Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has admitted that "someone without blood running through their veins" wouldn't feel nervous as the Azzuri prepare for the big World Cup qualifier. Italy have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups and is aiming to avoid another embarrassing failure to reach the finals of the marquee event in the USA.Before Thursday's playoff, Gattuso confirmed that Liverpool winger has returned to England from Italy's training camp due to an injury. The Italian coach said that Chiesa could be sidelined for a considerable amount of time and will miss Italy's playoff match against Northern Ireland."It's undeniable that there's nervousness. Only someone without blood running through their veins wouldn't feel it. But we need to do a good job of transmitting a lot of positivity." Gattuso said.Italy's two losses to Norway in the qualifying stage has but the 2006 World Cup winners on the brink. The Azzurri need to beat Northern Ireland at home in Bergamo and then Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away next week."It's useless to think if we could have done better. The only thing we should be thinking about is Thursday's game. Forget that we've won four World Cups, two Euros and an Olympic title. For us, the only game is Thursday's." Gattuso said.Italy will look to avoid failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third straight time after the Azzurri were eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia in the last two playoffs. Italy hit with an injury crisis Chiesa was sent back to Liverpool upon briefly rejoining the national team for the first time after an almost two-year absence. The Italian star winger has suffered injury problems during his spell at Anfield and hasn't featured much in recent matches. Chiesa's ambition to take Italy to the World Cup was cut short due to yet another niggle."He had some minor (physical) issues, and we decided that it was useless for him to stay," Gattuso said.Italy will also miss other key players like Sandro Tonali, Gianluca Scamacca and Alessandro Bastoni due to injury. Bologna winger Nicolo Cambiaghi has replaced Chiesa in the Italian squad (With AP input)
24 March,2026 12:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFrench and Atletico Madrid footballer Antoine Griezmann is reportedly likely to sign with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Orlando City, eyeing a move to US this summer, reported Goal.com. As per a report by The Athletic, as quoted by Goal.com, Griezmann, a 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France, has been officially permitted to travel to the US to seal the deal after being linked to the club for the past few weeks. Reports had earlier emerged that Griezmann would consider leaving the Spanish club for a move to the US at the end of February, but their qualification for the Copa Del Ray final delayed his switch. The final against Real Sociedad is scheduled for April 19, and the veteran wants to leave the club with some silverware to his name. Griezmann wants to seal the deal despite the primary transfer window of MLS being closed officially. He would move to North America at the end of the European football season if everything goes right. The 35-year-old has openly made it clear that he intends to play in MLS, as he is a massive fan of American sports. He has often been pictured attending NBA basketball matches and been linked with other MLS clubs in the past, including LAFC, Chicago Fire, and, briefly, Inter Miami. Griezmann being present would immediately make him amongst the best players as the French captain has scored 44 goals for the national side, won the 2018 World Cup and ended as runners-up in 2022. He is Atletico's all-time top-scorer and made it to La Liga's 'Team of the Season' four times. However, this year, he is facing a form slump, with six goals in La Liga so far and five in the Copa Del Ray this season. But despite that, his experience still remains vital for the club. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 March,2026 09:07 AM IST | Paris | ANIEast Bengal FC slammed a barrage of goals to script a historic 7-0 win over Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Kolkata derby in the Indian Super League 2025-26 here on Monday. This massive win marks the largest victory margin in history between the two sides and is also the joint-highest in ISL history, equalling FC Goa's 7-0 win over Mumbai City FC in 2015. Following this emphatic result, the Red and Gold Brigade climbed to fourth in the standings with 11 points from six matches, while Mohammedan Sporting Club remained near the bottom, yet to open their account after five matches. Anwar Ali, who was adjudged Player of the Match, scored a brace. Apart from him -- with goals in the 6th and 79th minutes -- the other scorers were Youssef Ezzejjari (14th, 54th --both penalties), Saul Crespo (38th, penalty), PV Vishnu (75'th) and Nandha Kumar (90th+6). East Bengal were off to a blazing start, asserting dominance in the opening minutes. Their early pressure paid off in the sixth minute when centre-back Anwar unleashed a long-range left-footed strike from the left flank. Mohammedan keeper Padam Chettri missed the ball and it found the bottom-right corner, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. The advantage was doubled in the 14th minute after a foul inside the box by left back Sajjad Hussain on Miguel Figueira resulted in a penalty. Youssef Ezzejjari stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-0. The hosts continued to press forward, with Edmund Lalrindika testing Padam midway through the half. The game tilted further in East Bengal's favour when Mohammedan right back Joseph Lalmuanawma was sent off for a second yellow card after conceding a second penalty. Captain Saul Crespo converted from the spot in the 38th minute to extend the lead to 3-0. The second half followed a similar pattern with East Bengal dominating proceedings. In the 54th minute, Ezzejjari converted his second penalty of the match, marking the first instance of a team scoring three penalties in a single ISL match, after Miguel Figueira was brought down inside the box by Padam. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Mohammedan attempted to respond with Juwel Mazumder missing from close range in the 68th minute. At the other end, East Bengal continued to create chances, with midfielder Lalhlansanga heading narrowly wide from an Anwar Ali delivery. The fifth goal arrived in the 75th minute when PV Vishnu finished from close range following a corner to further extend the lead. East Bengal added a sixth just four minutes later, with Anwar Ali grabbing his second of the night with a composed left-footed finish from inside the box after being set up by Mahesh Naorem. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 March,2026 09:06 AM IST | Kolkata | PTIFormer Arsenal and Chelsea star Jorginho was left fuming on Saturday after his 11-year-old daughter Ada was berated by US pop sensation Chappell Roan’s security guard at a hotel in Brazil. The Euro 2020 winner with Italy explained on Instagram: “She [Ada] simply walked past the singer’s table, looked to confirm it was her, smiled, and went back to sit with her mum. [Then] a security guard came over and began speaking in an extremely aggressive manner to both my wife and my daughter, saying that she shouldn’t allow my daughter to ‘disrespect’ or ‘harass’ other people.” Jorginho’s daughter Ada. Pic/Jorginho’s Instagram Jorginho added that the situation left his daughter in tears, and slammed Roan saying she should understand fans “are the ones who build all this [her fame].” Following the incident and the subsequent social media backlash, Roan put out an apology video on Instagram. “I did not ask the security guard to go up and talk to them. I do not hate people who are fans of my music. I am sorry to the mother and child,” Roan said
24 March,2026 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentPep Guardiola hailed Manchester City's 2-0 win against Arsenal in the League Cup final as a "special" moment after a difficult period that threatened to derail their season. Nico O'Reilly capitalised on a blunder from Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to head City's second-half opener and the defender struck again moments later to seal the Wembley triumph on Sunday. City's victory was a sweet moment for Guardiola after a turbulent period that included a Champions League last-16 exit against Real Madrid. Damaging Premier League draws against strugglers Nottingham Forest and West Ham have left them nine points behind leaders Arsenal. "We made an incredible victory. To win against that team makes it special," Guardiola said. "It means a lot. Always winning a trophy is difficult, especially because, along with Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Arsenal are the best team in Europe. Man City players celebrate with the League Cup trophy on Sunday. Pic/AFP "We couldn't win against West Ham or Nottingham Forest. We lost to Real Madrid at home and away. Nobody bet a pound on us to win. "It's special because we had a tough two weeks. I'm really pleased because Mikel (Arteta) created a team that is almost unbeatable. A fifth League Cup in 10 years is not bad." While Arsenal suffered due to Kepa's mistake, City enjoyed a crucial contribution from James Trafford, who made a brilliant triple save in the first half in a contrasting tale of two back-up keepers thrust into the spotlight. "James saved us in the first minutes. Nathan Ake was excellent today. Everybody has made a contribution," Guardiola said. "We were required to do something we have not been good at this season, without the ball. I cannot believe how good we have done it in the second half, especially against that team." Guardiola was ecstatic after O'Reilly's second goal, embarking on a jubilant sprint down the touchline that earned him a booking. It was a celebration that suggested his passion undimmed in an inconsistent City campaign featuring speculation that he may quit at the end of the season. The Spaniard had no intention of apologising after City wrapped up the 19th trophy in all competitions during his glittering decade in charge, in the process ending a barren run that left them without silverware last term. "If I cannot celebrate in the moment against that team. The emotion is part of me with the way we are playing. That was for the players," he said. "I'm not artificial intelligence. I am a human being. I want to celebrate. Come on give me another yellow card! "I still enjoy it to compete. Today was a real challenge. "It is not the Premier League or the Champions League I know that. But the opponent is incredible. It was so difficult." 4No. of League Cup finals lost by Arsenal in their last four appearances — the longest losing streak in the tournament 5No. of League Cup titles won by Man City in the last 10 years 9Total League Cup titles won by Manchester City 6No. of years since Arsenal won a major trophy 19No. of trophies won by Man City under Pep Guardiola This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 March,2026 08:40 AM IST | London | AFPMikel Arteta defended his decision to select Kepa Arrizabalaga in the League Cup final after the Arsenal goalkeeper's costly mistake sparked a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday. Kepa was guilty of a horrendous blunder in the second half at Wembley when he let Rayan Cherki's cross slip through his fingers, gifting Nico O'Reilly the chance to head in City's opener. Arsenal never recovered and O'Reilly struck again four minutes later to leave the Gunners still waiting for their first major trophy since 2020. Arteta had opted to keep faith with Kepa instead of picking first-choice stopper David Raya because the former Chelsea star has been a regular in the League Cup this season. The gamble backfired as Kepa endured another League Cup final moment to forget after his 2019 refusal to be substituted by Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri prior to a penalty shoot-out defeat against Manchester City in which he failed to save a kick. Kepa also missed a penalty in a shoot-out loss to Liverpool three years later. Asked about the criticism of his decision, Arteta said: "I understand but I have to do what is right and fair. "Kepa had played all the competition, I think it would have been unfair to him and the team to do something different. "He had gone all the way through this competition. Errors are part of football and unfortunately it happened today at a crucial moment." Sitting nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal were favoured to beat City but they failed to rise to the occasion. Far too conservative for long periods at Wembley, Arsenal remain without a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup after their quadruple bid came to a painful end. "Very sad, very hard one to take. We know how much it means and how much we wanted it. The fact we haven't delivered that is disappointing and leaves a bad taste," Arteta said. "First half we were the better team and had the biggest chance of the game, if we scored that it would have changed the game. "In the first 20 minutes of the second half we weren't at our best. We struggled to get out of our block and conceded the goal in an unexpected manner obviously. "You have to give credit to the opposition. They raised their level and capitalised on their moments. We didn't." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 March,2026 08:38 AM IST | London | AFPVinicius Junior struck twice as Real Madrid shaded Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a thrilling derby clash on Sunday to stay on leaders Barcelona's tail at the top of La Liga. After the Catalan giants edged Rayo Vallecano 1-0 earlier, Madrid ensured the gap to the champions stayed at four points by beating Diego Simeone's side at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ademola Lookman put Atletico ahead in the first half but Vinicius and Federico Valverde's strikes gave the hosts the lead soon after the interval. Nahuel Molina equalised for Atletico, fourth, with a spectacular effort from distance but Vinicius netted again to claim the three points for Los Blancos. Valverde was sent off for hacking Alex Baena in the final stages but his side held on to win in Alvaro Arbeloa's first derby clash with Atletico since taking over in January. "We showed mental toughness and strength worthy of this club's badge," Arbeloa told reporters, proud of his team's effort with 10 men. "It made things hard for us and we had to suffer a lot." After ousting Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, victory against Atletico completed a successful week for Arbeloa and his team. "We're evolving and working hard so that in games like these Madrid fans can be happy, that the fans can enjoy themselves and that Madrid always win," Vinicius told Real Madrid TV. "Everyone deserves credit, the coach, the players, the fans, all the work we've done this week. We were sure of our gameplan from the start and that made all the difference." Alvaro Arbeloa. Pic/AFP Vinicius's double brought him to 10 goals in his last 11 matches across all competitions. "I'm very happy because I've worked all season for games like this," added Vinicius. "When this moment of the season arrives, I don't know why, I always improve." Arbeloa has praised Vinicius since his first day at the helm and brought the best out of the forward after a barren spell under Xabi Alonso. "Another great game from Vinicius, another demonstration of bravery and character," said Arbeloa. "A great goal to give us victory in a tricky moment, I'm so lucky to have him, for his commitment and his talent." Arbeloa sent on Jude Bellingham as a substitute for his first appearance since February 1 after a hamstring injury, along with French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who returned midweek from a knee sprain. Neither had much of an influence as Madrid were forced to defend after Valverde's foul on Baena bought him a red card. Madrid protested it was not severe enough of an offence to merit a dismissal, but to no avail. In 2023 Baena, then at Villarreal, accused Valverde of punching him after a game. Atletico are a point behind third-place Villarreal after they beat Real Sociedad on Friday. Barca scrape win Araujo nodded home from a corner after 24 minutes to secure Barca the three points at Camp Nou but goalkeeper Joan Garcia's superb display played just as big a part in their victory. "We knew how important it was to get this win before the international break, we did it, but it's true we suffered more than we would have liked," Garcia told DAZN. Hansi Flick's side were caught snoozing in the opening stages but Garcia made a fine save to deny Carlos Martin from close range. Recently called up by Luis de la Fuente to the Spanish national team for the first time, Garcia made several excellent saves to keep Rayo at bay, with the Madrid side dominant in the second half. At the other end, Raphinha was guilty of profligate finishing on numerous occasions, but the champions took the lead through Araujo's header midway through the first half. Araujo has not featured much since taking a mental health break late last year, but came on as a substitute in Barca's 7-2 Champions League rout of Newcastle in midweek. "I feel very good, physically well, it's important that I can help the team," said Araujo. Garcia denied Alvaro Garcia and then produced a spectacular save to push away Unai Lopez's header. Pacha Espino should have pulled the visitors level but, after beating Barca's high defensive line and staying onside, curled over the bar. Elsewhere Alaves produced a sensational comeback from three goals down to beat Celta Vigo 4-3 and move 16th. Athletic Bilbao, ninth, defeated fifth-place Real Betis 2-1 to stay in the fight for European football next season. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 March,2026 08:36 AM IST | Barcelona | AFPAuqib Nabi, 29, pacer (Delhi Capitals) J&K’s Auqib Nabi during the Ranji Trophy final vs Karnataka in Hubballi last month. Pic/PTI Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi, 29, has been one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket over the last few seasons. He topped the wicket charts with 60 scalps, playing a key role in J&K’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph last month. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 too, he finished as J&K’s leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps. Delhi Capitals (DC) have picked up Nabi for Rs 8.40 crore, which shows how crucial the in-form pacer could be for them. Though this will be his maiden IPL season, considering his ability to swing the ball both ways and pick wickets could make him a key asset for DC. 60No. of wickets claimed by J&K pacer Auqib Nabi — the most by any bowler in the recently- concluded Ranji season Mangesh Yadav, 23, pacer (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) Mangesh Yadav. Pic/RCB Just a few years ago, Madhya Pradesh’s left-arm pacer Mangesh, 23, was playing tennis ball cricket. Now, he’s preparing for his maiden IPL season after being picked by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru for Rs 5.20 crore. Mangesh is capable of hitting speeds of 140kmph, besides his slower-ball variations. Though he has represented MP in only two Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches and three Vijay Hazare Trophy games (three wickets in each tournament), his 14-wicket show in the MP T20 League last season made him stand out. Prashant Veer, 20, all-rounder (Chennai Super Kings) Prashant Veer. Pic/Veer’s Instagram Prashant Veer, 20, the Amethi-born all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, has played only nine T20s, picking up 12 wickets and scoring 112 runs. But his impressive performances (376 runs and 18 wickets) in the BCCI U-23 State ‘A’ Trophy (50-over format) last season, and 320 runs and eight wickets in the UP T20 League, earned him a call-up for Chennai Super Kings’s (CSK) selection trials in Chennai. CSK then purchased him for a whopping Rs 14.2 crore, making him the joint-most expensive uncapped Indian, along with Kartik Sharma. Having Veer in their ranks, CSK are probably viewing him as a potential replacement for experienced left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who was traded to Rajasthan Royals (RR). Veer is known as a good left-arm spinner who can also smash big sixes down the order. Ashok Sharma, 23, pacer (Gujarat Titans) Ashok Sharma. Pic/GT Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma, 23, served as a net bowler for RR in 2021, 2023, and 2024. He was also part of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2022, but did not get a game. RR picked him in 2025, but he didn’t feature in a match. Gujarat Titans (GT) have secured him for Rs 90 lakh ahead of the 2026 auction. Ashok made a strong statement in last season’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, topping the wicket charts with 22 scalps. He is known for bowling perfect yorkers at a speed of 140kmph. Looking at his current form, Ashok, an admirer of former South African speedster Dale Steyn, could finally get his IPL debut with GT this season. 22No. of wickets by Ashok Sharma in last year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy — the joint-most with Sushant Mishra Kartik Sharma, 19, ’keeper-batter (Chennai Super Kings) Kartik Sharma. Pic/Kartik's Instagram CSK have also invested heavily in uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, 19. The Rajasthan player has scored 334 runs in 12 T20s at a strike-rate of 162.92. A top-order batter known for his six-hitting ability, Karthik was bought for R14.2 crore from a base price of Rs 30 lakh. His impressive strike-rate of 160 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (133 runs in five games) compelled the five-time champions to include him in their squad. Rs 14.2 crAmount spent by CSK on Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma each — highest for uncapped Indians
24 March,2026 08:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureAston Villa and Manchester United were the winners in the Premier League weekend as both the UCL aspirants tightened their hold in the top 4. Man Utd drew their game away to Bournemouth on Friday night before Villa won their home fixture against West Ham on Sunday.Meanwhile, Liverpool and Chelsea dropped points yet again as both teams were propelled to losses away from home. Liverpool lost 2-1 away to Brighton thanks to a brace from former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck, while Chelsea were thrashed 3-0 by Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Villa the winners this weekend as Liverpool and Chelsea falter Everton 3-0 Chelsea:Everton brushed aside Chelsea 3-0 with a Beto brace. The striker was on fire, scoring twice past Sanchez, before Iliman Ndiaye finished the match with a top corner finish. This was Chelsea's fourth consecutive loss, including a thrashing against PSG. Meanwhile, for Everton, this was the first time they won two consecutive matches at their new home stadium. Brighton 2-1 Liverpool:Danny Welbeck rolled back the years and scored a brace as Brighton beat the defending champions, Liverpool, at the Amex Stadium. The former Arsenal and Man Utd striker had a point to prove after being dropped from the England squad and looked back to his best. Liverpool were without Alisson for the match, and their defensive fragilities were on display again. Aston Villa 2-0 West Ham:Aston Villa looked to have found their mojo back as they beat relegation-threatened West Ham at home. Fired up by his England omission, Ollie Watkins scored a rebound in the second half after John McGinn opened the score with a beautiful effort from the edge of the area. Villa solidified their position in the fourth spot after the win. Bournemouth 2-2 Man Utd:In a Friday night thriller, 10-man United salvaged a point. Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty before setting up an own goal. However, A Maguire red card and a penalty for the hosts brought them back in the game. In the end, United got a point with a 2-2 draw and retained their top 3 spot in the table.
23 March,2026 12:11 PM IST | Mumbai | Atharva UpasaniManchester City won the first silverware of the season as they defeated Arsenal by two goals to nil at Wembley. Guardiola's men were the underdogs going into the final but showed fight and class in the second half to extend Arsenal's trophy drought.Arsenal arrived at Wembley dreaming of a quadruple, but that dream was short-lived. Manchester boy and City academy graduate Nico O’Reilly scored twice to hand Arteta a defeat in the Carabao Cup final.The first half belonged to Arsenal, who were good in possession and created chances. James Trafford in City's goal was called into action early on but denied both Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz. Both teams went in at half-time with scores level and nothing to separate the two.In the second half, City showed their class. They were aggressive from the start, pressing Arsenal's defence and causing problems. O’Reilly opened the scoring after Arsenal's keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga fumbled a cross. The City youngstar was on hand to score and give his team the lead.The match was effectively over in the next four minutes as O’Reilly doubled City's lead from a header. Nunes put the ball in the box, and O’Reilly attacked it from deep, leaving the Arsenal defenders no chance. After Wayne Rooney and Ronnie Whelan, O'Reilly became the third-youngest player to score twice in a League Cup final. It was a record-breaking fifth League Cup victory for Pep Guardiola, surpassing both Brian Clough and the great Sir Alex Ferguson. Man City and Arsenal are still involved in the title race The Carabao Cup final was a taster for what's to come in the Premier League. Arsenal and City are the top two teams in the league, going head-to-head for the title. Arsenal are currently 9 points clear at the top; however, City have a game in hand and will face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium in April.After the game, Guardiola said that it was 'Arsenal's title to lose', suggesting all the pressure is on the Gunners. However, with 22-years without a league title, Arsenal will have to be mentally strong to take that last step and win the Premier League.
23 March,2026 10:38 AM IST | Mumbai | Atharva UpasaniRonald Araujo's header helped Barcelona extend their lead on Real Madrid at the top of La Liga to seven points with a tight 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid, fourth, later on in a derby clash. Araujo nodded home Joao Cancelo's corner after 24 minutes to secure the three points at Camp Nou but goalkeeper Joan Garcia's superb display played just as big a part in their victory. "We knew how important it was to get this win before the international break, we did it, but it's true we suffered more than we would have liked," Garcia told DAZN. "They knew how to cause us damage and we weren't at the level we have been with the ball above all. "We knew we had to win and what the other teams do is not up to us." Hansi Flick's side were caught snoozing in the opening stages but Garcia made a fine save to deny Carlos Martin from close range. Called up by Luis de la Fuente to the Spanish national team for the first time ahead of March's upcoming friendlies, Garcia made several excellent saves to keep Rayo at bay, with the Madrid side dominant in the second half. At the other end, Raphinha was guilty of profligate finishing on numerous occasions. The winger scuffed wide after picking Pathe Ciss's pocket and charging through on goal. A few minutes later Ciss appeared to bring down teenage star Lamine Yamal in the area but the Barcelona player's appeals were ignored by the referee. Yamal's superb cross, with the outside of his boot, created another fine chance for Raphinha but the Brazilian's mis-hit effort was tipped over by Augusto Batalla. The champions took the lead through Araujo's header from Joao Cancelo's corner midway through the first half. Araujo has not featured much since taking a mental health break late last year, but came on as a substitute in Barca's 7-2 Champions League rout of Newcastle in midweek. With Eric Garcia rested following a muscle overload, Flick started the Uruguayan at right-back and was rewarded with what proved to be the winner. "I feel very good, physically well, it's important that I can help the team," said Araujo. "I'm in a good rhythm, working hard to be able to support where I have to, I'm always ready to help the team." Barca cling on The Catalans came close to a second after the interval but Yamal dragged a low effort across the face of goal. Inigo Perez's Rayo took control and started generating dangerous chances as they searched for an equaliser. Joan Garcia denied Alvaro Garcia and then produced a spectacular save to push away Unai Lopez's header. Pacha Espino should have pulled the visitors level but, after beating Barca's high defensive line and staying onside, curled over the bar. Garcia pushed away a Jorge de Frutos drive before six minutes of stoppage time were added but Barca clung on to triumph. "This is why we bought him," said Flick. "I know how important he is and how (important) his performance today was." The Barca coach had lots of praise for Rayo coach Perez after his team's impressive display. "We didn't play our best game but we have to say Rayo played a fantastic game, congrats -- Inigo made a fantastic job," added Flick. "His team played really great football, a great style, it's really amazing to see this and I'm really happy for him." Perez's side are 14th and fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone while also playing in the UEFA Conference League. "The second half was perfect but we lacked the goal," Perez. "(Joan Garcia) appeared in the key moments when we might have been able to draw." Later on, Alaves produced a sensational comeback from three goals down to beat Celta Vigo 4-3. Quique Sanchez Flores's team climbed to 16th, three points above the relegation zone. Ferran Jutgla struck either side of Hugo Alvarez's goal as Celta, sixth, racked up a seemingly comfortable lead. However, Toni Martinez pulled one back before the interval to spark Alaves's comeback. Angel Perez added another before Martinez scored again to level and Abde Rebbach cut in from the left and fired home to claim a memorable victory for the visitors. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 March,2026 09:02 AM IST | Barcelona | AFPADVERTISEMENT
-1774240622792_d.png "Danny Welbeck (Pic: AFP)")
-1774242283393_d.png "Manchester City (Pic: AFP)")
