Football

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) extended their lead atop the French Ligue 1 standings to six points on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lens. The defending champions' triumph was secured by an early goal from Ousmane Dembélé, who has been in impressive form since returning from injury.Dembélé's strike came in the fourth minute when he received a low cross from Bradley Barcola and slotted the ball into the back of the net. Barcola has been PSG's standout attacking player this season, and his assist for Dembélé's goal was a testament to his growing influence in the team.PSG dominated possession throughout the match but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Lens, on the other hand, defended resolutely and had a few opportunities of their own. However, they were unable to find an equalizer, and PSG held on for a narrow victory.The win was particularly important for PSG as it came just days before their crucial Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid. Dembélé's return to form is a major boost for coach Luis Enrique, who has been under pressure to improve the team's attacking output.Despite their victory, PSG will be disappointed not to have scored more goals. They had several chances to extend their lead, but they were unable to capitalize on them. Lens, meanwhile, will be encouraged by their performance and will believe they can challenge for a top-half finish this season.

Newcastle United dealt a significant blow to Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations on Saturday, securing a crucial 1-0 victory at St James' Park. The result handed Manchester City the opportunity to extend their lead at the summit to eight points.Alexander Isak emerged as the hero for Newcastle, heading home Anthony Gordon's precise cross in the 12th minute. Arsenal, despite dominating possession, struggled to create clear-cut chances and managed only one shot on target throughout the match.Mikel Arteta's side has now accumulated just one point from their last three outings, casting doubt on their title challenge. If Manchester City prevails against Bournemouth later on Saturday, they will establish an eight-point advantage over the Gunners.Arsenal's title hopes have been dented by injuries, and their performance against Newcastle highlighted their current struggles. The visitors started brightly but were quickly outplayed by a determined Newcastle side.Isak's goal proved decisive, and Arsenal's attempts to equalize were thwarted by a resolute Newcastle defense. Arteta's decision to make no changes at halftime backfired, as Newcastle nearly doubled their lead through Joe Willock.The introduction of Ethan Nwaneri and Oleksandr Zinchenko failed to spark Arsenal, and Isak continued to threaten the Arsenal goal. Arteta's late substitutions, including Ben White and Gabriel Jesus, proved ineffective as Arsenal squandered a golden opportunity to equalize in stoppage time.Newcastle's victory lifts them to eighth in the table, while Arsenal's title aspirations hang in the balance. The Gunners face a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, including a Champions League clash with Inter Milan and a Premier League encounter with Chelsea.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), a prominent Indian football club, has received recognition from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for its withdrawal from the AFC Champions League 2 match against Tractor FC in Iran last month. The club cited concerns over player safety and security amidst the volatile situation in the West Asian nation.The AFC initially withdrew MBSG from the tournament pending a decision on the matter. However, after reviewing the club's appeal, the AFC Competitions Committee has now acknowledged the force majeure event. This means that MBSG will not face any penalties under clause 5.7 of the AFC Champions League 2 Competition Regulations.However, as per clauses 5.5 and 5.6 of the regulations, MBSG remains withdrawn from the tournament for the ongoing season. The club was scheduled to face Tractor FC on October 2 in a Group A match of the ACL, the continent's second-tier club competition.MBSG's decision to withdraw was prompted by the players' reluctance to travel to Iran following the death of a prominent general of the Revolutionary Guard in an Israeli air strike. The situation escalated with Iran launching missiles on Israel, heightening political tensions between the two countries.The AFC had previously rescheduled matches across its tournaments due to the security situation in Iran. However, MBSG accused the continental football body of "unequal treatment" after it was withdrawn from competitions while other matches were rescheduled.The recognition of MBSG's force majeure event by the AFC is a significant development. It acknowledges the club's concerns for player safety and security and ensures that it will not face any penalties for its withdrawal. However, MBSG's withdrawal from the tournament for the ongoing season remains a disappointment for the club and its fans.

Erik ten Hag, the former Manchester United manager, has expressed his gratitude to the club's fans and staff following his departure. Ten Hag was sacked on Friday after a disappointing start to the season, with Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim appointed as his permanent successor.During his two-year tenure at Old Trafford, Ten Hag guided United to victory in the League Cup final and a third-place finish in the Premier League in 2023. He also led the team to FA Cup glory against Manchester City in his second season. However, United's eighth-place finish in the league last season and a poor start to the current campaign ultimately cost Ten Hag his job.In a statement released by his representatives, Ten Hag thanked the fans for their unwavering support. "Thank you for always being there for the club," he said. "Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable."Ten Hag also praised the atmosphere at Old Trafford, which he described as "electrifying." "I felt it many times," he said. "Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents' stadiums."The Dutchman also expressed his gratitude to the club's staff for their support. "I would like to thank all the staff at the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad," he said.Ten Hag admitted that he had hoped to bring more trophies to United. "Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet," he said. "Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end."Despite his departure, Ten Hag wished United fans nothing but success in the future. "I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies, and glory," he said. "Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life."

East Bengal FC secured their place in the knockout stage of the AFC Challenge League 2024-25 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nejmeh SC of Lebanon in their final Group A match. The Indian Super League side finished as group winners with seven points, having previously defeated Bashundhara Kings and drawn with Paro FC.Dimitrios Diamantakos was the hero for East Bengal, scoring a brace to lead his team to victory. The Greek striker opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Nejmeh defender Baba Musah inadvertently headed a corner kick into his own net. Diamantakos doubled East Bengal's advantage in the 15th minute, tapping home a low cross from Mahesh Naorem.Nejmeh fought back to level the match before halftime, with goals from Collins Opare and Hussein Monzer. However, East Bengal regained the lead in the 77th minute when Diamantakos converted a penalty after Madih Talal was brought down in the box.Despite Nejmeh's efforts to mount another comeback, East Bengal held on to secure the win and top spot in the group. The Indian side will now await their quarter-final opponents, which will be determined after the completion of all AFC Challenge League group stage fixtures.The victory was a significant achievement for East Bengal, who are making their debut in the AFC Challenge League. The Indian Super League outfit will be hoping to continue their impressive run in the knockout stage and make a deep run in the competition.

Bengaluru FC, the reigning Indian Super League (ISL) champions, will face a struggling FC Goa in a crucial match at the Fatorda stadium on Saturday. BFC, currently atop the standings with 16 points, has been in impressive form, winning five matches and drawing one. Their defensive solidity has been a key factor, conceding just once in six games.In contrast, FC Goa has endured a disappointing start to the season, languishing in 10th place with only six points. Manolo Marquez's men have managed just one win in their three home games, leaving them desperate for a turnaround.BFC will be confident of extending Goa's misery, especially after their impressive 3-1 victory away at Kerala Blasters. "Last season, we were mid-table and fought against the top teams. This year we are on top and everyone wants to beat us. It feels good," said BFC coach Gerard Zaragoza ahead of the tie.For Goa, the BFC fixture presents a golden opportunity to kickstart a revival. The astute Marquez, despite being without the injured duo of Borja Herrera and Rowllin Borges, remains optimistic. "We are playing better than last season," said the Spaniard. "But we have not been consistent. It is a good moment to play BFC because we need to show that we can beat the strongest."The match promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams with contrasting fortunes. BFC will be looking to maintain their dominance at the top of the table, while Goa will be desperate to end their winless streak and climb up the standings.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is nearing his return to action after a two-month absence due to an ankle injury. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Odegaard is in the final stages of his recovery and could be available for the upcoming Champions League clash against Inter Milan on Wednesday.Odegaard sustained the injury while playing for Norway in a Nations League match in September. His absence has been a significant blow to Arsenal, who have struggled for creativity and leadership in his absence.Arteta praised Odegaard's work ethic and determination during his rehabilitation. "He's physically now at the level required to compete," Arteta said. "With the work rate and hours he has put in, I'd be surprised that the moment he starts training with us; he looks ready. Hopefully, soon."The Norwegian midfielder's return will be a major boost for Arsenal, who are currently third in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Manchester City. The Gunners have collected just one point from their last two games and will be eager to get back to winning ways against Newcastle United on Saturday.However, Arteta ruled out Odegaard's involvement in the Newcastle game, stating that he needs more time to regain full fitness. "He's not ready to play against Newcastle," Arteta said. "We'll see how he deals with pain and if his movement is natural enough."Left-back Riccardo Calafiori will also miss the Newcastle game due to injury, while defender Gabriel is expected to be available if he trains well on Friday.

Diego Maradona's Legacy to Live On with Memorial Site and FoundationThe legacy of football legend Diego Maradona will continue to inspire generations to come, as his children have announced the launch of a foundation and the creation of a memorial site in his honor.The "M10 Memorial" is scheduled to open in 2025 in the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 1,000-square-meter site will be a place for fans to pay tribute to the iconic player and learn about his life and career."We want our father to be close to the love of the people, and to grant the wish of all those who want to bring him a flower," said Maradona's daughter, Dalma.Access to the memorial will be free for Argentines, while donations to the Maradona Foundation will allow visitors to place their photo on a "heritage wall." The foundation, chaired by Dalma and four of Maradona's other children, aims to preserve his legacy and support charitable causes.The memorial site will also house Maradona's remains, which were recently transferred from a cemetery to a mausoleum. This will allow locals and tourists to visit the resting place of "Argentina's great idol."Maradona, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 60, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His exceptional skills and charismatic personality left an indelible mark on the sport.The memorial site and foundation will serve as a testament to Maradona's enduring legacy and the love and admiration he continues to inspire.

Lazio and Roma emerged victorious in their respective Serie A matches on Thursday, with Lazio crushing Como 5-1 and Roma edging out Torino 1-0.Lazio's Argentine striker Valentin Castellanos stole the show with a brace, including a penalty conversion and a clinical finish in the 81st minute. Spaniards Pedro and Patric added to the tally, while French under-21 striker Loum Tchaouna sealed the rout with his first goal for the club.Roma, under fire after a 5-1 defeat to Fiorentina last weekend, found some respite with a narrow win over Torino. Paulo Dybala, playing as a "false nine," broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, rounding the goalkeeper to slot home from a tight angle.Despite being booed by their own fans before the match, Roma's tactics paid off as they held on for the victory. Former Torino boss Ivan Juric, who joined Roma in September, will be relieved to have bought some time with this result.In the day's early match, Fiorentina continued their impressive form with a 1-0 victory at Genoa. German defender Robin Gosens scored against the run of play late in the second half, while former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea pulled off several crucial saves to earn the man of the match award.