Sports
Atlético Madrid Hosts Alavés at Home with One Eye on the Champions League
Atlético Madrid is facing a decisive week for their hopes in the closing stages of the 2021-2022 season, facing the double competition (domestic and continental) after the forced break for FIFA. Diego Simeone will face several challenges at once, despite the seeming simplicity of the opponent in La Liga.
Fourth in the La Liga table with 54 points (level on points with Barcelona but with a game in hand on the Blaugrana), they will welcome Alavés at the Wanda Metropolitano, who are second-bottom in the league, and with their coach José Luis Mendilibar on the ropes barely four months after taking over.
At Bookmaker Ratings most of the trusted gambling companies give the better odds to the home side, who are on a fantastic run of five consecutive wins and have not conceded a goal in their last two games, as they are the overwhelming favourites. Alavés, meanwhile, have a dismal away record in the league, picking up just 6 points out of a possible 42 in that condition.
Away from the top of the table, 12 points behind leaders Real Madrid, Atlético’s main objective in La Liga is to consolidate their position in the Champions League qualification zone for the 2022-2023 season. Betis are four points behind, but lost ground after their goalless draw against Celta Vigo last time out.
Saturday’s game will be the final test for the Colchoneros before their crucial clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League quarter-finals. Atleti is coming off the back of dispatching the other city giants in the last 16 and, above all, rediscovering the competitive tenacity characteristic of Simeone’s teams.
Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, has doubts over their two first-choice centre-backs, England’s John Stones and Portugal’s Ruben Dias, both nursing injuries. Despite these setbacks, City remains clear favourites at bookmakers ahead of the game on Tuesday, April 5th.
On the other hand, as the opening of the winter transfer window approaches, rumours are growing that the Colchoneros are looking to bring in Paulo Dybala. The Argentinian striker is set to leave Juventus after efforts to renew his contract with the Vecchia Signora’s management failed. This would mean the almost certain departure from the club of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who will have to find a new destination to arrive in full fitness and form for the World Cup in Qatar to be held next November.
However, other teams are bidding for Dybala’s services, including Inter Milan. That is why Atleti has also set their sights on the possibility of swapping one Uruguayan striker for another, in the shape of Darwin Nunez, who trained at Penarol and is currently lighting up the Portuguese Primeira Liga, having scored 26 goals for Benfica. The main obstacle is the price that the team from the Portuguese capital has set as a basis for negotiation, 80 million euros.
The 12 Hours of Sebring stands as one of endurance racing’s most punishing and prestigious events. Your favorite races are available if you try 1xBet website for betting today.
It is a relentless test of 3 aspects:
- speed;
- stamina;
- and survival.
First held on March 15, 1952, at a former military airfield in Florida, the race quickly became a cornerstone of international motorsport. It attracts elite drivers and manufacturers from around the world. Motorsports fans are also invited to try the 1xBet website for betting on their favorite sports too.
A brutal race
What makes Sebring so grueling is not just its duration, but the unique brutality of the circuit itself. Built from a mix of old concrete runways and asphalt, the track is notoriously bumpy, shaking cars, and drivers, to their limits over 12 continuous hours. Combined with the intense Florida heat and humidity, these conditions push mechanical reliability and human endurance to the edge. Before the next edition of this race starts, you may also want to enjoy best slots casino from the 1xBet website.
The race begins in daylight and ends in darkness, creating constantly changing conditions. Drivers must adapt from glaring sun to the reduced visibility of night racing, all while navigating heavy traffic from multiple classes of cars. Fatigue becomes a critical factor, as teams rotate drivers in a delicate balance between rest and performance. The best casino slots from 1xBet are perfect to enjoy while waiting for other amazing motorsports drivers as well.
Every mistake is amplified over time, and even minor mechanical issues can spell disaster in such a long contest.
Becoing ready for other events
Historically, Sebring has also been a proving ground. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, it was a key round of the World Sportscar Championship and drew legendary figures such as Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. Victories here often signaled readiness for the even longer 24 Hours of Le Mans, with teams using Sebring as a vital preparation event. All those big races are available for betting on the go through the 1xBet download application.
Yet the race’s history also reflects the dangers of endurance racing. A tragic 1966 edition, marked by multiple fatalities, forced significant safety improvements to the circuit. Since then, continuous upgrades have made the track safer while preserving its challenging character.
Today, the 12 Hours of Sebring remains a centerpiece of the IMSA SportsCar Championship and a highlight of the global endurance racing calendar. And if you follow this calendar, it is also a great idea to download the 1xBet app and bet on the tons of available motorsports events available.
Disclaimer:
BCLB №: 0000348
18+
T@C apply
Play responsibly
By Dipo Olowookere
Manchester United centre-back, Harry Maguire, has signed a new contract with the football club for an additional year.
He will remain at the Theatre of Dreams until June 2027, with the option for a further year, a statement from the Red Devil said.
“Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes me and my family proud every single day.
“I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together.
“You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see, and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us,” the club’s former captain stated.
“Harry represents the mentality and resilience required to perform for Manchester United. He is the ultimate professional who brings invaluable experience and leadership to our young, ambitious squad.
“Harry, like everyone at the club, is completely determined to help Manchester United to achieve regular and sustained success,” the Director of Football at Manchester United, Mr Jason Wilcox, was quoted as saying in the statement.
The Three Lions defender has made 266 appearances and won the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup since joining the club in 2019.
European club football enters its decisive quarter-final phase in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. With semi-final places on the line, the first-leg fixtures promise high-intensity clashes. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport, available on DStv and GOtv.
Champions League: Heavyweights Collide
At 8:00 PM, Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in the standout tie of the round. Both sides were emphatic in the previous stage, with Madrid dismantling Manchester City and Bayern delivering a dominant performance against Atalanta. The match airs live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
Madrid arrive off a disappointing domestic setback, while Bayern continue to show resilience and attacking firepower. The Bernabéu will be central to Madrid’s hopes against a side currently scoring with ease.
Also at 8:00 PM, Sporting Lisbon face Arsenal in Lisbon, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Arsenal come into the tie under pressure following consecutive cup losses in the Carabao and FA Cups, while Sporting are full of confidence after an impressive run of form. With momentum firmly on the Portuguese side, this fixture presents a significant test of Arsenal’s mentality.
At 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid in what promises to be a tightly contested tactical encounter. The game will be shown live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Barcelona claimed a recent league victory between the sides, but Atletico have already proven their ability to disrupt them this season. Expect a high-stakes contest between two teams who know each other well.
Also at 8:00 PM, Paris Saint-Germain take on Liverpool in Paris, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). PSG have emerged as one of the competition’s most dominant sides, carrying strong momentum into the tie. Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive under pressure following a heavy domestic defeat and will need a significant improvement to remain competitive heading into the second leg.
Europa & Conference League: Thursday Night Stakes
While the Champions League dominates midweek headlines, Thursday brings its own high-stakes quarter-final action across the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.
In the Europa League, Bologna host Aston Villa in a compelling first-leg encounter, live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204) at 8:00 PM, . Aston Villa have impressed throughout the competition and arrive well-rested, while Bologna’s path to this stage has been defined by resilience and high-intensity performances. The contrast in preparation could shape the outcome.
Also at 8:00 PM, FC Porto face Nottingham Forest, with the match airing on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Porto will look to assert themselves at home after previous meetings between the sides, while Forest have already demonstrated their ability to navigate difficult knockout ties.
For the Conference League, Crystal Palace take on Fiorentina at Selhurst Park, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205) at 8:00 PM. Palace continue their pursuit of European silverware against a Fiorentina side balancing continental ambition with inconsistent domestic form. The hosts will aim to build a first-leg advantage before the return fixture in Italy.
Quarter-Final Fixtures – First Legs
UEFA Champions League
-
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
-
Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
-
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
-
Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
UEFA Europa League
-
Bologna vs Aston Villa – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS La Liga)
-
FC Porto vs Nottingham Forest – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
UEFA Conference League
-
Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Football)
Follow the Action
Catch all the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available to stream via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn