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WORLD CHAMPION Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in third place on the grid after Max Verstappen set the fastest time in qualifying. Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas is going in second with Lando Norris in fourth. Race: 1.10pm, Sunday December 13 Follow ALL the action from Abu Dhabi below… More
ANTHONY JOSHUA’S weigh-in is over as he gets set to face Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena on Saturday night. Joshua, 31, was originally set to fight Pulev, 39 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in June but the bout was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Stay up to date with all the fighters and weights […] More
ASHLEY THEOPHANE lost his final fight as a boxer against Sam Eggington in Redditch. Theophane was stopped in the sixth round of the right after taking a lethal body shot from Eggington, who asked for a rematch with Ted Cheeseman after. RESULT: Eggington def. Theophane TKO6 Follow ALL the action with our live blog below… More
ANTHONY JOSHUA’S weigh-in is over as he gets set to face Kubrat Pulev at Wembley Arena on Saturday night. Joshua, 31, was originally set to fight Pulev, 39 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in June but the bout was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Stay up to date with all the fighters and weights […] More
LEWIS HAMILTON is back this weekend as the F1 season concludes in Abu Dhabi.
The Brit star missed the Sakhir GP after testing positive for coronavirus, but will be back in his Mercedes for the season finale.
Practice 1 start time: 9am BST
Qualifying: 1pm, Saturday December 12
Race: 1.10pm, Sunday December 13
Follow ALL the action from Abu Dhabi below…
FLAMING HECK
Kimi Raikkonen’s burned out Alfa Romeo was a sorry sight in the track in Abu Dhabi after it caught fire during FP2.
Flames started coming from the rear of the car before the Finn put the flames out himself.
KAREFUL KIMI!
FP2 was brought to a temporary halt in Abu Dhabi after Kimi Raikkonen’s Alfa Romeo caught fire.
The Fin escaped unharmed as the driver proceeded to put out the flames himself with the marshal’s extinguisher.
FINAL CLASSIFICATION!
Mercedes and Red Bull led the way in FP2 as the Mercedes drivers appear to have found their feet.
FP2 IS FINISHED!
Mercedes lead the way after FP2 in Abu Dhabi.
But it’s Valtteri Bottas not Lewis Hamilton who led the pack with the Brit coming in second.
FP2 IS DONE
A fire for Kimi Raikkonen while George Russell also has an engine problem.Valtteri Bottas tops the session ahead of Lewis Hamilton and then the two Red Bull of Max Verstappen and Alex Albon.Lando Norris will be pleased with P5 ahead of Esteban Ocon in P6.
HAMILTON GETS A NEW STEERING WHEEL
The Brit is back in the pitlane and swapped steering wheels after the mechanical glitch.He now has a new steering wheel and is on his way again. Currently in P2 with seconds remaining.
AND NOW HAMILTON HAS A PROBLEM
The world champion is stuck in the pitlane in front of the Haas garage.He says he cannot find gear.
Mercedes mechanics are now running to his car, but he is now moving again.
BIT OF A CONCERN FOR RAIKKONEN
TV replays show that Raikkonen had a bit of trouble getting out of his burning car.It appears that his radio lead was still attached to the car and unable to allow him to get out of his cockpit.A big tug and it’s free, but that was not good to see.
SESSION RED FLAGGED
Raikkonen is tending to his burning car, squirting the foam where he sees the flames but the damage is already done.
He is going to need a new engine in that car for tomorrow.
MERCEDES WHITEWASH
Normal service has resumed with an hour gone in FP2 in Abu Dhabi.
Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton sitting pretty as the two fastest with 2/3 of the session gone.
RAIKKONEN’S ALFA ROMEO IS ON FIRE
The Finn pulls over and takes a fire extinguisher from the fire marshal
PROBLEM FOR RUSSELLHe is into the pits with smoke from the back of his Williams.
25 MINUTES TO GO
It is Bottas, Hamilton, Verstappen, Albon as Mercedes and Red Bull show once again that they are in a class of their own.Next it is Lando Norris as McLaren are still locked in a battle with Racing Point for third place in the constructors’ championship.
LEW-KING BETTER
After coming in fifth fastest in FP1, Lewis Hamilton has upped his game in Abu Dhabi and is looking much better in the second session.
HAM-BRAKE OFF
Lewis Hamilton started FP2 much better.
Second fastest after 1/4 of the session.
FINAL WEEKEND FOR A FEW DRIVERS WITH THEIR CURRENT TEAMS
Sergio Perez, who won last out in Bahrain, will be leaving Racing Point at the end of this race.Carlos Sainz is quitting McLaren for Ferrari.Sebastian Vettel is leaving Ferrari for Racing Point, who will become Aston Martin.Kevin Magnussen is leaving Haas, along with the missing Romain Grosjean, who is continuing his recover from burns.While Daniil Kvyat is expected to be shown the door by AlphaTauri.
NO WORRIES FOR HAMILTON
CONCERN FOR ALBON
The Red Bull man is down in 20th in the timesheets 3.7seconds off the pace.
This weekend is the final time he will get to impress the bosses on track before discovering whether he will get a new deal for next season.
FP2 IS GO!
The second round of practice is off and underway in Abu Dhabi.
Stay here for all your updates as the results come in…
FP2 AND HAMILTON GOES QUICKEST
He is back in the car and back in P1. Yes it is only FP2 but Hamilton is showing no signs of his Covid-19 lay off.
GEORGE-OUS GESTURE
George Russell paid tribute to Frank and Claire Williams who ended their association with F1 after the Italian GP.
Russell had the words ‘Thank you Frank & Claire’ embossed into his helmet and posted a touching photo on Twitter.
Frank, Claire, this one is for you, to celebrate your incredible journey in F1. Thank you for all you’ve done for me, the team and the sport. Hope you like it 🙏 pic.twitter.com/3O1mmXBy7X
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) December 11, 2020
FERRARI CEO RETIRES – BREAKING
Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri has retired from his position with immediate effect.
He has reportedly been battling Covid-19 for a number of weeks which is said to have guided his decision.
The Italian spent time in hospital with the virus and informed senior figures of his decision before FP1 in Abu Dhabi.
Camilleri said: “Ferrari has been a part of my life and serving as its Chief Executive has been a great privilege.
“My admiration for the extraordinary men and women of Maranello and for the passion and dedication they apply to everything they do, knows no bounds.
“I’m proud of the company’s numerous achievements since 2018 and know that Ferrari’s best years are still to come.”
FP1 RESULTS
Max Verstappen led the way at first practice in Abu Dhabi while Haas’ Pietro Fittipaldi was the slowest finisher.
MAXIMIZING POTENTIAL
Max Verstappen finsihed just 0.034 seconds ahead of Valtteri Bottas in the first practice at Abu Dhabi.
The Red Bull star pipped his Mercedes counterpart by the finest of margins setting the benchmark at 1m 37.378s at the Yas Marina circuit.
Renault’s Esteban Ocon was third with Red Bull’s Alex Albon was fourth ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
FP1 IS DONE – VERSTAPPEN LEADS THE WAY
Verstappen is quickest but these conditions are largely irrelevant. It’s hot and sunny in Abu Dhabi whereas Sunday’s race is at night under the spotlights.But a confidence boost for the Dutchman, who crashed out on the first lap in Bahrain last weekend.Valtteri Bottas in P2 while Esteban Ocon in third and Alex Albon in fourth.Lewis Hamilton goes fifth quickest on his return from Covid, but he sets that time on the slower, hard tyre. He was also denied some running owing to a faulty brake pedal.
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TOTTENHAM sealed top spot in Group J with a comfortable three points over Antwerp in North London.
Final score: Tottenham 2-0 Antwerp
Follow all the latest with our blog below…
THAT’S ALL FOR TONIGHT!
Spurs are through to the last 32 of the Europa League after a comfortable 2-0 win over Royal Antwerp.
Two second half strikes courtesy of Vinicius and Lo Celso were the difference.
The draw for the last 32 will take place on Monday.
Join us for more live blogs as the Premier League returns this weekend.
Thanks for joining us and goodnight!
KANE REACTION
MORE FROM TANGANGA
“I’ve been out for quite a long time with loads of injuries, coming back and then getting injured again which was frustrating but I’m just grateful that the manager has put me in, I’m getting my rhythm and fitness back and just happy to help the team whenever called upon.”
REACTION FROM TANGANGA
The Spurs defender told BT Sport: “We knew this game was must win and we knew if we won we’d go top of the table and go into the next round playing a lesser team because we’re going to be in a higher pot, so we got the job done, clean sheet as well, happy for the team, well done to everyone.”
MORE FROM JOSE
“I am happy but, its the impossible job for every manager to keep every player happy because its impossible, even clubs with less potential than us, people that don’t play are not happy.”
MOURINHO ON WINKS REACTION TO BEING SUBBED OFF
“Every player that left the pitch, I told them to go to the shower because with cold weather I always tell the player to go to the shower, some of them decide to go, others they decide to stay but I always tell them if you are substituted with cold weather just go for the shower and stay inside. ”
JOSE ON KEEPING HIS SQUAD HAPPY
“How can I keep them happy? I believe all of them are happy because we are winning but I don’t think everybody is happy and that is the nature of football, I cannot make miracles.”
MORE REACION FROM JOSE
” We managed to keep them away from our goal, I don’t remember Joe Hart making a single save, it was a question of trying to kill the game. With us being 0-0 at half time, I had the feeling second half with a bit of intensity and quality they would collapse.”
REACTION FROM JOSE
He told BT Sport: “When I thought about the changes the result was 0-0, then we scored the goal but that didn’t change my mind, we needed a little bit more. We needed a little bit more intensity.”
IMPRESSIVE LO CELSO
KANE WITH THE ASSIST FOR LO CELSO
VINICIUS CELEBRATING HIS STRIKE
ANOTHER EUROPEAN GOAL FOR LO CELSO
SPURS WIN THE GROUP!
VINICIUS BACK ON THE SCORESHEET
ANOTHER ASSIST FOR KANE
SPURS HEAT MAP
AVERAGE POSITIONS OF BOTH SIDES
ACTION AREAS
FULL TIME
PEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!
FULL TIME
TOTTENHAM 2-0 ANTWERP
TOTTENHAM 2-0 ANTWERP
90. There will be three minutes of added time.
TOTTENHAM 2-0 ANTWERP
88. Antwerp still trying to come forward but that final pass/ball has just not been right all night.
Spurs look very comfortable as they this out.
TOTTENHAM 2-0 ANTWERP
85. Looks like Spurs will avenge their 1-0 defeat in Belgium, they’re in complete control and seeing out the game comfortably.
Antwerp will see this as a missed opportunity as they will miss out on top spot.
TOTTENHAM 2-0 ANTWERP
81. Antwerp still trying to get forward but have lacked a cutting edge all night.
Spurs look dangerous on the break, particularly Lo Celso who has had an excellent game tonight.
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ARSENAL make the trip to Ireland to face Dundalk in the Europa League tonight.
The Gunners have been in horrible form in the league, but have won five out of five in the Europa League this season.
Kick-off: 5.55pm GMT
TV/ live stream: BT Sport 2
EE customers can get a free trial of BT Sport by texting SPORT to 150
Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
GUNNERS TEAM NEWS
With qualification already assure, Mikel Arteta is set to ring the changes.
Emile Smith Rowe scored off the bench against Rapid Vienna and could start, while Nicolas Pepe is expected to feature as he continues to serve a domestic suspension.
Mikel Arteta is likely to heavily rotate his side
But there will be no place for Thomas Partey who limped off in the North London derby defeat to Spurs.
Dundalk have a clean bill of health as they look to pick up a shock win over the Gunners.
Michael Duffy and Patrick Hoban are both in contention and pushing for starts.
WELCOME ABOARD
ARSENAL travel to Irish side Dundalk in the final Europa League group game TONIGHT.
In the reverse match the Gunners beat Dundalk 3-0 at the Emirates.
The north Londoners have failed to win in their last four league matches, but the same can not be said for the Europa League, in which the Gunners have won all five games.
Expect Mikel Arteta to unleash a few unfamiliar faces tonight with Arsenal already in Monday afternoon’s big draw for the next phase.
And Arteta has also admitted that pressure is increasing after their torrid league form.
The Spaniard, 38, said: “The demands for this football club are the highest.
“We are not getting the results in the league that we all expect, of course the pressure is increasing.
“But more than the pressure, I would say the responsibility of all of us to make it happen next Sunday [against Burnley] and start winning football matches, which is the most important thing.
“I always work harder [under pressure]. I sleep less and I try to encourage everybody that is next to us to be positive and to believe in what we do.”
We’ll be bringing you ALL of the updates from the Europa League clash tonight…
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REAL MADRID made it safely through to the Champions League last-16 with a comfortable win over Monchengladbach.
Final score: Real Madrid 2-0 Monchengladbach
Follow all the reaction with our live blog below…
THAT’S ALL FOLKS
In a night that promised drama, it didn’t quite live up to it.
Real Madrid turn it on when it matters and win the group
Alongside Monchengladbach who qualify for the first time in their history – by the skin of their teeth!
Attention turns to league duty where both sides will hope their progression can be the springboard to get closer to the summit of their respective leagues.
Goodnight!
COMPLETE GAME
Zinedine Zidane praised his side for their first ‘complete game’ of the season.
The Frenchman also said his team reached ‘spectacular levels’ in the game
He said: “The goal was to win and finish first and we did it.
“We had a spectacular game at all levels.
“I think this is our most complete game. It’s a huge satisfaction. ”
Credit: Reuters
IMPORTANT WIN
Lucas Vazquez had a great game at right back, attacking for most of the game…though he didn’t have much defending to do.
And the Spaniard admits it was a big win for the team and for boss Zidane.
Speaking after the game he said: “This win is important for Zidane and for us – together we make a great team and we have no doubts about what we’re capable of.
“Contract renewal? We’ll see what happens, I have a clear conscience about that.”
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
CIGARS OUT!
Luka Modric rolled back the years with a stunning display alongisde Toni Kroos in midfield!
RELIVE IT
Relive all the action from the Alfredo di Stefano as Madrid win Group B.
Our man John Hutchinson with the match report for this evening.
You can read it HERE
BENZEMA PLEASURE
Pure pleasure for the Frenchman…except he couldn’t quite get the match ball!
SOME RUN FOR MADRID
It was tense a couple of hours ago.
But Zidane and co always find a way!
29 – Real Madrid have now progressed from all 29 of the Champions League group stages (including second group stage), the most of any side in the competition’s history. Invincible. pic.twitter.com/qTjtO8V3Ld
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 9, 2020
ILLUSTRIOUS COMPANY
A very underrated striker despite leading the forward line at one of the world’s biggest clubs for so long.
5 – Karim Benzema has become only the fifth player to score 50 goals in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, after Lionel Messi (71), Cristiano Ronaldo (67), Raúl (53) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (50). Bullseye. pic.twitter.com/WIWqjPTFn8
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 9, 2020
BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH POTENTIAL OPPONENTS
Manchester City
Liverpool
Chelsea
Juventus
Paris St Germain
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
REAL MADRID POTENTIAL OPPONENTS
Porto
Atlanta
Lazio
RB Leipzig
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
GREAT SCENES
Great pictures of the Gladbach players cheering full-time at the San Siro.
Tackling each other better than the Madrid midfield…..
But still, absolute scenes!
THE FINAL STANDINGS
There’d be joint parties in Madrid if fans were allowed in.
Stupid Covid…..
Inter Milan will have NO European football after Christmas.
FT: REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
They were in third placed before tonight’s game and were on the brink of not qualifying beyond the group stage for the first time in 25 years.
But Real Madrid were as dominant as they could have hoped.
A first half brace for Karim Benzema was enough to put them through as group winners in the end.
Both goals were free headers from deliveries from the right.
In truth, they never got out second gear as the visitors were pretty woeful on the night.
The saving grace for Gladbach is after the full-time whistle they crowded round a mobile phone to check in on Inter v Shakhtar in the other game.
The game in Italy ended goalless and Monchengladbach scrape through by the skin of their teeth.
They won’t care tonight but they’ll need to be 10000x better in the knock outs to progress.
Credit: AP:Associated Press
Credit: Reuters
Credit: Reuters
GLADBACH ARE THROUGH!
FULL TIME AT THE SAN SIRO AND IT’S GOALLESS.
INTER MILAN ARE OUT OF EUROPE COMPLETELY, SHAKHTAR DROP DOWN TO THE EUROPA AND MONCHENGLADBACH ARE THROUGH TO THE KNOCK OUTS!
WAITING FOR FULL TIME IN THE SAN SIRO
The Monchengladbach players are crouched around a screen on the side of the pitch as they await full-time!
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
IT’S ALL OVER IN MADRID AND REAL DO THE BUSINESS YET AGAIN!
REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
Two minutes added on. Monchengladbach bench all tuned in to events at the San Siro!
The players all looking over at the bench!
REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
90′ Nearly the hat trick!
Again, Vazquez chips it up to the back post for Benzema who tries to head it back where it came from but there’s just not enough power in it.
Sommer dives and saves easily. He’ll be disappointed with that!
REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
88′ A chipped ball up towards Kroos on halfway and he is wiped out in mid-air.
Zakaria flies into the German and cleans him out.
The first booking of the game….and probably the first challenge from Gladbach.
REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
84′ A triple sub for Monchengladbach
OFF – Kramer, Stindl and Thuram
ON – Hermann, Wolf and Benes
REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
84′ Remarkably, as things stand, Monchengladbach will be going through, too!
They’re praying for full-time in Italy!
Madrid enjoy some comfortable possession, still.
REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
I think Kroos and Modric are swapping cigars here.
They’ve absolutely strolled it against the group leaders pre-kick off!
REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
80′ Still no end product as it drifts behind for another Madrid goal kick.
REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
80′ Another Gladbach free kick. This time right bang in the middle of Madrid’s half.
REAL MADRID 2-0 BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH
THEY HIT THE WOODWORK FOR A THIRD TIME!
79′ Lucas Vazquez this time!
He plays a lovely one-two on the edge of the box with Benzema and fires at Sommer’s near post from just inside the area.
It thunders back off the post and Gladbach clear.
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