14 Monday, July 6, 2020 Sports

Xavi signs on at Ramos holds nerve again Al Sadd, says he’s as beat Bilbao happy to stay on Agencies AFP sio made his first start in 14 Doha Madrid months up front. STANDINGS (TOP 8) There were chances at Former Barcelona star scored his # TEAM P W D L F A Pts both ends in the first half and Hernandez signed on as head 22nd consecutive penalty on 1 Real Madrid 34 23 8 3 62 21 77 Bilbao had the best of them. coach of Al Sadd for one more 2 Barcelona 33 21 7 5 74 35 70 year on Sunday, putting to bed Sunday as Real Madrid held 3 Ath Madrid 34 16 14 4 46 25 62 Williams twice went close but on for another 1-0 win over 4 Sevilla 33 15 12 6 48 33 57 was denied by a block by Mar- rumours of an imminent move to inch closer 5 Villarreal 33 16 6 11 53 40 54 celo and then a superb tackle back to the Spanish side. to winning . 6 Getafe 34 14 11 9 42 31 53 by Militao while Raul Garcia’s There had been media Ramos’ fifth in seven 7 R Sociedad 33 15 5 13 50 42 50 header was pushed out by speculation in recent days that games since the restart gives 8 Ath Bilbao 34 12 12 10 38 29 48 . World Cup winner Xavi, 40, was Madrid a seven-point lead over would being lined up to replace Quique Barcelona, who play later on have had a tap-in had Dani Setien at Barcelona at the end Sunday at in-form Villarreal. Carvajal executed a cushioned of the season. Anything but a victory for pass across the box but his Hernandez turned down an Al Sadd’s Spanish coach Xavi Barca would probably leave touch was too high. approach in January after Barca Hernandez holds the Qatar Cup them too much to do with four Asensio’s free-kick had sacked Ernesto Valverde, which trophy after his team won the games remaining, especially created the chance and he led to the surprise appointment final against Al Duhail at the as Madrid own the superior swung in two more brilliant of Setien. Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in record head-to-head. crosses before half-time, only “I am happy to continue January this year. (AFP) This was Madrid’s tough- for and Benzema to with Al Sadd, and the team’s est fixture left and they might miss with their heads. goal will always be to compete and the players has proved have been content even with The second half was tighter for all titles,” he said in a state- tense, with ’s public a point against a robust, well- as both teams slowed in the ment on the Al Sadd club’s criticism of technical secretary organised Bilbao side. heat and a more cautious con- website which added that his among a number of But after edging out Getafe test seemed to suit Madrid, contract had been renewed for off-field controversies. on Thursday, through a Ramos whose moment came in the a second season. “I am clear that I want spot-kick, Madrid repeated 73rd minute. “(My) complete focus in this to return to Barca, I am very the trick at San Mames, their Marcelo was rewarded for current period is to fully equip excited,” Xavi said in March captain’s nerve from the spot a lung-busting run into the the players for the upcoming when asked if a change of combining with a gutsy dis- Real Madrid’s Spanish defender Sergio Ramos (left) celebrates with Brazilian forward Rodrygo after scor- box, where he reached the ball domestic and Asian competi- board would be needed for it to play to grind out a pivotal win. ing a goal during the Spanish League match against Athletic Club Bilbao at the San Mames stadium in just ahead of Dani Garcia, who tions.” happen. Ramos was perhaps fortu- Bilbao on Sunday. (AFP) twisted his body into the left- The Spanish coach also “In the dressing room there nate not to concede a penalty back and bundled him over. stated that he is working with can’t be a negative or toxic himself when, off the ball, he Ramos. “We knew today was doubt that’s when I feel most at themselves and be critical of Referee Jose Gonzalez con- the club’s management during atmosphere.” seemed to slip and tread on going to be one of the biggest comfortable. I wanted to take their own performances. Based sulted VAR and awarded the the current period on a number Xavi came through the the foot of Raul Garcia, but games that we have left. It’s al- the responsibility,” he said. on the points, it seems we’re penalty, which Ramos whipped of issues, the most important Barcelona academy before Madrid escaped. ways a difficult game away at “But if I wanted individual rec- doing well at the moment.” into the bottom corner. of which is the renewal of the breaking the record for most ap- Instead, the defender’s Bilbao and we saw it like that. ognition I would play tennis.” Madrid were without key Bilbao looked tired and Akram Afif’s contract, in addi- pearances for the senior side, 10th goal of the season, the We’re happy with another cru- Bilbao’s Iker Munain said players, with Raphael Var- never really threatened an tion to signing foreign players to winning four Champions League best tally of his career, gave cial three points that put more Madrid had again been lucky ane nursing a neck injury and equaliser but could have been replace Gabi and Marco Fabian. trophies and eight La Liga titles. Madrid their third 1-0 win in pressure on Barcelona.” with decisions. out with pain in gifted one had Ramos been Xavi added: “I am happy He joined Al Sadd as a a row, as well as a fourth con- Ramos said he is always “We’re not going to win it his ankle. penalised for the clumsy colli- that the squad is complete player in 2015 before being ap- secutive clean sheet. confident on penalties. thanks to the referees,” said Eder Militao replaced sion with Raul Garcia. Ramos today after the return of the pointed coach last July. “It’s a massive win,” said “In those moments of Ramos. “People have to look Varane while Marco Asen- survived and Madrid held on. remaining first team players, in Xavi, who picked up 133 preparation for this upcoming Spain caps and won the 2010 period and the resumption of World Cup, has already won the the league championship.” Super Cup and Qatar Cup as Al The relationship between Sadd coach. ‘Biggest match in club history’ for Mane keeps Liverpool Barcelona’s board, led by presi- He also played for the club Heidenheim in Bremen play-off in record hunt dent Josep Maria Bartomeu, before taking over the hot seat. AFP DPA London Heidenheim (Germany) Sadio Mane helped Liverpool Mario Mandzukic, Al Duhail Heidenheim coach Frank keep alive their bid to set a new Schmidt got the idea how to play Premier League points record agree contract termination “the biggest match in club histo- as the champions beat Aston ry” by cycling in the local woods Villa 2-0, while struggling West Tribune News Network tual consent after the period but opponents Werder Bremen Ham twice blew the lead in a Doha he spent with the team. The also remain upbeat ahead of draw at Newcastle on Sunday. club’s management thanked Monday’s deciding Jurgen Klopp’s side are Al Duhail on Sunday an- the player on the period he relegation/promotion game. hoping to break Manchester Liverpool’s Senegalese striker Sa- nounced that they have was with the first team , wish- The first leg Thursday City’s Premier League record dio Mane celebrates against Aston reached an agreement to ter- ing him success in his upcom- in Bremen ended 0-0 which of 100 points and second-half Villa at Anfield on Sunday. (AFP) minate the contract of Croa- ing professional career,” the means there is still all to play strikes from Mane and Curtis tian striker Mario Mandzukic. club said in a statement on for for both sides, with Hei- Heidenheim head coach Frank Schmidt (centre) with players during Jones ensured they still have goal, just 24 hours after the “The club’s management their website. denheim seeking a first-ever the German Bundesliga relegation first-leg match against Werder a chance to shatter that mark. promising signed a has reached an agreement The former Juventus and season in the top flight while Bremen on Thursday. (AFP) Back at Anfield for the first new contract. with the Croatian professional Bayern Munich star joined the Bremen want to avoid a first time since clinching the Eng- Liverpool need 12 points Mario Mandzukic to end the Red Knhights in December drop in 40 years. remains the underdog while at “Of course I feel pressure. lish title last week, Liverpool from their remaining five contract with him by mu- 2019. Heidenheim defended the time they want to deliver. But it is still a privilege to be were lacklustre for long peri- games to surpass City’s firmly in Bremen, and Schmidt “We are facing the biggest part of such games. Those are ods as they looked to bounce 100-point total from 2017-18. said on Sunday he now also match in club history. It it the days when history is made,” back from Thursday’s 4-0 Villa remain in the rel- knows how to play the home still the chance of a lifetime,” coach Florian Kohfeldt said. thrashing at Manchester City. egation zone, one point from game were they need at least Schmidt said. “It will be very important But Senegal winger Mane safety. one goal and can’t afford to The coach said he was to remain level-headed. The broke struggling Villa’s stub- At St James’ Park, New- concede either. afraid of nothing and has all mix of being level-headed born resistence in the 71st castle hit back twice after West “I sat on my bike and players at his disposal - un- and showing emotions will be minute, smashing Naby Kei- Ham looked set to take control rode through the woods. That like Bremen who have captain decisive on top of football.” ta’s pass in off the underside of to secure a 2-2 draw. cleared my head and an idea Niklas Moisander suspended Managing director Frank Bau- the crossbar from close range. Results: Burnley 1 (Tarkowski was born,” he said. “It is so but Omer Toprak fit to play mann was also positive, say- Mane’s 20th goal in all 43) Sheffield United 1 (Egan 80) easy to recuperate and to come again and Kevin Vogt return- ing: “We have always stood up competitions this season was Newcastle 2 (Almiron 17, up with a new match plan.” ing from a suspension. again. It is important that you followed by Jones’ 89th-min- Shelvey 67) West Ham 2 (Anto- Schmidt, at the club since Bremen played a poor first get up once more than you fall. ute strike. nio 4, Soucek 65) 2007 when they were still in leg but are not out of the contest I don’t think we fell in the first Jones netted from 12 yards Liverpool 2 (Mane 71, Jones the fourth tier, said his team ahead of the crucial return leg. leg, but we stumbled a bit.” for his first Premier League 89) Aston Villa 0. Bayern recharge batteries after domestic double, aim for treble

Leverkusen pressed in a come- extraordinary. Bayern Munich have clinched a 13th domestic back attempt but wasted too “The way the team played double but are not finished yet. They are many chances. in the last few weeks was sen- setting their sights on a title treble when the “Are Bayern really the big sational, the attitude is just fan- favourites as foreseen by many tastic. It’s nice to see the players Champions League resumes in August experts? Let’s wait and see,” believe in their own strength,” Kicker sports magazine said on he said. DPA points, in a 0-0 draw against Sunday. “The players can wind down Berlin RB Leipzig in February, in the Kicker said that the likes for a few days now, and then process. of Manchester City, Juventus we’ll prepare for the Champions Bayern Munich players start- And just like they returned and Barcelona had more qual- League.” But forward Thomas ed a short holiday on Sunday all guns blazing from the coro- ity than Leverkusen and could Mueller also mentioned the before restarting the season one navirus- related two-month trouble Bayern if you fought very different circumstances more time with the ambition of break in May, they intend to do them with “speed, aggression of the past weeks without fans winning the Champions League the same when they aim to com- and courage.” But despite the amid the pandemic, the final next month. plete the last-16 job in Europe hiccups Bayern overall coasted moved from its original date A 4-2 win over Bayer Lev- sgainst Chelsea, leading the tie to victory thanks to early goals May 23 and held on a day where erkusen behind closed doors in 3-0, and then looking for more from Alaba’s curling free-kick under normal circumstances Berlin the previous night gave at the eight-team mini-tourna- and , before Rob- teams would have long been Bayern a 20th German Cup ti- ment finals in Lisbon untilA u- Bayern Munich’s German goalkeeper raises the German Cup (DFB Pokal) trophy as he and ert Lewandowski’s second-half on holiday and German rockers tle, a 13th domestic double and gust 23. his teammates celebrate winning the final match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Olympic Stadium in brace brought his season tally Rammstein played at the Olym- a 50th national title overall. Bayern achieved the cov- Berlin on Sunday. (AFP) to 51 goals from 44 games in all pic Stadium. ’s team were as eted treble in 2013 and chair- competitions. “It’s really a bit of a sad mo- ruthless as in their run to an man Karl-Heinz Rummenigge vid Alaba insisted earlier in the do our best to get the treble.” to spread fear and terror among Flick, in his first season af- ment, the league is our bread eighth straight Bundesliga title vowed: “There is still that third week, midfielder The Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the remaining participants” in ter replacing Niko Kovac at the and butter, of course we want- the previous week and are un- cup. We have big aims after said “I see no limit” and captain Sunday that “Bayern’s demon- the Champions League. helm in November, had nothing ed to get that over the line, but beaten in 26 matches in all com- winning the double.” “We are Manuel Neuer vowed that “we stration, especially in the first But Bayern also appeared but praise for his players, saying when the fans are missing in petitions, dropping only two not tired of titles,” defender Da- will prepare very well and then half of the cup final, was suitable vulnerable after the break when “what this team is achieving is such a thing as a cup final ... It