Sports
Conceicao scores late as Portugal secure 2-1 comeback win against Czech
Conceicao scores late as Portugal secure 2-1 comeback win against Czech
Youngster Francisco Conceicao snatched Portugal a last-gasp 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their Euro 2024 Group F opener on Tuesday just minutes after coming off the bench.
The 21-year-old Porto winger capitalised from close range after the Czechs were unable to clear a cross, completing his team’s comeback.
The Czechs went ahead against the run of play through Lukas Provod’s fine strike from the edge of the box after the hour mark.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal did not shine but dug just deep enough to claim victory, with Robin Hranac’s own goal pulling them level before Conceicao’s dramatic winner.
Ronaldo, 39, playing at a record-extending sixth European Championship, was denied by Stanek on three occasions as Portugal constantly looked to find the competition’s all-time top goalscorer.
The striker hit the post with the score tied and Diogo Jota nodded in the rebound but the goal was disallowed for offside against Ronaldo.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez selected 41-year-old defender Pepe, who became the oldest player in Euros history, beating the record set by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly aged 40 in 2016, as part of a three centre-back defence.
Portugal won that tournament in 2016 to claim the trophy for the first time and captain Ronaldo said they deserve another, although they got off to a stuttering start in Germany.
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In coach Ivan Hasek’s first competitive game after taking over in January, the Czech Republic largely frustrated Martinez’s side, who qualified unbeaten while scoring more goals than any other team.
Ronaldo sent an effort wide with his shoulder after Rafael Leao cut inside with menace early on, as the Portuguese controlled the ball.
Bruno Fernandes’ deflected dipping effort had some Portugal fans out of their seats and Leao was inches away from connecting with a low cross from the Manchester United playmaker.
Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek twice denied Ronaldo on a record 26th Euros appearance, but on both occasions the striker appeared marginally offside.
The Al Nassr hitman’s brightest moment came with a clever backheel which played in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, but the Czech defence swarmed around him quickly and blocked his shot.
Debate over whether Ronaldo should still be a starter or not has rumbled on since the 2022 World Cup and at times Portugal looked short on ideas beyond slinging crosses in towards him.
Stanek comfortably saved a Ronaldo free-kick from distance before the Czechs made their breakthrough.
Slavia Prague midfielder Provod whipped a superb strike past Diogo Costa from the edge of the box after Portugal failed to fully clear a cross just past the hour mark.
However, Portugal were quickly level when Hranac unfortunately turned the ball into his own net, after Stanek palmed Nuno Mendes’ header straight at him from point-blank range.
Ronaldo and Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick finished as joint top scorers at Euro 2020 with five goals each but neither was at their lethal best in Leipzig.
Jota thought he had grabbed a last-gasp winner after Ronaldo’s header bounced off the woodwork into his path, but VAR showed the veteran forward was offside.
It didn’t matter for Martinez’s men though after Conceicao came on to fire them to the three points, putting Portugal level with Turkey at the top of Group F.
Conceicao scores late as Portugal secure 2-1 comeback win against Czech
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Sports
Real Madrid Reach €20m Agreement for Inter Milan Star Denzel Dumfries
Real Madrid Reach €20m Agreement for Inter Milan Star Denzel Dumfries
Real Madrid have moved a step closer to strengthening their squad for the new season after reportedly reaching an agreement to sign Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries in a deal worth €20 million.
The Spanish giants are expected to activate the Dutch international’s release clause, paving the way for one of the most notable transfers of the summer window. Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reported that an agreement has been reached, with the player keen on making the move to the Santiago Bernabéu.
The signing comes as Real Madrid continue to reshape their squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with club officials viewing Dumfries as an experienced and versatile option capable of strengthening the right side of the team’s defence.
Since joining Inter Milan from PSV Eindhoven in 2021, Dumfries has established himself as one of the most effective attacking full-backs in European football. The 30-year-old has made 207 appearances for the Nerazzurri, scoring 27 goals and contributing numerous assists despite operating primarily in defensive roles.
His ability to play as a traditional right-back, wing-back and right-sided midfielder has made him a highly sought-after player in the transfer market. Real Madrid believe his pace, physical strength, attacking instincts and experience in top-level competitions will add significant value to the squad.
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Dumfries was a key figure for Inter Milan during a successful spell that saw the Italian side challenge for domestic honours and compete regularly in the UEFA Champions League. His performances for both club and country have enhanced his reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable players in his position.
Reports suggest several European clubs monitored the Netherlands international, but Real Madrid emerged as his preferred destination. The opportunity to play at the Santiago Bernabéu and compete for major trophies reportedly played a significant role in his decision.
The €20 million transfer fee is also being viewed as excellent business for Madrid, given Dumfries’ experience and proven track record at the highest level. With transfer fees continuing to rise across Europe, securing an established international defender at that price represents a relatively low-risk investment.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan are expected to begin the search for a replacement once the deal is finalized. Italian media reports indicate that Atalanta defender Marco Palacios is among the players being considered as the club prepares for life after Dumfries.
For Madrid, the move reflects the club’s continued strategy of blending experienced internationals with emerging talent as they seek to maintain their dominance in Spanish football and challenge for European honours.
If completed as expected, Dumfries would become one of Real Madrid’s first major acquisitions of the summer and could play an important role in the club’s plans for the upcoming season.
Real Madrid Reach €20m Agreement for Inter Milan Star Denzel Dumfries
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Sports
Arsenal Paint London Red as Thousands Celebrate Historic Premier League Triumph
Arsenal Paint London Red as Thousands Celebrate Historic Premier League Triumph
Thousands of Arsenal supporters flooded the streets of north London on Sunday as the club celebrated its long-awaited Premier League triumph with a jubilant open-top bus parade.
The festivities offered fans a chance to savour domestic glory despite the disappointment of falling short in their quest for European success.
Wearing the club’s iconic red-and-white colours, supporters lined major routes to catch a glimpse of manager Mikel Arteta and his players proudly displaying the Premier League trophy. Chants, waving flags and bursts of red smoke filled the air as fans revelled in Arsenal’s first league title since 2004.
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The celebrations drew huge crowds, with some supporters climbing rooftops, trees and traffic lights to secure a better view of the champions.
Arsenal sealed the title on May 19 after nearest challengers Manchester City were held to a draw by Bournemouth, ending a 22-year wait for the English top-flight crown and sparking scenes of celebration among the club’s global fan base.
Sunday’s parade marked the culmination of a remarkable season that restored Arsenal to the summit of English football and cemented Arteta’s place in the club’s modern history.
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Sports
Atletico Open to Selling Lookman Months After €35m Signing
La Liga side Atletico Madrid are prepared to listen to offers for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman just months after signing him from Atalanta in one of the winter window’s most significant deals. According to Fotospor, reports from Spain and Turkey indicate that the club may sanction his exit for roughly €60 million this summer. The development comes as a surprise given that Lookman only joined Diego Simeone’s side in February 2026 in a transfer worth approximately €35 million plus add-ons, signing a contract that runs until 2030.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a bright start to life in Madrid. He scored on his debut for Atletico in a 5-0 rout of Real Betis on February 5, 2026, finding the net in the 37th minute after just a couple of training sessions with his new teammates. “I’m very, very happy, very proud to make my debut tonight, especial performance from the team,” Lookman said after the match. “Obviously the team and the staff and everybody has welcomed me very nicely. It has made it easy for me to settle in.” His impact continued throughout the campaign, with Lookman playing a crucial role in securing Champions League qualification for Atletico. On May 12, 2026, he scored the opening goal in a 2-1 victory over Osasuna, converting a first-half penalty that mathematically guaranteed Atletico’s top-four finish in La Liga. However, despite contributing four La Liga goals alongside strikes in the Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League, Lookman has reportedly struggled to adapt to Atletico’s demanding defensive structure, and Simeone is claimed to have backed the club’s decision to pursue offers as part of a larger team overhaul. Since joining Atletico, Lookman has played 24 official matches for the club, scoring nine goals and providing four assists, contributing directly to 13 goals in 1,381 minutes of play.
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Several Premier League clubs are expected to take note of the development right away. Arsenal is among those keeping an eye on developments, with manager Mikel Arteta said to admire Lookman’s mobility across the front line. Liverpool, who tracked the Nigerian during his time at Atalanta, is also interested, with his pressing tenacity and pace seen as a perfect fit for their style. Manchester United, another English team, is monitoring the situation, expressing a desire for more consistent output from their wide areas.
Outside England, Fenerbahçe are anticipated to renew their interest in Lookman, having previously been close to signing him before Atletico completed the deal in January. The Turkish giants had reached an agreement with both Lookman and Atalanta during the winter window, but the deal collapsed over bank guarantee issues. Galatasaray have also entered the race. According to Turkish media reports, the club’s star striker Victor Osimhen is providing positive references about his Nigerian international teammate to facilitate a potential move. Osimhen, who has reportedly been giving favorable recommendations about Lookman, is said to be ready to help convince the winger to join the Istanbul giants. Galatasaray’s biggest selling point is the opportunity to play in the Champions League, which could be a decisive factor in the Nigerian’s decision. Paris Saint-Germain are also thought to remain interested. In Italy, both Inter Milan and Juventus are admirers, although matching Atletico’s valuation of around €60 million and the player’s reported net salary of roughly €6 million per season may prove difficult for Serie A clubs.
Lookman’s move to Atletico Madrid was finalized after intense negotiations where the Spanish club outmaneuvered competition from Fenerbahce. The Nigerian international had endured a stormy relationship with Atalanta prior to his departure, requesting to leave the club citing broken promises and poor treatment. Lookman, who famously scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final for Atalanta in 2024 to end Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten run, registered 55 goals during his time in Bergamo. That performance made him the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a major European final and the first since 1975. He has previously played in England for Charlton Athletic, Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City. His exceptional form earned him the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award in 2024, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top talents.
Despite reports of Atletico’s willingness to sell, some sources suggest the Spanish club now sees Lookman as an indispensable part of their sporting project following his standout performances, with any potential transfer requiring a fee closer to €70 million. As of the time of this report, no official decision has been made regarding Lookman’s future. The summer transfer window will determine whether the Nigerian international remains at the Wanda Metropolitano or seeks a new challenge elsewhere.
Atletico Open to Selling Lookman Months After €35m Signing
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