Real Madrid play draw with Osasuna, Bellingham sent off

La Liga leaders Real Madrid dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday in which Jude Bellingham was sent off.

The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe before the referee expelled England international Bellingham for dissent towards the end of the first half.

Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot after 58 minutes as Carlo Ancelotti’s side endured a third consecutive league match without victory.

Atletico Madrid, second and two points behind the leaders, host Celta Vigo later Saturday, while third-place Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

Bellingham insisted he was expressing his frustration and not insulting the referee.

“It’s difficult when a referee isn’t sure, to determine that I’ve said something that I haven’t, and as a result it kind of hinders the team,” Bellingham told reporters.

“I think you can see clearly in the video, I remember the incident very well, it was an expression to myself.

“I’m not even directing myself towards the referee, but obviously there was a misunderstanding. He’s believed that I’ve said (something insulting) to him…

“There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that reason I think you can see there was a misunderstanding.”

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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was happy with how Madrid played despite dropping points.

“In a footballing sense we started very well, and we finished well despite having one less player,” said Ancelotti.

Tennis number one, Jannik Sinner, receives three-month ban for doping

Tennis number one player (male), Jannik Sinner, has accepted a three-month ban after admitting team mistakes led to testing positive twice for traces of banned substance clostebol in March last year.

The suspension (February 9 to May 4) means Sinner will be free to play in the French Open, the second grand slam of the season, which begins on May 25 at Roland Garros.

In a statement, Sinner said that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accepted that he “had no intent and did not derive any competitive advantage from the two positive tests”.

Australian Open champion Sinner has always said that clostebol entered his system when his physiotherapist used a spray containing it to treat a cut, then provided massage and sports therapy.

“This case had been hanging over me now for nearly a year and the process still had a long time to run with a decision maybe only at the end of the year,” Sinner said.

“I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love. On that basis, I have accepted WADA’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a 3- month sanction.”

WADA said separately that “Sinner did not intend to cheat” but that he would serve his suspension as he is responsible for the actions of his entourage.

AFP

Chelsea suffer humiliation as Brighton run riot with goals

Brighton delivered a crushing blow to Chelsea in a thrilling Premier League encounter on Friday night, securing a dominant 3-0 victory at the Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls outclassed their visitors with a display of electrifying football, leaving Enzo Maresca’s side in disarray.

The hosts made their intentions clear early in the game, pressing high and moving the ball swiftly.

Their efforts paid off in the 27th minute when Kaoru Mitoma unleashed a thunderous strike into the bottom right corner, leaving Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen rooted to the spot. It was a moment of sheer brilliance that set the tone for what was to come.

Brighton doubled their lead in the 38th minute, as the ever-lively Yankuba Minteh capitalized on a defensive lapse to stab the ball home from close range.

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The Blues were reeling, unable to muster a meaningful response despite occasional glimpses of attacking threat from Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer.

The final blow came in the 63rd minute when Minteh struck again, this time with a deflected shot that wrong-footed Jorgensen, making it 3-0. Chelsea’s defence was left in tatters, unable to contain Brighton’s relentless onslaught.

Despite a flurry of second-half substitutions, Chelsea failed to break through Brighton’s disciplined backline.

Nkunku came closest to reducing the deficit in the 88th minute, but his low shot was superbly saved by Bart Verbruggen.

Chelsea’s frustration was further compounded by multiple bookings, including Enzo Fernandez for dissent and Moises Caicedo for a reckless challenge.

The Blues’ lack of composure and creativity highlighted their ongoing struggles in the league

Chelsea suffer humiliation as Brighton run riot with goals