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Prolific Al Duhail Blocking Saudi Al Hilal’s Route to Asian Final

Al Hilal's Malian forward Moussa Marega (L) celebrates with Saud Abdulhamid after scoring his team's first goal during the AFC Champions League quarter-final football match between Iran's Foolad and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on February 23, 2023. (AFP)
Al Hilal's Malian forward Moussa Marega (L) celebrates with Saud Abdulhamid after scoring his team's first goal during the AFC Champions League quarter-final football match between Iran's Foolad and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on February 23, 2023. (AFP)
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Prolific Al Duhail Blocking Saudi Al Hilal’s Route to Asian Final

Al Hilal's Malian forward Moussa Marega (L) celebrates with Saud Abdulhamid after scoring his team's first goal during the AFC Champions League quarter-final football match between Iran's Foolad and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on February 23, 2023. (AFP)
Al Hilal's Malian forward Moussa Marega (L) celebrates with Saud Abdulhamid after scoring his team's first goal during the AFC Champions League quarter-final football match between Iran's Foolad and Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on February 23, 2023. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal go into their sixth Asian Champions League semi-final in nine years on Sunday looking to find a way to silence Al Duhail's prolific strike force and keep alive their hopes of a record-extending fifth continental title.

The defending champions squeezed past Iran's Foolad on Thursday to set up the meeting with the Qatari club in Doha, with the winners due to take on Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds over two legs in the final on April 29 and May 6.

Al Hilal have won in four of their last five semi-final appearances and defeated Urawa when they last met in the final in 2019, avenging a loss in 2017 to claim a record fourth success in Asia's premier club competition.

But to renew that rivalry Ramon Diaz's side will need to overcome an Al Duhail side boasting the attacking prowess of prolific forward Michael Olunga and winger Edmilson Junior.

Olunga, the tournament's top scorer in 2021, netted both goals in the 2-1 quarter-final win over Al Shabab from Saudi Arabia to take his tally to six in this year's competition.

Edmilson has been even more impressive in front of goal, registering eight times in the current campaign to lead the scoring charts, although there are doubts over the Belgian's availability after he sustained an injury in the quarterfinals.

"We have achieved something historical," said coach Hernan Crespo. "We have never been in the semi-finals before and I am proud to be part of this historic occasion."

Al Hilal, though, have even greater achievements on their minds as they look to become the first side to win back-to-back Asian titles since compatriots Al Ittihad in 2005.

Diaz's side were boosted in the previous round by the return of captain Salman Al Faraj, who started for Al Hilal for the first time since sustaining an injury in Saudi Arabia's historic 2-1 win over Argentina at the World Cup finals in Qatar.

The 33-year-old featured for the opening 76 minutes of the game against Foolad, although it was only after his departure that Al Hilal were able to find a way past the Iranians through Moussa Marega's 87th minute winner.

"We know Duhail have good players, I know the coach personally as I coached him when he was a player," said Diaz.

"It is good to play against Duhail as both teams will have their fans behind them."

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Sports

Italy’s Meloni Plays Down ICE Agent Furor as She Meets Vance

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, right, and US Vice President JD Vance hold a bilateral meeting during his visit to the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, right, and US Vice President JD Vance hold a bilateral meeting during his visit to the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)
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Italy’s Meloni Plays Down ICE Agent Furor as She Meets Vance

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, right, and US Vice President JD Vance hold a bilateral meeting during his visit to the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, right, and US Vice President JD Vance hold a bilateral meeting during his visit to the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met US Vice President JD Vance in Milan on Friday, hours before the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, using the encounter to reaffirm the strength of US–Italian ties despite tensions around the presence of US security personnel at the Games.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

"They are here for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, but it is also an opportunity for us ‌to discuss our ‌bilateral relations," Meloni said after welcoming ‌the ⁠two US leaders ‌at the Milan prefecture, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

"Italy and the United States have always maintained very significant ties," she added, stressing that the two governments were working to strengthen cooperation across multiple fronts and address ongoing international issues.

Her words were echoed by Vance.

"We love Italy and the Italian people. As you said, we have ⁠many excellent relations, many economic connections and partnerships," he said.

"In the Olympic spirit, competition ‌is based on rules. It’s good ‍to have shared values, and ‍we will have a very constructive exchange on many topics."

Energy security ‍and the creation of safe and reliable supply chains for critical minerals were also discussed during the talks, along with the latest developments in Iran and Venezuela, the Italian prime minister’s office said in a statement issued later in the day.

The meeting comes amid a backlash in Italy following the disclosure that analysts ⁠linked to a branch under US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would support the US delegation during the Games.

The news triggered political criticism and concerns that spectators might boo US athletes or officials.

Over the past week, hundreds of demonstrators — including student groups and families — have staged protests across Milan highlighting ICE’s record and demanding clarity on its role in Italy.

Meloni, speaking in a Thursday night interview with broadcast group Mediaset, called the uproar "surreal," stressing that the investigative branch involved has long cooperated with Italy.

"It has never carried out, could ‌never carry out, and will never carry out police operations — immigration enforcement or checks — on our territory," she said.

Sports

Arteta Upbeat on Arsenal’s Title Push but Expects Tough Sunderland Challenge

Football - Carabao Cup - Semi Final - Second Leg - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - February 3, 2026 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Carabao Cup - Semi Final - Second Leg - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - February 3, 2026 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts. (Action Images via Reuters)
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Arteta Upbeat on Arsenal’s Title Push but Expects Tough Sunderland Challenge

Football - Carabao Cup - Semi Final - Second Leg - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - February 3, 2026 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Carabao Cup - Semi Final - Second Leg - Arsenal v Chelsea - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - February 3, 2026 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts. (Action Images via Reuters)

Arsenal have been plotting their Premier League title charge since before pre-season began, manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday as they prepare for a potentially pivotal clash against Sunderland that could extend their lead to nine points.

After three straight runners-up finishes, Arteta said he believed before the season began that Arsenal could end their title drought, with the London side now six points clear of Manchester City.

Chasing their first league title since 2003-04, Arteta said the squad had stayed united and blocked out the noise surrounding the pressure of the title race, taking things day by day.

"Before pre-season started, we started to prepare everything with the intention to be where we are and make sure the players are convinced we're ‌going to achieve ‌it," Arteta told reporters on Friday.

"Then go day ‌by ⁠day, that's it... ‌I don't like comparing (to his previous squads). It's an amazing group and they're doing an incredible job so far.

"We are very excited and privileged to have each other. We are going to enjoy it until the last day of the season."

'WELL-COACHED' SUNDERLAND

But first, Arsenal must navigate what Arteta expects to be a stern test against a Sunderland side that sit eighth in the standings after gaining promotion to the top flight last ⁠season.

Regis Le Bris's Sunderland have held Arsenal, City and champions Liverpool to draws this season while also remaining ‌unbeaten at home in 12 matches.

"We do what we ‍have to do. It's going to ‍be a really tough match. They've been in an incredible run all season. ‍We know the complexity of the match," Arteta said ahead of Saturday's home game.

"They are extremely competitive, really well-coached. They have really good individuals and a very clear identity of what they want to do and where they want to take the game, and they're very good at it.

"You can see the results they've had against the top sides, so we know what to expect and we need ⁠to deliver that tomorrow."

SAKA GETTING BETTER BUT NOT READY

Arteta said Bukayo Saka's hip was in better shape but that he was not yet ready to return. Skipper Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with a niggle while right back Jurrien Timber is ready to play.

Arsenal are also without midfielder Mikel Merino - who faces months on the sidelines after surgery on a foot fracture - a setback Arteta described as "a big blow".

The Spanish midfielder has an eye for goal and has also played as a stand-in striker when Arsenal were in the midst of an injury crisis.

"Mikel offers something different in the team, but he's going to be out for months so we need to support him, make ‌sure he's connected with the team," Arteta said.

"He can still add a lot of value to the players and staff and keep being around."

Sports

Snoop Dogg in the House: Rapper Cheers US to Mixed Doubles Curling Win

06 February 2026, Italy, Cortina: American rapper Snoop Dogg (L) plays with USA's Daniel Casper at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, during the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. (dpa)
06 February 2026, Italy, Cortina: American rapper Snoop Dogg (L) plays with USA's Daniel Casper at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, during the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. (dpa)
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Snoop Dogg in the House: Rapper Cheers US to Mixed Doubles Curling Win

06 February 2026, Italy, Cortina: American rapper Snoop Dogg (L) plays with USA's Daniel Casper at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, during the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. (dpa)
06 February 2026, Italy, Cortina: American rapper Snoop Dogg (L) plays with USA's Daniel Casper at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, during the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. (dpa)

Rapper Snoop Dogg brought a touch of flair to the mixed doubles curling competition on Thursday, sporting a custom jacket featuring the faces of American duo Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse while cheering them to victory over Canada.

Snoop was in attendance at the Cortina Olympic Curling Stadium to witness the American pair beat Canada's Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman 7-5 in front of a raucous stadium packed with US supporters.

It was the US team's third straight win in the mixed doubles competition at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

"It's the Olympics, and our family and friends are here cheering us on. Snoop Dogg's here cheering us on! It (the jacket) was so cool. Loved ‌it. Coach Snoop ‌looked good today," a fired-up Dropkin said.

"Man, we are ‌so ⁠fortunate to ‌have our family and so many friends of ours here cheering us on. Even some folks that we don't even know, but they showed up and they're cheering loud and proud...

"He (Snoop) had his arm around my mom! Like, get out of here. This is wild! I think coach mum was helping Snoop out, telling him all about curling."

Hip-hop icon and sports fan Snoop, who was named the Honorary Coach of Team USA ⁠in December, got hands-on with the sport and was given a quick primer on the basics by ‌members of the US men's and women's teams on ‍the ice after the match.

He also ‍distributed "Coach Snoop" beanies and chains featuring the logo of his music label Death ‍Row Records to players and coaches.

"He came out to meet the teams, he brought us all little gifts and it was fun," US coach Phill Drobnick said.

"We got a necklace and a Coach Snoop hat. Good to see him, sitting with Korey's mom, watching the game, learning about the sport. He had the jacket with Cory and Korey on it, so that was really cool."

Snoop was ever-present at ⁠the Paris Olympics, serving as a hype man for Team USA and performing at a beach party in his native Long Beach during the handover ceremony for Los Angeles 2028. He was re-signed by NBC for the Winter Games.

The Americans were not the only team to attract Snoop's attention at the tournament, with the rapper also asking Bruce Mouat, the skip who led the British men's curling team to silver at the Beijing Games, for a photograph together.

"That was pretty crazy," Mouat said.

The Scot's mixed doubles partner Jennifer Dodds said she was left awestruck, adding: "That was so cool.

"He said to Bruce he's heard about him and he knows who ‌he is, so that was pretty cool! I was like 'Snoop Dogg!' When we got out there, I was proper like fangirling, going, 'oh my God! Snoop Dogg?'"