SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain: Kylian Mbappe lethally fired Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League quarter-finals with a brace in a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad on Tuesday, his team cruising through 4-1 on aggregate.
Coach Luis Enrique has slashed Mbappe’s minutes in recent weeks after the player told the club he would leave at the end of the season, but the France captain proved he will be vital if PSG are to finally win the competition for the first time.
The electric Mbappe was impossible for Real Sociedad to shackle and his strikes after 15 and 56 minutes left the Ligue 1 leaders with a simple night in the north of Spain.
“We are very happy, it was the objective,” Mbappe told Canal Plus.
“We wanted to qualify but today we also wanted to win and give ourselves a bit of an easier game. That is what we did.
“We had a clear game plan. We managed to score early and, above all, we managed to avoid getting into any major difficulty.”
Heavily linked to Real Madrid, the determined Mbappe gave La Liga’s defenses a glimpse of what horrors may await them next season.
The forward, who also netted in the first leg, fired over in the opening stages and then blazed past Hamari Traore to set up Bradley Barcola, but Alex Remiro denied him from point-blank range.
It was not so much that Real Sociedad did not heed the warning but simply could not stop the 25-year-old.
Played into the box but wide of goal, Mbappe produced the opener from thin air.
With a couple of clever touches he sent Igor Zubeldia scrambling and opened up enough space for a shot, which he whipped into the far corner from a tight angle.
Mbappe’s vicious strike pulled part of the netting away from the post and players had to wait until it was fixed for play to resume.
They might not have bothered — the contest was effectively over.
Mbappe stretched PSG’s lead 11 minutes into the second half, racing in behind the defense from the halfway line.
The striker shaped another shot to the far post but then tricked Remiro by sweeping home at the near for his sixth goal in eight Champions League matches this season.
Real Sociedad began to throw all they had at PSG, but it was too little, too late.
Substitute Ander Barrenetxea had a goal ruled out for a tight offside moments after coming on.
Gianluigi Donnarumma made a superb save to thwart Benat Turrientes, as the hosts searched for a consolation goal which eventually came at the death.
Donnarumma palmed away a cross into the middle of the box and Mikel Merino was in the right place at the right time to fire home.
“We competed, but against a team of this level and with a player ... Mbappe, who each time he gets it in transition it’s almost a goal...” Merino told Movistar.
“I hope this club gets to have nights like these again.”
With one victory in 10 matches across all competitions, La Real are battling to reach next season’s Europa League.
One of few negative notes for PSG was a booking for defender Achraf Hakimi, which will rule him out of the quarter-final first leg.
PSG, in the last eight for the first time since 2021, will worry about that later — this was a night to celebrate Mbappe’s genius, despite the clock ticking down on his days in Paris.
“(Mbappe) is the best player in the world in the final third when running in on goal, unstoppable, invincible,” Luis Enrique told Movistar.
“He was very good, but just like all his team-mates — this is a team and we need everyone.”
Mbappe double fires PSG past Real Sociedad to Champions League quarters
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Mbappe double fires PSG past Real Sociedad to Champions League quarters
- Played into the box but wide of goal, Mbappe produced the opener from thin air
Foden and Doku power second-string Man City past Wydad
- Manager Pep Guardiola opted to start with several key players on the bench
- Despite fielding a second-string side, City needed less than two minutes to break the deadlock
PHILADELPHIA: Manchester City began their Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in their Group G opener on Wednesday, courtesy of first-half goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku.
Manager Pep Guardiola opted to start with several key players on the bench, including Erling Haaland, Rodri, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones for what was a sweltering midday kickoff at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
Despite fielding a second-string side, City needed less than two minutes to break the deadlock.
Phil Foden pounced after Savinho’s cross was parried by Wydad goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid, with the England midfielder striking a first-time effort into the net to hand City an early lead.
City doubled their advantage three minutes before halftime when Foden delivered a pinpoint corner and Jeremy Doku caught the Wydad defense napping to volley home at the far post.
City finished with 10 men after Rico Lewis was given a straight red card for a nasty studs-up sliding tackle on Samuel Obeng in the 88th minute.
Wydad, undeterred after conceding the early goal, showed resilience and threatened on the counter-attack and forward Cassius Mailula nearly equalized with an audacious lob from midfield in the 15th minute.
Moments later, Mohamed Moufid set up Thembinkosi Lorch with a low cross, but the South African forward just failed to get there in time with a sliding effort.
City also had chances to extend their lead before halftime. Omar Marmoush saw his strike from the edge of the box sail just wide, while Nathan Ake’s towering header from a corner went inches over the bar.
At the other end, Wydad squandered a golden opportunity in the 30th minute when Vitor Reis’s misplaced pass gifted the ball to Lorch, only for Mailula’s follow-up shot to be smothered by City keeper Ederson.
After City doubled their lead before the break, the second half saw a dramatic drop in tempo under the scorching midday sun, though City went close to adding a third through Rayan Cherki.
The 21-year-old, signed from Olympique Lyonnais for 40 million euros ($46.06 million) ahead
of the tournament, unleashed a shot from the edge of the area, only for Benabid to produce a fine save.
The Moroccan keeper later denied substitute Haaland with a reflex save in a one-on-one.
City will now turn their attention to Sunday’s clash with United Arab Emirates side Al Ain, while Wydad face Juventus in their next Group G encounter.
Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol
- The 24-year-old García recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga
- Barcelona said they activated a release clause of $28.5m
BARCELONA: Barcelona are signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García, who was once linked to a move to Arsenal, to a six-year contract, the Spanish champion said Wednesday.
The 24-year-old García recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga when he led all goalies in saves with an average of almost four a game.
He will now join Espanyol’s main rival.
Barcelona said they activated a release clause of 25 million euros ($28.5 million) and that García is expected to sign the contract Friday in a “private ceremony” at the club offices.
The fee could help Espanyol reinforce a squad after they only avoided relegation on the final day of the season.
García had been close to a possible move to Arsenal last summer after he helped Spain win Olympic gold in Paris. He stayed put and was Espanyol’s best player.
García has yet to debut for Spain’s senior side, but it is considered only a matter of time before he does if he continues to play well.
His arrival to Barcelona puts in question the role of veteran Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was injured most of the season. He is under contract through 2028.
Following Ter Stegen’s injury, Barcelona convinced Wojciech Szczęsny to come out of retirement and sign a contract for the remainder of last season. Barcelona’s other goalie is Iñaki Peña.
While several Barcelona players have joined Espanyol later in their careers, it is rare for an Espanyol player to move to Barcelona. Their derbies are heated affairs.
Al-Ain ‘honored and proud’ to represent UAE at Club World Cup against Juventus, says Khalid Al-Hashemi
- The defender said the club’s sponsorship by ADNOC and XRG in the new tournament is indicative of support from across the UAE
ABU DHABI: Al-Ain defender Khalid Al-Hashemi says it will be a privilege for the club’s players to take to the field at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Juventus in their opening fixture.
Al-Ain begin their FIFA Club World Cup campaign against the Italian giants in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, June 18 (4 a.m. KSA on June 19) before further Group G matches vs. Manchester City and Wydad.
Al-Hashemi, who starred in both legs of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League final and is a UAE national team defender, says Al-Ain are relishing the opportunity to test themselves at the highest level.
“Preparations are going well here in the US with the coach and the technical staff,” said the 28-year-old center-back, who wears No.16 for Al-Ain. “The opportunity to play against Juve and against City in particular is a big opportunity to learn and see how our levels are now, and if we can reach their levels and compete. We will do our best in our training sessions before the games and hopefully we can get good results.
“Our hopes are really high,” Al-Hashemi added. “We all know that we have pressure, but we want to represent Al-Ain and the UAE in the best way possible. We want to get results and show that Al-Ain are not just here (to make up the numbers) — we want to compete, we want to fight for the badge, for the flag and the country.”
The club enters the new competition with significant backing from XRG, the official sponsor of Al-Ain’s training kit during the FIFA Club World Cup, and through to the end of the upcoming season; as well as ADNOC, who will be the official sponsor of club’s first team jerseys during local matches throughout the upcoming season.
Al-Hashemi believes this backing is indicative of the support from across the UAE as Al-Ain seek to make the nation proud on the biggest global stage in club football.
“We are very privileged to have this partnership with XRG and ADNOC,” says Al-Hashemi. “Al-Ain is honored and I think both parties are very happy with this partnership. Hopefully we represent our club, the company and our country on the biggest stage in a good way and get good results. We are very honored and very proud to be at the biggest club competition in world football.”
Al-Ain secured their place at this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup by winning the 2023-24 AFC Champions League, defeating Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos 6-3 over two legs in the final.
Following their opening FIFA Club World Cup match against Serie A giants Juventus, Al-Ain travel to Atlanta to play eight-time Premier League winners Manchester City, before concluding their group stage fixtures against Wydad from Morocco in Washington, D.C. on June 26.
Al-Hashemi, who was born in Abu Dhabi, says one of his big hopes from Al-Ain taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup is that it will inspire the next generation of Emirati footballers. The competition, the first under an expanded format, runs from June 14 to July 13 in the US, and features 32 top teams from across world football.
“I imagine that when we play in the FIFA Club World Cup, the young generation will see this and say ‘one day I want to play in this competition, the biggest competition in the world’,” said AI-Hashemi. “Imagine how that will impact the young generation and give them hope and inspiration to play for a club and the national team. Hopefully, as a group and individually, we inspire the young generation to come back here to this tournament.”
Scorching heat sparks welfare fears at Club World Cup
- The world players’ union FIFPRO has suggested FIFA should revise scheduling, if needed
MIAMI: Soaring temperatures and oppressive humidity at the Club World Cup are fueling concerns among players, coaches, and fans, with calls for additional cooling breaks and adjustments to match schedules.
Midday kickoff temperatures in Pasadena at the weekend approached 32° Celsius (89.6° Fahrenheit), forcing players in the Paris St. Germain vs. Atletico Madrid match to dig in early as the midday sun blazed on the Rose Bowl’s uncovered stands and pitch.
Atletico’s Marcos Llorente described the conditions as “terribly hot,” saying “my toes were sore, my nails were hurting... it’s incredible.”
Fans, too, voiced concern.
Attendees at the Rose Bowl complained of long queues in harsh heat, limited shaded areas and water restrictions at entry, with some leaving at halftime due to dehydration and fear of fainting.
Similar mid-afternoon kickoff conditions are planned for upcoming matches, stoking safety concerns for supporters and players.
Monday’s match in Pasadena was not an isolated incident. Miami and Los Angeles are experiencing temperatures north of 30° C (86° F), many rising above the 32° C heat-stress threshold, triggering warnings from player unions.
Tuesday’s game between Real Madrid and Al-Hilal is scheduled at 1500 local time with temperatures expected to reach 32°C with humidity set to hover around 70 percent.
The world players’ union FIFPRO has suggested FIFA should revise scheduling, if needed.
“FIFPRO has consistently advocated for comprehensive heat protection measures including mandatory cooling breaks, adjustments to kick-off times to avoid the most intense heat, and the postponement of matches when conditions pose a serious health risk to players,” FIFPRO said.
“With tournaments like the Club World Cup featuring dense match schedules and hot climates in locations such as Orlando and Miami, extreme heat is becoming an increasingly important health and safety issue in professional football.
“FIFPRO will closely monitor the situation in the coming weeks with a view to prioritising player welfare over other considerations.”
The current rules permit one mandatory break per half.
England coach Thomas Tuchel, observing the tournament as part of planning for next year’s World Cup in North America, warned the tournament schedule would resemble “suffering,” with players battling harsh midday conditions.
The heat represents one of many controversies plaguing the expanded 32-team format. FIFPRO and the PFA have launched legal action in Brussels, alleging FIFA overstepped by introducing an unsustainable four-week calendar, risking player burnout.
Critics say the added fixtures, combined with sweltering heat, could severely strain player welfare.
FIFA, however, maintains that the extended summer fixtures align with the broader International Match Calendar and that existing protocols are sufficient.
Fluminense begin Club World Cup with goalless draw against Dortmund
- Fluminense were firmly in control against the Bundesliga side in the first half
- Dortmund struggled to get a foothold in the match with no shots on goal in the first half
NEW JERSEY: Fluminense held Borussia Dortmund to a 0-0 draw in their Group F Club World Cup opener in New Jersey on Tuesday, as the Brazilian side were left to rue missed chances at MetLife Stadium.
Fluminense were firmly in control against the Bundesliga side in the first half but Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel produced a handful of superb saves to frustrate the Brazilian team in front of a crowd mostly in their favor.
After Dortmund struggled to get a foothold in the match with no shots on goal in the first half, Kobel did his part with a remarkable double-save midway through the second half and frantic late efforts from both sides went unrewarded.
Flag-waving Fluminense fans arrived early and cheered wildly as their team applied early pressure, with winger Jhon Arias’s shot toward the top corner saved by Kobel in the 17th minute.
Fluminense midfielder Martinelli missed by inches in the 34th minute and Kobel saved another fine attempt from Arias two minutes later.
Kobel kept out Fluminense striker Everaldo’s powerful shot from outside the box in the 69th minute and leapt to block a follow-up effort from midfielder Nonato moments later.
As scorching heat in the United States prompted concerns about welfare across the tournament, players were treated to overcast skies and mild temperatures in front of a modest crowd of 34,736 in the roughly 82,000 capacity NFL stadium.
Dortmund will next play Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati, while Fluminense will return to MetLife to face Ulsan HD on Saturday.
