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La Liga: Barca secure 2-1 win at Valladolid to preserve title charge

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Barcelona's Dutch midfielder #21 Frenkie De Jong and Barcelona's Spanish midfielder #06 Pablo Gavi celebrate their victory at the end of the Spanish league football match between Real Valladolid FC and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid on May 3, 2025. (Photo by Cesar Manso / AFP)

Barcelona survived a scare as they came from behind to beat already-relegated Real Valladolid 2-1 on Saturday to extend their La Liga lead and move one step closer to the title.

The Catalan giants heavily rotated with Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final clash at Inter Milan in mind and fell behind to Ivan Sanchez’s early deflected goal.

However, second-half strikes by Raphinha and Fermin Lopez helped Barca climb seven points clear of second-place champions Real Madrid, who host Celta Vigo on Sunday ahead of the Clasico on May 11.

Barca coach Hansi Flick kept just two players who started the blockbuster 3-3 first leg draw with Inter on Wednesday in his side — Pedri Gonzalez and Gerard Martin.

Flick brought in his German compatriot Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal, after a long injury lay-off, for his first appearance since September.

Within six minutes, Ter Stegen was picking the ball out of his net.

Martin’s shot from the right of the area deflected off Ronald Araujo and looped past Ter Stegen into the far top corner.

Despite going ahead against the league leaders, home fans protested against Valladolid majority owner and president Ronaldo, the former Brazil great, by throwing around fake banknotes with his face on them and chanting for him to leave.

Valladolid goalkeeper Andre Ferreira tipped over Pau Victor’s header after Fermin Lopez picked out the forward with a curling cross and saved well from Ansu Fati.

Barca debutant Dani Rodriguez suffered a shoulder injury that needed heavy bandaging, and Flick took the midfielder off for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

The 17-year-old shone against Inter in midweek and despite the coach initially hoping he could rest at the Jose Zorilla stadium, with Barca behind Flick was glad to bring him on.

The coach also took off Pedri and Ansu at half-time, sending on Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong to shake up his side.

After Yamal was fouled early in the second half Raphinha tested Ferreira with a free-kick from a wide angle which he pushed behind.

Barca’s two wingers were involved again as the Catalans levelled, with Yamal’s dangerous cross pushed to the edge of the box by Ferreira.

Raphinha picked up the loose ball and slid home his 16th league goal of the campaign.

Seven minutes later, Barca took the lead, with Martin sliding the ball across for Lopez to finish from just inside the area.

Hector Fort came close to netting the third after Yamal found him with a backheel, turning skillfully in the box before firing against the post.

Ferreira pushed out a Dani Olmo free-kick in the final stages, with Barca unable to add to their lead.

Araujo made a vital interception in his area in stoppage time to keep the bottom side at bay, with Barca relieved to clinch three vital points.

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2026 World Cup: Super Eagles waiting for FIFA’s decision – Iwobi

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Super Eagles playmaker, Alex Iwobi, has admitted they are waiting to see if the team would still play at the 2026 World Cup.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is optimistic of a potential lifeline from FIFA, after it submitted a petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Iwobi was asked by SuperSport if he would rather lift the AFCON 2025 trophy or qualify for the World Cup?

The 29-year-old, who played at the 2018 of the World Cup, replied: “I mean we’re still waiting, well hopefully we can go to the World Cup, but I feel it’s a tough one.

“It’s a tough one because winning AFCON is like… It’s a great legacy, it’s a great thing to have like in your career, a memorable moment.

“But then at the same time, because I’ve been to the World Cup already, a lot of the players haven’t been. They would like to say ‘I want to go to the World Cup,’ so I can’t be selfish and say win the AFCON and for my teammates to not go to the World Cup. So it’s a tough one. I don’t know. I don’t know.”

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE OF THE SUPER EAGLES ON THE PASSING OF HIS MOTHER

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President Bola Tinubu sends his condolences

to Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze on the passing of his mother.

The President also extends his sympathies to the family and friends of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, who passed away on Thursday.

President Tinubu mourns with the Chukwueze family and encourages them to find solace in the memory and legacy of their late matriarch.

“The passing of Mrs Chukwueze, the mother of one of our bright football stars, just a few days after the passing of Super Eagles’ captain Wilfred Ndidi’s father, is deeply saddening.

I mourn with them, and I am with them in prayers during this difficult time,” the President says.

President Tinubu prays that God Almighty will grant the departed eternal rest.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)

 

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EPL: Arsenal’s starting XI against Man Utd unveiled

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Arsenal’s starting XI to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday evening has been unveiled.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opted to start Gabriel Jesus ahead of Viktor Gyokeres to lead the Gunners’ attack against the Red Devils.

This comes after Jesus scored a brace against Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek.

The Brazilian will be assisted by Bukayo Saka and Leandro on the wings.

In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard return to join Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal’s starting XI: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Jesus.

Substitutes:  Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Eze, Martinelli, Madueke, Gyokeres.

The kick-off time for the match is 5.30 pm.

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