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Al-Hilal Aiming for Record 5th Asian Champions League Title

File photo: Football - Club World Cup - Semi Final - Flamengo v Al Hilal - Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier, Morocco - February 7, 2023 Al Hilal's Salem Al-Dawsari celebrates scoring their second goal. (Reuters)
File photo: Football - Club World Cup - Semi Final - Flamengo v Al Hilal - Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier, Morocco - February 7, 2023 Al Hilal's Salem Al-Dawsari celebrates scoring their second goal. (Reuters)
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Al-Hilal Aiming for Record 5th Asian Champions League Title

File photo: Football - Club World Cup - Semi Final - Flamengo v Al Hilal - Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier, Morocco - February 7, 2023 Al Hilal's Salem Al-Dawsari celebrates scoring their second goal. (Reuters)
File photo: Football - Club World Cup - Semi Final - Flamengo v Al Hilal - Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier, Morocco - February 7, 2023 Al Hilal's Salem Al-Dawsari celebrates scoring their second goal. (Reuters)

Al-Hilal is potentially 180 minutes away from extending its regional record of continental titles from four to five as it faces Urawa Reds of Japan in the first leg of the Asian Champions League final at Riyadh on Saturday.

With the Saudi national team upsetting eventual champion Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar last November, and Al-Hilal eliminating the champions of Africa and South America at the Club World Cup in February before losing the final 5-3 to Real Madrid, expectations are high in the host nation, The Associated Press said.

Al-Hilal is not only the defending continental champion -- and trying to become the first team since domestic rivals Al-Ittihad in 2004 and 2005 to win the AFC title back-to-back --but is also facing Urawa in the final for the third time in six years. The Japanese club won in 2017, with Al-Hilal avenging that two years later.

“We know that it's going to be a difficult game but that is what you expect when you reach a final,” Al-Hilal coach Ramon Diaz said. “We know what we have to do and we also know that this is the first half and then we go to Japan.”

Urawa is hosting the return leg on May 6 at Saitama Stadium, just north of Tokyo.

As well as several players who represented Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, Diaz can call upon in-form Odion Ighalo. The former Nigeria striker, who played on loan at Manchester United in 2020, leads the goal scoring standings in the Saudi Professional League with 18 goals so far this season.

He also has seven goals in the continental tournament —- two more in the final series will move him ahead of Edmilson Junior of Qatar Al-Duhail. Al-Hilal thrashed Al-Duhail 7-0 in February’s semifinals.

Urawa played its semifinal against Jeonbuk Motors of South Korea last August in what has been an elongated tournament. This edition started 14 months ago, with the delay resulting from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) transitioning to a calendar that mirrors the European competition.

Since Urawa’s last Asian Champions League game, Ricardo Rodriguez has been replaced as head coach by Maciej Skorza of Poland. Urawa is currently in fourth place in Japan’s top tier, and Al-Hilal is in fourth spot in the Saudi domestic league.

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Sports

Family and Teammates Mourn Tenerife Striker De Miguel at Funeral

Mourners accompany the hearse carrying the remains of CD Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel, who died Tuesday following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a soccer match, at his funeral in Navahermosa, central Spain, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas)
Mourners accompany the hearse carrying the remains of CD Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel, who died Tuesday following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a soccer match, at his funeral in Navahermosa, central Spain, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas)
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Family and Teammates Mourn Tenerife Striker De Miguel at Funeral

Mourners accompany the hearse carrying the remains of CD Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel, who died Tuesday following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a soccer match, at his funeral in Navahermosa, central Spain, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas)
Mourners accompany the hearse carrying the remains of CD Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel, who died Tuesday following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a soccer match, at his funeral in Navahermosa, central Spain, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas)

Family, friends and teammates gathered in the village of Navahermosa on Thursday for the funeral of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died following an on-field collision.

De Miguel collided with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during Monday's match and was taken to intensive care. Tenerife confirmed De Miguel's death on Tuesday morning.

The Tenerife squad, club staff and majority shareholder Rayco Garcia attended the funeral, along with Royal Spanish Football Federation President Rafael Louzan, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Real Madrid President Florentino ⁠Perez and Atletico Madrid ⁠CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin.

De Miguel's coffin was carried out of San Miguel Arcangel church in a procession to the cemetery.

De Miguel's family thanked well-wishers for their support in a statement read by his agent Manuel Hernandez before the funeral.

"Feeling so much affection ⁠for Jesus and seeing the impact he had on so many people is something we will always carry with us," Reuters quoted the family as saying in the statement read by Hernandez.

"Jesus leaves a void that is impossible to fill, but also cherished memories for all of us who were fortunate enough to share our lives with him. Thank you for loving him and for standing by us."

Spanish police have opened a routine investigation into ⁠De Miguel's ⁠death.

Andorra released a statement on Wednesday, in which Owono said: "These are the most difficult days of my life."

Tenerife's match against Granada and Andorra's game with Mallorca, both scheduled for this weekend, have been postponed.

Tenerife's main rivals, Las Palmas, will play their fixture against Eldense on Sunday in blue and white colours, traditionally worn by Tenerife, as a tribute to De Miguel.

Garcia invited fans to Tenerife's stadium on Saturday to pay their respects to De Miguel in what he called 'the last goodbye'.

Sports

Qiddiya Investment Company, Golf Saudi Sign Five-Year Agreement to Operate The National Golf Club

The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, with no membership required - SPA
The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, with no membership required - SPA
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Qiddiya Investment Company, Golf Saudi Sign Five-Year Agreement to Operate The National Golf Club

The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, with no membership required - SPA
The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, with no membership required - SPA

Qiddiya Investment Company and Golf Saudi have signed a five-year agreement under which Golf Saudi will operate The National Golf Club at Qiddiya City, including managing the course and facilities, overseeing golf operations, organizing events, and developing players.

Signed by Qiddiya Investment Company Managing Director Abdullah Aldawood and Golf Saudi Chief Executive Officer Noah Alireza, the agreement will help expand golf participation, nurture Saudi talent, and establish the club as a leading international golf destination, supporting the growth of sports tourism in Saudi Arabia, SPA reported.

Aldawood said: “The National Golf Club brings Qiddiya City’s Powered by Play philosophy to life, with accessibility at the heart of its design and visitor experience. Our partnership with Golf Saudi combines world-class sporting expertise with opportunities for players of all abilities, helping nurture Saudi talent and welcome visitors from Saudi Arabia and around the world. It reflects Qiddiya Investment Company’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to increase sports participation, encourage healthier and more active lifestyles, and enhance quality of life, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”

Alireza said: “The addition of The National Golf Club at Qiddiya City to Golf Saudi’s portfolio marks another strategic milestone in our continued expansion as a golf facility operator in Saudi Arabia. Our ambition extends to building an integrated network of destinations that deliver world-class experiences, combining operational excellence, management expertise, and authentic Saudi hospitality.”

He added: “Through our partnership with Qiddiya Investment Company, we look forward to bringing our expertise and capabilities to this exceptional facility, enhancing the experience for players and visitors, and developing its potential to host leading tournaments and events at the local and international levels.”

The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, with no membership required. Its 18-hole course, designed by golf legend Sir Nick Faldo, is surrounded by the distinctive natural formations of the Tuwaiq Mountains.

The club’s message, “Play like no one is watching,” reflects its flexible approach, allowing players to choose rounds suited to their time and skill level while giving beginners opportunities to discover golf and learn its fundamentals.

The course comprises three six-hole loops, offering flexibility for shorter or full rounds. Practice and coaching facilities, beginner-friendly programs, and a future academy aim to make golf more accessible to newcomers.

Located 45 kilometers from Riyadh, The National Golf Club is part of Qiddiya City, a destination combining entertainment, sports, culture, and everyday city life. It sits alongside the planned National Tennis Centre and is surrounded by residential areas, offices, hotels, and retail developments planned for the future. The club embodies Qiddiya City’s Powered by Play philosophy by creating opportunities for sport, social connection, and active lifestyles, supporting efforts to increase sports participation and enhance quality of life.

The club joins Qiddiya City’s growing portfolio of entertainment, cultural, and sports venues, including Six Flags Qiddiya City, which has already opened, alongside Aquarabia and PlayMaker Studios. Future venues include the National Tennis Centre, Speed Park Track, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, Horse Racing Venue, and Qiddiya Performing Arts Centre. Together, these facilities will create a connected destination for international events, elite sport, broader sports participation, and everyday community life for residents, workers, and visitors.

Sports

Antonelli Back to Work as Mercedes Chase Title Double

Formula One F1 - Interview with 2026 Formula One World Champion Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli - Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the interview REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Formula One F1 - Interview with 2026 Formula One World Champion Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli - Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the interview REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
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Antonelli Back to Work as Mercedes Chase Title Double

Formula One F1 - Interview with 2026 Formula One World Champion Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli - Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the interview REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Formula One F1 - Interview with 2026 Formula One World Champion Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli - Sao Paulo, Brazil - November 4, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the interview REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Five celebratory days on from claiming the Formula One world title, Kimi Antonelli will seek to lead Mercedes to the double this weekend by beating Ferrari to take the constructors' championship at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The youngest champion in F1 history, and first Italian winner for 73 years, will be bidding for his 10th win of a remarkable season, but knows luckless team-mate George Russell will be intent on returning to winning ways himself, said AFP.

Blighted by ill-fortune and a series of car failures, the Briton is aiming for a strong end to the season, with a repeat of his 2022 triumph at Interlagos, to give him a springboard for a title challenge in 2027.

"All I can promise is that for the rest of this season, and into the next one, I will be giving my absolute all to rediscover the performance I have been capable of producing for the majority of my career," Russell said.

"And fingers crossed that a little bit of luck returns," he added earlier this week after congratulating 20-year-old Antonelli on finishing third in Mexico to clinch his maiden title.

Russell is without a win in four races since dominating from pole position in Baku and is chasing a fourth win this year.

Deputy technical director Simone Resta conceded, as did team chief Toto Wolff, that Mercedes had failed Russell.

"We really need to sort out these problems for the future," he said.

"We let George down and he really deserves to have a chance to fight for a much higher position...

"It's clear for the team -- we need to maximize our points and results to win the championship. We are focused on it and we will do our best to achieve it."

Mercedes need to outscore Ferrari by three points or more to be champions.

While Russell licked his wounds, Antonelli visited the family of his childhood hero Ayrton Senna and was photographed sitting in the three-time champion's famous black and gold Lotus 98T car -- complete with number 12 on the nose, the number the Italian has said he will keep next year.

- Local hope Camara -

Both of the Silver Arrows' drivers will be strongly challenged too by Red Bull's in-form four-time champion Max Verstappen, who has won three of the last four races including resisting Lewis Hamilton's late charge in Mexico last Sunday.

The speed of his team-mate Isack Hadjar will be a threat along with both Ferraris, with Hamilton still smarting from their failure to triumph in Mexico due to poor teamwork and Charles Leclerc's first-lap attack.

Ferrari, however, are without a win in Brazil since 2017 when the previous youngest champion Sebastian Vettel was victorious.

After flying home to Monaco to be with his wife Alexandra Saint Mleux for the birth of their first child, a daughter called Bianca, the late-arriving Leclerc may have other things on his mind.

He is set to be rested in Friday's first practice with reserve driver Dino Beganovic running alongside Hamilton, who is both a three-time winner and an honorary citizen of Brazil loved by the passionate Interlagos crowd.

Last year's winner and champion Lando Norris of McLaren should not be ruled out on a track where he has started from pole for the last two years.

Local hope Rafael Camara, 21, was expected to replace Leclerc but has instead been given a seat at Haas, succeeding Ryo Hirakawa who replaced the dumped Esteban Ocon in Mexico last weekend and finished 10th on debut.

Camara will make his F1 debut on his home track with the American team.