Messi hits hat-trick as Barcelona destroy Levante PAGE 22

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2018 ‘IAAF 2019 World Athletics C’ship will reflect Qatar National Vision 2030’

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA (QSL) CEO Hani Taleb Ballan. QATAR’S hosting of the pres- tigious IAAF 2019 World National Day Athletics Championships is in confirmation with the Qa- an opportunity tar National Vision 2030, to reiterate the IAAF Vice- President and Director General of Local Or- commitment ganising Committee Dahlan al Hamad has said. to Qatar’s “Qatar has designed its wise leadership: National Vision 2030 not only for sports but to promote com- QSL CEO prehensive development in all fields,” stressed Hamad. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Qatar will host the 17th DOHA edition of the world athletics championships from Septem- IAAF Vice- President and Director General of Local Organising Qatar’s legendary high jump athlete and IAAF Athlete of the Year 2017 Mutaz Essa Barshim, who is WHILE extending sin- ber 27 to October 6, 2019. Committee Dahlan al Hamad. nursing an injury, will also be back for the world championships to be held in Doha later this year. cere congratulations “Qatar today has a long to His Highness the legacy in hosting major world reaching this goal, which is tions of interest from literally With tickets now on sale, finish line seats. Whilst for Coe hailed the Qatari prepa- Amir Sheikh Tamim championships. In doing so, hosting the biggest athletics all corners of the world. excitement for the first World those new to athletics, af- rations for the event and said: bin Hamad al Thani, Qatar doesn’t look at itself, championships in the world, Fans as far and wide as Athletics Championship to be fordable options have been “Qatar has been hosting offi- His Highness the Fa- but always serves as a global so will be keen to organise an Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, staged in the Middle East is ex- made available to purchase cial IAAF events for over 21 ther Amir Sheikh sporting destination in the event that reflects Qatar Na- Canada, China, Cameroon, pected to spread even further. the tickets. Family and years and in the organising Hamad bin Khalifa al Arab world and the Middle tional Vision 2030.” Chile, South Africa to Sri Avid athletics fans can group discounts are also on committee we have a trusted Thani, the citizens and East,” he added. Since revealing to the Lanka and as close to Doha as select from an array of op- offer for those looking to partner who is committed to residents of the coun- Hamad stressed that world that the state-of-the-art Azerbaijan, Jordan, Syria and tions which allow them to attend with their families delivering a World Athletics try on the occasion of Doha began hosting athletics Khalifa International Stadium Tunisia, have all sought ticket follow their champion, sit in or groups of friends or col- Championship which makes National Day, the Qa- championships 21 years ago will host the event, the organ- information and have regis- traditional Arab cushioned leagues from work. a real difference to the world tar Stars League (QSL) and said, “We were aiming at isers have received registra- tered for tickets. Majlis seating or choose IAAF President Sebastian of athletics.” CEO Hani Taleb Ballan has said it is a time to celebrate and cherish for all people in Qa- tar, nationals and resi- Nathan dents alike. Al Annabi ready for Asian Cup 2019, “The National Day humbled has historic signifi- cance and symbolises by Tendulkar solidarity and unity. says Qatar coach Felix Sanchez The occasion is also praise an opportunity to re- QNA part of the training plan. iterate the commit- DOHA Three-time champions PERTH: Australian off- ment and loyalty to are in Group D of the AFC spinner Nathan Lyon says is the wise leadership of COACH of the national foot- Asian Cup UAE 2019 with humbled after Indian legend our beloved country,” ball team Felix Sanchez has Iraq, Yemen and Vietnam. Sachin Tendulkar praised him he stated. said that the Qatar players are as a “very special” bowler. Ballan stressed the raring to go as they enter the THE SQUAD Lyon took 5-67 in India’s fact that Qatar had be- final stage of preparations be- GOALKEEPERS: Alireza Beiran- first innings 283 during the on- come one of the most fore participating in the 2019 vand (Persepolis), Hossein going second Test at Perth, the prominent countries Asian Cup, to be held in the Hosseini (Esteghlal), Payam seventh time he has bagged a in the region and the UAE from January 5 to Febru- Niazmand (Sepahan). five-wicket haul against them. world, and that was ary 1, 2019. The team will take Defenders: (Al- It put him alongside Sri Lanka the result of the huge part in Group E along with Shahania SC), Mohammadreza great Muttiah Muralitharan as boom witnessed by Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Khanzadeh (Qatar’s Al Ahli), the other bowler to achieve the the country across all North Korea. (Esteghlal), feat, and it didn’t go unnoticed sectors. The develop- Sanchez said in a press (Akhmat by Tendulkar. ment is being reflected conference that the team will Grozny), Vouria Ghafouri (Es- “Australia have got a very on all aspects of life, play four friendly matches teghlal), Mohammadhossein special spinner in @NathLy- thanks to the Almighty against Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar football team coach Felix Sanchez. Qatar will play four friendly matches against Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Kananizadegan (Machine Sazi), on421,” he tweeted. God and our strong Algeria and Iran in the final Algeria and Iran at home as part of their final preparations for Asian Cup 2019 to be held in the UAE. Ehsan Haji Safi (Tractor Sazi), “He has got terrific vari- leadership. phase of preparation for the (Esteghlal). ations and uses the pace and The QSL CEO said tournament. On the team’s ambition as tar’s group was a tough one, The team does not include Midfielders: bounce from the pitch to ex- the country’s leader- He said these matches they get ready to take part in and that all the teams in it de- players who are plying their (QATAR’S Al Ahli), Ashkan tract maximum value.” ship which is keenly will be a good opportunity to Asia Cup 2019, he said that serve their respect. trade in Europe, with the Foot- Dejagah (Tractor Sazi), Masoud Lyon said he was humbled watching the boom in prepare the players. every team goes into any com- ball Federation of Iran saying Shojaei (Tractor Sazi), Ahmad by such praise from the master sports sector is also Sanchez added that he had petition eyeing the title. Queiroz names Iran squad on its official website that Que- Nourollahi (Persepolis), Ali batsman. “That’s amazing to get working towards facil- several options for the teams He stressed that the Qa- for Doha stint iroz will name his final squad Karimi (Esteghlal). something like that from Sachin itating overall growth that would play friendlies dur- tari team’s goal is no different, Meanwhile, of 23 on December 26. Strikers: Ali Gholizadeh Tendulkar,” he told reporters. in economic and cul- ing the last preparatory camp, saying that Qatari fans have has announced a 21-player The squad named on Sun- (Charleroi), (Al “He’s obviously one of the great- tural aspects. As a re- but chose those four teams be- big hopes for the current batch Iran squad for their training day will be based in Doha Gharafa), (Rubin est of all time to ever play the sult, Qatar has become cause they represent different of players. camp in Doha, ahead of the from December 17-24, with Kazan), (Persepo- game. So, to get recognised from one of the most impor- schools of play. He maintained that Qa- AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019. a friendly against Qatar also lis), (Persepolis). him it’s a massive honour.” (AFP) tant countries as far as sports and hosting of world-class events are concerned. “The National Day Lyon roars, Aussies close in on win is a time to renew the SCOREBOARD commitment and alle- SRI LANKA (1ST INNINGS): 282 AFP giance to the country, NEW ZEALAND (1ST INNS; OVERNIGHT 311-2) SCOREBOARD as His Highness the T. Latham not out 264, R. Taylor c Karunaratne b PERTH Amir has rightly said, Kumara 50, H. Nicholls c Rajitha b Perera 50, BJ AUSTRALIA (1ST INNINGS): 326 “Qatar deserves the Watling c Dickwella b Kumara 0, C. de Grandhomme SPINNER Nathan Lyon claimed INDIA (1ST INNINGS): 283 c Rajitha b de Silva 49, T. Southee run out AUSTRALIA (2ND INNINGS; OVERNIGHT 132-4) best”. (Chandimal) 6, N. Wagner c de Silva b Lakmal 0 the prized wicket of Indian cap- T. Head c Sharma b Shami 19, T. Paine c Kohli b “We thank God for A. Patel b Perera 6, T. Boult c Dickwella b Kumara 11 tain Virat Kohli as Australia Shami 37, P. Cummins b Bumrah 1, M. Starc b all the blessings and Extras: (lb5, nb2, w1) 8; TOTAL: (All out, 157.3 closed in on victory in the sec- Bumrah 14, N. Lyon c Vihari b Shami 5, J. Hazlewood security that we en- overs) 578 ond Test in Perth on Monday. not out 17; Extras: (b8, lb3, w4) 15 Fall of wickets: 3-312 (Taylor), 4-426 (Nicholls), 5-426 TOTAL: (All out, 93.2 overs) 243 joy. I pray to Almighty (Watling), 6-499 (de Grandhomme), 7-520 (Southee), Set 287 to win on an un- Fall of wickets: 5-192 (Paine), 6-192 (Finch), God to keep shower- 8-520 (Wagner), 9-549 (Patel), 10-578 (Boult). predictable pitch, India were 7-198 (Khawaja), 8-198 (Cummins), 9-207 (Lyon), ing choicest blessings Bowling: Lakmal 31-6-88-1 (1nb), Rajitha 34-5- reduced to 112 for five at 10-243 (Starc). on our country un- 144-0 (1w, 1nb), Mathews 4-3-1-0, Perera 40-1- stumps on the fourth day. Bowling: Sharma 16-1-45-1, Bumrah 25.2-10-39- 156-2, Kumara 31.3-2-127-4, de Silva 15-0-54-2, 3, Shami 24-8-56-6 (2w), Yadav 14-0-61-0 (2w), der the leadership of Gunathilaka 2-1-3-0. Hanuma Vihari was 24 not Vihari 14-4-31-0. His Highness Sheikh SRI LANKA (2ND INNINGS): M. Gunathilaka lbw out and Rishabh Pant was on 9. INDIA (2ND INNINGS): KL Rahul b Starc 0, M. Vijay Tamim bin Hamad al Boult 3, F. Karunaratne c Boult b Southee 10, D. de The visitors still needed b Lyon 20, C. Pujara c Paine b Hazlewood 4, V. Kohli Thani,” he said. Silva b Southee 0, K. Mendis not out 5, A Mathews 175 to win with just five wick- c Khawaja b Lyon 17, A. Rahane c Head b Hazlewood not out 2; TOTAL: (For 3 wickets, 12 overs) 20 30, H. Vihari not out 24, R. Pant not out 9; Extras: Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Gunathilaka), 2-10(de Silva), ets in hand as Australia seek to (b6, w2) 8; TOTAL: (For 5 wkts; 41 overs) 112 3-13 (Karunaratne). level the four-Test series. Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Rahul), 2-13 (Pujara), 3-48 Bowling: Southee 5-3-7-2, Boult 6-0-12-1, Wagner India lead 1-0 after victory Australia spinner Nathan Lyon (Kohli), 4-55 (Vijay), 5-98 (Rahane). ‘Monkeygate’ reignites 1-0-1-0. Toss: New Zealand. in Adelaide, but have never (centre) is congratulated by Bowling: Starc 10-2-28-1 (1w), Hazlewood 11-3- 24-2, Cummins 8-0-24-0 (1w) , Lyon 12-2-30-2. as Singh denies he won a Test series in Australia. teammates after he dismissed Toss: Australia. ‘broke down crying’ New Zealand’s Tom Latham during his unbeaten innings of 264 on Day Three of the first Test against The loss of Kohli appeared a India captain Virat Kohli on Sri Lanka at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Monday. (AFP) fatal blow to their chances of a Day Four of their second Test was bowled off an inside edge PERTH: Indian spinner Harbhajan famous win. in Perth on Monday. (AFP) by Lyon, who took two for 30. Singh has refuted claims from Lyon dismissed Kohli for The pair of wickets continued Andrew Symonds that he broke Imperious Latham strokes epic 264 the seventh time in Test crick- clusion of the third day. a fine match for Lyon, who down and cried in apologising et, two more than any other The Australian wicket- picked up five in the Indian over the infamous “monkey- AFP Reserve after carrying his bat muth Karunaratne for 10 and bowler, when he had him keeper, looking for his first first innings to move into the gate” scandal.Symonds told Fox WELLINGTON and helping New Zealand to Dhananjaya de Silva for a duck. caught at slip by Usman Kha- win as skipper in five Tests top 25 all-time Test wicket- Sports that Singh “actually broke 578, a commanding first-in- The pair, along with short- waja for 17. since taking over from the dis- takers, currently on 333. down crying” after saying sorry NEW Zealand opener Tom nings lead of 296. ball specialist Neil Wagner, Kohli was unable to repeat graced Steve Smith, celebrated After Australia lost their when they met up in Mumbai. Latham flayed Sri Lanka’s Seamers Tim Southee and will be relishing the prospect the heroics of his first innings the dismissal with a cheeky last six wickets for 51 runs to be But the Indian took to Twitter to bowlers with an unbeaten 264 Trent Boult then combined to of having two full days to at- century, the ball catching the comment to not out batsman dismissed for 243, with Moh dispute this, saying: “When did Monday before the tourists’ remove Sri Lanka’s top order, tack Sri Lanka’s misfiring bat- outside edge as he probed Murali Vijay. “Murali, I know Shami claiming a career-best that happen??? Broke down?? top order failed again, leaving reducing them to 20 for three ting line-up. But the day be- forward defensively. His de- he’s your captain, but you can’t 6-56, India made a disastrous What for???” In a later tweet to them on the verge of a heavy at stumps on day three. longed to Latham, who added parture was the cause of great seriously like him as a bloke,” start to their run chase just be- his nine million followers he told first Test defeat in Wellington. Boult dismissed Danush- steadily to his overnight total delight for Australian captain Paine said, in comments fore tea. Opener KL Rahul fell Symonds to get over it. (AFP) Latham walked off to a ka Gunathilaka on three, of 121, offering no chances to Tim Paine, after the pair had picked up by microphone. to the 4th ball of the innings standing ovation at the Basin while Southee snared Di- the frustrate Sri Lankans. exchanged words at the con- Just two overs later Vijay from Mitchell Starc for a duck. 22 Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Sports Another perfect QTCC round for Khelaifi

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK stay behind Khelaifi as much ‘The second race was much DOHA as he could not. Ibrahim al Ab- more exciting as I started from dulghani took the racing lane last position due to the reverse HOLDER Abdulla al Khelaifi and he got stuck in the inside grid. Asiri had not finished the (Toyota S2000) extended his lane. He attempted to go fast first race so he started from impressive form and posted a but drifted into the gravel and the pole position and built a superb double in the second could not return. big gap. I managed to pass round of the Qatar Touring In the second race with the almost everyone easily except Car Championship at the Lo- reverse grid, Khelaifi started him. I got past him in the sev- Michail Pervolarakis of Greece caused the first upset of the Qatar F6 sail International Circuit. from the last position and had enth lap and kept the lead un- Futures Tennis Tournament with a three-set win over seventh seed In the first race, Khelaifi, an intense fight with Asiri in til the end,” Khelaifi added. Constantin Bittoun Kouzmine of France in Doha on Monday. who started from the pole the front. Eventually, Khelaifi After the second round, position, braved some spir- managed to clinch the race Khelaifi leads the standings ited challenge from newcomer and complete his second dou- with 64 points. Khaiat is sec- Pervolarakis stuns Ghanim al Maadheed (Toyo- ble in a row. Khaiat and Maad- ond, having a tally of 39 points toa GT86) before clinching it heed picked up the fourth and and Asiri holds the third spot with a gap of 1.398 seconds. fifth spots, respectively. with 36 points. One point The third place was taken by Khelaifi expressed his joy behind him is Maadheed in Kouzmine in Qatar Hamad al Sulaiti in Toyota at the second sweep of the sea- fourth, while in the fifth spot GT86. son. “The first race was nice, is Omran Karama (23 points). Mohammad al Khaiat despite difficulties due to the Abdulrahmam al Mannai F6 Futures opener (Toyota GT86) finished fourth strong wind. I had an exciting (QMMF President) and Khalid and Hamad al Asam (Honda lap with Asiri. Unfortunately al Remaihi (LCSC Vice-Pres- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the decider, breaking the rival Integra) was fifth. for him, he had an incident ident and General Manager) DOHA in the sixth and eighth games of Ahmed al Asiri had prob- and had to leave the track. I presented the trophies and the contest. lem with his tyres and could was safe and from that point prizes. GREEK Michail Pervolarakis Aslan Karatsev was the oth- not finish the race. His tyre I just had to control the race, The Qatar Touring Car had another impressive start er seeded player in action and choice resulted in his car not which I did without much Championship third round is as he stunned seventh seed the No. 2 from Russia cruised to Abdulla al Khelaifi won both the races of the Qatar Touring Car Cham- working as he had expected. In fuss,” Khelaifi commented af- slated for January 25 and 26, Constantin Bittoun Kouzmine a 6-1, 6-0 victory over German pionship second round at the Losail International Circuit. the first lap itself, Asiri tried to ter his third win of the season. 2019. in the Qatar F6 Futures Tennis Lucas Gerch. Tournament at the Khalifa In- Ruchard Muzaev knocked ternational Tennis and Squash out Kristian Lozan 6-4, 6-0 in Complex on Monday. all-Russia first-round clash but Quick read Pervolarakis, who qualified Italian Adelchi Virgili had to QOC Multisport Tournament gets positive response for the semi-finals in the Qatar work overtime in his marathon F4 and lost to eventual champi- 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(2) win against Cro- Tour de France winner TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK In the football event, on Tak Khunn Wang of France atian Duje Ajdukovic. Thomas voted UK DOHA Al Sadd team clinched the in the F5 quarters last week, Virgili piled pressure on this sports personality first place and (QR 8000), served three aces in his 6-7(4), challenger in the beginning of QATAR Olympic Committee in athletics Al Gharafa team 7-5, 6-2 victory. the tie-break. He led 4-1 and 6-2 LONDON: Geraint Thomas was (QOC) has successfully or- won the first place and (QR After sharing the first two before pulling off the victory in crowned the BBC’s UK sports ganised Multisport Tourna- 5000). sets, the Greek raced away with two hours and 37 minutes. personality of the year on Sun- ment 2018 that brought to- Al Modhahka was de- day after his maiden Grand Tour gether 548 participants who lighted by the success of the triumph in the Tour de France. competed in several sports. event and the wide participa- Formula One Welshman Thomas beat out For- The participants were di- tion of the athletes and said mula One world champion Lewis vided into 18 teams to com- “The QOC is keen to provide Ferrari to mark Schumacher’s 50th Hamilton and World Cup Golden pete in five sports, including all the community members birthday with special exhibition Boot winner Harry Kane into football, basketball, athlet- including men, women, chil- second and third respectively. ics, swimming and rugby. dren, professional and ama- MARANELLO: Formula One legend Michael Schumacher will be “IT is insane that I am stood Eight teams competed in teurs with the opportunity to honoured by Ferrari with a special exhibition to mark his 50th birthday here,” said Thomas. the basketball competitions, practice sport.” on January 3, the Italian team confirmed on Monday. Schumacher -- a “SEEING kids on their bikes 13 teams in football, 16 teams “We aim at organising a seven-time Formule One world champion -- suffered severe head inju- back home, you take great pride in swimming, 10 teams in In festive sport scene, fairs Section crowned the top multi-sport competition like ries in a skiing accident five years ago and has not been seen in public in winning this. It’s been an athletics, while rugby event Nasser al Modhahka, Head winners with the attendance Olympic Games and Asian since. The ‘Michael 50’ exhibition in the Ferrari Museum in Maranello amazing year for British sport brought 10 teams (men) and of the QOC Sport Develop- of representatives of teams, Games but for community will be run in association with the Keep Fighting Foundation launched and long may it continue.” (AFP) 6 teams (women). ment and Community Af- managers and players. members” two years ago by the Schumacher family. (AFP) Registration open for Doha Triathlon 2019 L’pool-Bayern, United

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK has grown rapidly during the DOHA past few years, especially in Qatar which provides excellent DOHA Triathlon has opened conditions to practice this sport, draw PSG in CL last 16 registration for its third edition and Doha Triathlon played a to be held on Friday 8th Febru- significant role in developing 50-50. The team has top play- ary 2019. this sport in the region. The first legs ers. We are also strong, it will Those wishing to par- It provides a fantastic op- be interesting,” Dortmund CEO ticipate in the event can visit portunity for triathletes to par- will be held in Hans-Joachim Watzke told Sky. www.doha-triathlon.com to ticipate in a scenic course in the February with the United, at a low ebb after register in either the Olympic heart of Doha, with swimming Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Liver- or Sprint which offers registra- and transition based on the return matches pool, meet PSG for the first tion for both individuals and bay of the Museum of Islamic time and a formidable task team relays. Another choice is Art, followed by a great cycling scheduled for awaits against a side featuring the Super Sprint which is only leg along the Corniche, passing March Neymar and Kylian Mbappe for individuals and open for by Souq Waqif to the modern -- the world’s two most expen- both adults and kids aged be- skyline of West Bay, then a fi- AFP sive players. tween 13-15 years old. Also, a nal running course in the Mu- NYON, SWITZERLAND “It’s always difficult to play kids’ duathlon was introduced seum’s park. Manchester United,” said PSG this year for two age groups 7-9 In addition, the Qatar Tri- LIVERPOOL will take on fellow boss Thomas Tuchel. and 10-12 years old to allow all athlon Federation has set up five-time winners Bayern Mu- “They have lots of experi- family members to enjoy the a national scoreboard system nich in the last 16 of the Cham- ence in this competition, they’ve event. with a series of races through- pions League, while Jose Mour- won it numerous times. It’s al- The popularity of the sport out the season, for local athletes, inho’s struggling Manchester ways difficult to play at Old Traf- of triathlon in the Middle East that include Doha Triathlon. United face French giants Paris ford, it’s always a big challenge. Saint-Germain. “It’s the same thing against Holders Real Madrid were Mourinho. He has lots of ex- paired with Ajax in Monday’s perience in this competition draw in Nyon as the Spaniards and you must have respect,” Messi hits hat-trick as attempt to lift the trophy for Former Spanish football player Luis Garcia shows the slip of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during the draw for he added. the fifth time in six seasons, the UEFA Champions League round of 16 at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon on Monday. (AFP) Manchester City’s direc- while Lionel Messi and Barce- tor of football Txiki Begiristain Barca thump Levante lona will play Lyon. warned the English champions Both Liverpool and Bay- will not have it easy against a DPA son Semedo was injured before ern have a rich tradition in Schalke outfit languishing in BARCELONA the game, but Messi’s quality the competition, with Jurgen It’s always difficult to play 13th place in Germany following helped Barcelona ease to a com- Klopp returning to his home- Manchester United. They a nightmare start. LIONEL Messi ripped Levante fortable victory. land to face the side that beat have lots of experience in “Teams that have been apart with a hat-trick and two Barcelona broke the dead- his Borussia Dortmund team this competition, they’ve struggling in their leagues have assists as Barcelona won 5-0 lock when Messi dribbled in the 2013 final. won it numerous times. It’s still they’ve done very well in at Levante on Sunday to move across the area and then crossed Liverpool, defeated finalists the Champions League,” said three points clear at the top of for Suarez to fire home after 25 last season, are the current form the same thing against Begiristain. “Schalke will be La Liga. minutes. side of the two and sit top of the Mourinho. He has lots of difficult. After a winter break, Earlier an impressive sec- The Argentine star then net- Premier League while Bayern experience in this German clubs are always very ond-half performance saw Se- ted the second himself when have been far short of their own competition and you must dangerous.” villa sweep past Girona with Sergio Busquets played him high standards in the Bundes- have respect. Lyon coach Bruno Genesio a 2-0 victory to move second through on goal and he slotted liga this term. come up against Cristiano Ron- and confident.” says his team can draw on their on 31 points, level with third- through Oier Olazabal’s legs. “That’s the team of the hour, PSG coach Thomas Tuchel aldo and Italian heavyweights Bundesliga leaders Dort- group-stage displays against placed Atletico Madrid. Messi then netted again two the league leaders in England, Juventus. mund will meet Tottenham City – a 2-1 away win and 2-2 Messi hit a treble and bril- minutes after the break with a they are playing really good “A very difficult match, with Hotspur for the second season home draw – ahead of their liantly set up goals for Luis cool finish to give Barcelona a football, very physical, really Klopp said: “It will be a few goals,” Juve vice-president in a row, having faced each other clash with five-time European Suarez and Gerard Pique as comfortable lead. stepping it up. We are looking tough one, an interesting one, Pavel Nedved predicted. in last year’s group stage, while champions Barca. Barcelona waltzed to victory The striker, La Liga’s top forward to it,” Bayern sporting and I am looking forward to it.” “No doubt Cristiano is the Roma meet two-time former “We’ll need to pull off two on Spain’s east coast, at the one scorer with 14 goals, then com- director Hasan Salihamidzic Pep Guardiola’s Manchester man of the Champions League, champions Porto. big performances, in the first ground they suffered defeat at pleted his hat-trick from close said of the tie. “A tough draw, City take on German side Schal- he has always shown that, with “We’ve already met them leg and in the return, but we in La Liga last season. range after Arturo Vidal unself- but that’s something to look for- ke 04 while Atletico Madrid, goals and victories. Our team is (Tottenham) twice. A strong can do it. We did it against Ernesto Valverde changed ishly squared to him in front of ward to as a player.” runners-up in 2014 and 2016, very strong and we can be calm opponent, the chances are at City,” said Genesio. to a 3-5-2 formation after Nel- goal. Big guns in Europa League battle Heavyweights Chelsea travel to Sweden to face Malmo in Europa League last 32 NYON: Former champions Chel- Liga, face a difficult tie against been impressed by the Spanish good and they have some very they take on Sporting. Napoli, sea will face Malmo in the last Lazio, beaten finalists in this club in Europe this season after good players,” he said. “We have demoted to the Europa League 32 of the Europa League while competition in 1998, who are they finished third in a Cham- the first game at home and we face Zurich. Portuguese giants Arsenal will lock horns again fifth in Serie A. pions League group including would like to bring some sort of Benfica, three times runners-up, with BATE Borisov. The two sides The 2004 champions Valen- Manchester United and Juventus. advantage into the second leg,” tackle Turkish side Galatasaray, met in the Europa League last cia will have to overcome Celtic if “I saw them this season the Northern Irishman added. UEFA Cup winners in 2000, Lionel Messi (left) season, the Gunners hammering they are to progress to the round against Manchester United, I Another Spanish side Vil- and Inter Milan will play Rapid celebrates scoring the Belarussian side 6-0 at the of 16 for the first time in three thought when they played at Old larreal, currently hovering just Vienna. The ties will take place against Levante on Emirates. Five-time champions years. The Scottish side’s coach Trafford they played like a typical above the Liga relegation zone, on 12-14 and 20-21 February. Sunday. (AFP) Sevilla, currently second in La Brendan Rogers says he has Spanish team, technically very face an Iberian battle when (AFP)