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The 10 Most Improved Players in the Premier League so Far this Season

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring a goal against Feyenoord during a Champions League match in September. (Reuters)
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring a goal against Feyenoord during a Champions League match in September. (Reuters)
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The 10 Most Improved Players in the Premier League so Far this Season

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring a goal against Feyenoord during a Champions League match in September. (Reuters)
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring a goal against Feyenoord during a Champions League match in September. (Reuters)

With five of their forwards among the Premier League’s most improved players, it’s no wonder Manchester City are five points clear at the top of the table:

10) Leroy Sané, Manchester City
Having understandably taken some time to settle into life at a new club in a new country last season, Leroy Sané is unquestionably up to speed now, offering Pep Guardiola great options in the final third. He scored and set up a goal against Burnley at the weekend – his fifth goal and fourth assist of the season – the German has already had a hand in more goals this season (nine) than last (eight) despite playing 1,290 fewer minutes. He is taking more shots per game (up to 2.9 from 1.7), is making more key passes (up to 2.3 from 1.8), and is more accurate with his crossing (up from 17 percent to 25 percent). Rating: 7.53, up 0.47 on last season.

9) David Silva, Manchester City
With six assists from his first nine appearances of the season, Manchester City’s skipper is relishing the extra responsibility. That tally is just one shy of his figure from 2016/17 and his all-round passing game has been metronomic. The 31-year-old is seeing considerably more of the ball; he is averaging 79 passes per match this season compared to 61 last season, while his passing accuracy is up from 87 percent to 90 percent. Rating: 7.76, up 0.49 on last season.

8) Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City
Kevin de Bruyne was the top Manchester City player in our rankings last season and the sixth highest in the league lowest overall – below Eden Hazard, Alexis Sánchez, Paul Pogba, Harry Kane and Philippe Coutinho – so the fact he has made it on to a list of the most improved players this season is testament to his brilliance over the last few months. His current rating of 8.05 leads the way in the Premier League and comes after one goal and six assists in his first nine games. He, like Silva, is on the ball far more often this season, pulling the strings from a more withdrawn position and creating more chances (30) than any other player as a result. Like Silva, he also has six assists and one goal. Rating: 8.05, up 0.50 on last season

7) Raheem Sterling, Manchester City
He may still divide opinion among many in England, but Raheem Sterling has earned the faith of Pep Guardiola, scoring six times already in the league – only Harry Kane, Sergio Agüero and Romelu Lukaku have scored more. Sterling has never been this prolific in his career. He has never broken into double figures in the Premier League; he has only scored twice in 35 England caps; and he only scored seven goals in 33 appearances last season. But this season he has six goals from five starts. He clearly feels more comfortable in Guardiola’s system and is taking nearly as many shots per 90 minutes this season (4.1) than his previous two at City. Rating: 7.60, up 0.56 on last season

6) Alberto Moreno, Liverpool
Having seemingly lost the faith of manager Jürgen Klopp, Alberto Moreno is not only back in the manager’s plans but back as Liverpool’s first choice left-back. The team’s defending has remained calamitous at times this season but Moreno has looked a little more assured regardless, showing more restraint than in previous seasons. He’s keeping the ball better than he has in the past too, with a pass accuracy of 86.3 percent, and has revived a Premier League career that had seemed to be over. Rating: 6.86, up 0.56 from last season

5) Sergio Agüero, Manchester City
Bringing the best out of all of his attacking players could have been a problem for Pep Guardiola but Sergio Agüero’s appearance as the fifth and final City player in this list shows just how devastating a force they have been so far this season. Somewhat surprisingly, the Argentinian has forged a successful partnership with Gabriel Jesus as Guardiola has opted to play both strikers together. Agüero has had a direct hand in more goals than any other Premier League player (10), despite starting just six of their nine games. His tally of three assists is already enough to match his total from last season, while his shot conversion rate has improved significantly (up to 25.9 percent from 14.4 percent). Rating: 7.98, up 0.64 on last season

4) Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal
Another player who seemed to be falling down the pecking order at his club last season, Aaron Ramsey has looked far brighter after a disappointing 2016-17. He scored his first and only goal of last season in the 91st minute of their final match, but managed to make it on to the scoresheet on the very first night of this campaign in Arsenal’s 4-3 win over Leicester City. – before adding a second against Everton at the weekend. He also produced a second assist of the season at Goodison and has regained the trust of Arsene Wenger, having started seven of nine league games thus far. Rating: 7.37, up 0.65 on last season

3) Abdoulaye Doucouré, Watford
Undoubtedly one of the real surprise packages of the season, Abdoulaye Doucouré was little more than a squad player under Walter Mazzarri last year but has been pivotal to Watford’s early success under Marco Silva. The 24-year-old has played every minute under the new manager and is the Hornets’ top scorer with four goals. He has kept keeps things ticking over nicely for Watford, with an impressive 62.3 passes per game, and no player has won possession more times in the middle third (43). Rating: 7.17, up 0.70 on last season

2) Marcus Rashford, Manchester United
After a relatively frustrating first season under José Mourinho, Marcus Rashford has played a more prominent role this time around and is relishing the chance to impress. With three goals and three assists so far, he’s already had a hand in as many goals this season as he did in all of last season – and from 1,160 fewer minutes. With a greater freedom to attack and more opportunities to counter-attack, the teenager is averaging 3.3 shots per 90 minutes compared to 2.3 in 2016-17, while also completing more key passes and dribbles. Rating: 7.33, up 0.74 on last season

1) James Tarkowski, Burnley
Burnley looked vulnerable at the back when Michael Keane left this summer, particularly when they didn’t reinvest the £25m fee the received from Everton. Sean Dyche’s reasoning has become very clear over the last few months; they have a more than capable stand-in already at the club in the form of James Tarkowski. The 24-year-old’s no-nonsense approach to defending suits Burnley perfectly. He has won more aerial duels (4.8), made more clearances (9.4) and blocked more shots (1.8) per game than any other center-back in the league. Rating: 7.23, up 0.83 on last season

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AlUla to Host Arab Cup and World Championship for Camels

The event is part of their broader initiative to establish AlUla as the premier destination for traditional sports in the region. (SPA)
The event is part of their broader initiative to establish AlUla as the premier destination for traditional sports in the region. (SPA)
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AlUla to Host Arab Cup and World Championship for Camels

The event is part of their broader initiative to establish AlUla as the premier destination for traditional sports in the region. (SPA)
The event is part of their broader initiative to establish AlUla as the premier destination for traditional sports in the region. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate announced on Wednesday its plans to host the inaugural Arab Camel Cup and the World Camel Endurance Championship, in collaboration with the Arab and International Camel Federations.

The event is part of their broader initiative to establish AlUla as the premier destination for traditional sports in the region.

The Arab Camel Cup is scheduled to take place on May 3 at the Mughira Heritage Sports Village. Elite camels from 15 countries will compete in 13 rounds for prizes exceeding SAR3 million.

The World Camel Endurance Championship will kick off on May 4, featuring camels and jockeys from various corners of the globe, vying for prizes totaling SAR2 million.

The race consists of two stages, spanning a distance of 16 kilometers. Both men and women will participate in two categories, utilizing the riding techniques of Hail, Thanaya Bakkar, Zamoul, and Thanaya Qadan.

Each first-place winner in the two categories will be awarded a prize of SAR500,000, while the remaining prizes will be distributed among the winners of the other categories.

Sports

Newey Confirms 2025 Exit in Blow to Red Bull

Technical chief Adrian Newey of Red Bull Racing watches the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain, Sunday, May 22, 2022. (AP)
Technical chief Adrian Newey of Red Bull Racing watches the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain, Sunday, May 22, 2022. (AP)
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Newey Confirms 2025 Exit in Blow to Red Bull

Technical chief Adrian Newey of Red Bull Racing watches the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain, Sunday, May 22, 2022. (AP)
Technical chief Adrian Newey of Red Bull Racing watches the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain, Sunday, May 22, 2022. (AP)

Formula One's most sought after designer Adrian Newey will leave Red Bull in the first quarter of 2025, after 19 years at the F1 team, Red Bull said in a statement on Wednesday.

The BBC and Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reported last month that the Briton had told Red Bull he wanted to move on following allegations about team principal Christian Horner.

Horner was cleared in February of alleged misconduct towards a female employee, who has lodged an appeal against the outcome.

"For almost two decades it has been my great honor to have played a key role in Red Bull Racing's progress from upstart newcomer to multiple title-winning Team," Newey said in a statement.

"However, I feel now is an opportune moment to hand that baton over to others and to seek new challenges for myself."

Newey cars have won 25 drivers' and constructors' championships for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull. His 2023 car was the most dominant in the sport's history with 21 wins from 22 races.

Red Bull said the 65-year-old would step back from Formula One design duties but would continue to attend specific races until the end of the current season.

"All of our greatest moments from the past 20 years have come with Adrian's hand on the technical tiller," Horner said. "His vision and brilliance have helped us to 13 titles in 20 seasons.

"For me, when Adrian joined Red Bull, he was already a superstar designer. Two decades and 13 Championships later he leaves as a true legend."

Red Bull are currently dominant with triple world champion Max Verstappen but Newey has been a regular target for top teams.

He has been reluctant to leave England, where most of the teams are based.

Ferrari, who will have seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton joining them next season from Mercedes, and British-based Aston Martin have been named as possible future employers and have made overtures.

Red Bull are finishing their partnership with Honda at the end of next season and making their own engine with backing from Ford when the sport starts a new power unit era in 2026.

The team have been going through turmoil since before the start of the season, with Horner in the spotlight and having issues with Verstappen's father Jos and Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko.

Formula One veteran Marko and the Verstappens are close, with Max linking his future at the team to the Austrian remaining.

Newey is regarded as equally vital to Red Bull's success as Verstappen, even if the Briton is not a one-man band and has a team of highly-rated designers and aerodynamicists working with him.

Sports

Paris Olympic Athletes Will Feast on Freshly Baked Bread, Select Cheeses and Plenty of Veggies

Charles Guilloy, the executive chef for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, prepares one of the recipes that will be available at the athletes' village during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, during a press presentation in Paris, France, April 30, 2024. (Reuters)
Charles Guilloy, the executive chef for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, prepares one of the recipes that will be available at the athletes' village during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, during a press presentation in Paris, France, April 30, 2024. (Reuters)
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Paris Olympic Athletes Will Feast on Freshly Baked Bread, Select Cheeses and Plenty of Veggies

Charles Guilloy, the executive chef for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, prepares one of the recipes that will be available at the athletes' village during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, during a press presentation in Paris, France, April 30, 2024. (Reuters)
Charles Guilloy, the executive chef for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, prepares one of the recipes that will be available at the athletes' village during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, during a press presentation in Paris, France, April 30, 2024. (Reuters)

Freshly cooked bread, select cheeses and a broad veggie offer will be among the meals to be offered to athletes and visitors during the 2024 Paris Olympics — including, of course, gourmet dishes created by renowned French chefs.

About 40,000 meals are expected to be served each day during the Games to the more than 15,000 athletes from 200 different countries housed at the Olympic village.

Visitors, too, will be able to enjoy some specially created snacks at the different venues.

French food services company Sodexo Live!, which was selected to oversee the catering at the athletes’ village and 14 venues of the Paris Games, said it has created a total of 500 recipes, which will notably be offered at a sit-down eatery for up to 3,500 athletes at the village, meant to be the "world's largest restaurant."

"Of course, there will be some classics for athletes, like pasta," said Nathalie Bellon-Szabo, global CEO of Sodexo Live! But the food will have a "very French touch."

Athletes will also have access to "grab and go" food stands, including one dedicated exclusively to French cuisine cooked up by chefs.

Renowned French chef Amandine Chaignot, who runs a restaurant and a café-bistro in Paris, on Tuesday unveiled one of her recipes based on the iconic croissant.

"I wanted the recipe I suggested to be representative of the French terroir, but I wanted athletes to enjoy it at the same time," she told the Associated Press. "It was quite obvious for me to make a croissant that I could twist. So, you have a bit of artichoke puree, a poached egg, a bit of truffle and a bit of cheese. It’s both vegetarian and still mouthwatering."

Every day, during the July 26-Aug. 11 Games, a top chef — including some awarded with Michelin stars — will cook in front of the athletes at the Olympic Village, "so they’ll be able to chat and better understand what French cuisine is about — and to understand a bit of our culture as well," Chaignot said.

Daily specials will be accompanied by a wide range of salads, pastas, grilled meat and soups. Cheeses will include top quality camembert, brie and sheep’s milk-based Ossau-Iraty from southwestern France.

The Olympic Village will also feature a boulangerie producing fresh baguettes and a variety of other breads.

"The idea is to offer athletes the chance to grab a piping hot baguette for breakfast," said baker Tony Doré, who will be working at the Olympic Village's main restaurant.

Athletes interested in other than sports, will even be able to participate in daily bakery trainings, and learn to make their own French baguette, said Doré.

In an effort to provide as many options as possible, meals offered will revolve around four cuisines: French, Asian, African and the Caribbean and international food.

Paris 2024 organizers have promised to make the Games more sustainable and environment-friendly — and that includes efforts to reduce the use of plastic. To this effect, the main restaurant at the village will use only reusable dishes.

Additionally, organizers say all meals will be based on seasonal products and 80% will come from France.

Plant-based food will represent 60% of the offer for visitors at the venues, including a "vegetarian hot-dog," said Philipp Würz, head of Food and Beverage for the Paris 2024 Committee.

There's "a huge amount of plant-based recipes that will be available for the general public to try, to experience and, hopefully, they will love it," said Würz.

The urban park at the Place de la Concorde, in central Paris, will offer visitors 100% vegetarian food — a first in the Games’ history. The place will be the stage for Paris 2024’s most contemporary sporting disciplines: BMX freestyle, 3x3 basketball, skateboarding and breakdancing.

Sports

Nadal Plans to Play in Rome after a ‘Positive’ Week in Likely His Last Madrid Open

Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal reacts after his round of 16 match against Jiri Lehecka of Czech Republic at the Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Spain, 30 April 2024. (EPA)
Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal reacts after his round of 16 match against Jiri Lehecka of Czech Republic at the Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Spain, 30 April 2024. (EPA)
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Nadal Plans to Play in Rome after a ‘Positive’ Week in Likely His Last Madrid Open

Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal reacts after his round of 16 match against Jiri Lehecka of Czech Republic at the Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Spain, 30 April 2024. (EPA)
Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal reacts after his round of 16 match against Jiri Lehecka of Czech Republic at the Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Spain, 30 April 2024. (EPA)

Rafael Nadal left Madrid feeling better about his fitness than he did when he arrived, and is now planning to play in Rome while continuing his preparations for the French Open.

Nadal lost in straight sets to the 31st-ranked Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round at Madrid on Tuesday. But the Spaniard was feeling good about his progress following his latest injury layoff.

Nadal called it a “positive week” in every way, and said his body held up well.

“I was able to play four matches, a couple of tough matches,” Nadal said. “So very positive, winning three matches, playing four matches at the high level of tennis. I enjoyed a lot playing at home. I leave here with very positive energy.”

Nadal arrived in Madrid pessimistic about his physical condition, and he wasn’t even sure if he would be able to play. He said he only did it because it was an emotional tournament for him.

The 37-year-old Nadal is playing in his final year on tour. He had already bid farewell to Barcelona, where he lost in the second round. The 22-time Grand Slam champion hadn’t played a tournament since Brisbane in January.

“Today is unforgettable day in terms of saying ‘goodbye, Madrid,’” he said. “But my career keeps going, and I have my personal goals that I have got in the next couple of weeks, and I want to explore if I have any chance to achieve that.”

Nadal said Rome, where he won 10 titles and where the tournament starts May 8, was also emotional for him.

“That’s another very special tournament in my career,” he said. “I dreamed to play all these tournaments that I had success one more time. I missed Monte Carlo unfortunately, that is one of the most special for me, but Rome is one of these ones that I enjoyed a lot playing there.”

In Madrid, Nadal defeated American teenager Darwin Blanch in the first round and 11th-ranked Alex de Minaur in the second, both in straight sets. He needed three sets to edge Pedro Cachin in the third round.

“I want to play well there (in Rome). I want to be competitive,” he said. “I want to give myself a chance to play good tennis, and I’m gonna keep working hard to try to make that happen.”

Playing at the French Open, which begins May 26, is one of Nadal’s main goals during his farewell season. He has won the title at Roland Garros a record 14 times.

Sports

Efficient Real Madrid Making an Art Form of Scoring When Least Expected

Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior celebrates after scoring the 2-2 equalizer during the UEFA Champions League semi final, 1st leg match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in Munich, Germany, 30 April 2024. (EPA)
Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior celebrates after scoring the 2-2 equalizer during the UEFA Champions League semi final, 1st leg match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in Munich, Germany, 30 April 2024. (EPA)
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Efficient Real Madrid Making an Art Form of Scoring When Least Expected

Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior celebrates after scoring the 2-2 equalizer during the UEFA Champions League semi final, 1st leg match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in Munich, Germany, 30 April 2024. (EPA)
Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior celebrates after scoring the 2-2 equalizer during the UEFA Champions League semi final, 1st leg match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in Munich, Germany, 30 April 2024. (EPA)

Real Madrid has made an art form of striking when least expected.

Bayern Munich was so dominant in the Champions League semifinal on Tuesday that it seemed only a matter of time before it scored. But Madrid pounced instead.

Vinícius Júnior ran onto a brilliant Toni Kroos pass and fired the visitors ahead in the 24th minute with their first chance.

“I know that Viní prefers the ball in space than at his feet,” Kroos said. “Then he makes his move. He makes the pass easy for me with his run.”

Madrid’s knack for scoring goals out of nothing is a trait that plays on rivals’ minds as Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka acknowledged after the teams' 2-2 draw.

“We let Vinícius out our eye for a bit and then there was a huge hole,” Goretzka said. “There wasn’t the feeling that something dangerous could happen but that’s the quality of Real and you need to be ready for it all the time.”

Bayern dominated possession and goal attempts (14-8), but the two-leg series remains wide open ahead of the return semifinal match in Madrid next week.

“We had that last season too against Paris with Neymar and (Kylian) Mbappé, they’re just players with unbelievable quality,” Goretzka said. “It’s extremely dangerous when they’re up front. You always have to have a top defense and of course you can’t march forward blindly, no question.”

Madrid should arguably have gone on to score more after Vinícius opened the scoring as Bayern’s confidence took a blow and the home team no longer dominated.

Manuel Neuer made a fine save to deny Kroos and Madrid was in the ascendancy when Leroy Sané equalized with a fierce strike inside the right post and Harry Kane converted a penalty for Bayern.

Vinícius scored again after coolly converting a late penalty to level the match.

“Real Madrid always makes moves,” Vinícius said. “Now we have to be concentrated for the 90 minutes, or 120 if needed, at the Bernabéu.”

The winner will play Borussia Dortmund or Paris Saint-Germain in the final in London on June 1. Dortmund and PSG were to play the first leg of their semifinal in Dortmund on Wednesday.

Sports

Saudi Sports Arbitration Center Participates in Arab Conference on Sports and Law

Saudi Sports Arbitration Center Participates in Arab Conference on Sports and Law
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Saudi Sports Arbitration Center Participates in Arab Conference on Sports and Law

Saudi Sports Arbitration Center Participates in Arab Conference on Sports and Law

The Saudi Sports Arbitration Center concluded its participation in the 3rd Arab Conference on Sports and Law, which was held from April 28 to 30 by the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO) in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, under the title "Mechanisms to Enhance the Professional Effectiveness of Arab Sports Arbitration Institutions."
The three-day conference included the participation of Saudi Sports Arbitration Center CEO Jaber bin Saad Al-Juhani as a keynote speaker in a dialogue session entitled "Challenges Facing Arab Arbitration Centers and Mechanisms to Enhance Their Professional Effectiveness," SPA reported.
During the session, Al-Juhani highlighted the experience of the Saudi Sports Arbitration Center and its legislative basis. He also highlighted the legal legislation for the center's work and reviewed its most prominent achievements, challenges, and future aspirations towards enhancing its presence in the local, regional, and international sports arbitration scene.

Sports

Dortmund’s Injury Concerns Ease before Facing PSG in Champions League Semifinal

Dortmund's German midfielder #23 Emre Can (L) and Dortmund's German head coach Edin Terzić attend a press conference on April 30, 2024 in Dortmund, western Germany, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). (AFP)
Dortmund's German midfielder #23 Emre Can (L) and Dortmund's German head coach Edin Terzić attend a press conference on April 30, 2024 in Dortmund, western Germany, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). (AFP)
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Dortmund’s Injury Concerns Ease before Facing PSG in Champions League Semifinal

Dortmund's German midfielder #23 Emre Can (L) and Dortmund's German head coach Edin Terzić attend a press conference on April 30, 2024 in Dortmund, western Germany, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). (AFP)
Dortmund's German midfielder #23 Emre Can (L) and Dortmund's German head coach Edin Terzić attend a press conference on April 30, 2024 in Dortmund, western Germany, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). (AFP)

Borussia Dortmund’s injury worries have eased and coach Edin Terzić is hopeful all but two players will be fit for the Champions League semifinal first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

Terzić said on Tuesday that left back Ramy Bensebaini and young forward Julien Duranville are definitely out of Wednesday’s match, but that others can return after missing the team’s 4-1 loss at Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Emre Can and Ian Maatsen are back and well-rested after serving suspensions last weekend.

“Marcel Sabitzer and Donyell Malen took part in training again yesterday,” Terzić said. “Donny couldn’t take part in everything. Marcel felt much better and was very happy. Sébastien Haller could take part in some of the training and we’ll see today how the final training session develops. For now, we’re assuming that the guys will be available tomorrow.”

Ivory Coast forward Haller has been laboring with a persistent left ankle injury.

Dortmund, which knocked out Atlético Madrid to reach the final four, already faced PSG in the group stage, losing 2-0 in Paris before drawing 1-1 at home and topping the group.

The German team is unbeaten in its last 10 games at home in the competition and will again look to the support from its “yellow wall.”

“They have added a very, very high level of quality to this team, a team that has been built up in recent years to win the Champions League,” Terzić said. “At the start of the season they may not have performed so well, but they always got their results, perhaps not yet with the performances they had imagined. But they improved a lot during the first half of the season.”

Terzić suggested Luis Enrique’s team is peaking at the right time.

“It’s not easy to stop them, though every team tries,” Terzić said. “If you take Kylian Mbappé, for example, with his exceptional individual quality, he has now scored 43 goals in 44 games. Opponents set themselves the goal of not letting him score in 44 games. It doesn’t always work.”

It's not just about Mbappé.

Striker Gonçalo Ramos also poses a threat with his heading, his ability to hold the ball and his strong running. Ramos has scored regularly in recent weeks, and the 22-year-old Portugal international praised coach Luis Enrique for creating a healthy competition for places that has made players much sharper.

“Nobody knows who’s starting in the game,” said Ramos, who has scored 14 goals in all competitions. “That’s why we are always ready for anything.”

Enrique has no injury worries and said the whole squad is fit.

He praised midfielder Vitinha, who scored in both legs of the quarterfinal against Barcelona.

“Vitinha is one of the best midfielders in the world. He can play on the wing, he can play as a holding midfielder and he can play inside (behind the forwards),” Enrique said through a translator. “One of the areas where he has improved, and that’s down to me, is his defending.”

Sports

Messi to Miami: Soccer Star, and a Few Teammates, Show up for Heat-Celtics Game

Soccer Football - Friendly - Argentina v Australia - Workers' Stadium, Beijing, China - June 15, 2023 Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
Soccer Football - Friendly - Argentina v Australia - Workers' Stadium, Beijing, China - June 15, 2023 Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
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Messi to Miami: Soccer Star, and a Few Teammates, Show up for Heat-Celtics Game

Soccer Football - Friendly - Argentina v Australia - Workers' Stadium, Beijing, China - June 15, 2023 Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
Soccer Football - Friendly - Argentina v Australia - Workers' Stadium, Beijing, China - June 15, 2023 Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo

Lionel Messi took a night off to watch the Miami Heat. The Inter Miami star and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner as the world's best player — along with teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez — arrived just before tip-off of the Heat playoff game with the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

The group — some clad in Heat attire — arrived in the players' parking garage, then were brought in through a VIP entrance before making their way to their seats. Messi has been to the arena before for at least one other event, but never before had arranged to be at a Heat game since moving to Miami last year, The AP reported.

Inter Miami is 6-2-3 so far this season in Major League Soccer play, sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference and with the most points of any team in the league.

Messi had two goals and an assist in Inter Miami's 4-1 win at New England on Saturday, and has multiple goal contributions in five straight matches — the first MLS player ever to do that. He has nine goals and seven assists in seven matches with Inter Miami this season.

Messi, who led Argentina to the World Cup title in 2022, has more than 800 goals in his career for club and country, making him one of the greatest scorers in soccer history. He scored twice in the 2022 World Cup final against France, a match that ended 3-3 with Argentina prevailing 4-2 on penalty kicks.

Sports

Ronaldo Sells Stake in Brazilian Club Cruzeiro Amid Criticism

Cristiano Ronaldo. (Reuters)
Cristiano Ronaldo. (Reuters)
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Ronaldo Sells Stake in Brazilian Club Cruzeiro Amid Criticism

Cristiano Ronaldo. (Reuters)
Cristiano Ronaldo. (Reuters)

Two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo Nazário agreed to sell his stake in embattled Brazilian soccer club Cruzeiro on Monday. And he plans to do the same at Spain's second division club Real Valladolid, which he has controlled since 2018.

Ronaldo Nazário bought the indebted Cruzeiro's soccer department in 2021 for about $78 million and is reportedly selling it for almost $117 million.

The Brazil great started his career at the Belo Horizonte-based club, but as an owner he has been accused by supporters of failing to invest as much as promised, The AP reported.

“Maybe some (Cruzeiro fans) have exaggerated a little going against me, but this is irrelevant to me," Ronaldo Nazário said in a news conference.

"I know most fans are grateful to me and my team for putting Cruzeiro back in the national and international scene. My goal was reached. That was always the idea — to bring Cruzeiro back and, at the right time, give it to the right person.”

He did not provide many details on how he will divest from Valladolid, where he bought a 51% stake six years ago.

“My answer will be a short one; Valladolid is next,” Ronaldo Nazario said. “I will take some time off (after selling both Cruzeiro and Valladolid).”

Fans of the Spanish club have criticized Ronado Nazário's management for selling their players for high numbers, but failing to return some of that to their team, which was relegated twice since the Brazilian took over.

The new owner of Cruzeiro’s soccer department is Pedro Figueiredo, a billionaire and ardent fan who built one of Brazil’s biggest supermarket chains. He told Monday's news conference it will take him 10 years to pay the club’s debts.

Ronaldo Nazário bought Cruzeiro’s soccer department in a business operation that Brazilians know as SAF, which creates public limited companies in clubs that are often on the brink of bankruptcy. Such a move separates the profitable soccer departments from the rest of the club, which remains under control of its associates.

Cruzeiro stockpiled trophies over the past two decades but was in Brazil’s second division from 2020-22 amid fears it could disappear due to its huge debt, which amounted to more than 1 billion Brazilian reals ($200 million).

Ronaldo Nazário’s decision to chip in helped the club stay afloat during its worst days.

“Cruzeiro was in intensive care when I came. I halved the debts, the revenue increased five times. I am leaving Cruzeiro in a comfortable hospital bedroom now,” he said.

Six other top-flight clubs have sold their soccer departments in SAF operations in recent years; Cruzeiro archrival Atletico Mineiro; Bahia, which is owned by the Manchester City group; John Textor’s Botafogo; Cuiaba; Fortaleza; and Vasco da Gama.

Cruzeiro's is Brazil's first SAF operation to change hands.

Cruzeiro fans showed on Sunday they were excited about Ronaldo Nazário leaving the club. A banner at Mineirao Stadium read “Bye, Ronaldo” during the team’s 3-1 win against Vitória in the Brazilian championship.

Valladolid fans also protested against the Brazilian after their team was relegated in 2023. The Spanish club co-leads the second division with Leganés on 64 points after 37 matches. The top two teams will automatically be promoted to La Liga next season.

For many Cruzeiro supporters, Ronaldo Nazário was identified more with local rival Corinthians, where the striker finished his professional career in 2011.

New owner Figueiredo defended Ronaldo Nazário's management of the club.

“I apologize on behalf of Cruzeiro fans," Figueiredo said. “What some did to Ronaldo was not fair. He put his name in the business and he is upset with this situation. I hope tomorrow (the criticism) is not against me.”

Sports

Nadal Tested in 3-hour Win over Cachin at Madrid

29 April 2024, Spain, Madrid: Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates defeating Argentine Pedro Cachin during their men's singles round of 32 match at the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis tournament. Photo: José Oliva/EUROPA PRESS/dpa
29 April 2024, Spain, Madrid: Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates defeating Argentine Pedro Cachin during their men's singles round of 32 match at the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis tournament. Photo: José Oliva/EUROPA PRESS/dpa
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Nadal Tested in 3-hour Win over Cachin at Madrid

29 April 2024, Spain, Madrid: Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates defeating Argentine Pedro Cachin during their men's singles round of 32 match at the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis tournament. Photo: José Oliva/EUROPA PRESS/dpa
29 April 2024, Spain, Madrid: Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal celebrates defeating Argentine Pedro Cachin during their men's singles round of 32 match at the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis tournament. Photo: José Oliva/EUROPA PRESS/dpa

After spending more than three hours on the court and earning a hard-fought victory, Rafael Nadal was feeling optimistic again.
Nadal's body withstood its toughest test yet at this Madrid Open in a 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-3 win over 91st-ranked Pedro Cachin on Monday, The Associated Press reported.
He didn't show any signs of physical limitations in a victory that earned him a spot in the round of 16 at the clay-court tournament where he is the record five-time champion.
“It’s positive, now I don’t feel that something went wrong on my body, but I need to wait until tomorrow, being 100% honest,” he said. “I am trying my best to keep dreaming. Tomorrow is another day to keep dreaming. To keep playing in front of this amazing crowd and, to me, that means everything.”
Nadal will next face 31st-ranked Jiri Lehecka. He said he needs “to find a way to be able to play days in a row and still be competitive.”
“I don’t know if I am in that moment yet,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion said. “Let’s see what can happen tomorrow."
The 37-year-old Nadal is trying to get in shape for next month's French Open. Since his latest injury layoff, he's had two matches in Barcelona and was pessimistic about his physical condition after arriving in Madrid. But he's won three more times in the capital.
Nadal again looked comfortable early on against Cachin. The Argentine rallied in the second but was broken twice while serving for the set before eventually prevailing in the tiebreaker.
Nadal didn’t look as loose in the final set, but did look tired. He wasn't as consistent with his shots but picked up three breaks to seal the victory to the delight of the local crowd in the Caja Magica.
“I took more risks in the third set, but it’s hard after so many months without competing,” Nadal said. “I hadn’t played a match like this in a long time. I don’t know how I’m going to wake up. But I’m already happy for having won three matches in a row.”
Cachin asked for Nadal's shirt after congratulating him at the net, and received the gift moments later.
Top-seeded Jannik Sinner was not at his best but had enough to defeat Pavel Kotov 6-2, 7-5. Sinner, who has been dealing with a hip issue, will face 16th-seeded Karen Khachanov.
“I have been struggling a little bit with my right hip,” Sinner said. “We’re trying to find a solution and I don’t think it’s anything serious. Sometimes I feel it more like today and some days are a little bit better."
Third-seeded Daniil Medvedev was two points from defeat before he rallied to beat Sebastian Korda 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-3.
Fifth-seeded Casper Ruud beat Cameron Norrie 6-2, 6-4.