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Lorenzo: “Aggressive” Marquez now has more respect for rivals on track

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Former MotoGP star Jorge Lorenzo believes Marc Marquez now displays more respect towards rivals while battling with them on track, having initially found his antics to be “very aggressive”.

Lorenzo was one of Marquez’s main rivals during his golden period in the 2010s, with the pair even becoming team-mates at Honda in the former’s final season in 2019.

Their careers have taken different turns since then, with Lorenzo going on to become a commentator for Spanish broadcaster DAZN and Marquez joining the Gresini Ducati team in 2024 after being saddled with injuries and an uncompetitive bike in his final years at Honda.

Lorenzo conceded that he wasn’t a fan of Marquez’s style of racing when the latter graduated to the premier class in 2013 as the reigning Moto2 champion, but feels his countryman has changed the way he rides against other riders over the years.

“In 2013, I didn’t accept his [Marc’s] way of racing, which was very aggressive,” the three-time champion said at Festival dello Sport in Italy. “Now he has a bit more ‘respect’ towards his rivals. It must be said that the rules are stricter than ten years ago.”

Marc Marquez, Repsol Hond and Jorge Lorenzo, Yamaha

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Marquez won six titles in his first seven years in MotoGP, with Lorenzo – then at Yamaha – the only rider to break his run when he triumphed in the controversial 2015 season.

Things started going downhill for Marquez after Lorenzo retired from MotoGP, with a horrific crash at the 2020 season opener in Jerez leaving him with career-altering injuries.

It took multiple surgeries and prolonged layoff periods to put the accident behind, but by the time he was close to full fitness the Honda RC213V had slumped to become the slowest bike on the grid.

Lorenzo believes Marquez would have been able to win several additional titles had his arm not been broken at Jerez four years ago.

“He is a beast on a sporting level,” he said of the 31-year-old. “Since 2020, he has had very bad luck in terms of his physical condition. Without those problems, he would have won at least two or three more world championships.”

Marquez’s struggles at Honda prompted him to leave the Japanese manufacturer with a year left on his contract and join Gresini at the start of the 2024 season.

Marc Marquez, Gresini Racing
© Autosport.com

 

Marc Marquez, Gresini Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

He will move up to the factory Ducati team next year, partnering Francesco Bagnaia, and will be in a position to challenge for the championship for the first time since 2019.

Lorenzo himself spent two seasons with Ducati in 2017-18 as part of a multi-million deal with the aim of leading the Borgo Panigale marque to its first title since 2007.

Although the Spaniard did hit his stride in his second season after a slow adaptation, the partnership ultimately ended with just three wins to boot.

He ended up moving to Honda for what turned out to be his final year in the premier class, while Ducati slowly turned the Desmosedici into a dominant bike.

Read Also:

Marc Marquez, Gresini Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

 

https://www.autosport.com/motogp/news/how-marquez-is-the-only-motogp-rider-keeping-the-old-ducati-alive/10662177/

 

Miller joins Pramac Yamaha to complete 2025 motorGP grid

 

Rossi takes another swipe at Marquez over bitter 2015 MotoGP feud

Hailing Ducati’s general manager Gigi Dall’Igna, Lorenzo said he would have been able to achieve the target set out by Ducati had he stayed with the team for a few more seasons.

“We met in 2004, in my last year in 125cc. Fate brought us together at Ducati,” he said of Dall’Igna. “I was very sorry not to have won a title with the Italian brand. I am convinced that, if I had stayed two more years, we would have won it.

“Now it is the best bike. It has no weak points.”

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Lagos state government announces traffic diversion for Women marathon on Nov 9

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Lagos state government announces traffic diversion for Women marathon on Nov 9
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The Lagos State Government has announced the closure of 11 key roads on Lagos Island and Victoria Island for the Lagos Women Run, to be held on Saturday,October 9.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 7, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that in view of the annual Lagos Women Run, the Lagos State Government had implemented a traffic diversion plan to facilitate smoother movement for motorists during the event.

“During the event, the race route, starting from Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) inwards Water Board, Old NITEL, Outer Marina, Bonny Camp Bridge, Ahmadu Bello Way, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Bridge, Falomo Roundabout, Awolowo Road, and Onikan Roundabout to Mobolaji Johnson, would be partially closed,” he said.

Consequently, Osiyemi explained that alternative routes had been designated to ease commuting.

He advised motorists heading to the Third Mainland Bridge from Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to go via Bonny Camp, connecting Onikan Underpass towards Marina Exit to access Force Road, linking Outer Marina and the Third Mainland Bridge to reach their destinations.

“Motorists heading to Ikoyi Road from Apongbon are to use Odunlami Street to connect Igbosere Road and continue to Moloney Street to access Ikoyi Road for their journeys. There was minimal impact on traffic flow within these routes,” he added.

The Commissioner reiterated that all junctions and intersections from Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) to the destination, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, would be blocked with barriers and staff by LASTMA, NPF, FRSC, and LSNC officials to prevent other road users from accessing the main race corridor and to minimise inconvenience for motorists and athletes.

“Motorists are implored to be patient, as the partial road closure is part of the traffic management plans for the race event highlighted,” he said

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“Better than Mbappe”: Lewandowski receives high praise after reaching 99 UCL goals

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Robert Lewandowski celebrates one of his goals against Crvena Zvezda in the Champions League. Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic. Source: Getty Images
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  • Red-hot Barcelona hitman Robert Lewandowski continued his rich scoring form this season with a brace against Crvena Zvezda
  • His double helped La Blaugrana seal a thumping 5-2 win over the Serbian giants, stretching their winning streak to six games
  • Meanwhile, the 36-year-old, who is nearing 100 Champions League goals, received endless praise from fans for his performance

Robert Lewandowski has garnered widespread acclaim for his remarkable display in Barcelona’s recent UEFA Champions League triumph over Crvena Zvezda.

The Polish striker was unstoppable, netting twice in the 5-2 dismantling of the Serbian side on Wednesday night.

Lewandowski strikes twice as Barcelona thump Crvena

In classic poacher fashion, Lewandowski opened his account by capitalising on a rebound from Raphinha’s shot, which had rattled off the post.

According to Barca Blaugranes, the goal, coming just before the break, doubled Barcelona’s advantage.

Despite missing a few other promising chances, Lewandowski made no mistake when Jules Kounde delivered a pinpoint cross, allowing him to slot home his second of the night.

https://twitter.com/SSFootball/status/1854265373912162531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1854265373912162531%7Ctwgr%5Eb585b13297846a638d1d864a22f5cc6d6e5a2735%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuko.co.ke%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F568208-mbappe-robert-lewandowski-receives-high-praise-reaching-99-ucl-goals%2F

Raphinha, whose relentless pressing and dribbling added a dynamic edge to the Catalans’ attack, also found the back of the net before making way for a substitution.

With his brace, Lewandowski has now tallied an impressive 99 Champions League goals, per Fabrizio Romano, trailing only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time scoring charts.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1854271121064919483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1854271121064919483%7Ctwgr%5Eb585b13297846a638d1d864a22f5cc6d6e5a2735%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuko.co.ke%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F568208-mbappe-robert-lewandowski-receives-high-praise-reaching-99-ucl-goals%2F

Fans sing Lewandowski’s praises

His stellar performance ignited a wave of admiration on social media, with fans quick to laud his enduring quality and prolific nature.

TUKO.co.ke compiled some of the notable reactions:

@_FaridKhan asserted:

“Better than Mbappe.”

@Miss_Jasmine_1 extolled:

“Best striker in the world right now… no one comes close.”

@ChanceDaMayor remarked:

“Lewandowski setting his own records. Better than Mbappe.”

@scolaridaniels celebrated:

“Best striker super, man warrior.”

@Gemedia_ wrapped up the sentiment, simply stating:

“He is him.”

Lewandowski’s performance reminds fans that, even at 36, his instinct in front of goal remains as sharp as ever, proving crucial to Barcelona’s ambitions on Europe’s grandest stage.

Lewandowski equals Messi’s La Liga record

A previous report by TUKO.co.ke highlighted that Robert Lewandowski continues to display remarkable scoring consistency, keeping pace with Lionel Messi’s records.

After scoring against Valladolid, Lewandowski reached four goals in his first four league matches, a milestone last achieved by Messi.

Lewandowski chooses between Messi and Ronaldo

In a related report, TUKO.co.ke noted that Robert Lewandowski offered a unique perspective on the enduring Messi-Ronaldo debate.

Despite fans keeping the rivalry alive as both stars approach the end of their careers, Lewandowski avoided choosing between them.

Instead, in 2021, he playfully suggested himself as the best.

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Back in form! Ronaldo scores as Al-Nassr clinch Asian Champions League win

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Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with his teammates after ending his three-game scoreless streak. Photo by Abdullah Ahmed. Source: UGC
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  • Cristiano Ronaldo brought his mini-goal drought to a halt as Al-Nassr steamrolled past Al Ain in the AFC Champions League
  • Single strikes from Wesley and the Portuguese phenom, an own goal from Fabio Cardoso and a brace from Anderson Talisca sealed a 5-1 win
  • The comprehensive victory maintains Al-Nassr’s unbeaten run in the Asian equivalent of the UEFA Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo ended his three-game goal drought in style, leading Al-Nassr to a commanding win over Al Ain in the AFC Champions League.

The 5-1 victory carried a sense of redemption as Al-Nassr avenged last season’s heartbreaking semi-final loss to the Emirati side.

Ronaldo fires Al-Nassr to a thumping win

Desperate to halt a frustrating three-match winless streak, the Knights of Najd were quick to seize control.

Within five minutes of play, the home side set the tone, and it was former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan who sparked the attack, surging through Al Ain’s midfield before finding Anderson Talisca.

https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/1853890089816097113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853890089816097113%7Ctwgr%5E49163fc34472beb877f687ae94897f69f25a446a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuko.co.ke%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F568029-cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-goal-drought-powers-al-nassr-champions-league-win%2F

According to Goal, Talisca, in top form during Ronaldo’s scoring lull, capitalised with a composed finish, giving Al-Nassr an early lead that thrilled coach Stefano Pioli.

Ronaldo’s goal spurs eventual victory

Building on this momentum, Al-Nassr pressed for more, and by the half-hour mark, their persistence paid off.

Ronaldo showcased his instincts by reacting first to a fierce shot that Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa parried into his path, allowing the Portuguese forward to finish with ease.

https://twitter.com/TheNassrZone/status/1853870198337454446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853870198337454446%7Ctwgr%5E49163fc34472beb877f687ae94897f69f25a446a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuko.co.ke%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F568029-cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-goal-drought-powers-al-nassr-champions-league-win%2F

Just six minutes later, Al-Nassr struck again with a quick one-two exchange between Wesley and Sadio Mane.

Wesley’s powerful strike deflected off an Al Ain defender, adding a touch of fortune to Al-Nassr’s already dominant lead.

https://twitter.com/TheNassrZone/status/1853869598224818283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853869598224818283%7Ctwgr%5E49163fc34472beb877f687ae94897f69f25a446a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuko.co.ke%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F568029-cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-goal-drought-powers-al-nassr-champions-league-win%2F

Though Al Ain struggled to keep up, they managed a consolation goal courtesy of a Bento own goal, giving them a glimmer of pride amid Al-Nassr’s offensive onslaught.

https://twitter.com/TheNassrZone/status/1853879985645232322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1853879985645232322%7Ctwgr%5E49163fc34472beb877f687ae94897f69f25a446a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuko.co.ke%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F568029-cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-goal-drought-powers-al-nassr-champions-league-win%2F

Despite Al Ain’s attempts to rally in the closing stages, it was Brazilian pair Wesley and Talisca who capped off the night with an 81st-minute strike and a stoppage-time goal, securing a comprehensive 5-1 victory for Al-Nassr, per Daily Sports.

Ronaldo’s 1st penalty miss in Saudi costs Al-Nassr

In an earlier publication, Ekwutosblog reported that Cristiano Ronaldo played a central role in Al-Nassr’s exit from the Saudi King’s Cup.

The 39-year-old missed a last-minute penalty, resulting in a narrow loss to Al Taawoun, which ended the Knights of Najd’s cup run.

Ronaldo develops new way of dealing with ‘Messi’ chants

In an earlier report, Ekwutosblog shared that Cristiano Ronaldo faced taunts from opposing fans attempting to provoke him during the Riyadh Derby on November 1.

Known for enduring chants of “Messi” from rival fans, the 39-year-old seems to have developed a more composed response to these provocations, demonstrating a mature approach to handling the gestures.

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