Football

Chennaiyin FC and Hyderabad FC, languishing at the bottom of the Indian Super League standings, face off in a crucial encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. With just six matches remaining in the regular season, both teams are desperate for a victory to boost their playoff hopes.Chennaiyin, currently 11th with 20 points from 18 games, has a slight edge over Hyderabad, who are 12th with 17 points. A win for Owen Coyle's men would take them to 21 points and within touching distance of the sixth spot.Coyle, however, is wary of the threat posed by Hyderabad, despite their winless record this season. "This is the most dangerous game of the season," he said. "Hyderabad is not going to hand us anything. They've got nothing to lose and they'll play with that freedom."Chennaiyin has struggled for goals this season, scoring just 18 in 18 matches. Coyle acknowledges the need for improvement in front of goal. "Yes, we can be far more clinical," he said. "I think we missed more big chances than many teams in the league. But the good thing is that we are creating chances. I'd be more worried if we were not creating chances."Hyderabad, on the other hand, has a daunting task ahead of them. They have yet to win a game this season and are without the services of suspended skipper Joao Victor and Mark Zothanpuia. However, young coach Thangboi Singto remains optimistic."We have been working hard and we are confident that we can get a result in Chennai," he said. "We know it will be difficult, but we are up for the challenge."The match promises to be a tense and exciting affair, with both teams desperate for a victory. Chennaiyin will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and improve their goal-scoring record, while Hyderabad will be hoping to break their winless streak and boost their playoff hopes.

Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise upon Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, labeling him as the "outstanding manager" of his lifetime. The Liverpool boss made these remarks ahead of the highly anticipated clash between the two teams at Anfield on Sunday, a match that could potentially shape the outcome of the Premier League title race.Klopp acknowledged Guardiola's exceptional achievements, particularly his team's pursuit of a second consecutive treble of Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup. He highlighted Guardiola's versatility and adaptability, showcasing his ability to implement different strategies and tactics with great success.Despite Liverpool's positive head-to-head record against Guardiola's City, Klopp remains cautious and refuses to underestimate the challenge ahead. He emphasized the importance of playing at home, where Liverpool has a formidable record against City, but cautioned against prematurely declaring the match as a title decider.Klopp also addressed comments made by Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who suggested that trophies hold greater significance for Liverpool than for City. Klopp expressed understanding for Alexander-Arnold's perspective, citing his deep-rooted connection to the club and its values. He emphasized that Liverpool's motto, "This Means More," reflects the club's unique identity and the profound emotional attachment its supporters have to the team.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has sparked speculation about the club's transfer plans for next season, responding coyly to a fan's request to sign Kylian Mbappe and Alphonso Davies.Mbappe, the French superstar, is widely expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with Real Madrid reportedly his preferred destination. The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Spanish giants for several years, and his contract with PSG expires at the end of the season.In a video that has gone viral on social media, a fan asked Perez to sign Mbappe and Davies, saying, "You have to bring Davies and Mbappe - with them, we are going to win everything."Perez, known for his enigmatic nature, responded with a mischievous smile, "Who is Mbappe? Who is Davies?"PSG manager Luis Enrique has hinted that the club is preparing for life without Mbappe, who has been substituted before full-time in recent Ligue 1 matches. However, Mbappe played the full 90 minutes in PSG's Champions League victory over Real Sociedad, scoring a brace to help his team reach the quarterfinals.Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier Tebas has claimed that Real Madrid are "99% likely" to sign Mbappe. "Knowing that he is leaving PSG, there is a 99% chance that Mbappe will sign for Real," Tebas said.Alphonso Davies, the Bayern Munich left-back, is another player linked with a move to Real Madrid. The Canadian international is reportedly looking to leave the German champions, and Real Madrid are seen as the frontrunners to sign him.With Ferland Mendy's future at Real Madrid uncertain, Davies could be seen as a potential replacement at left-back. The 22-year-old is one of the most promising young defenders in the world, and his arrival would bolster Real Madrid's squad significantly.

Inter Miami's star-studded trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets played a pivotal role in their hard-fought 2-2 draw against Nashville FC in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 clash.Nashville dominated the first half, with Jacob Shaffelburg scoring a brace in the 4th and 46th minutes. However, Miami's fortunes changed in the second half as Messi and Suarez showcased their brilliance.In the 52nd minute, Suarez set up Messi just outside the Nashville box. The Argentine maestro used his trademark left foot to curl the ball past the goalkeeper, marking his first-ever CONCACAF goal.As the match entered injury time, Busquets delivered a pinpoint cross to Suarez, who headed home the equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time.Despite Nashville's strong start, Miami controlled the ball for much of the second half. However, coach Tata Martino acknowledged that his team's lack of intensity in the opening minutes of each half could have cost them the game.Nashville coach Gary Smith praised the intelligence and skill of Messi, Busquets, and Suarez, saying, "It's a completely different level of intelligence from the likes of Lionel Messi and Busquets and Suárez. Completely different level."The second leg of the tie will be played in Miami on March 15th, with Inter Miami needing a win or a draw with more than two goals to advance to the quarterfinals.

Liverpool and Manchester City, the two titans of English football, will clash in a pivotal Premier League encounter on Sunday. This match could potentially shape the destiny of the title race, as both teams seek to gain an advantage in the final stretch of the season.Jurgen Klopp's decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the campaign has added an emotional layer to this rivalry. Pep Guardiola, his counterpart at City, has expressed his admiration for Klopp, acknowledging the German's impact on his own career. The two managers have faced off 15 times in the Premier League, with Guardiola holding a slight edge in victories. However, Liverpool's dominance at Anfield remains a challenge for City, who have not won away to their rivals since 2003.Meanwhile, Arsenal, who are currently third in the standings, have a chance to move into first place temporarily if they defeat Brentford on Saturday. The Gunners have been in impressive form, winning their last seven league matches. However, Declan Rice, Arsenal's midfielder, has warned that his team cannot afford any slip-ups in their pursuit of the title.Aston Villa, who are fourth in the table, will face Tottenham on Sunday in a crucial match for both sides' Champions League aspirations. Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, have emerged as a surprise contender for a top-four finish. A victory over Tottenham would strengthen their position and keep their European dreams alive.

Igor Stimac, India's head coach, has expressed his preference for Kolkata as the venue for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6. Stimac believes that the city's passionate football atmosphere would provide a significant advantage for the Indian team.The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata has a capacity of over 66,000, and Stimac is eager to utilize the potential of a large and enthusiastic crowd to boost India's chances of securing a berth in the third round of the 2026 qualifiers. A victory or draw against Kuwait would mark a historic achievement for India, as it would be their first-ever progression to the third round.Stimac's preference for Kolkata aligns with the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) policy of prioritizing the head coach's recommendations for national team matters. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has emphasized that Stimac's suggestions will be paramount in decision-making.While Kolkata remains the frontrunner, Hyderabad and a venue in Maharashtra are also in contention to host the match. However, Stimac has indicated that he would prefer to explore new venues only after India qualifies for the third round.In the event that Kolkata is unable to host the game, Stimac has identified Bengaluru as an alternative venue. India recently triumphed in the SAFF Championship in Bengaluru, and Stimac believes that the city's positive football environment would be beneficial for the team.Stimac has also announced a long list of 35 probables for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan on March 21 and 26. The list includes several new faces, such as Amey Ranawade, Imran Khan, Isak Vanlalruatfela, and Jay Gupta.The probables list will be pruned after the Indian Super League pauses for the international break on March 14. Stimac has stated that he may consider adding new players to the squad for the June qualifiers, which include an away game against Qatar.Stimac emphasized that the rebuilding process for the Indian team will begin after the 2024 Asian Cup. He believes that it is crucial to maintain continuity with the players who have been part of the squad for the past four years.

Liverpool took a commanding step towards the Europa League quarterfinals with a resounding 5-1 victory over Sparta Prague on Thursday. Darwin Nunez starred for the Reds, scoring twice to help secure a comfortable first-leg advantage.Nunez opened the scoring in the sixth minute, converting a penalty after Alexis Mac Allister was fouled in the area. The Uruguayan international doubled Liverpool's lead in the 25th minute with a stunning right-footed shot from distance.Sparta Prague pulled one back through an own goal by Conor Bradley, but Nunez restored Liverpool's three-goal advantage just before halftime. Luis Díaz extended the lead further in the second half, before Dominik Szoboszlai scored a consolation goal for the hosts in stoppage time.Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp praised his team's performance, saying, "Our goals were fantastic." He also welcomed the return of Mohamed Salah, who came on as a substitute in the 74th minute.In other Europa League action, Bayer Leverkusen extended their unbeaten run to 35 games across all competitions with a 2-2 draw at Qarabag. Roma continued their resurgence under coach Daniele De Rossi with a 4-0 thumping of Brighton, while Marseille beat 10-man Villarreal 4-0.AC Milan took control of their tie against Slavia Prague with a 3-1 victory at San Siro, while Freiburg secured a 1-0 home win over West Ham. Benfica salvaged a 2-2 draw at Rangers, while Aston Villa held Ajax 0-0 in Amsterdam.In the Europa Conference League, Lille recorded a 3-0 victory at Sturm Graz, Maccabi Tel Aviv won 4-1 at Olympiacos, and Molde beat Club Brugge 2-1. Fiorentina secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Maccabi Haifa, while Fenerbahce won 3-0 at Union Saint-Gilloise.

Goa's resilience shone through as they staged a remarkable comeback from a goal down to defeat Manipur 2-1 in extra time, securing their 14th appearance in the Santosh Trophy final.The match began with a high tempo, with both teams creating early chances. However, it was Manipur who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Ngangbam Pacha Singh unleashed a stunning strike from 30 yards that left Goa goalkeeper Antonio Dylan Inacio da Silva rooted to the spot.Goa's hopes seemed to dwindle as Manipur employed a high press that stifled their passing game. However, the Goan team refused to give up and fought back valiantly. Deep into injury time, Necio Maristo Fernandes produced a moment of brilliance, acrobatically back-volleying the ball into the goal from inside the box to send the game into extra time.In extra time, Manipur came out strong, but Goa remained resolute and looked to hit on the counter. With just four minutes remaining on the clock, Fernandes struck again, running onto a low center from the right and poking the ball in from close range.The match ended in a flurry of red cards as tempers flared. Manipur head coach Thangjam Saran Singh and a team staff member were dismissed just after Goa's second goal, while substitute Sushilkumar Singh was sent off in the sixth minute of injury time in extra time.Goa's victory sets up a thrilling final against Services, who defeated Mizoram 2-1 in the other semifinal. The Goan team will be aiming to add to their record-breaking 13 Santosh Trophy titles, while Services will be looking to claim their first title since 2012.

Lionel Messi's global influence extends far beyond the realm of football, as evidenced by a remarkable incident involving a 90-year-old woman in Israel. Ester Cunio, a resident of Kibbutz Nir Oz, found herself facing armed intruders who stormed her home. Amidst the chaos, Cunio's mention of Messi's name proved to be a life-saving intervention.The gunmen demanded information about Cunio's family, but she claimed to have limited Hebrew proficiency and spoke in Argentine Spanish. In an interview with Fuente Latina, Cunio recounted the encounter: "I told him not to talk to me because I didn't understand his language. The Arab language, and I speak poor Hebrew. I speak Argentinian Spanish, so he asks what Argentina is. Then I tell him, 'do you watch football?' He said he liked it and I told him I am from Messi's country."To Cunio's astonishment, the gunman expressed admiration for Messi and placed his arm on her shoulder. He handed her his gun and instructed her to make the peace sign, which was captured in a photograph. Cunio expressed her hope that Messi would see the image and assist in the release of her abducted grandchildren, David and Ariel.Messi's impact transcends sports, serving as a symbol of peace and unity. This incident highlights the profound influence he wields on a global scale, inspiring hope and fostering connections across cultural and linguistic barriers.