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Unwavering Lookman strikes again in Arheletico Madrid’s 4-2 win against Espanyol

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Alexander Sorloth struck twice as Atletico Madrid got back to winning ways in La Liga with an entertaining 4-2 triumph over Espanyol on Saturday.

Diego Simeone’s side, fourth, earned their first victory in four league matches in a goal-riddled game at their Metropolitano stadium.

They trail leaders Real Madrid, who lost 2-1 at Osasuna earlier on, by 12 points meaning their hopes of fighting for the title are virtually over.

However, Atletico were able to open up a six-point lead on Real Betis in fifth after the Andalusians drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano.

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Atletico host Club Brugge on Tuesday in a crucial Champions League play-off second leg clash, following a 3-3 first leg draw in Belgium on Wednesday.

Today we had to win, we’ve been leaving behind a lot of points and we had to win at home,” Atletico defender Marcos Llorente told Movistar.

“We were sure about that and although they got that early goal, the team knew how to turn it around.

“We played very well, we made chances and this is the path to follow.”

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Espanyol took the lead in an open game through Jofre after six minutes but Atletico were on top for most of the match.

pulled the hosts level midway through the first half and the coach’s son Giuliano Simeone netted soon after the interval to give the Rojiblancos the lead.

Nigeria international Ademola Lookman grabbed the third before Sorloth headed home a fourth as the game flowed from end to end.

Edu Exposito thrashed home another for Espanyol from long range but it was scant consolation for a side who started the season brilliantly but are now without a win in eight, although they remain sixth.

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“We want to get a win as soon as possible, that will help our morale a lot,” Exposito told Movistar.

“We can’t go crazy either though, we have points in the bag and we’re in a very good position.”

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World Cup: Ahead England, Argentina clash FIFA makes major VAR decision

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World football governing body, FIFA, has made a key video assistant referee, VAR decision ahead of the much exected World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina.

The match will be played in Atlanta on Wednesday.

FIFA has opted to deploy an on-site VAR team for this high-profile encounter.

Previously, the VAR team had been functioning from a central hub located at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas, regardless of the venue of each match.

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However, for this particular game, the on-site officials will act as a backup in the event of any technical or communication difficulties.

Dan Hunt, a member of the Organising Committee, elaborated on the decision to have VAR operate on-site for the second semi-final as reported by Sport Bible.

He said, “There is a significant amount of drama that occurs during these matches. Moreover, when only four officials are tasked with overseeing the action on a field that is considerably larger than an American football field, it becomes quite challenging

“I am pleased that there will be on-site officials. I am uncertain about how the communication will be managed.”

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FIFA has faced considerable criticism for the inconsistent VAR decisions throughout the tournament, with the defending champions Argentina benefiting from favorable calls without any against them, while England has experienced the opposite, resulting in a net negative outcome.

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Arsenal legend, Henry reacts to France World Cup defeat, says Spain was far more superior

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Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, has reacted to the Les Bleus’ World Cup semi-final 2-0 defeat to Spain.

Henry said that the La Roja were far superior to France during the encounter.

Spain defeated France on Tuesday to qualify for the World Cup final, thanks to goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro.

“Too little from France at the end of the day. Spain controlled the game on and off the ball,” Henry said on Fox Sports.

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“They showed why they are European champions, they are showing why they are going into the final.

“Nothing to add, they were far superior, and there is nothing to say about it. Spain, congratulations. you deserves to go to the final,” he said.

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Ashe declares readiness for Commonwealth Games

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Nigeria’s sprint star, Favour Ashe, says he is mentally and physically prepared for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as Team Nigeria intensifies preparations for the multi-sport event, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 100m and 4x100m relay specialist, popularly known as “The Nigerian Nightmare”, said the national team’s training camp has played a key role in sharpening the athletes’ readiness ahead of the Games.

“Coming into the Commonwealth Games, I would say my mental is in the right spot. I’m ready mentally and physically. This training camp has been a huge boost for the athletes and has put us in a better mental space. So, yes, I would say I’m ready for the Commonwealth Games,” Ashe said.

The sprinter also urged Nigerians to rally behind Team Nigeria throughout the competition.

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“I want Nigerians to support us—not just me, but every athlete representing the country. Family and friends should continue to encourage us and support us in every way they can. Thank you so much,” he added.

Ashe’s confidence comes as the Federal Government unveiled a financial reward package for medal winners at the Games.

National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade announced that gold medallists will receive $3,000, silver medallists $2,000 and bronze medallists $1,500, while coaches of medal-winning athletes will earn performance bonuses of $5,000. He also confirmed that the payment of camp allowances has commenced to ensure athletes are fully motivated ahead of the competition.

Nigeria is expected to field a strong contingent in Glasgow, including world record holder Tobi Amusan, sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi, shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, para-powerlifting champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo and several other elite athletes competing across athletics, boxing, cycling, swimming, weightlifting and para sports.

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The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, with about 3,000 athletes from 74 nations competing in 10 sports.

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