Saka Sparks Arsenal Attack into Life Ahead of Atletico Showdown

Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Fulham - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 2, 2026 Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring their second goal. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Fulham - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 2, 2026 Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring their second goal. (Action Images via Reuters)
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Saka Sparks Arsenal Attack into Life Ahead of Atletico Showdown

Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Fulham - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 2, 2026 Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring their second goal. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Arsenal v Fulham - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 2, 2026 Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring their second goal. (Action Images via Reuters)

Bukayo Saka's return from injury has jolted Arsenal's attack back into life just in time for the Gunners to dream of a Premier League and Champions League double.

Saka scored and provided an assist for Viktor Gyokeres as Mikel Arteta's men bagged three goals for the first time in 16 games in Saturday's 3-0 win over Fulham.

All three goals arrived before Saka was withdrawn by Arteta at half-time to protect the England winger, who has been nursing an achilles injury in recent months.

Arteta had one eye on Tuesday's visit by Atletico Madrid, with Arsenal hoping to reach just the second Champions League final in their history.

The clash is evenly poised at 1-1 after a first leg dominated by penalty decisions in the Spanish capital.

Both sides netted from the spot, but Arsenal thought they should have had a second penalty when Eberechi Eze was clipped inside the box.

Saka was involved in that move and his introduction as a substitute helped Arsenal turn the tide to finish the first leg on the front foot.

The 24-year-old was recently handed a new four-year contract, reportedly making him the highest earner at the club.

Saka has struggled to find his best form since a serious hamstring injury ruled him out for three months last season.

Arteta, though, is hoping the attacker is both physically and mentally fresh to end Arsenal's long wait for silverware.

- Difference maker -

Saka's quick feet and deadly delivery left Gyokeres with the simple task of tapping into an empty net to settle the Premier League leaders' nerves early on against Fulham.

The roles were reversed for the second as Saka latched onto the Swede's pass and arrowed a shot into the bottom corner for his 10th goal of an injury-disrupted campaign.

"He certainly made a difference. He made two actions that decided the game and we know what he's capable of," said Arteta.

"He's come back in the most important period of the season and now he's fresh.

"His mind is fresh, his hunger is at the highest possible height and I think he needed a performance like that to impact the team, so that's a big platform for Tuesday."

Robert Pires was part of the only previous Arsenal side to reach the Champions League final, a 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in 2006.

The Frenchman's wing play made him a legendary figure in north London for his part in two Premier League titles under Arsene Wenger and he believes Saka can have an inspirational impact on his team-mates.

"He's found his sharpness again, he's brought back his dribbling, his drive," Pires told AFP.

"When you have players like him, capable of making the difference, it already does everyone a lot of good.

"Above all, he pulls the others along, getting them to do, or at least try to do, what he does."

Arsenal's miserly defense, which has conceded just six goals in 13 Champions League games, has carried them to the brink of the final.

Now the onus is on Saka, nicknamed "star-boy" by the club's supporters, to provide the creative spark to take Arsenal to Budapest next month.



Aguirre Hired by Valencia after Latest Coaching Stint with Mexico at World Cup

FILE - Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre gestures during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)
FILE - Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre gestures during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)
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Aguirre Hired by Valencia after Latest Coaching Stint with Mexico at World Cup

FILE - Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre gestures during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)
FILE - Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre gestures during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)

Valencia hired former Mexico coach Javier Aguirre on Wednesday on a one-year deal, completing an early-season reconstruction of the club’s soccer operations after a poor start in La Liga.

The 67-year-old Aguirre has just finished a third spell in charge of Mexico, leading his national team to the last 16 of the World Cup before losing to England.

He has previously been coach at six Spanish clubs, including Atletico Madrid and most recently Mallorca from 2022-24.

Aguirre replaces Carlos Corberán, who was fired on Sept. 14 after Valencia lost four of its first five games, and has a deal until the end of the season.

The team is in next-to-last place in La Liga on four points from seven matches, The Associated Press reported.

When firing Corberán, Valencia also removed soccer chief executive Ron Gourlay. It has since appointed Braulio Vázquez as the new sporting director.


Hadjar Extends Red Bull Contract for 2027 F1 Season

FILED - 22 September 2026, Hungary, Mogyorod: French Formula One driver Isack Hadjar of Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives at the paddock ahead of 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire/dpa
FILED - 22 September 2026, Hungary, Mogyorod: French Formula One driver Isack Hadjar of Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives at the paddock ahead of 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire/dpa
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Hadjar Extends Red Bull Contract for 2027 F1 Season

FILED - 22 September 2026, Hungary, Mogyorod: French Formula One driver Isack Hadjar of Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives at the paddock ahead of 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire/dpa
FILED - 22 September 2026, Hungary, Mogyorod: French Formula One driver Isack Hadjar of Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives at the paddock ahead of 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire/dpa

Frenchman Isack Hadjar will continue to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull for the 2027 Formula One season, the team announced on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old has impressed in his debut year at the team after being promoted following a strong rookie campaign with its junior outfit Racing Bulls in 2025.

Hadjar has missed the last three races with a wrist injury, but still sits eighth in the drivers' standings with 71 points.

He posted a run of seven consecutive top-six finishes, including a podium in Monaco, before being sidelined.

"There are so many talented people at the factory, and you're aware of the privilege of driving for such an incredible team alongside a four-time world champion like Max," AFP quoted Hadjar as saying in a statement.

"I've been able to justify the faith they've had in me. I'm constantly looking to listen, learn and push myself further every single day, which only makes me more excited about what lies ahead."

Hadjar will return to action this weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Partnering Verstappen, who recently extended his contract until 2030, at Red Bull has proved a tough job for several other drivers in recent seasons.

Sergio Perez was dropped after finishing 285 points behind the Dutchman in 2024, while Liam Lawson was axed after just two races last year and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda.

"He (Hadjar) has been superb on and off track, especially considering this is only his second Formula One season, which made extending his contract an easy decision," said Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies.

"The period since his injury has been a difficult one for Isack, but this extension is a testament to how much we believe in him and we can't wait to see him back out on track."


World Cup 'Not Enough' as Spain Begin Next Chapter

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his team must improve and cannot lean on their prior success after winning the World Cup. FRANCK FIFE / AFP
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his team must improve and cannot lean on their prior success after winning the World Cup. FRANCK FIFE / AFP
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World Cup 'Not Enough' as Spain Begin Next Chapter

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his team must improve and cannot lean on their prior success after winning the World Cup. FRANCK FIFE / AFP
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says his team must improve and cannot lean on their prior success after winning the World Cup. FRANCK FIFE / AFP

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will not allow the World Cup winners to rest on their laurels as they get back into action this week for the first time since their triumph.

La Roja may have conquered Europe in 2024 and then the world this summer, but when they face England in the Nations League on Saturday, they will be seeking to improve.

De la Fuente said in the aftermath of the World Cup final victory over Argentina in New Jersey in July, he was already looking to the future.

The 65-year-old signed a contract extension, keeping him with the team until 2032, earlier this week, said AFP.

"In the heat of the moment, two or three minutes later, a player came up to me and said, 'What do we still have to win?' Well, the match against England on September 26th," said De la Fuente.

"This team never stops. The World Cup isn't enough -- we have to be better. What we've achieved isn't enough to win the next match."

Spain's next major target will be the 2028 European championships, where they have a chance to emulate the La Roja side that won Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012.

De la Fuente admitted that repeating that feat would be tricky.

"In life it's very hard to win, and many more (teams) lose than win," he said.

"Repeating past successes in terms of titles... we're going to try to be in a position to compete to win.

"Now we're the team to beat. That's an added motivation."

- New faces -

Thomas Tuchel's England, who lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, offer an immediate reminder of the level Spain will be expected to maintain as world champions.

De la Fuente picked a similar squad to his World Cup team for the upcoming Nations League games against England, Croatia twice, and the Czech Republic.

Teenage star Lamine Yamal, having returned to form with Barcelona, and captain Rodri remain the key figures, and are both in the running to win the Ballon d'Or, although there have been a few changes elsewhere.

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez returned, after missing the World Cup with a foot injury, while Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has been recalled too.

Goalkeeper Joan Garcia's injury opened the door to Inter stopper Josep Martinez, in-form Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez could make his first appearance for La Roja and Ivan Fresneda earned a late call-up in place of hurt Tottenham defender Pedro Porro.

"How could there not be continuity with players who have won everything?" said De la Fuente. "But that doesn't mean we won't give a chance to those who are knocking on the door."

Mikel Oyarzabal led the line for Spain through most of the World Cup, while Ferran Torres scored the winner in the final, but Fernandez can stake his claim after he was chosen over Real Madrid's Carlos Espi.

That position in the team, among a few others, will be disputed during the Nations League and the build-up to Euro 2028, which is ideal for De la Fuente.

The coach's message is clear, with Spain looking to progress despite the trophies they have already won, and strong competition can help foster the right environment for evolution.