PAMPLONA, Spain: La Liga leaders Real Madrid dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday in which Jude Bellingham was sent off.
The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe before the referee expelled England international Bellingham for dissent toward the end of the first half.
Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot after 58 minutes as Carlo Ancelotti’s side endured a third consecutive league match without victory.
Atletico Madrid, second and two points behind the leaders, host Celta Vigo later Saturday, while third-place Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Ancelotti said Bellingham should not have been dismissed and had just been expressing his frustration rather than directly insulting the referee.
“I think with Bellingham’s red card (the referee) didn’t understand the English well... I don’t think it’s something offensive,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous... Bellingham did nothing today to have been sent off, absolutely nothing.”
The coach said he was happy with how Madrid played despite dropping points.
“In a footballing sense we started very well, and we finished well despite having one less player,” said Ancelotti.
The Italian made a few rotations with the midweek Champions League play-off second leg clash against Manchester City in mind, with Rodrygo resting and Brahim Diaz given a rare start.
Los Blancos controlled the game from the off, moving the ball around too quickly for Osasuna to get a foothold.
Vinicius appealed for an early penalty when Alejandro Catena slid in to dispossess him and the ball struck the defender’s arm.
The Brazilian winger should have put the champions ahead when Mbappe crossed for him, but misjudged the flight of the ball and headed wide from close range.
Madrid did not have to wait long for their opener and Fede Valverde created it with a low cross for Mbappe, who produced a clinical finish.
It was the in-form French forward’s seventh goal in his last five La Liga matches.
Osasuna threatened just once in the first half, with a low drive from Aimar Oroz, which Thibaut Courtois superbly pushed to safety.
Vinicius spurned another golden opportunity when Mbappe teed him up, before Bellingham was dismissed in the 39th minute.
The England international exchanged words with referee Jose Munuera Montero, who then reached for his red card.
Madrid have complained heavily about Spanish refereeing in recent weeks, labelling it “rigged” and they grew further frustrated with Munuera Montero in the second half.
Osasuna levelled before the hour mark through Budimir from the spot after Eduardo Camavinga was late on the Croatian striker.
Budimir had already shot wide of the post when the French midfielder clattered into the forward, similar to the penalty Aurelien Tchouameni conceded in Madrid’s derby draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Budimir’s penalty was his 13th goal of the season, behind only Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Mbappe, on 17, in the standings.
Mbappe came close to scoring a second but fired narrowly over and Vinicius had an effort deflected wide after a dangerous incursion from the left.
Madrid pushed for a winner despite their numerical disadvantage, knowing their title rivals are breathing down their necks.
Mbappe had one last chance in stoppage time but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera palmed away his effort with a strong hand.
After playing for nearly an hour with 10 men, Manchester City will hope it takes a toll on Madrid on Wednesday when the sides meet at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off
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Real Madrid held by Osasuna with Bellingham sent off
- The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe
- Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot
Saudi Arabia draw with Japan to keep World Cup hopes alive
- Saudis went into the game in Saitama in third place in Asian qualifying third round Group C, one point behind Australia
SAITAMA, JAPAN: Saudi Arabia battled to a 0-0 away draw with already qualified Japan on Tuesday to keep their fading hopes of an automatic place at the 2026 World Cup alive.
The Saudis went into the game in Saitama in third place in Asian qualifying third round Group C, one point behind Australia.
The top two teams qualify directly for next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with those placing third and fourth going into another qualifying round.
Runaway group leaders Japan locked up their place last week and the Saudis made sure they stayed in contention with two games remaining after a dogged defensive effort.
The Saudis travel to face Bahrain in June before they host what could be a decisive clash against Australia.
Saudi coach Herve Renard was missing several players through injury but his team were coming into the game fresh from beating China 1-0 for their first win in five qualifiers.
Japan coach Hajjime Moriyasu made six changes from the side that beat Bahrain 2-0 to clinch qualification, with winger Kaoru Mitoma, striker Ayase Ueda and midfielder Hidemasa Morita all ruled out with injury.
Daizen Maeda started up front and the Celtic man hit the post in the ninth minute as Japan took control from the kick-off.
Maeda had another chance 10 minutes later but could only shoot weakly after stumbling over the ball when clean through.
Muhannad Al Shanqiti headed over the bar soon after with the Saudis’ first attack of the game.
Takefusa Kubo, Japan’s man of the match against Bahrain, went close twice before half-time, before Maeda fluffed another effort shortly after the interval.
Moriyasu’s substitutions changed the game against Bahrain and he rolled the dice again, bringing on Junya Ito and Ritsu Doan shortly after the hour mark.
But Ito curled a shot over the bar with Japan’s best chance of the second half as the Saudis escaped with a point.
‘Karting Experience’ inspires Jeddah’s youth ahead of Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025
- Initiative took place over several days in March with the participation of 100 children from various charities
JEDDAH: The Jeddah Corniche Karting Circuit successfully concluded its “Karting Experience” event on Tuesday with the participation of over 100 children from the Al-Bir Charity Organization, the Children with Disability Association, and foster and social welfare families.
The initiative is a part of the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 social impact community programs, in collaboration with the Saudi Motorsport Co.
It is designed to inspire and educate children from Jeddah’s charity and welfare organizations by introducing them to karting while enhancing their enjoyment and enthusiasm for motorsports.
The event was held across several days in March and was attended by Mansour Al-Mokbel, CEO of the Saudi Motorsport Co. and Jaman Al-Zahrani, assistant director-general for development at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Makkah Region.
Also in attendance was Maha Al-Buqami, director of the Social Responsibility Department at the ministry in Makkah.
With a range of activities designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of the sport, the youth were able get behind the wheel and drive the karts and learn about key safety measures.
Al-Mokbel stated: “This initiative allows youth to discover the joy of karting while learning essential skills that could pave the way for new opportunities in their future.”
“We will continue to support initiatives that encourage young people to engage in sports, discover their talents, and contribute to the development of a vibrant and thriving sporting community.
“By introducing young people to motorsport, we are not only fostering their passion but also opening doors for them to become future champions who will represent the Kingdom with pride on the global stage,” he added.
Al-Zahrani stated: “This event truly reflects our commitment to providing children from charitable and social associations with opportunities to participate in exceptional sports, helping them develop key athletic skills while instilling values of resilience, perseverance, and creativity.”
Preparations are currently underway for the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025, the fifth round of the Formula 1 World Championship, set to be held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit from April 18 to 20.
Baseball United announces schedule for historic first season in the UAE
- Inaugural series will take place in Dubai from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14
DUBAI: Baseball United, the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, has announced the official dates and schedule for its debut season.
The inaugural series will run from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14, with all games played at Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai. Following three signature baseball events over the last three years, Baseball United will now launch the first professional baseball season in the history of the region.
The season will feature the league’s founding four franchises — the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons. The teams will each play nine regular season games, facing each other three times each, followed by a best of three United Series from Dec. 12 to determine the league champion. Overall, 21 games will be played over 30 days.
“Our team has worked so hard, for so long, to make this news official,” said Kash Shaikh, Baseball United chairman, CEO and co-founder.
“We are so grateful for the support of our Dubai and UAE partners, our investors and all the fans around the world who’ve helped make BU the most well-known internationally based professional baseball league in the world. We’ve received all that support through several special events and big milestones since our launch in November of 2022. And now, we get to reward our fans with a full season. Everything starts small, but we believe this will be the beginning of a new chapter in baseball history.”
The season will begin with the Subcontinent Series from Nov. 14-16, with the Mumbai Cobras against the Karachi Monarchs. This will mark the first time Indian and Pakistani franchises have faced each other in baseball. The two countries — which between them have a population of some 1.8 billion — have one of the most passionate rivalries in all of sport. The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan cricket match in the ICC Champions Trophy last month garnered a record 600 million viewers — five times more than the Super Bowl.
The league will announce its official broadcast partners this summer, including television and digital streaming that will reach every country.
Baseball United’s recent UAE Series event between the Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons was watched by 12 million unique viewers, including 3.3 million per game in Pakistan A Sports. The viewership numbers are more than any Major League Baseball regular season game played in the US last year.
With 2 billion people in the Middle East and South Asia — 1 billion of whom are cricket fans — Baseball United has a massive potential market.
Full rosters for the season will be announced later this spring. To date, 65 percent of Baseball United’s players were originally drafted by MLB teams, including eight-time All-Star Robinson Cano, four-time Gold Glover Andrelton Simmons and three-time World Series Champion, Pablo Sandoval.
Karan Patel — the first player of Indian descent to be drafted by an MLB team and the number one pick by the Mumbai Cobras in the league’s 2023 draft — will pitch for the Cobras, while former Atlanta Braves All-Star Jair Jurrjens will pitch for the Wolves. Each team will have 26 players.
Baseball United built its new ballpark at The Sevens sports and entertainment complex in Dubai in just 38 days last fall. Since then it has hosted the largest international amateur baseball tournament in the region’s history, the Arab Classic, along with last month’s UAE Series.
Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal in hospital after cardiac arrest
- The 36-year-old reportedly complained of chest pains while fielding in Dhaka Premier Division match
- ESPN said his condition rapidly worsened and he was rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment
SAVAR: Former Bangladesh men’s cricket captain Tamim Iqbal is in hospital after suffering cardiac arrest during a Twenty20 match on Monday.
The 36-year-old Tamim reportedly complained of chest pains while fielding as he was leading the Mohammedan team against Shinepukur in Savar in the Dhaka Premier Division.
ESPN said his condition rapidly worsened and the Mohammedan team physio performed CPR. Tamim was rushed to KPJ Hospital where he underwent emergency treatment.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board said in a statement that an “angiogram procedure to address a blockage in one of the arteries of his heart” was successful, adding that Tamim remained under close observation in a coronary care unit.
He was visited in hospital by Mohammedan teammates Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.
Tamim is the only Bangladesh batter to score centuries in all three international formats. He’s scored more than 5,000 test runs in his 15 years as Bangladesh’s prime opener, including 10 centuries and a top score of 206 against Pakistan in 2015.
Known for scoring heavily through the offside and for his textbook straight drive, he caught the eye with a stylish second-innings 103 against England at Lord’s in 2010 when Bangladesh was following on, and a gritty 108 in Bangladesh’s modest total of 216 in the next test in Manchester. Tamim’s astute reading of situations meant he could also bat well while managing tailenders.
He’s amassed more than 8,000 one-day international runs with 14 centuries and a best of 158, and hit one T20 hundred.
In late 2023, Tamim opted out of the ODI World Cup after a dispute with a BCB member.
Saudi coach Renard expecting a tough game against Japan
- Japan qualified for next year’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday
- Renard said the previous game against China, which Saudi Arabia won 1-0 was “a good game”
TOKYO: Saudi Arabia manager Hervé Renard says Japan’s qualification for the World Cup will not affect how either team plays when they meet on Tuesday at Saitama Stadium just north of Tokyo.
Japan qualified for next year’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain on Thursday and remained top of Group C with 19 points from seven games. Australia is second with 10 points followed by Saudi Arabia with nine.
“We still have to play Japan tomorrow, then go to Bahrain and to receive Australia for the last game, so it’s a tough sprint for the second position,” Renard said at a press conference on Monday held in Saitama Stadium near Tokyo. "You always have to adapt yourself to the situation, to be strong and to fight to get the direct qualification. We know Japan are disciplined, we know their philosophy, and there is no doubt they can play this game against us at 100 percent. We are playing against the best team in Asia, so we will be ready to compete on the field tomorrow.”
Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aghidi said the Saudi squad have had a positive few days in Japan: “We have a good a couple of days here in Japan and everything has been positive. I would like to thank the Japanese for their warm welcome for the team here and we would like to congratulate them on securing their spot in the World Cup finals. Tomorrow's game is a difficult game for both teams and hopefully we can manage to get the three points.”
Renard said the previous game against China, which Saudi Arabia won 1-0 was “a good game” but admitted his team was not efficient enough. “We didn't score a lot of goals, but we got a lot of opportunities,” he said.
Renard noted that the squad had suffered some injuries, and the demands of Ramadan had also affected some players, but he emphasized, he was not looking for excuses. “Yes, it's true we have some injured players, but this is part of football where we must adapt ourselves. Concerning getting cramp during Ramadan, it is never easy for all the players, but they must adapt themselves. So, we must be ready tomorrow because tomorrow we'll have to run a lot.”
Al-Aghidi said his role as a goalkeeper was just to help the team: “My aim is always to help my national team, and this is why I wanted to have more playing time, and this is the place I want to be. As a goalkeeper, it's very important to have more playing time. I'm ready to play a key role for my team tomorrow. I will do my best to help my fellow players during the game to get the result that we have been working for.”
Renard was asked about Japan’s ambition to win the World Cup by 2050.
“It's normal when you have a big ambition,” he replied. “To win the World Cup is a very big ambition, but they can do this in the future, I'm sure, because they have so many quality players. We are playing against a very strong team, so we need to be ready to have a tough game. But in football you must believe in yourself.”
