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SATURDAYS 27 FEBRUARY 2021 BarcaBa coach calls on others to help Messi TheTh older lads can't do it all themselves. Messi's scored 18 times,tim which is the same number as the other forwards combined.co He needs help. You can't always rely on the best or oldest players. Everyone in the team needs to take rresponsibility,e not just the most experienced players.

RonaldRo Koeman BaBBarcelona Coach Sport | 14 NBA RESULTS: PHILADELPHIA 111 Dallas 97; BROOKLYN 129 Orlando 92; NEW YORK 140 Sacramento 121; MEMPHIS 122 LA Clippers 94 CHAMPIONS AGAIN

Al Sadd's players and officials celebrate with the trophy. Bounedjah nets two as Al Sadd retain Cup title with win over Al Duhail

FAWAD HUSSAIN half-time referee Khamis Al THE PENINSULA Marri, after consulting VAR, reversed his decision of Feared striker Baghdad awarding a penalty to Al Sadd Bounedjah struck a brace as with video replay showing Al Sadd retained the Mohamed Musa Ali did not Al Sadd title with a 2-0 victory over Al make any contact with Duhail in the final at Abdullah Bounedjah, storming inside Hasan Al Bin Khalifa Stadium. the box. Haydos lifts Yesterday’s triumph Al Sadd went into the the Qatar brought second trophy in the tunnel with a lead, but Al Cup trophy. tournament for Al Sadd after it Duhail returned as a better was relaunched under its side after introduction of present name in 2014. – replacing It was also 74th overall title It was a collective effort and Ismail for the Wolves, who lived up to and we deserved to win. Mohamad – coming in for Ali their favourites tag against The We are aspiring to win Malolah. Red Knights in front of socially- more trophies. We will The Red Knights created distanced fans. chances but again goal was Bounedjah, who also shift our focus on our next eluding them because of lack scored a brace in 2-1 win over matches and we want to of execution. Al Arabi in the Amir Cup final maintain our form. I am With clock reaching an last December, opened his happy with my hour-mark, Olunga missed a account with a stunning performance also. golden opportunity after a bicycle kick in 9th minute yes- receiving a brilliant cross from terday, before netting his captain , but his second goal in 77th minute to Baghdad Bounedjah shot from near the penalty inspire the Hernandez- Al Sadd striker area was too high. There were coached side to the first trophy more attempts to score by the of the ongoing season. Kenyan striker and Paulo Qatar Olympic Committee Dasilve Edmilson, in moves (QOC) President H E Sheikh mostly led by Almoez. Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Instead Al Sadd got their handed over the trophy to Xavi second goal, after Xavi called and captain Hasan Al Haydos. back Alhaydos with Yusuf “I am very happy with the Abdurisag Yusuf coming off Al Sadd's Baghdad team’s performance. We the bench in the 72nd minute. Bounedjah celebrates his played a great game and the Cazorla gave a perfect goal against Al Duhail, through pass to Bounedjah yesterday. and after a short run, the Algerian pounced the ball over I am very happy with the Zakaria to seal victory for Al performance was more than that we are the best in Qatar,” walk away with a win. Al Sadd Sadd. team’s performance. We excellent. We played with he added. took the lead after a slow start Al Duhail’s disappointing played a great game and passion and spirit throughout The final was expected to to the final when Nam Tae- final ended with a red card to the performance was the match and we deserved produce a pulsating display hee’s attempt from a danger Sultan Hussain Al Brake, who more than excellent. We this win,” a delighted Xavi said from both the sides but area took a rebound from was punished for bringing played with passion and after the triumph. intensity of a big final was defender reaching Bounedjah, down Al Sadd’s Yusuf “We defeated a strong and missing last evening. who struck the ball past Al Abdurisag in frustration. spirit throughout the competitive opponent. We Yet, Al Sadd, as expected Duhail goalkeeper Salah Treble-seeking Al Sadd, match and we deserved suffered in the second half and dominated Al Duhail, who Zakaria with a first time are expected to seal their this win. this is normal in finals. I want were far from their best. overhead kick. second crown of the ongoing to congratulate all the players, After an ordinary display Al Duhail created some season when they meet Umm Xavi Hernandez and the staff. We want to win in the first session, the Red attacks after Al Sadd’s opening Salal on March 7, as they are Al Sadd coach more titles. This was a Knights came as a better side goal but they missed just one victory away from deserved win and another title in the second half but missed execution. winning the QNB Stars for Al Sadd, and we proved many chances to let Al Sadd Ten minutes before League. SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 15 CHI Al Shaqab one of the best events on international calendar: QEF President THETHE PENINSULAPENINSULA – together for such a high profile event equestrian riders and to achieve the Al Attiyah said the Al Shaqab in difficult circumstances is praise country’s vision for sport which is extravaganza will be part of the HamadHamad bbinin AbdulAbd Rahman Al Attiyah worthy,” Al Attiyah said on day two creating quality athletes in all beats.” international calendar until 2023. He (pictured)(pictured), PresidentPr of the Qatar the CSI5 * event. The QEF President thanked H E said staging of regular events - andand Asian EEquestrianqu Federations “Considering the COVID-19 sit- Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, domestic and international - have (QEF and QEF) has praised the Local uation around the world, the LOC President of the Qatar Olympic Com- helped young Qatari riders improve OrganisingOrganising CommitteeCo (LOC) for has done extremely well to stage this mittee (QOC), for his ‘continuous and their performances. cconductingonducting the hugely popular event and attract the great names in unlimited support for Qatari QEF Secretary General Badr Al CommercialCommercia Bank CHI Al Shaqab show jumping,” he said. equestrian’. Darwish also lauded the LOC teams PresentedPresented by Longines in tough The QEF President said Qatar has Al Attiyah said CHI Al Shaqab was for hosting a ‘flawless event’. circumstances.circums succeeded, thanks to the strict pre- proving to be a hit with fans. He said “This is the eighth consecutive StrictStr safety and health cautionary measures taken in the next week the same venue will time since 2013 that this event is protocolsprot have been country, to limit the spread of welcome riders for the opening being held at Longines Arena at Al implementedimpl for the event COVID-19 to host many international round of the 2021 Longines Global Shaqab. It is one of the best tourna- whichwhi concludes at sports tournaments and events since Champions Tour (LGCT). ments on the FEI Calendar,” Al LonginesLon Arena at Al September 2020. “It is an absolute thrill that we Darwish said. ShaqabSh today. Al Attiyah also lauded the coop- are hosting two premier events in “We also have rounds of our own “This is one of the eration between the QEF, the Qatar back-to-back weeks,” he said. Hathab Series. The Qatari riders are bestb and strongest Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) Al Attiyah said: “The entire facility also getting to enjoy the atmosphere tournamentst in the and Al Shaqab - a member of the at Al Shaqab is the very reason why of a top show jumping event,” Al world in terms of its Qatar Foundation - ‘in achieving top riders want to come here and Darwish said. “This is a popular international classi- great success in organising a number compete. This facility provides the event because competitions are also fication and the par- of top equestrian events’. riders, the horses, the trainers and the being held in Olympic disciplines like ticipation of top He said: “This partnership is in young participants the chance to dressage and para dressage,” he rriders. To put things the interest of developing Qatari compete at the top level.” added.

French rider Kevin Staut guiding his Tolede de Mescam Day 2: Staut sparkles Harcour over a hurdle during the feature event on day two of the as Tolede de Mescam Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab Harcour tops strong field yesterday.

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PENINSULA

French rider Kevin Staut knows the turf at Longines Arena at Al Shaqab really well, thanks to his wins over the years at the state-of-the-art show jumping venue. Yesterday, the 40-year-old pro- duced yet another a flawless routine - this time with Tolede de Mescam Harcour - to win the feature event on day two of the 2021 Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab. Starting with 33 riders, Staut was one of eight remaining in the jump-off. As expected, the Frenchman looked calm and composed to guide Tolede de Mescam Harcour to a convincing win in the 1.55m competition. Tolede de Mescam Harcour, aged 14, clocked a time of 35.87 seconds in Omar Al Mannai, Event Director of Commercial Bank CHI Al Shaqab, and INT. JUMPING COMPETITION AGAINST THE CLOCK (1.50M) the clear round for the popular an official posing for a photograph with the podium winners of the CSI5* TABLE A, FEI ART. 238.2.1 - CSI5* Frenchman who started last in the field RANK, HORSE, COMPETITOR TIME PRIZE M. of right riders. Staut won €48,939 for 1.55/1.60m event, Kevin Staut, Simon Delestre and Max Kuhner at the Longines Arena At Al Shaqab yesterday. 1. Hansson WL, Peder Fredricson (SWE) 58.95 sec €12,775 his spectacular finish. 2. Verite Une Prince, Penelope Leprevost (FRA) 59.15 sec €10,220 With Staut leading the way in chilly 3. Kheros van't Hoogeinde, Rene Lopez (COL) 61.49 sec €7,665 conditions, compatriot Simon Delestre 4. Chaccos' Son, Maurice Tebbel (GER) 61.63 sec €5,110 had to settle for second place with 5. Kriskras DV, Bart Bles (NED) 61.88 sec €3,577 Hermes Ryan (36.32 seconds). Austrian INT. JUMPING COMPETITION WITH JUMP-OFF (1.55/1.60M) rider Max Kühner was the third best TABLE A, FEI ART. 238.2.2 - CSI5* on the podium with Vancouver Dreams RANK, HORSE, COMPETITOR (RND) TIME (JO) TIME PRIZE M. (36.84 seconds). Delestre won €29,660 1. Tolede de Mescam Harcour, Kevin Staut (FRA) 74.15 sec 35.87 sec €48,939 for his second spot while third-placed 2. Hermes Ryan, Simon Delestre (FRA) 74.12 sec 36.32 sec €29,660 Kühner got richer by €22,245. 3. Vancouver Dreams, Max Kuhner (AUT) 71.12 sec 36.84 sec €22,245 Germany’s Christian Kukuk 4. Checker 47, Christian Kukuk (GER) 73.64 sec 36.96 sec €14,830 (Checker 47, 36.96 seconds, €14,830 ) 5. Jasco vd Bisschop, Mark McAuley (IRL) 74.86 sec 37.96 sec €8,898 and Ireland’s Mark Mcauley (Jasco vd Bisschop, 37.96 seconds, €8,898) com- FEI INDIVIDUAL TEST WINNERS pleted the top five. GRADE I - CPEDI3* Staut was thrilled with his winning RANK, HORSE, COMPETITOR E C M TOTAL PRIZE M form and that of his horse. Convicto, Ana Isabel Mota Veiga (POR) 70.179 % 66.250 % 68.750 % 68.393 % €660 “I am really happy. It was a very GRADE II - CPEDI3* difficult competition with eight riders Sailor's Blue, Pepo Puch (AUT) 78.088 % 76.471 % 73.088 % 75.882 % €660 in the jump-off. Then I could see my GRADE III - CPEDI3* French colleague Simon Delestre riding Findsley N.O.P., Rixt van der Horst (NED) 73.529 % 77.353 % 76.176 % 75.686 % €660 first and he was really fast. I was GRADE IV - CPEDI3* jumping last so I had all the infor- Don Henrico, Rodolpho Riskalla (BRA) 75.122 % 80.000 % 76.220 % 77.114 % €600 mation. And what can I say, it’s been GRADE V - CPEDI3* wonderful two days of competition. It Bequia Simba, Valentina Strobl (AUT) 70.238 % 72.024 % 70.714 % 70.992 % €660 was a difficult Grand Prix today, I am German rider Jessica von Bredow- so happy,” Staut said. FEI TEST GRAND PRIX - CDI5* RANK, HORSE, COMPETITOR E H C M B TOTAL PRIZE M “I think in the first round we had Werndl, who emerged victorious in the so many faults everywhere. It was a FEI CDI5* Grand Prix astride Zaire-E on 1. Zaire-E, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (GER) 77.826 % 75.435 % 78.696 % 74.348 % 78.478 % 76.957 % €7,500 difficult course and technical. It was day two of the Commercial Bank CHI Al 2. Faustus, Dorothee Schneider (GER) 77.065 % 77.717 % 75.761 % 74.022 % 75.000 % 75.913 % €6,000 important the riders stayed focused Shaqab yesterday, receiving her award 3. Kontestro DB, Henri Ruoste (FIN) 75.870 % 72.935 % 74.130 % 75.000 % 74.565 % 74.500 % €4,500 throughout the round,” he said. from Hussein Ali Al Abdulla, EGM & Chief 4. Sir Donnerhall II Old, Morgan Barbançon (FRA) 74.565 % 73.804 % 72.935 % 72.174 % 73.370 % 73.370 % €3,000 “Normally in the Grand Prix I ride Marketing Officer, Commercial Bank. 5. Quater Back Junior FRH, Nicolas Wagner Ehlinger (LUX) 73.696 % 72.065 % 73.696 % 73.152 % 73.478 % 73.217 % €1,800 Tolede de Mescam Harcour but he did such a good job today, so I will ride my and clocked a time of 59.15 seconds as Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri, who Jessica von Bredow-Werndl LONGINES HATHAB SMALL TOUR (1.15 M), other horse Visconti du Telman Leprevost won €10,220. Lopez won was with Lamm Addiction Z, finished clinches Grand Prix TWO PHASES SPECIAL tomorrow (Saturday). I am already €7,665 after Kheros van’t Hoogeinde’s in third place in a time of 58.51 seconds. Meanwhile German rider Jessica TABLE A, FEI ART. 274.2.5 happy today. Tomorrow (Saturday) is flawless routine took 61.49 seconds to Al Marri won QR4,500. von Bredow-Werndl, astride Zaire-E, RANK, HORSE, COMPETITOR, RESULT, PRIZE MONEY another day. I will enjoy this evening complete. Qatari rider Hamad Nasser Al Qadi yesterday won the dressage Grand Prix 1. Naville Z, Mohammed Jabor Al Naimi (QAT), 28.44 after what happened today. I want to German rider Maurice Tebbel (Electra B, 58.52 seconds, QR3,000) in a commanding fashion. sec, QR5,000 thank my whole team for coming here (Chaccos’ Son, 61.63 seconds, 5.110) and and Kamil Sabitov of Kyrgyzstan The 35-year-old German was 2. Dusty, Khalifa Abdulla K A Al Khaldi (QAT), 29.76 and to do the best as we can. Dutchman Bart Bles (Kriskras DV, 61.88 (Carmen, 58.89 seconds, QR2,100) named winner by three of the five sec, QR4,000 “I want to thank the organisers seconds, 3,577) completed the top five completed the top five from a field of judges. She managed an overall score 3. Best of des Forets, Saeed Nasser Al Qadi (QAT), here, because it’s so difficult right now. from a field of 12 entries in the run 12 riders running against the clock. of 76.957% to clinch the top prize of 30.33 sec, QR3,000 To organise this event at the highest against the clock. In the battle for Small Tour €7,500 LONGINES HATHAB MEDIUM TOUR (1.35M), level it’s fantastic,” Staut said. honours, Mohammed Jabor Al Naimi Dorothee Schneider, also of Haidan tops Medium Tour field AGAINST THE CLOCK Earlier in the day, World Number emerged winner with Naville Z in a Germany, secured the second place TABLE A, FEI ART. 238.2.1 4 Peder Fredricson looked the part Qatari rider Mohammed Said time of 28.44 seconds in the 1.15m with Faustus 94. 1. Miss Chili, Mohammed Said Haidan (QAT), 56.84 with his trusted ride Hansson WL to Haidan yesterday combined well with competition. Schneider scored a total of 75.913%. sec, QR7,500 clinch honours in the 1.50m (against Miss Chili to seal the deal in the Al Naimi won QR5,000. Henri Ruoste, in the saddle with Kon- 2. Brennus Villelongue, Cyrine Cherif (FRA), 57.82 the clock) over the 420m course. The Medium Tour battle of the Longines Qatari rider Khalifa Abdulla K A Al testro DB, grabbed the third spot on sec, QR6,000 experienced Swede won the top prize Qatar Equestrian Tour Hathab. Khaldi guided Dusty to second place the podium. 3. Lamm Addiction Z, Rashid Towaim Ali Al Marri (QAT), of €12,775 after the 13-year-old bay Miss Chili, aged 13, clocked a time (29.76 seconds, QR 4,000) while Saeed Their Grand Prix was rewarded by 58.51 sec, QR4,500 clocked a time of 58.95 seconds. of 56.84 seconds as Haidan won the Nasser Al Qadi, astride Best of des the judges with a total of 74.500%. Sch- LONGINES HATHAB MEDIUM TOUR (TEAM) French rider Penelope Leprevost, top prize of QR7,500. Forets, sealed the third place (30.33 neider won €6,000 while Ruoste got 1.35M: WINNERS astride Verite Une Prince, secured the French rider Cyrine Cherif - astride seconds, QR3,000) richer by €4,500. second spot while Colombia’s Rene Brennus Villelongue - also managed Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi (Gal- French rider Morgan Barbançon BUSINESS TRADING COMPANY Lopez clocked the third-fastest time to keep her lines narrow to finish in waybay Merbreaker, 30.57 seconds, (Sir Ddonnerhall II OLD) and Luxem- Happy Tina, Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi, (4) (57.40) with Kheros van’t Hoogeinde. second place. Brennus Villelongue QR 2,000) and Mohammed Nasser Al bourg’s Nicolas Wagner Ehlinger Andreas SPB Z, Saeed Nasser Al Qadi, 61.07 Verite Une Prince, aged 12, clocked a time of 57.82 seconds as Qadi (Vlacido, 30.89 seconds, QR1,400) (Quater Back Junior FRH) completed Electra B, Hamad Nasser Al Qadi, 58.52 remained flawless during her routine Cherif won QR6,000. completed the top five. the top five from a field of 19 entries. TEAM TOTAL 119.59, Prize Money QR15,000 14 SPORT SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2021 Beach Volleyball World Tour: Cherif, Ahmed victorious in Doha THE PENINSULA – DOHA us for next month’s event. It Qatar’s first gold medal win also helps that this is our home was posted on February 19, After placing third, fifth and court where we practice every 2016 on Kish Island in Iran 17th in their previous three day.” when Cherif and Jefferson starts on home sand, Cherif Cherif added that his Pereira defeated Russians Oleg Samba and Ahmed Tijan finally partner Ahmed was “very con- Stoyanovskiy and Artem Yar- finished atop a podium in the vincing tonight with his explo- zutkin 2-1 (21-13, 14-21, 15-12) Qatari capital yesterday by siveness in his attack along in the 39-minute finale. winning the Doha Beach with his defence and consistent In the bronze medal match, Volleyball Cup at the Al setting. That makes him a great the eighth-seeded Alexey Gharrafa Beach Complex. partner.” Gusev and Pavel Shustrov Seeded first in the 16-team Cherif and Ahmed split the rebounded from a second Doha main draw, Cherif and Ahmed $1,000 first-place prize while setback to Cherif and Ahmed posted a 2-0 (21-15, 21-19) gold the Swiss shared $700 for to post a 2-1 (19-21, 21-15, 19-17) medal win in 34 minutes over placing second. win in 48 minutes over fifth- second-seeded Yves Haussener The No. 13 team on the seeded Murat Giginoglu and and Quentin Metral of Swit- international ranking list, Volkan Gogtepe of Turkey. zerland in the first FIVB Beach Cherif and Ahmed also secured With the Doha Beach Vol- Volleyball World Tour meeting Qatar’s second-ever win on the leyball Cup being the first FIVB between the two teams. World Tour as the pair were event on the 2021 schedule, the “It was good to play after competing in their 29th World Qatari capital will also host the one year of break,” said the Tour event. Cherif and Ahmed’s next World Tour event next 25-year old Ahmed after the best previous finishes were month. The Katara Beach Vol- match. thirds at events in 2018 (Doha leyball Cup is set for March 8-12 Cherif Samba and Ahmed Tijan receiving the winner's prize cheque on the podium after defeating second- “Hopefully playing in this and Vienna) and 2019 (Xiamen, for the $300,000 men’s and seeded Yves Haussener and Quentin Metral of Switzerland in the final of the Doha Beach Volleyball Cup event will be an advantage for China). women’s event. yesterday. United stroll into Europa League last 16 Neymar's REUTERS – MANCHESTER Manchester United’s Axel Tuanzebe heads the ball during the Europa League injury - Round of 32 Second Leg match against at Old Trafford, on Manchester United eased into the Europa league Thursday. last 16 after a 0-0 home draw with Real Sociedad return on on Thursday completed a 4-0 aggregate win over the Spanish side in their round of 32 clash. With one eye on Sunday’s Premier League schedule: clash against Chelsea, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer started striker Marcus Rashford and Pochettino defender Harry Maguire on the bench. Solskjaer said United were determined to go further than last year when they reached the REUTERS – PARIS semi-finals of the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup, and they also lost to Manchester City Paris St Germain forward in this season’s League Cup semis. Neymar’s return from “You remember the defeats more so than the injury is on schedule after wins,” the Norwegian told BT Sport. he was ruled out for four “To get the semi-finals in any competition, weeks earlier this month you’re so close. We’ve had three of them, we’ve with an adductor muscle lost one, so this group knows how it feels. We injury, coach Mauricio want to go further but when you have failed Pochettino said before you want to do better.” Sitting on a com- yesterday. fortable first-leg cushion, the home side looked The Brazil interna- lethargic in the opening 20 minutes and Sociedad tional has been sidelined missed a 13th-minute penalty as since limping off the pitch scuffed his spot-kick wide after Daniel James on Feb. 10 in a French fouled . Cup game against Caen, United came to life as Bruno Fernandes rattled Aubameyang getting close to which ruled him out of the crossbar with a swerving shot from 15 metres PSG’s Champions League while Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Ramiro denied last-16 first leg against Anthony Martial and James. Barcelona. hit the woodwork for his best for Arsenal, says Arteta He resumed indi- Sociedad with a close-range header shortly after vidual training on the break before United substitute Axel Tuanzebe REUTERS – LONDON said those problems were behind the and hailed his movement in recent Thursday, raising hopes had a goal disallowed for Victor Lindelof’s foul player as his side prepare to visit third- games. that he might be back on . Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick placed Leicester City in the Premier “The week before when we played earlier than expected. Fernandes made way for Rashford at the Aubameyang is rediscovering his best League tomorrow. Benfica, he had three big chances and “He has been fol- interval but United largely went through the form after his recent problems on and “Sometimes when you go through I’m not worried about him missing lowing the protocol of the motions in the second half as they sat back and off the pitch and the Gabon striker’s difficult moments, you... get into a sad because I know if he gets in those posi- medical and performance kept the visitors at bay. resurgence gives the team a better mood and that’s the worst thing you tions he’s going to be scoring consist- sector,” Pochettino told a The home team’s substitute Shola Shoretire chance of being successful, manager can do, because nobody has to feel sorry ently - this is what he has to demand of news conference ahead became the youngest United player to feature in Mikel Arteta said yesterday. for themselves,” Arteta told reporters. himself,” he added. of PSG’s Ligue 1 trip to European competition at the age of 17 and 23 days The 31-year-old Aubameyang “What you have to do is get upset, “If we have Auba at his best, as a Dijon. when he came on for Mason Greenwood in the scored twice, including a late winner, get angry, work harder and approach team we obviously have a much better “Today he was on the 76th minute. as Arsenal beat Benfica 3-2 on Thursday the situation and face it. Face the chal- chance to be successful.” pitch to train individually. “Shola has got some skills and attributes we and 4-3 on aggregate to reach the last lenge in a way that creates more moti- Arsenal are 11th in the table with 34 He’s got a good mindset. think will make him a very good player here,” 16 of the Europa League. vation and more hunger to do it and I points from 25 games, 15 points adrift We’re happy. Everything Solskjaer said. Aubameyang’s form has been think in recent weeks I’ve seen that of third-placed Leicester and 11 off the is under control in terms “A platform tonight, just 15 minutes, some- patchy this season and he missed three reaction.” Arteta said Aubameyang was top four in the Champions League qual- of timing. He’s on thing to build upon.” games to visit his ill mother but Arteta getting into better positions on the pitch ifying places. schedule.” PSG, who host Bar- celona on March 10 in the return leg aftera claiming Barca boss Koeman calls on others to help Messi an emphaticemphati 4-1 win at thethe CaCampmp NNou, first need to bounce backba in Ligue 1 REUTERSREUTERS – MADRIDMADRID combined,” Koeman told a news con- pressuresure on you for every game,” added after theythey ffell down to ference yesterday. Koeman,man, before his news conference thirdthird with a 2-0 home RonaldRonald KKoemanoeman cacalledlle on Barcelona’s “He needs help. You can’t always was cut sshorthort due to a nnosebleed.osebleed. defeatdefeat to MonacoM last players to step up aand reduce the rely on the best or oldest players. Eve- BarcelonaBarcelona wwelcomeelcome bacbackk weekend.weekend. club’s reliance on LLionel Messi for ryone in the team needs to take defenderender Ronald AlthoughAlthoug Dijon are goalsgoals ahead of today’stoday trip to responsibility, not just the most expe- Araujoujo for the triptrip bottombottom of ttheh table, PSG Sevilla.Sevilla. rienced players.” Barca are fourth in to AAndalusia.ndalusia. faceface a tricktrickyy task as they Messi, 33, has sscoredco 18 times in La Liga, two points ahead of Sevilla, However,wever, thetheyy willwill be witwithouth Neymar, the league this seasonseaso with Antoine who have played a game fewer. will be wiwithoutthout AngelAngel Di MMaria,a Leandro GriezmannGriezmann the next hhighest scorer on With league leaders Atletico five Miralemr a l e m ParedesParedes as well as Ales- six, and once agagainain scscoredo the opening points ahead and with a game in hand, Pjanic,anic, sandrosandro Florenzi,Flor Marco two goalsgoals in Wednesday’sWedn league the Catalans can ill-afford to slip up Philippei lippe VerrattiVerratti andand Mauro Icardi victory overo Elche. in the title race. Coutinho,utinho, whowho are all injured. “The“Th older lads “I don’t think it’s the most Sergirgi PSG ttrailrail leaders Lille can’tcan’t do it all them- important week of the season. This Robertob erto byby four ppoints and selves.selv Messi’s weekend all the top sides play each and AnAnsusu ssecond-placedeco sscoredco 18 times, other. Everyone’s under pressure, Fatii fforor OlOlympique whichwh is the same there’s no more pressure on Barcelona the ttie.ie. LLyonnaisy by numbern as the than there is with everyone else. one.on othero forwards “If you’re the Barcelona boss, there’s Milan vs United lights up Europa League last 16 draw

REUTERS – LONDON Rangers. European debutants Granada reasons. The clubs have met in three needs challenges and we enjoy chal- convincingly beat Austrian side of Spain will play Norwegian club European Cup semi-finals, Milan lenges and we embrace them.” United, Wolfsberg. Seven-time European champions AC Molde, while AS Roma face a tough winning them all, but have not faced second in the Premier League, reached “Dinamo, they beat Krasnodar Milan will play Manchester United in assignment against seasoned European each other since 2010 when United the last-16 with a comfortable 4-0 twice. Krasnodar is a Russian team and the standout tie of next month’s Europa contenders Shakhtar Donetsk. won 7-2 on aggregate in the last 16 of aggregate win over Real Sociedad it’s never easy to play them. I played League round of 16 following yester- Three-time semi-finalists Villarreal the Champions League. It will also while Milan, second in Serie A, Russian teams many times and it’s day’s draw. take on Dynamo Kiev. mean Milan’s veteran Swedish striker struggled past Red Star Belgrade, never easy,” Tottenham manager Jose Ajax Amsterdam, the four-time No German or French clubs made Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be up against winning on away goals. Mourinho, who won the Europa League European champions, will take on it to the last 16. his old club. For Tottenham and Arsenal, the in 2017 as Manchester United manager, Swiss club Young Boys, while Arsenal The ties will be played on March 11 “We do have the tradition of Europa League offers their most likely said after his team were paired with face Greek side Olympiakos Piraeus and 18 with this season’s final hosted making it hard for ourselves in draws,” routes into the Champions League as Dinamo Zagreb. and Tottenham Hotspur, the third in Gdansk where the eventual winners United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer they are ninth and 11th respectively in Arsenal will return to Athens for English club to reach the last 16, will will take a place in next season’s Cham- told reporters on Friday. “It’s one of the Premier League. the second round in succession after tackle Dinamo Zagreb. pions League. the those draws again that you feel Arsenal needed a late goal by the “home” leg of their tie against Slavia Prague’s reward for A clash between Milan and three- could be a Champions League game. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Benfica on Thursday was played at knocking out Leicester City is a tie time European champions United will “It’s good for us to have these Thursday to see them past Benfica Olympiakos’s stadium because of against Scottish champions-elect loom large over the last 16 for several games to look forward to. This team 4-3 on aggregate while Spurs COVID-19 travel restrictions. Sport SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY 2021 13 Medvedev gets another Chasing pack need to believe they shot at No.2 ranking can topple ‘Big Three’: Nalbandian after Nadal pullout REUTERS – ROTTERDAM REUTERS – LONDON the tour anything is possible. but Nadal and Federer had skipped “That showed that everybody the trip to New York while Russia’s Daniil Former Wimbledon finalist David can beat them,” said the former Djokovic exited in the fourth round They’re incredible players, Medvedev (pictured) Nalbandian said the younger world number three. after he was defaulted for acciden- will have another players on the men’s ATP Tour “They’re incredible players, but tally striking a line judge with a but they’re not opportunity to replace must start believing in themselves they’re not superheroes. The new ball. superheroes. The new Rafa Nadal as world No. if they are to close the gap on Roger generation has to start believing Argentine Nalbandian, the generation has to start 2 next week if he Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak in themselves.” Djokovic’s triumph 2002 Wimbledon runner-up, reaches the final of the Djokovic. in Melbourne meant 15 of the last defeated Nadal, Djokovic and believing in themselves: ATP 500 event in Russian Daniil Medvedev 16 majors have been won by the Federer in consecutive matches to David Nalbandian Rotterdam. looked closest to ending the Grand Big Three. win the Madrid Masters in 2007. Medvedev rose to a Slam hegemony of the ‘Big Three’ AuAustrianstrian DominicDominic ThiemThiem wwonon “MostMost of the players ththink that career high third in the when he cantered into the Aus-- his maiden Grand Slam at last they’re waiting for the BigB Three ATP rankings on tralian Open final onn a 20-mat20-matchchh yeyear’sar’s U.S.U.S. OpenOppene tot retire,”retire,” saisaidd Nalbandian,Nalban who recently took a Monday after finishing winning streak that iincludedncluded 12 part-timepart-t coaching gig with runner-up to world straight wins overr ttop-10op-10 SerbianSerbia world number 41 Miomir number one Novak opponents. Kecmanovic.Kecma Djokovic at the Australian Open. He would have But that run countedunted fforor “I ssay, ‘I was already waiting in moved above Nadal had he beaten the Serbian. nothing as Djokovicc won in my timetim and they’re still around!’ On Thursday, Nadal pulled out of the Rotterdam straight sets for a record-record- Let’sLet’s stops waiting and beat them. event due to a back injury which forced the 20-times extending ninth triumphmph at MelMel-- “It’s“It incredible the way that Grand Slam winner to skip Spain’s ATP Cup matches bourne Park, the SSerb’serb’s 18t18thh theythey aadapt to the new players and earlier this month. Grand Slam trophy. their aage, because they’re getting The Spaniard’s withdrawal means Medvedev will Nalbandian toldld the ATP’ATP’ss older.olde They’re still on, they’re still be top seed at the March 1-7 event, which also fea- website that Medvedev’sedev’s marchmarch focused,foc they’re still inspired to tures top-10 players Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander to victory at the ATPTP FinaFinalsls inin keepke going. Zverev. November, during whichwhich “That’s amazing. That’s Should he reach the final, Medvedev will become he defeated bothoth wwhy there are only three the first player outside Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer Djokovic and Nadal,al, playerspl who can do that. The and Andy Murray to be ranked in the top two since showed the rest of othersot can’t do that. Nobody." Lleyton Hewitt in 2005. Multan beat Lahore by 7 India’s double World for 1st win in PSL Cup winner Yusuf AP – KARACHI Multan Sultans Mohammad Rizwan plays a shot during the PSL match Pakistan wicketkeeper against Lahore Qalanders yesterday. Pathan retires Mohammad Rizwan continued to Picture: Twitter/@TheRealPCB impress with the bat as he led REUTERS – NEW DELHI at the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup Multan Sultans to their first win in under Mahendra Singh Dhoni. the , beating Former all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, Four years later, Yusuf was by seven wickets who was part of two World Cup part of Dhoni’s team who won the yesterday. winning India teams, announced 50-overs World Cup on home soil. Rizwan hit 76 off 49 balls -- his his retirement from all forms of Yusuf last played for India in second half century in this year’s the game yesterday. a Twenty20 match in 2012 but his PSL -- and Pakistan international The big-hitting 38-year-old power-hitting and crafty off-spin Sohaib Maqsood made an played 57 one-dayers and 22 made him an asset in the Indian unbeaten 61 off 41. Multan eased Twenty20 Internationals for India Premier League (IPL). He was part to 159-3 in 16.2 overs in reply to after beginning his career in the of the Rajasthan Royals team who Lahore’s 157-6. shadow of younger brother and test won the inaugural IPL title under Rizwan and Maqsood shared bowler Irfan Pathan. “The time has Shane Warne in 2008. 110 runs for the third off 65 come today for me to put a full stop Earlier yesterday, seamer balls as Lahore badly missed to this innings of my life,” Yusuf Vinay Kumar, 37, also quit the Afghanistan legspinner Rashid said in a statement on social media. game having played one Test and Khan, who had to return for Both the Pathan brothers were 40 limited-overs matches for Yusuf Pathan national duty after featuring in his part of the victorious India team India. team’s two successive victories. Opener Rizwan holed out at deep midwicket in the 14th over to give (2-29) his Pakistan’s Akmal eligible second wicket before Maqsood raised the emphatic victory by smashing over square to play after ban reduced leg for a six. “(Rashid’s) exit has affected our bowling,” Lahore captain Sohail REUTERS – LAHORE halved the ban following an appeal by Akhtar said. “I hope we find a the player. replacement.” boundaries, but other Lahore batsmen Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal is eligible The CAS has now reduced the ban to Lahore also had a poor day in the field. struggled to accelerate against pace. to play competitive after the Court 12 months but asked the 30-year-old to Rizwan, who hit 12 fours, was dropped West Indian fast bowler Carlos of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) reduced pay a $27,000 fine and complete a reha- soon after completing his half century and Brathwaite picked up 2-20 and also his ban for breaching the Pakistan Cricket bilitation programme under the board’s floored a sitter in the covers bowled a maiden over. Young fast bowler Board’s Anti-Corruption code, the board anti-corruption code, the Pakistan when Maqsood was on 30. Shahnawaz Dhani (2-39) got the key wicket said yesterday. Cricket Board said in a statement. Lahore was earlier restricted in its of opener (9) in the batting The middle-order batsman was sus- “I am ready and excited to play innings as Rizwan followed the trend of powerplay before he returned in the death pended in February last year for failing cricket again,” Akmal told reporters. captains opting to field first after winning overs and had David Wiese (13) caught by to report approaches to him to engage in Asked about his chances of playing the toss in this season’s PSL. Brathwaite in the deep. corrupt practices before the 2020 for Pakistan again, Akmal said: “It’s my With Multan’s successful chase, all “Our lack of good performances in the Pakistan Super League competition. job to play cricket and perform and it’s seven matches in Pakistan’s premier death bowling was improved and that’s He was initially banned for three up to them if they want to give me a Twenty20 league have so far been won by why we restricted them,” Rizwan said. years but an independent adjudicator chance." the team batting second. “Previously we were losing despite dom- , who had unbeaten inating most of the match.” knocks of 73 and 33 against Quetta Glad- Multan has two points from one win iators and Peshawar Zalmi, scored 60 off and two losses. Lahore has four points with England pay price for pace-heavy only 35 balls with five sixes and three two victories from three games.

Peshawar beat Quetta attack on spinners’ paradise REUTERS - AHMEDABAD

While debate continues over the state of the Ahmedabad pitch and whether it is suitable for Test cricket, England shot themselves in the foot before a ball was bowled by opting for a pace-heavy attack on a spinners’ paradise in the third match against India. The hosts wrapped up an extraor- dinary 10-wicket victory inside two days in the day-night contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Spinners claimed 28 of the 30 wickets that fell in five sessions Peshawar in the shortest completed Test match Zalmi's Sherfane since 1935. Rutherford hits a Joe Root’s decision to welcome back shot during the a fit-again and a rested Pakistan Super James Anderson in a four-pronged pace League T20 attack, while retaining Jack Leach as their cricket match only specialist spinner, backfired against Quetta spectacularly. Gladiators at the Quetta Gladiators: 198/7 (Sarfaraz Prior to the match, all-rounder Ben National Stadium Stokes said England’s seamers were should be embarrassed,” he wrote in the Daily Tele- in Karachi, Ahmed 81, Azam Khan 47) lost to “licking their lips” at the prospect of getting the pink ball graph. For India, left-arm spinner Axar Patel claimed a yesterday. INSET: Peshawar Zalmi: to swing significantly. But they were in for a shock as spin match haul of 11-70, while off-spinner Ravichandran Man of the 202/7 in 19.3 overs trumped swing, with even Root claiming his maiden five- Ashwin clamed seven en route to surpassing 400 Test Match, Haider (Imam-ul-Haq wicket haul with his part-time offspin. wickets. Ali posing for a 41, Haider Ali 50, Former England Test batsman Geoffrey Boycott was So dominant were India’s spinners that they did not photograph with perplexed at the tourists’ team selection. turn to their seamers in England’s second innings, while the trophy. 36n.o.) by 3 wickets. “I would also like to know who had the bright idea third spinner Washington Sundar sent down only four of playing three fast bowlers on a turning pitch. They deliveries for a wicket.