LIVERPOOL: Xabi Alonso endured a miserable return to Anfield as Liverpool thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 on Tuesday, thanks to a Luis Diaz hat-trick, to go top of the Champions League table.
Cody Gakpo was also on target as the Reds maintained their 100 percent record in Europe after four games.
Alonso, a Champions League winner during his playing days in the Liverpool midfield, turned his back on succeeding Jurgen Klopp to remain at Leverkusen after leading them to an unbeaten German league and cup double last season.
Liverpool, though, are not left wondering what might have been as Arne Slot continued his stunning start as manager with a 14th win in 16 games in all competitions.
Leverkusen remain on seven points from their opening four Champions League matches after another sobering night for their ambitions to match the heights they hit last season.
Alonso’s men sit fourth in the Bundesliga, seven points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich, and failed to master what Alonso described pre-match as a “beautiful challenge.”
The Spaniard cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as his side struggled to get into the slick passing rhythm they have become famed for during his tenure.
The German champions, though, created the best of what chances there were in a first half short on goalmouth action.
Jeremie Frimpong saw appeals for a penalty waved away when he went down with a clear sight of goal under a challenge from Kostas Tsimikas.
Frimpong also had the ball in the net just before the break but handled before racing through to finish.
Liverpool’s best opening of the half came seconds later when Curtis Jones’ excellent pass finally found some space for Gakpo, but his powerful effort was repelled at his near post by Lukas Hradecky.
Just like in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brighton that took Slot’s men to the top of the Premier League, it took until the second half for both Liverpool and the Anfield crowd to come to life.
Mohamed Salah should have done better when he sliced wide after a jinking run through the Leverkusen midfield by Ryan Gravenberch.
A cagey tactical battle was sparked into life on the hour mark by a moment of stunning quality.
Jones spun his marker before splitting the Leverkusen defense with a pinpoint pass for Diaz, who nonchalantly chipped the advancing Hradecky.
Moments later, Liverpool had killed the visitors off with another flowing move.
Salah’s driven cross was headed in at the back post by the flying Gakpo.
The linesman raised his flag to momentarily silence the celebrations, but a VAR review showed the Dutch forward was onside for his sixth goal of the season.
Victor Boniface headed wide with a huge chance to bring Leverkusen immediately back into the game.
Instead, Liverpool pulled further clear seven minutes from time when Diaz controlled Salah’s looping cross and fired home.
The Colombian then rounded off the scoring with his ninth of the season in stoppage time with another clinical finish after Darwin Nunez’s blocked shot fell into his path.
Liverpool’s return of 12 points means they are almost certainly already assured of a place in the knockout phase, but are closing in on sealing direct progression to the last 16 via a top-eight finish in the 36-team league.
Ruthless Liverpool spoil Alonso’s return to Anfield
https://arab.news/2qfd6
Ruthless Liverpool spoil Alonso’s return to Anfield
- Leverkusen remain on seven points from their opening four Champions League matches after another sobering night for their ambitions to match the heights they hit last season
Guardiola says Man City can hit top form again despite slump
The club have been beset by injury problems this season, most notably the loss of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri for the rest of the campaign
LONDON: Pep Guardiola says struggling Manchester City can hit the heights of recent seasons once he has all his top players back despite their alarming slump.
The defending Premier League champions have lost six of their past seven games in all competitions — falling 11 points behind leaders Liverpool in the English top flight.
It is an extraordinary collapse for a team that have won six of the past seven Premier League titles, including the past four.
Guardiola, whose team host Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, told a pre-match press conference he was confident City’s decline is not terminal.
“With all the squad this season, we’ll be close to the level that we reached last season,” he said on Tuesday.
The club have been beset by injury problems this season, most notably the loss of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri for the rest of the campaign.
A number of other key players have spent time in the treatment room including Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Dias.
Guardiola described City as “magnificent” at Liverpool on Sunday despite their 2-0 defeat.
“I would say we are not far away from the team second in the Premier League (City are two points behind Arsenal),” he said.
“But always it’s the way you play, the consistency you have in the boxes, and many things that give you the positive thoughts of what is going to happen in future.”
Guardiola said the club would talk “internally” over whether they would bolster the squad in next month’s transfer window.
And he confirmed that Ederson remained his number one goalkeeper after he was dropped for the Liverpool match in favor of understudy Stefan Ortega following a mistake in last week’s 3-3 draw against Feyenoord.
He said the Brazilian had reacted well to his decision.
“Ederson number one, Stefan number two,” he said. “But maybe Stefan continues. We’ll see tomorrow and the next games.”
Guardiola called on City’s fans to help lift the team against Forest, who are sixth in the table, a point behind his men.
“Many, many good moments we’ve lived together,” he said. “They know that we need absolute support because all of us, the players especially, are human beings.”
World Supercross return promises more thrills in the sand for Abu Dhabi crowds
- Ethara’s Ali Al-Beshr and Tom Burwell of WSX spoke to Arab News about their partnership and the season finale on Wednesday
ABU DHABI: As part of Abu Dhabi GP Week, which wraps up the 2024 Formula 1 Championship, Yas Island on Wednesday night will also be the final World Supercross event of the 2024 championship.
Arab News spoke to two leading figures, from organizers Ethara and WSX, about the significance of hosting the World Supercross Abu Dhabi GP in the capital of the UAE.
Ali Al-Beshr
Executive director of Motorsport Development at Ethara
After the successful debut of WSX in Abu Dhabi last year, what is the significance of hosting the finale this year?
Hosting the WSX finale is a significant step forward for Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Last year’s debut showcased our ability to deliver a high-energy, world-class event, and this year we’re taking it to the next level by hosting the championship’s concluding round. This elevates the UAE’s position as a global hub for motorsport, demonstrating not just our logistical and operational capabilities but also our commitment to bringing diverse motorsport disciplines to the region.
What can fans expect from this year’s WSX finale, and how is it different from last year’s event?
From the moment fans step into Etihad Arena, they’ll feel the excitement of a championship-deciding event. With activities like pit walks, where fans can see the bikes and teams up close, and meet-and-greet sessions with the riders, fans are given unique access to the stars of the sport.
The track design has also been reimagined to make the races even more competitive and thrilling. Being the finale, there’s an added intensity as riders compete for the WSX and SX2 titles. Combined with larger fan zones and entertainment offerings, this year’s event is going to be a step up from last year’s event.
How do you see WSX influencing the growth of motorsport culture in the UAE?
WSX is a game-changer for motorsport culture in the UAE. It introduces a fresh, dynamic element to our calendar and appeals to a younger, more diverse audience. The high-adrenaline nature of supercross, with its sharp turns, steep jumps, and competitive intensity, makes it a sport that draws people in instantly. By hosting WSX, we’re not only entertaining fans but also inspiring them, especially young people who may want to pursue motorsport as a passion or career. This event complements our existing motorsport offerings at Ethara, like Formula 1 and karting, and helps to broaden the UAE’s reputation as a leader in motorsport innovation and development.
How is the WSX finale aligned with your vision for long-term motorsport development in the UAE?
The WSX finale aligns seamlessly with our long-term goals for motorsport in the UAE. Our vision is to create a motorsport ecosystem that is diverse, inclusive, and globally recognized. By bringing a sport like supercross to Abu Dhabi, we’re expanding the range of motorsport disciplines available in the region, inspiring interest from fans and aspiring athletes. Beyond the spectacle, events like WSX foster grassroots engagement by introducing new audiences to the thrill of motorsport and creating pathways for future talent development. The UAE has always been a pioneer in hosting world-class events, and by integrating WSX into our portfolio, we’re reinforcing our position as a hub for innovation, excellence, and community-focused growth in motorsport.
Tom Burwell,
CEO of WSX
How does having the WSX season finale in Abu Dhabi align with your vision for the championship’s global expansion?
Abu Dhabi is the perfect host for the WSX finale because of its commitment to hosting world-class sporting events and its global connectivity. The city offers unmatched infrastructure, a welcoming environment, and a unique ability to bring together fans from across the globe. Partnering with Abu Dhabi helps achieve our vision of making WSX a truly international championship by introducing supercross to new audiences.
How is WSX working to grow supercross as a sport in regions like the Middle East, where it is still relatively new?
By creating exciting, accessible events that introduce the series to new fans. By hosting our finale in Abu Dhabi, we’re showcasing the sport at its highest level, inspiring local interest and encouraging growth in the region. We also work to engage with the community through rider interactions, fan activations, and collaborations with local stakeholders to foster grassroots enthusiasm for the sport.
Do you see WSX becoming a recurring event in Abu Dhabi, and are there plans to expand its presence elsewhere the Middle East?
Abu Dhabi has already proven to be an outstanding partner for WSX, through races in previous seasons thanks to our collaboration with Ethara, a highly esteemed organisation in the region with a proven track record of delivering world-class events like Formula 1. This strong, long-standing relationship gives us great confidence in Abu Dhabi’s ability to host exceptional supercross events year after year. Ethara’s expertise and reputation solidify Abu Dhabi as a cornerstone of our vision for WSX in the Middle East. While we’re eager to expand supercross across the region, Abu Dhabi will remain a central part of our journey as we grow the sport globally.
UFC Star Amir Albazi set to headline stacked card at ADXC 8 in Al-Ain
- The event on Dec. 6 will feature several UAE fighters alongside global talent
AL-AIN: The Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship is set for another night of jiu-jitsu and grappling action when ADXC 8 returns on Dec. 6 at the ADNEC Centre.
Coinciding with UAE National Day celebrations, the event boasts a stacked fight card which includes world-class grappling talent alongside Emirati jiu-jitsu stars.
Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight No. 3 Amir Albazi headlines, taking on Brazil’s Jafel Filho in a highly anticipated main event. Known for his razor-sharp grappling and cage IQ, Albazi returns to his roots for a showdown that pits his precision against Filho’s explosive submission game.
The co-main event brings grappling fans a heavyweight clash between Brazilian jiu-jitsu icon Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu and rising star Haisam Rida. With a legacy built on multiple championship titles, Cyborg remains one of the sport’s greats. Rida, known for his unpredictable, high-energy approach, aims to prove the next generation is here to take over.
Highlighting the UAE’s growing dominance in jiu-jitsu, Khaled Al-Shehhi faces off against bantamweight specialist Thalison Soares, while Shamma Al-Kalbani, a trailblazer for Emirati women, meets China’s Peiqin Ge in a bantamweight clash. Omar Al-Fadhli, one of the UAE’s brightest talents, will take on Chile’s Nicolas Ponce in a lightweight battle.
Additional matchups on the card include a lightweight contest between grappling stars Movlid Khaybulaev and James Gallagher, a clash of styles in the welterweight division featuring Ahmad Al-Bousari and Craig McIntosh, and a regional showdown in the bantamweight division with Abdulmalik Al-Murdhi taking on Abdullah Al-Farsi.
Saudi Pro League to embrace OptaAI to enhance statistical analysis
- Every top-flight Saudi club, plus the league’s own media teams, will utilize new tools and performance insights from Stats Perform to enhance on-field analysis
RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League has expanded its agreement with Stats Perform to ensure every top-flight Saudi football club, as well as the league’s own media and digital teams, benefit from new tools and performance insights.
The extended deal includes OptaAI-powered Opta Vision, Stats Perform’s richest performance data, captured from every Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup and Super Cup fixture played throughout the season.
The data will be available to each club’s performance analysis department, enhancing on-field analysis and further deepening fan and sponsor engagement.
Saudi Pro League CEO Omar Mugharbel said: “The Saudi Pro League has established itself as a leading force in football across Asia, recognized as the top AFC domestic competition.
“Aided by strategic partnerships, including our collaboration with Stats Perform, we harness innovative data solutions like live Opta feeds and artificial intelligence-powered Opta Vision data to enhance club performance analysis and scouting. This commitment to excellence drives our clubs’ competitive edge and enriches fans, ensuring the SPL continues to set new standards with its partners in delivering unforgettable football experiences to a global audience.”
Opta Vision combines complete player tracking, on-ball event and aggregated fitness data alongside multiple AI-enriched predictive metrics, enabling analysts to quickly identify new and pioneering performance traits at a player and team level.
Data from dozens of overseas competitions will also be made available to recruitment analysts working for Saudi Pro League clubs to improve their data profiling when scouting players. Each SPL club will also have access to their own internal Opta Pro Hub software where they can manage all scouting activity, including player reports and recruitment shortlists.
Fan engagement will be boosted with Opta feeds offering a wider range of experiences, both pre-match and in-game. These include the stats hub on the official Saudi Pro League website and app, the official RSL Fantasy game and the syndicated world broadcast feed.
Live Opta data feeds will also be available to the Saudi Arabia Football Federation, official league partners and media departments at every Saudi Pro League club.
Stats Perform’s chief revenue officer, Steve Xeller, said: “We are delighted that the Saudi Pro League are the latest to expand their use of our services to include OptaAI-powered solutions. Our people, including our dedicated team in the region, will continue to work tirelessly to help ensure the SPL and its clubs continue to go from strength-to-strength, on the field and off it, for the benefit of their growing audience of millions of global fans.”
Jaylen Brown sparks Celtics to 108-89 rout of Heat
- The 28-year-old shooting guard finished with seven rebounds and four assists as Boston improved to 17-4 to remain second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cavaliers
- Timberwolves blew past an anemic Los Angeles Lakers offensive performance to romp to a 109-80 victory
NEW YORK: Jaylen Brown rattled in 29 points as the Boston Celtics got back to winning ways with a 108-89 rout of the Miami Heat on Monday.
Brown, who missed Boston’s 115-111 home defeat to Cleveland on Sunday due to illness, spearheaded a potent Celtics offensive effort against a depleted Miami lineup at TD Garden.
The 28-year-old shooting guard finished with seven rebounds and four assists as Boston improved to 17-4 to remain second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cavaliers.
Payton Pritchard once again caught the eye with a sharpshooting performance off the bench, knocking down five three-pointers from 12 attempts to finish with 25 points.
Derrick White, who also missed Sunday’s defeat to Cleveland, also impressed for the NBA champions with 19 points including five three-pointers.
Jayson Tatum added 18 points as Boston kept the scoreboard ticking over, establishing a hefty double-digit lead midway through the third quarter before cruising to victory.
The Celtics’ prowess from outside the arc was decisive, with Boston making 19-of-55 attempts from three-point range, in sharp contrast to Miami, who finished with only 8-of-35.
Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. led Miami’s scorers with 19 points apiece.
In Minneapolis, the Timberwolves blew past an anemic Los Angeles Lakers offensive performance to romp to a 109-80 victory.
The Lakers led fleetingly in the first quarter but were never in the contest thereafter, making just 32-of-79 attempts from the court and converting just six three-pointers from 31 attempts throughout.
Julius Randle led Minnesota with 18 points while Rudy Gobert finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Point guard D’Angelo Russell topped the Lakers scorers with 20 points while Anthony Davis added 12 points. LeBron James finished with just 10 points from 4-of-16 shooting.
In Atlanta, De’Andre Hunter bagged 22 points while Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels added 19 points each to give the Hawks a comfortable 124-112 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Atlanta’s fourth straight victory helped them improve to 11-11 for the season.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, remain bottom of the Western Conference after stumbling to their ninth consecutive defeat.
In Chicago, the Bulls powered to a 128-102 drubbing of the Brooklyn Nets thanks to 21 points from Nikola Vucevic and a triple double from Australian star Josh Giddey, who posted 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.
