Can Dortmund shock Real Madrid in Champions League final? – Newstrends
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Can Dortmund shock Real Madrid in Champions League final?

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Can Dortmund shock Real Madrid in Champions League final?

Borussia Dortmund face a monumental challenge in the Champions League final today as they take on a star-studded Real Madrid at Wembley. Real Madrid, aiming to secure their 15th European title, is the clear favourites against a Dortmund side that has defied the odds to reach the final.

Real Madrid’s reputation for clutch performances in the Champions League has been fully displayed this season. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, they overcame defending champions Manchester City in the quarterfinals through penalties. They pulled off a legendary comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu to defeat Bayern Munich in the semifinals

Madrid’s confidence is well-founded. They have lost only twice in 54 matches this season, securing the La Liga title by a comfortable 10-point margin and defeating Barcelona 4-1 to claim the Spanish Super Cup.

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Jude Bellingham, who transferred from Dortmund to Real Madrid 12 months ago, epitomizes the challenge Dortmund faces. As a teenager, Bellingham left Birmingham for Dortmund, developed his skills in Germany, and then moved to Madrid for a transfer fee exceeding 100 million euros ($109 million).

Reflecting on his move, Bellingham said, “I came here because I wanted to win and to expect it. It is almost a bit greedy, but you have to be confident when playing with so many great players.”

Without Bellingham, Dortmund struggled domestically, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, 27 points behind champions Bayer Leverkusen. However, under the leadership of Edin Terzic, they have excelled in the Champions League, reaching the final for the third time in the club’s history and the first since losing to Bayern Munich at Wembley 11 years ago.

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, as Dortmund’s fairytale run meets Real Madrid’s pursuit of further European glory.

Can Dortmund shock Real Madrid in Champions League final?

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Updated: Amuneke set to be announced new Heartland head coach

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Super Eagles’ former forward, Emmanuel Amuneke

Updated: Amuneke set to be announced new Heartland head coach

Super Eagles’ former forward, Emmanuel Amuneke, is set to return to coaching after a year away from the sidelines.

The former Tanzania coach has previously assisted Samson Siasia as well as Augustine Equavoen in the national team.

Amunike’s last role was with Zambia’s Zanaco FC, where he served as both coach and consultant before leaving in 2023.

He recently applied for the Super Eagles head coach position, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) opted for Finidi George instead

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According to reports from Owerri, Amunike is close to joining Heartland, which plans to return to the elite NPFL next season.

The report added that Amuneke, who has been quietly working with his hometown club, has started recruiting players for the upcoming season.

Heartland FC was relegated to the NPFL after finishing in the 19th position on the 20-team table last season.

The club is reportedly planning to buy the NPFL slot of Beyond Limits, who earned promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL), but face participation issues due to their affiliation with Remo Stars.

Amuneke, 53, has extensive coaching experience in domestic and international football.

Updated: Amuneke set to be announced new Heartland head coach

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Asisat Oshoala scores first-ever penalty for Bay FC in NWSL

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Asisat Oshoala Scores First-Ever Penalty for Bay FC In NWSL

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Bay FC player to score a penalty in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Oshoala scored the winning goal in Bay FC’s 1-0 victory over Racing Louisville.

She calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot, 14 minutes before the end of the match.

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This record-setting goal adds to the former Barcelona star impressive start at Bay FC, where she previously scored the club’s first-ever goal on her debut in the USA.

Since joining the club, Asisat Oshoala has now scored three goals.

Meanwhile, her international teammate, Uchenna Kanu, did not feature in Racing Louisville’s matchday squad for the game.

Asisat Oshoala Scores First-Ever Penalty for Bay FC In NWSL

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Super Eagles Ademola Lookman wins Africa’s Best footballer award

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Super Eagles Ademola Lookman wins Africa’s Best footballer award

Nigeria attacker Ademola Lookman has been named the Best African International Footballer at the Ghana Football Awards in Accra.

The Atalanta star got  the award after a remarkable season with Nigeria’s Super Eagles and his Italian club. Lookman scored a hat-trick to help Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen and win the UEFA Europa League last season.

He outperformed Victor Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmund Tapsoba to clinch the title. Lookman succeeds his compatriot and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, who won last year after leading his team to the Serie A title and later secured the CAF Africa’s Best Player award.

Lookman is now a strong contender for Africa’s top individual football award this year.

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The former Fulham and Leicester City player had a standout year, guiding Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations final and scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final.

He also played a key role in Atalanta’s fourth-place finish in Serie A, with 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions.

In a video message, he expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for the consideration, the recognition, and the votes. This means a lot to me and my family. I wish I was in Ghana, but my heart is with you all. Thank you and God bless.”

Also celebrated at the Ghana Football Awards was West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus. He won two awards, including Ghana Player of the Year, for his excellent season in England and his contributions at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kudus’ solo goal against Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League was named the best goal of the night.

Super Eagles Ademola Lookman wins Africa’s Best footballer award

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