Sport
Real Madrid Beats Atlético Madrid to Reach Champions League Quarter-Finals
In a thrilling UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match at the Metropolitano Stadium, Real Madrid edged past city rivals Atlético Madrid, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-0 defeat in regular time led to a 2-2 aggregate draw.
The match began dramatically, with Atlético’s Conor Gallagher scoring in the first minute, leveling the aggregate score following Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory in the first leg.
Real Madrid had a golden opportunity to equalize when they were awarded a penalty, but Vinícius Júnior’s attempt was unsuccessful.
The match proceeded to extra time, but neither team could break the deadlock, leading to a penalty shootout. The shootout was filled with tension and controversy. Atlético’s Julián Álvarez slipped during his attempt, inadvertently touching the ball twice, resulting in the goal being disallowed after a VAR review.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Fede Valverde, and Antonio Rüdiger successfully converted their penalties. Despite Jan Oblak’s touch, Rüdiger’s decisive penalty found the net, sealing Real Madrid’s advancement to the quarter-finals.
Reflecting on the victory, Jude Bellingham credited the team’s resilient mentality, emphasizing their composure and understanding of game situations as key factors in their success.
This victory sets up a quarter-final clash between Real Madrid and Arsenal, who advanced after defeating PSV Eindhoven with an aggregate score of 9-3.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has assured fans that the team is ready to fight for glory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament kicks off today with hosts Morocco facing Ghana’s Copper Queens in the opening match.
Nigeria will begin their campaign on Sunday against Tunisia at the Labri Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. This will be only the second time both teams are meeting at WAFCON, with their first clash in 2008 ending goalless in Equatorial Guinea. The Super Falcons, who had a disappointing outing three years ago finishing fourth, are determined to bounce back and go for their tenth continental title.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ajibade expressed confidence in the squad’s mindset. “We’re happy to be here and ready to give our all,” she said during a recent CAF webinar. “We know the road won’t be easy, but we’re prepared to give it everything.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described late Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, as a true symbol of national pride. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, shared the tribute in Abuja on Friday, calling Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana, a legend of Nigerian football.
He said Rufai stood out as one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever defend Nigeria’s colours, adding that he embodied the courage, brilliance, and determination that define the Nigerian spirit. According to him, Rufai’s time on the pitch was more than just football. With every save and every moment he stepped onto the field, he proudly flew the Nigerian flag with unmatched skill, passion, and grace.
The party also extended heartfelt condolences to Rufai’s family, friends, the football community, and everyone his remarkable legacy touched. They prayed that his memory continues to inspire young Nigerians to dream, to serve, and to rise, just as he did.
The Super Falcons have unveiled their official squad numbers for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Most of the team’s key players will be holding on to their familiar shirt numbers for the tournament.
Asisat Oshoala, six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year and Nigeria’s biggest name, will be rocking the number 8 jersey. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade also keeps her famous number 15 shirt. First-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie will wear the number 16 jersey, while Benfica’s midfield powerhouse Christy Ucheibe will take on the iconic number 10 shirt.
In defence, the experienced Osinachi Ohale gets number 3, Ashleigh Plumptre keeps number 5, and Oluwatosin Demehin will wear 14. The Super Falcons will kick off their WAFCON campaign against Tunisia this Sunday. The Group B clash is set for the Labri Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time.
