Riyadh, Jeddah to host Italian and Spanish Super Cups

The president of the Spanish Federation, Luis Rubiales, left, and Saudi General Sports Authority GSA Chairman Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal during a press conference on Wednesday. (AP)
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Updated 20 December 2019
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Riyadh, Jeddah to host Italian and Spanish Super Cups

2019 has been a year that will go down in the annals of history as the year Saudi Arabia became a major hub for sporting events.

From Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight boxing triumph in Diriyah to the return of Formula E motor racing, can now be added two major footballing events, as the country gets set to host some of Europe’s finest.

The Italian Super Cup, or Supercoppa Italiana, will be held in Riyadh next Sunday, between Serie A champions Juventus and Coppa Italia winners Lazio at King Saud University Stadium. It is the second year in a row the competition will be hosted by the Kingdom. 

Furthermore, after announcing the famed Dakar Rally will take to the Kingdom’s dunes from Jan. 5-17, Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority (GSA) has announced the Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa de Espana) will take place from Jan. 8-12, contested by Real Madrid, city rivals Atletico Madrid, Valencia and reigning Spanish champions Barcelona.

Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday in Jeddah, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the GSA, said: “As an extension of a long-term strategy that aims to position the Kingdom as one of the most important global destinations to enjoy the best sports tournaments, we are very happy to host the Spanish Super Cup in a five-day soccer festival in Jeddah.”

The press conference revealed that tickets for the semifinal matches between Valencia and Real on Jan. 8, and Barcelona and Atletico on Jan. 9, would start from SR75 ($19.99), with tickets for the final on Jan. 12 starting from SR150.


Newcastle complete cruise into Champions League last 16

Updated 25 February 2026
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Newcastle complete cruise into Champions League last 16

  • The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham

NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom: Newcastle United completed their stroll into the Champions League last 16 with a 3-2 win over Qarabag on Tuesday to progress 9-3 on aggregate over the Azeri champions.
The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
A tie that involved an over 5,000-mile (8,000 kilometer) round trip for both sides was killed off inside 45 minutes last week as Newcastle led 5-0 at half-time on their way to a 6-1 rout.
That allowed Eddie Howe to heavily rotate his side, with four-goal hero from the first leg Anthony Gordon among those left on the bench.
Newcastle still made another fast start to add to their lead twice inside six minutes.
Sandro Tonali fired in the rebound after Dan Burn’s shot was saved before Joelinton stroked in Harvey Barnes’ cross.
Qarabag had taken the scalps of Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt in the league phase to make the play-off round and at least salvaged some pride with two goals in the second half.
Camilo Duran outpaced Burn to pull a goal back before the Newcastle defender was penalized for handball inside the box.The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
Aaron Ramsdale saved Marko Jankovic’s penalty but Elvin Jafarguliyev netted the rebound.
In between the visitors’ two goals, Sven Botman powered in a header from a corner.
That took the tally of goals conceded by Qarabag in the Champions League to 30 — a single season record in the competition.