La Liga round-up: Real Madrid beaten 4-1 by Valencia - Newstrends
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La Liga round-up: Real Madrid beaten 4-1 by Valencia

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  • Carlos Soler scores hat-trick of penalties

Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid side suffer defeat in the absence of coronavirus-infected Eden Hazard and Casemiro; Real Sociedad beat a nearly unrecognisable Granada side 2-0

Karim Benzema put Madrid ahead with a scorching strike from outside the area only for Valencia to pull level eventually with the first of Soler’s three penalties after a most unusual turn of events.

Soler saw his spot-kick saved by Thibaut Courtois and then hit the post on the rebound, while team-mate Yunus Musah netted the loose ball, only to see the goal ruled out after a VAR review showed him encroaching in the area.

A re-take was ordered and Soler made no mistake at the second attempt.

Valencia took the lead before half-time through a freak own goal from Raphael Varane, who unwittingly sent the ball flying over his head and just over the line, the goal being awarded several minutes later following another VAR review.

Valencia’s teenage forward Lee Kang-in almost struck a third early in the second period but Courtois turned his shot onto the post.

The home side kept up the momentum though and won two further penalties, for a foul by Marcelo on Maxi Gomez then a handball by Sergio Ramos.

Soler converted each time, becoming only the third player in the history of La Liga to score three penalties in a single match.

Five in a row for Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad's players beat virus-depleted Granada

Real Sociedad’s players beat virus-depleted Granada

Earlier, Real Sociedad beat a nearly unrecognisable Granada side 2-0 to return to the top of La Liga.

The visitors’ attempt to get the game postponed due to a spate of coronavirus cases was turned down by authorities, meaning they were forced to make nine changes from last week’s 1-1 draw with Levante and started with five players aged 20 or under.

Granada’s makeshift side made a bright start but Sociedad took the lead midway through the first half through left-back Nacho Monreal, before a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty five minutes later doubled their advantage.

Brazilian forward Willian Jose had a spot-kick saved by Granada’s 18-year-old ‘keeper Angel Jimenez in the second half and Sociedad ended the game with 10 men as defender Robin Le Normand was shown a straight red card in the 86th minute.

Granada earned a penalty in added time but Darwin Machis was denied by an excellent save from Alex Remiro and the Basques celebrated a fifth consecutive La Liga victory.

Other La Liga results:

Getafe 1-3 Villarreal

Levante 1-1 Alaves

Valladolid 2-1 Athletic Bilbao

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Carter Efe Defeats Portable in Celebrity Boxing Showdown

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Carter Efe Defeats Portable in Celebrity Boxing Showdown

Popular skit maker and entertainer Carter Efe secured a decisive victory over street-hop singer Portable in a celebrity boxing match held in Lagos on Friday night.

The bout, which formed part of the “Chaos in the Ring 4” event, drew a large crowd of fans and entertainment enthusiasts eager to witness the much-anticipated clash between the two outspoken personalities.

From the opening bell, Carter Efe showed greater composure and control, landing cleaner punches and maintaining a steady pace throughout the three-round contest. Portable, known for his high-energy persona, attempted to press forward aggressively but struggled to match his opponent’s timing and defensive discipline.

At the end of the bout, the judges returned a unanimous decision in favour of Carter Efe, with all three scorecards reflecting his dominance across the rounds.

The defeat marked a setback for Portable, who had previously enjoyed success in celebrity boxing, including victories over fellow entertainers. Friday’s result, however, underscored Carter Efe’s preparation and tactical approach, which proved decisive in the ring.

The event adds to the growing trend of celebrity boxing in Nigeria’s entertainment scene, blending sports and showbiz while attracting significant public attention.

Neither Carter Efe nor Portable immediately issued formal statements after the fight, but the outcome has already sparked widespread reactions across social media, with fans debating the performance and calling for potential rematches.

Organisers of the event say the success of the bout further highlights the increasing popularity of celebrity boxing as a form of entertainment in the country.

Carter Efe Defeats Portable in Celebrity Boxing Showdown

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Ronaldo Fires Al Nassr to Crucial Win Over Al Ahli

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Ronaldo Fires Al Nassr to Crucial Win Over Al Ahli

Ronaldo Fires Al Nassr to Crucial Win Over Al Ahli

Cristiano Ronaldo once again delivered in decisive fashion as Al Nassr moved to the brink of the Saudi Pro League title with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Al Ahli on Wednesday night, strengthening their grip at the top of the table as the season enters its final stretch.

The match remained tightly contested for much of the evening, with Al Ahli putting up a disciplined defensive display that frustrated the league leaders in the first half.

However, Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 75th minute, rising highest to meet a perfectly delivered corner from João Félix before guiding a powerful header past former Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

The goal, his 25th league strike of the season, once again highlighted his continued dominance in Saudi football and his ability to decide high-pressure matches.

Al Ahli’s resistance finally collapsed after sustained pressure, and Al Nassr sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Kingsley Coman finished clinically from close range following a chaotic set-piece situation inside the box.

The result extended Al Nassr’s impressive winning streak to 20 consecutive victories across all competitions, including 16 straight wins in the league, putting them firmly in control of the title race with only a handful of matches remaining.

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Ronaldo’s latest goal also took his overall career tally to 970 goals for club and country, further cementing his status as one of football’s most prolific scorers in history.

The Portuguese captain has now scored nine goals in his last nine appearances, maintaining strong form at a crucial stage of the season while also competing for the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot.

Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has remained the focal point of the team’s attacking system, providing leadership, experience, and consistent goal output in both domestic and continental competitions.

The victory has significantly boosted confidence within the squad as they edge closer to what could be a landmark league triumph, although mathematical confirmation of the title is still pending depending on results from rivals.

Supporters have praised the team’s consistency and attacking strength, with many pointing to Ronaldo’s influence as the defining factor in their title push.

With just a few games left, Al Nassr now sit in a commanding position, and their fate remains firmly in their own hands as they aim to secure the championship.

Ronaldo Fires Al Nassr to Crucial Win Over Al Ahli

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Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Fight Deal Confirmed, Eddie Hearn Reveals

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British heavyweight stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury
British heavyweight stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Fight Deal Confirmed, Eddie Hearn Reveals

The long-awaited heavyweight showdown between British boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is finally moving closer to reality after promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that a fight agreement has been reached.

Hearn revealed that the deal for the blockbuster clash has been “signed, sealed and delivered,” ending years of speculation, failed negotiations, and repeated attempts to stage one of the biggest fights in boxing history.

However, Joshua is expected to take a tune-up fight before facing Fury. The 36-year-old will return to action on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to fight Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga.

Joshua has been away from full competition since December, when he fought Jake Paul in an exhibition-style bout. His time away from the ring was also marked by a tragic road accident in Nigeria involving his driver, which claimed the lives of two members of his entourage. Joshua has described his return as part of a rebuilding process aimed at preparing him for bigger challenges ahead.

The British-Nigerian boxer said the upcoming fights represent an important step in his comeback journey, stressing that he is focused on regaining full competitive form before stepping into a major showdown.

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The rivalry between Joshua and Fury has dominated global boxing discussions for years, with both fighters carrying British boxing on the world stage as two-time heavyweight champions. Fury, 37, recently returned to winning form against Arslanbek Makhmudov and used the opportunity to once again call out Joshua, increasing pressure for the long-awaited fight.

Reports suggest Fury’s team had already signed their portion of the agreement and were waiting for Joshua’s confirmation, which has now reportedly been completed, bringing the fight significantly closer.

Although the deal has been agreed in principle, the official date and venue for the Joshua vs Fury fight have not yet been announced. Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States remain the leading options, with Riyadh currently seen as the most likely destination due to its growing role in hosting major boxing events.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has also suggested the fight could take place in late 2026 and may be broadcast globally on major streaming platforms, including Netflix, potentially making it one of the most commercially significant boxing events ever staged.

Before facing Fury, Joshua will take on unbeaten Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga, who boasts 20 knockout wins from 21 fights. While not considered a top-tier opponent, the bout is seen as a necessary warm-up to prepare Joshua for the intensity of a heavyweight super-fight.

Boxing analysts say the long-awaited clash represents a historic moment for the sport, bringing together Joshua’s explosive power and technical precision against Fury’s movement, defensive skills, and ring intelligence. Fans around the world have waited nearly a decade for the fight, widely regarded as the biggest all-British heavyweight showdown of the modern era.

Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury Fight Deal Confirmed, Eddie Hearn Reveals

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