Sevilla Strike Late to Boost Survival Hopes, Celta Edge Atletico

Sevilla's players celebrate their victory following the Spanish La Liga match between Sevilla FC and Espanyol in Seville, Spain, 09 May 2026. (EPA)
Sevilla's players celebrate their victory following the Spanish La Liga match between Sevilla FC and Espanyol in Seville, Spain, 09 May 2026. (EPA)
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Sevilla Strike Late to Boost Survival Hopes, Celta Edge Atletico

Sevilla's players celebrate their victory following the Spanish La Liga match between Sevilla FC and Espanyol in Seville, Spain, 09 May 2026. (EPA)
Sevilla's players celebrate their victory following the Spanish La Liga match between Sevilla FC and Espanyol in Seville, Spain, 09 May 2026. (EPA)

Akor Adams snatched Sevilla a late 2-1 victory over Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday to increase their chances of avoiding relegation.

Celta Vigo earned a 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid to keep their ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League alive, which were further boosted by Real Betis's 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad.

Nigeria forward Adams's 91st minute strike propelled record seven-time Europa League winners Sevilla provisionally up to 12th, three points clear of the relegation zone.

Espanyol, now without a win in 18 league matches -- all of 2026 to date -- sit 15th, two points above the drop zone, after a bad-tempered match with 10 yellow cards.

Tyrhys Dolan slammed home for Espanyol early in the second half at Sevilla's Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium, before the hosts hit back.

Sevilla defender Andres Castrin scored to level in the 82nd minute with the help of some poor handling by Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic.

In stoppage time Adams pounced on a loose ball and produced a clinical finish to secure a crucial victory for Luis Garcia Plaza's team.

"This comeback, I think it brings us closer, closer to what we've been looking for," Castrin told Movistar.

"It was essential to win here today, to get the three points with these wonderful people (the fans).

"Thanks to them -- they have lifted us, have carried us, and you could really feel the atmosphere, how it influenced those final minutes when the goal comes at the end."

Earlier Alaves, 18th and one point from safety, drew 1-1 against Elche, 13th, who are not yet safe from the specter of relegation either.

At Atletico's Metropolitano stadium Borja Iglesias scored a fine goal for Celta, sixth, to help them keep pressure on Real Betis, fifth.

The hosts, with nothing left to play for this season after Champions League semi-final elimination by Arsenal this week, are fourth and already assured of playing in that competition again next season.

It was confirmed earlier this week that five Spanish sides will qualify for the Champions League from La Liga, guaranteeing Atletico a spot.

- 'Happy to be in the fight' -

Spain international Iglesias's neat chip helped Celta move within three points of Real Betis, who face Real Sociedad later on.

"Even in the toughest moments this team has kept on dreaming," Iglesias told DAZN.

"Obviously it's not easy to compete at this level, we're happy to be in this fight right now.

"If we keep on looking upwards, just imagine... I think we deserve it, and we'll try to get it."

Real Betis threw away a two-goal lead in a draw at Real Sociedad, leaving them four points ahead of Celta with three games to go.

Former Manchester United winger Antony missed two huge chances before eventually sending the Andalucians ahead with the hardest of his opportunities, curling home from outside the box.

Ez Abde scored a superb second for the visitors soon after half-time, surging in down the left and whipping a strike into the top corner.

Orri Oskarsson pulled one back for the Basques, eighth, and Mikel Oyarzabal levelled from the penalty spot in the 90th minute after Aitor Ruibal handled.

Ruibal was later sent off for a second yellow card for a foul as Betis left frustrated.

On Sunday, La Liga leaders Barcelona can wrap up back-to-back Spanish titles if they avoid defeat against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Clasico at Camp Nou.



West Ham Sack Head Coach Nuno After Poor Start to Championship Season

11 September 2026, United Kingdom, London: File Photo - West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts during the Championship match between West Ham United and Wrexham at the London Stadium. (dpa)
11 September 2026, United Kingdom, London: File Photo - West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts during the Championship match between West Ham United and Wrexham at the London Stadium. (dpa)
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West Ham Sack Head Coach Nuno After Poor Start to Championship Season

11 September 2026, United Kingdom, London: File Photo - West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts during the Championship match between West Ham United and Wrexham at the London Stadium. (dpa)
11 September 2026, United Kingdom, London: File Photo - West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts during the Championship match between West Ham United and Wrexham at the London Stadium. (dpa)

West Ham sacked head coach Nuno Espirito Santo on Tuesday after a disappointing start to the Championship season.

The 52-year-old Portuguese manager oversaw the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League last season but stayed with the London club.

Many viewed them as favorites to win automatic promotion back to the top flight but they are currently eighth in the second-tier table, six points behind leaders Middlesbrough, after 13 games.

West Ham had a good run after a shaky start to the season but have lost their past two league games, against Southampton and West Brom.

Nuno, who previously managed Wolves, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, was appointed in September last year but was unable to keep West Ham in the Premier League.

"West Ham United can confirm that men's first-team head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has left his position with immediate effect," the club said in a statement.

"Following a thorough review of the start to the EFL Championship season, the board of directors believe that a change is necessary at this time in order to ensure that the club's objectives and expectations remain on track."

Assistant head coach Rui Pedro Silva and goalkeeping coach Rui Barbosa have also left the club.

West Ham said the process of recruiting a new head coach was already under way.


Spanish Football Player Dies from Cardiac Arrest After Collision in Second-Division Match

03 November 2026, Spain, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary I: A view of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital façade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. (Europa Press Canarias/dpa)
03 November 2026, Spain, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary I: A view of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital façade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. (Europa Press Canarias/dpa)
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Spanish Football Player Dies from Cardiac Arrest After Collision in Second-Division Match

03 November 2026, Spain, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary I: A view of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital façade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. (Europa Press Canarias/dpa)
03 November 2026, Spain, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary I: A view of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital façade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. (Europa Press Canarias/dpa)

Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel has died after he suffered cardiac arrest from an on-field collision in a Spanish second-division match, his club said Tuesday. He was 30.

De Miguel was challenging for the ball during a game on Monday when he was struck in the chest by Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during the final minutes at Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López.

De Miguel was taken to a hospital and the match, tied 2-2, was suspended in the 108th minute.

Tenerife said in a statement that De Miguel died at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday. The club located on Spain's Canary Islands said it was “heartbroken.”

De Miguel, a Madrid native, made his professional debut in 2015 with Leganés B and has since played for a number of lower-divisions clubs in Spain. He joined Tenerife last year.

“There are no words of comfort,” the club statement read. “There is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this profound sense of sorrow. We stand with his devastated family, his loved ones, and the entire Tenerife community.”

Andorra, which is owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Pique, also offered its condolences, along with other clubs, the Spanish soccer federation and La Liga.

“We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace,” Andorra said in a statement.

The Spanish football federation postponed two Copa del Rey matches and one Copa de la Reina matches to be held later on Tuesday.

Life-threatening injuries from collisions in football are extremely rare.

Last year in Spain, a 19-year-old goalkeeper died from head injuries suffered during a collision in a fifth-division match. Colindres goalkeeper Raúl Ramírez had two cardiorespiratory arrests, one on the field and then in the ambulance while being transported to a hospital. He was declared brain dead two days later.

In 2001, Ukrainian goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun was playing for CSKA Moscow when he died from head injuries received in a collision during a match.


AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia Postponed to December 2027

The new dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval. (AFC)
The new dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval. (AFC)
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AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia Postponed to December 2027

The new dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval. (AFC)
The new dates will be submitted to FIFA for approval. (AFC)

The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup by almost a year because of the conflict in the Middle East.

The AFC issued a statement Tuesday saying after extensive consultations with Saudi organizers it had decided to push the tournament kickoff back from Jan. 7 to Dec. 23.

The organizing committee “approved to reschedule the flagship national team tournament in light of the current exceptional circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions,” the AFC said in a statement.

“Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organization and delivery of the competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.”

The new dates — Dec. 23, 2027 to Jan. 21, 2028 — will be submitted to FIFA for approval.