had informed the game’s governing body it will not tour Pakistan for the event. The PCB sent an email, asking the ICC reasons behind India’s refusal.
Naqvi said he’s been in “constant touch” with the ICC chairman Greg Barckley, but didn’t say whether he got the answers from the game’s governing body as to why India was not willing to tour Pakistan.
Naqvi, who is also the interior minister in the Pakistan government, said that whatever decision the ICC makes on Friday, he will go to his government for the final approval.
Pakistan has spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of three stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi — the three venues chosen for the Champions Trophy. Naqvi said he hoped the renovation of three stadiums will be completed well in time to host the event.
Bencic and Badosa join strong line-up at 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic returns having won the inaugural tournament in 2023
- Ons Jabeur and Beatriz Haddad Maia already confirmed to compete next February
ABU DHABI: Belinda Bencic and Paula Badosa are the latest entries confirmed for the 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, with the third edition of the WTA-500 event scheduled for Feb. 1-8 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.
Swiss star Bencic, 27, became the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open’s inaugural champion in 2023 when she beat Liudmila Samsonova to clinch the title. She was unable to defend her crown earlier this year because she was pregnant.
The former world No. 4 is an eight-time singles winner on the WTA Tour, having also claimed Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games, held in 2021, when she defeated the Czech Republic’s Marketa Vondrousova in three sets.
Bencic produced a stunning comeback to claim the 2023 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, overturning a one-set deficit and saving three match points against Samsonova.
"I’m so excited to return to the UAE and compete in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open once again,” Bencic said. “Winning this tournament in 2023 was an unforgettable moment in my career, and I’m looking forward to coming back as a new mother and experiencing the amazing atmosphere.
“It’s been a special journey returning to the tour after giving birth, and I can’t wait to be back on court in a place which holds such special memories.”
Bencic will be joined in the competition by Dubai resident Badosa, who is currently 12th in the rankings. She clinched a fourth WTA Tour title with the Mubadala Citi DC Open in August after entering as a wildcard, defeating Marie Bouzkova in the final.
Badosa, 27, will be making her Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open debut after missing the previous two tournaments through illness and injury respectively.
“I’m thrilled to be competing in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open,” she said. “It’s a tournament I’ve wanted to play since it began in 2023, but unfortunately, I had to withdraw previously due to injuries, however I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity in 2025.
“Abu Dhabi is an incredible city with amazing fans, and the tournament always attracts such a strong field. I’m feeling good about my form right now, and I’m looking forward to showing what I’m capable of in February.”
Bencic and Badosa will be joining a line-up of 28 leading players, which includes three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur of Tunisia, who joins the field after a lengthy lay-off with a shoulder injury, along with Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, a semi-finalist in the last two editions of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
