Football

In the heart of football-obsessed Brazil, a unique educational initiative is transforming classrooms into virtual soccer pitches, inspiring young minds to academic excellence. The Vini Jr Institute, founded by Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, has launched an innovative app that harnesses the power of football to enhance learning in underprivileged communities.At the Visconde de Sepetiba municipal school in Sao Goncalo, Vinicius's birthplace, students are immersed in a gamified learning environment. Perched on football-patterned cushions on artificial grass floors, they engage with educational content on tablets and smartphones using the Vini Jr Institute app."I learn better when I use the app," says 11-year-old Ana Clara da Silva. "It's easier, it looks like a game."The app, designed as a supplement to traditional teaching, provides each student with a personalized account that tracks their progress. Questions are presented in a playful, football-inspired manner, covering subjects such as mathematics, Portuguese, and science."Each school year is a 'season,' and each subject is a 'match,'" explains Victor Oliveira, executive manager of the Vini Jr Institute. "The avatar 'Vinizinho Jr' celebrates each correct answer as if it were a goal."Beyond academic support, the institute also tackles the pervasive issue of racism in Brazil. It has developed an anti-racism training manual and provided instruction to teachers on the subject."He is very important to all of us," says Ana Clara about Vinicius. "I'm glad he never gives up. And because his voice reaches a wide audience, he can fight for us."The Vini Jr Institute, initially funded by Vinicius himself, has expanded its reach with the support of sponsors. By the end of this year, it aims to reach 30 schools, benefiting over 4,500 students and 500 teachers.

Barcelona's Champions League resurgence continued on Tuesday as they secured a 3-1 victory over Napoli at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 4-2 aggregate score.The Catalan giants, who had been eliminated in the group stage for the past two years, took an early lead through Fermín López's 15th-minute strike. João Cancelo doubled their advantage just two minutes later, capitalizing on a rebound from Raphinha's shot.Napoli responded with a goal from Amir Rrahmani in the 30th minute, but Barcelona regained control in the second half. Robert Lewandowski sealed the win in the 83rd minute, tapping in a cross from substitute Sergi Roberto.The victory marks Barcelona's first Champions League quarterfinal appearance since 2019-20 and provides a much-needed boost to their season. The club has struggled domestically, being eliminated from the Copa del Rey and trailing Real Madrid by seven points in La Liga.Coach Xavi Hernández praised his team's performance, saying, "We have been criticized unfairly, and today we showed that this team is prepared to compete in Europe. We are among the best eight teams in Europe. We have to enjoy it."Barcelona's victory also has financial implications, as the club has been facing financial difficulties in recent years. The extra income from reaching the quarterfinals will provide a much-needed boost.The Catalan club has now extended its unbeaten streak against Napoli to six matches in all competitions. They will face a tough test in the quarterfinals, but their recent form suggests they are capable of challenging for the title.

Arsenal's 14-year wait for a Champions League quarterfinal berth has come to an end, thanks to a heroic performance from goalkeeper David Raya in a penalty shootout victory over Porto.Raya's heroics in the shootout, where he saved two penalties, secured a 4-2 win after the match ended 1-1 on aggregate. Arsenal had trailed 1-0 from the first leg in Portugal, but Leandro Trossard's goal in the 41st minute leveled the tie.Despite extra time, neither side could find a winning goal, leading to the penalty shootout. Arsenal's Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice all converted their spot kicks, setting the stage for Raya's decisive save.Raya's performance was a vindication for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who had faced criticism for his decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale as the club's No. 1 goalkeeper. "It's a great feeling for me personally," Raya said. "We've worked a lot on penalties this year, and all the hard work has paid off."Arsenal's victory marks a significant milestone for the club, which had endured seven straight round-of-16 losses under Arsene Wenger. It also gives Arteta a chance to achieve what Wenger never could: winning the Champions League."We're starting to create an unbelievable energy in the stadium," Arteta said. "We were all pushing to get it done, and together we have done it."Porto, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have come so close to reaching the quarterfinals. The Portuguese side had defended resolutely throughout the match, but Raya's heroics proved too much to overcome.

The Indian Super League (ISL) is a highly competitive league where fortunes can change rapidly. Last year, Kerala Blasters pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Kolkata. Days later, Bagan sacked its coach Juan Ferrando and brought back Antonio Habas, the league's most successful coach.Now, Kerala Blasters and Mohun Bagan are set to face off again at the Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. The Kolkata giant is a different beast under Habas, having won four of its last five games and amassing 36 points. Meanwhile, the Blasters have won just one of their last five matches and sit fifth in the standings with 29 points."It will not be an easy game because Bagan is one of the best teams in the league," said Ivan Vukomanovic, Blasters head coach. "It's true we won against them but it was a different energy back then in Kolkata. Now, it's different because they changed the energy with new coaching staff and a different approach."Vukomanovic emphasized the importance of focus and determination in such high-stakes matches. "At the top level, when you play big games, it's about one moment, one small detail, one small mistake that can solve the game," he said. "I think the boys should enjoy the fight tomorrow, show their best face and try to get a positive result."The Blasters will need to be at their best to overcome a formidable Bagan side. The Kolkata team has a strong defense, led by goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya, and a potent attack featuring Liston Colaco and Hugo Boumous.The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Blasters will be looking to upset the odds and secure a crucial victory, while Bagan will be aiming to continue their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the table.

Manchester City's title hopes have been dealt a significant blow with the news that goalkeeper Ederson is set to miss a crucial clash against Arsenal in the Premier League title race due to a thigh injury. The Brazilian goalkeeper sustained the injury during City's 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Sunday, when he conceded a penalty after colliding with Darwin Nunez. Ederson remained on the field for the resulting spot-kick, which Alexis Mac Allister scored to cancel out John Stones' opener, but was forced to be substituted soon after by Stefan Ortega.The injury is a major setback for City, who are just one point behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League standings. The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium on March 31, and Ederson's absence will be a significant boost to Mikel Arteta's side.Ederson is also set to miss Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at home to Newcastle and Brazil's upcoming international friendlies against England and Spain. The injury is expected to keep him out for up to a month, which means he could also miss City's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich on April 5.Stefan Ortega, who replaced Ederson against Liverpool, is expected to start in goal for City in the coming weeks. The German goalkeeper has impressed since joining City from Arminia Bielefeld in the summer, and he will be keen to prove his worth in Ederson's absence.City will be hoping that Ederson can return to action as soon as possible, as they face a crucial period in their season. The Premier League title race is finely poised, and City will need to be at their best to overcome Arsenal's challenge. They will also be hoping to make a deep run in the Champions League, and Ederson's experience and quality will be vital if they are to achieve their goals.

The Premier League title race is heating up with just 10 matchdays remaining, as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City battle it out for the coveted trophy.Arsenal currently sit atop the standings, but Liverpool and City are hot on their heels, separated by just one point. The Gunners have not won the league since 2004, while Liverpool are desperate to give Jurgen Klopp a fitting farewell in his final season at the helm. Manchester City, on the other hand, are aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title triumph.The 2023-24 season has been a rollercoaster ride, with five teams vying for the title at one point. However, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have since fallen out of contention, leaving the race to the top three.Arsenal's title hopes were boosted by their 2-1 victory over Brentford, while Liverpool and City played out a 1-1 draw at Anfield, keeping the title race wide open.Liverpool's motivation is fueled by Klopp's impending departure. The German has transformed the Reds into a formidable force, winning the Premier League in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019. His players are determined to give him a memorable send-off.Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, are aiming to make history by becoming the first team to win four consecutive Premier League titles. No team has achieved this feat in the history of English football.The title race is expected to go down to the wire, with all three teams having plenty to play for. Arsenal are desperate to end their title drought, Liverpool want to give Klopp a perfect farewell, and City are eyeing a historic achievement.Fans can expect a thrilling and unpredictable finish to the season, with the title likely to be decided by the finest of margins.

Chelsea's 3-2 victory over Newcastle on Monday provided a much-needed respite for manager Mauricio Pochettino, who had faced mounting pressure from fans. The win propelled the Blues back into contention for European football next season.Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring for Chelsea within six minutes, flicking in Cole Palmer's shot. However, Newcastle fought back and equalized through Alexander Isak's low finish just before halftime.Palmer restored Chelsea's lead in the second half with a powerful effort, while Mykhailo Mudryk, who has struggled since joining the club, added a third goal with a blistering run and finish. Jacob Murphy's late strike set up a nervy finish, but Chelsea held on for the victory.The win moves Chelsea up to 11th in the Premier League table, just four points behind West Ham in seventh, which would secure a place in the Europa Conference League. Newcastle, meanwhile, remain in 10th place, one point ahead of Chelsea.Pochettino's position had come under scrutiny after a difficult first season in charge, including a League Cup final defeat to Liverpool. However, the win over Newcastle provided some promising signs, with several of his young recruits showing glimpses of their potential.Jackson has now scored 12 goals in his debut season, while Palmer has contributed 11 Premier League goals. Mudryk, despite his struggles, showed his quality with a decisive goal.The pressure remains on Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, whose team has failed to build on last season's fourth-place finish. The Magpies have now lost 12 games this season, leaving them just one point above Chelsea in the table.

Cristiano Ronaldo's debut in the Asian Champions League ended in disappointment as his new club, Al-Nassr, was eliminated in the quarterfinals on Monday. Despite a valiant effort in the second leg, Al-Nassr fell short in a penalty shootout against Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates.Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January on a lucrative contract, scored a penalty in the 118th minute to level the aggregate score at 4-4. However, he was the only home player to convert in the shootout, as Al-Ain prevailed 3-1.Al-Nassr had responded to a 1-0 first-leg defeat by winning the return match 4-3 in Riyadh. Soufiane Rahimi, who scored the only goal in the first leg, gave Al-Ain a 3-0 advantage overall with two goals in the first half.But Al-Nassr fought back, with Abdulrahman Ghareeb and an own goal from Al-Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa bringing the hosts level. Alex Telles then scored with 18 minutes remaining to force extra time.Al-Ain regained the lead through Sultan Al Shamsi, but Ronaldo's penalty kept Al-Nassr's hopes alive. In the shootout, however, Marcelo Brozovic, Telles, and Otavio all failed to score, handing Al-Ain a place in the semifinals.Ronaldo, who missed several chances in regulation, expressed his frustration after the match. "I'm disappointed with the result," he said. "We had our chances, but we didn't take them. We have to learn from this and come back stronger."Al-Ain will face another Saudi Arabian team, Al-Hilal, in the semifinals. Al-Hilal holds a 2-0 lead over two-time champion Al-Ittihad heading into their second leg on Tuesday.In the eastern zone, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Ulsan HD meet on Tuesday. The South Korean teams are 1-1 after the first leg. Yokohama F.Marinios of Japan has a 2-1 advantage over China's Shandong Taishan in the other quarter.

Christian Pulisic's solitary strike propelled AC Milan to second place in Serie A with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Empoli on Sunday. The American winger's deflected effort proved decisive, as Milan extended their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions.Pulisic's goal came in the 79th minute, when his shot took a fortunate deflection off Empoli defender Sebastiano Luperto and nestled into the net. The 25-year-old has now scored 10 goals in all competitions for Milan since joining from Chelsea last summer."It's a good feeling, it was good for us to get the three points," Pulisic said after the match. "It wasn't a nice goal, it was a bit lucky but at the end of the day we take it."Milan's victory moved them 16 points behind league leaders Inter Milan, who defeated Bologna on Saturday. Stefano Pioli's side will now turn their attention to Thursday's Europa League last-16 return leg against Slavia Prague, where they hold a 4-2 lead from the first leg.Meanwhile, Juventus' poor form continued as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Atalanta. Teun Koopmeiners scored twice for the visitors, while Andrea Cambiaso and Arkadiusz Milik netted for Juve.The result left Juve a point behind Milan in third place and six points adrift of fourth-placed Bologna. Massimiliano Allegri's side have now picked up just six points from their last seven matches, casting doubt on their title hopes."We played well against a good team... we've gained a point on Bologna and Atalanta are now 11 points behind us," Allegri said. "Our aim is to finish in the top four. I can't criticise the team, it was a tricky atmosphere at half-time and they reacted well. The effort has never been lacking."Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta remain sixth, four points behind Bologna. They were denied a victory by Diego Llorente's last-gasp equalizer for Roma in Florence.Llorente's goal came in the fifth minute of stoppage time, after goalkeeper Mile Svilar had saved Cristiano Biraghi's penalty in the 81st minute. Roma had been on a high after hammering Brighton in the Europa League on Thursday, but goals from Luca Ranieri and Rolando Mandragora had Fiorentina deservedly ahead until Llorente struck.Svilar's crucial save meant that Fiorentina have failed to score from the penalty spot four times this Serie A season. "All those players you've seen miss are penalty takers," said Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano. "We can't do any more than work on them in training and taking them when they come along."Lecce remain level on points with Empoli in 15th after being beaten 1-0 at home by Verona. However, the biggest story from that match was coach Roberto D'Aversa's headbutt on Verona striker Thomas Henry. D'Aversa later admitted to Sky Sport that his behavior was "inexcusable."