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FC Barcelona edge closer to title with 1-0 win over Atletico

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FC Barcelona forward Ferran Torres struck late in the first half to secure a 1-0 victory over third-placed Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou on Sunday.

The home side tightened their grip on top spot and moved a step closer to their 27th LaLiga title.

With eight games remaining, FC Barcelona moved to 76 points and extended their lead to 11 points over second-placed Real Madrid, while Atletico remained third on 60 points.

FC Barcelona ended Atletico’s 13-game unbeaten league run thanks to a goal on the counter in the 44th minute and a fine performance by Marc Andre ter Stegen who made spectacular reflex saves from point-blank strikes by Antoine Griezmann, one in each half.

“The team worked well, the fans supported us and we won, that’s what matters.

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“This victory gives us a lot of confidence going forward. Atletico were on a good run and in good shape, so that makes this win even more important for us,” Torres told reporters.

FC Barcelona, who had struggled in their last three matches in all competitions without scoring, were dominated by Atletico early in the game.

The visitors, who were on a six-game winning streak, sent the first warning early as Griezmann took advantage of poor control by Sergio Busquets on the edge of the area and unleashed an angled shot that crashed against the crossbar.

However, FC Barcelona gradually became more aggressive and took control of the game, with striker Robert Lewandowski wasting two great chances midway through the first half.

Just as FC Barcelona looked in full control, Atletico almost scored on a counter-attack led by Yannick Carrasco who ran down the left and put in a low cross for Griezmann, whose close-range strike was brilliantly stopped by Ter Stegen.

FC Barcelona got the winner when Raphinha controlled a long ball down the right channel and crossed to the edge of the area where Torres calmly slotted past goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

It was an entertaining match after the break with both teams missing several chances, including another outstanding save by Ter Stegen from a Griezmann strike and a sitter missed by Lewandowski when he was one-on-one with Oblak. (Reuters/NAN)

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Ex-Super Eagles Striker Dies After Collapsing During Training

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Michael Eneramo

Ex-Super Eagles Striker Dies After Collapsing During Training

Former Nigerian international striker Mike Eneramo has died after collapsing during a routine training session in Kaduna on Friday, throwing the football community into mourning.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of the day at a primary school pitch in the Ungwan Yelwa area, where the 40-year-old was said to be undergoing personal fitness training. According to accounts from local sources, Eneramo suddenly slumped during the session, prompting efforts to rush him to a nearby hospital. However, he was reportedly confirmed dead before arrival, with preliminary reports attributing the incident to a suspected heart attack, though no official medical report has yet been released.

Eneramo enjoyed a successful professional career spanning Nigeria, North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. He began his rise in Nigerian football with Lobi Stars before moving abroad, where he made his biggest mark with Espérance Sportive de Tunis. During his time in Tunisia, he won the Tunisian Ligue 1 title five times, finished as the league’s top scorer in two seasons, and also claimed the Tunisian Cup three times. He further distinguished himself as the top scorer in the 2009/2010 CAF Champions League.

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He later moved to Turkey, where he featured for Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, İstanbul Başakşehir, Karabükspor, and Manisaspor. Eneramo later returned for a second spell with Espérance before concluding his career at Türk Ocağı Limasol SK in Cyprus, retiring from professional football in 2018.

At the international level, he represented the Nigeria national football team, earning 11 caps and scoring three goals. He made a memorable debut during a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Tunisia national football team, scoring against the same country that had reportedly tried to persuade him to switch allegiance. Despite that interest, he remained committed to playing for Nigeria throughout his career.

Eneramo is remembered for his strength, work rate, and goal-scoring ability, particularly during his successful years in Tunisia. His sudden death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from fans, former teammates, and football stakeholders, many of whom have described him as a dedicated professional and a respected figure in Nigerian football.

The incident has also reignited discussions around health monitoring for retired athletes, especially concerning cardiovascular risks that may persist beyond active playing years. Experts continue to advocate for regular medical check-ups and improved emergency response systems during both training and recreational sports activities.

Further details, including funeral arrangements and official medical findings, are expected to be announced by his family and relevant authorities in due course.

Ex-Super Eagles Striker Dies After Collapsing During Training

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Haaland Fires Man City Top as Burnley Relegated After 1–0 Defeat

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Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland

Haaland Fires Man City Top as Burnley Relegated After 1–0 Defeat

Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League table after a narrow 1–0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor, with Erling Haaland’s early goal proving decisive in a match that also confirmed Burnley’s relegation.

Striker Erling Haaland struck in the fifth minute, finishing clinically after a fast start from City, as Pep Guardiola’s side immediately seized control of the game. The goal was enough to separate both sides in a contest where City dominated possession but struggled to convert their superiority into additional goals.

The result lifted Manchester City above Arsenal on goal difference, with five matches remaining in what has become a tightly contested Premier League title race. It also marked the first time City have topped the table since the opening weeks of the season.

City created several chances throughout the match, with sustained pressure pinning Burnley deep in their own half. However, missed opportunities and strong defensive organisation from the hosts kept the scoreline tight, ensuring a tense finish.

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Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, showed brief resilience after conceding early, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Despite a few promising openings, they were unable to find the finishing touch needed to rescue their survival hopes.

The defeat confirmed Burnley’s relegation to the Championship after a difficult campaign marked by inconsistency and a lack of attacking efficiency, with just one win recorded in their last 25 league matches.

Speaking after the match, City manager Pep Guardiola said the focus remains on maintaining momentum in the title race, emphasising control and consistency in the remaining fixtures.

Burnley boss Scott Parker admitted his side were punished for failing to take their chances, acknowledging that missed opportunities across the season ultimately cost them their Premier League status.

Manchester City now turn their attention to an upcoming FA Cup semi-final clash against Southampton, while Burnley begin planning for a return to the Championship and rebuilding ahead of next season.

Haaland Fires Man City Top as Burnley Relegated After 1–0 Defeat

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Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton

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Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior

Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior delivered a scathing assessment of his team after their humiliating 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, describing the performance as both “indefensible” and “unacceptable” amid growing unrest among supporters.

The loss at the Amex Stadium marked another low point for Chelsea FC, with fans audibly voicing their frustration as early as the first half. Boos and chants rang out when Brighton took a 1-0 lead, reflecting mounting dissatisfaction during what has become a troubling run of form.

Chelsea’s display raised serious concerns. The Blues failed to register a meaningful attempt on goal until the 40th minute, looked disjointed in attack, and repeatedly made costly defensive errors. Brighton, by contrast, controlled proceedings with composure, capitalizing on Chelsea’s lack of intensity to secure a comfortable victory.

The defeat extended Chelsea’s alarming streak to five consecutive losses without scoring, their worst run in over a century, dating back to 1912. The statistic underscores the scale of the crisis currently engulfing the club.

Speaking after the match, Rosenior did not shield his players from criticism. He pointed to a lack of effort, desire, and basic fundamentals as the root of the collapse.

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“It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude,” he said. “That’s indefensible, that performance tonight. The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team—something needs to change drastically right now.”

The manager revealed that Chelsea lost around 80% of duels and failed to win a single header—figures he described as unacceptable at any level, let alone for a club of Chelsea’s stature. He emphasized that the issues went beyond tactics, instead pointing to a deeper problem with mentality and commitment.

“This wasn’t about tactics,” Rosenior added. “This was about desire, spirit, courage—and I did not see enough of that tonight.”

Despite previously defending his squad during difficult moments, the coach admitted this performance could not be excused. He called on both players and himself to reflect, stressing the need for accountability across the board.

“I think the players need to have a look in the mirror… and I need to look in the mirror as well. The general attitude, spirit, determination was lacking apart from maybe three or four players. That is nowhere near enough for this club.”

The defeat unfolded in front of influential club figures, including co-owner Behdad Eghbali, adding further scrutiny to the team’s struggles. With Chelsea now sitting seven points behind Liverpool FC in the race for European qualification—having played a game more—their Champions League hopes are rapidly fading.

Attention now turns to a crucial FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley against Leeds United. The match is widely seen as a defining moment in Chelsea’s season—and potentially for Rosenior’s future.

While the manager dismissed suggestions of a disconnect with his players, he acknowledged that results and performances inevitably shape perception. “There is a lack of spirit and belief,” he admitted, conceding that the current run has made criticism unavoidable.

The coming days could prove decisive for Chelsea, as pressure intensifies from fans, club leadership, and the broader football community. With morale low and expectations high, Rosenior and his squad face a critical test of character to salvage their season.

Furious Rosenior Calls Out Chelsea Players After 3-0 Defeat to Brighton

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