Around 50 people were injured and over 60 arrested in Paraguay over riots that led to the suspension of a football match between two archrivals, police said Monday. The Sunday game between Olimpia and Cerro Porteno, both from the capital Asuncion, was halted after 29 minutes on the orders of the referee. The police said a group of Cerro Porteno fans who arrived late, some without tickets, forced their way into the venue.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-playoffs-thunder-celtics-start-with-a-win-but-pistons-lose-to-magic-1776651825724">NBA Playoffs: Thunder, Celtics start with a win but Pistons lose to Magic</a>"Once in the stands, the fans began throwing rocks and bottles filled with water or urine," the capital's police chief Hector Fernandez, told a press conference.Police responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands, forcing hundreds of spectators to flee onto the pitch, television footage of the incident showed, with smoke engulfing portions of the stands.A 22-year-old police officer suffered a broken nose and other facial injuries that would require surgery, said David Torales, director of the Rigoberto Caballero Police Hospital.Video of the attack on the officer went viral on social media.Security forces said at least six officers had been injured.Most of those treated in hospital had minor injuries, medics said.The match between Olimpia, which leads Paraguay's top football division just ahead of Cerro Porteno, was played before 40,000 spectators.Police said they were working to "identify those who instigated the conflict so that they may be sanctioned and barred from attending future sporting events."The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) holds that a team must forfeit a match if its supporters force the game to be suspended.Olimpia President Rodrigo Nogues said his club will seek to be awarded the three points from the APF disciplinary tribunal.Cerro Porteno President Blas Reguera, meanwhile, said Olimpia was responsible for stadium security, citing their status as the match's organizing club.

Police responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands, forcing hundreds of spectators to flee onto the pitch, television footage of the incident showed, with smoke engulfing portions of the stands.

Around 50 people were injured and over 60 arrested in Paraguay over riots that led to the suspension of a football match between two archrivals, police said Monday. The Sunday game between Olimpia and Cerro Porteno, both from the capital Asuncion, was halted after 29 minutes on the orders of the referee. The police said a group of Cerro Porteno fans who arrived late, some without tickets, forced their way into the venue. Also Read - NBA Playoffs: Thunder, Celtics start with a win but Pistons lose to Magic "Once in the stands, the fans began throwing rocks and bottles filled with water or urine," the capital's police chief Hector Fernandez, told a press conference. Police responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands, forcing hundreds of spectators to flee onto the pitch, television footage of the incident showed, with smoke engulfing portions of the stands. A 22-year-old police officer suffered a broken nose and other facial injuries that would require surgery, said David Torales, director of the Rigoberto Caballero Police Hospital. Video of the attack on the officer went viral on social media. Security forces said at least six officers had been injured. Most of those treated in hospital had minor injuries, medics said. The match between Olimpia, which leads Paraguay's top football division just ahead of Cerro Porteno, was played before 40,000 spectators. Police said they were working to "identify those who instigated the conflict so that they may be sanctioned and barred from attending future sporting events." The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) holds that a team must forfeit a match if its supporters force the game to be suspended. Olimpia President Rodrigo Nogues said his club will seek to be awarded the three points from the APF disciplinary tribunal. Cerro Porteno President Blas Reguera, meanwhile, said Olimpia was responsible for stadium security, citing their status as the match's organizing club.

Police responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the stands, forcing hundreds of spectators to flee onto the pitch, television footage of the incident showed, with smoke engulfing portions of the stands.

50 injured, 60 arrested for riots leading to suspension of football match in Paraguay

Title-chasing Manchester City face leaders Arsenal in a seismic showdown at the top of the Premier League on Sunday. Troubled Chelsea desperately need a win against Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification, while Liverpool are also in search of a morale boost in the Merseyside derby. Have a look at three talking points ahead of the weekend's action:<h2>Arsenal must improve in 'defining' moment</h2>Declan Rice doesn't care what the critics say about Arsenal's untimely loss of form, but the midfielder is well aware they must improve to win their "title-defining" clash with Manchester City.Mikel Arteta's side travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday nursing a a six-point lead over second-placed City as they target a first English title since 2004.Arsenal have spluttered in recent weeks, losing the League Cup final against City, suffering a shock FA Cup quarter-final defeat against second tier Southampton and crashing to a damaging loss against Bournemouth in the top-flight.Even Arsenal's progress to the Champions League semi-finals came with an asterisk after they laboured to a nervy goalless draw that secured a 1-0 aggregate victory against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday.The Gunners have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions, while City are approaching top gear, having beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in their last three games."There's no beating around the bush. We have to perform better than we did against Bournemouth and probably Sporting as well," Rice said."Recently, we have made too many errors. The Etihad is the ultimate test but it's why we play this game. So, bring it on."It's beautiful. I can't wait. When you're a kid, you're watching the Premier League, you see these big matches, these title-defining moments and it comes down to if you're going to be ready and how much do you want it?"<h2> Chelsea Man Utd</h2>Rocked by a miserable run of just one win in their last seven league games, Chelsea are on the brink of falling out of the battle for Champions League places.Liam Rosenior's sixth-placed side have no margin for error in Saturday's game against third-placed Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.They are seven points behind United, who lost to Leeds in their last match, and four adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool with six games to play.A defeat against United would put Chelsea's Champions League hopes in grave danger, increasing the pressure on boss Liam Rosenior after his team were booed off following last weekend's 3-0 loss to Manchester City.Blues midfielder Andrey Santos insisted the players are determined to turn the tide."We understand the fans are frustrated," he said. "We are frustrated too. When you talk about Chelsea, you talk about winning games, which we're not doing."It's a difficult moment but we have to work hard and keep going. Of course we believe we can finish in a Champions League place."<h2>Wounded Liverpool face Everton test</h2>Unceremoniously dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Liverpool aim to make amends in their first appearance at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.Arne Slot's side lost 4-0 on aggregate to PSG, turning the heat up on the Liverpool boss.Slot suffered another blow this week when France striker Hugo Ekitike was ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury.But Reds midfielder Ryan Gravenberch knows beating Everton in the first Merseyside derby at their plush new arena would lift Liverpool's anxious fans and, more importantly, strengthen their bid to qualify for the Champions League."We have to pick ourselves up as Sunday is waiting," he said."We just want to play in the Champions League next year. We have to give it our all."<h2> Fixtures:</h2>Saturday (1400 GMT unless stated)Brentford v Fulham (1130), Leeds v Wolves, Newcastle v Bournemouth, Tottenham v Brighton (1630), Chelsea v Manchester United (1900) Sunday (1300 GMT unless stated)Aston Villa v Sunderland, Everton v Liverpool, Nottingham Forest v Burnley, Manchester City v Arsenal (1530) MondayCrystal Palace v West Ham (1900)

Apart from Man City vs Arsenal, troubled Chelsea desperately need a win against Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification, while Liverpool are also in search of a morale boost in the Merseyside derby.

Title-chasing Manchester City face leaders Arsenal in a seismic showdown at the top of the Premier League on Sunday. Troubled Chelsea desperately need a win against Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification, while Liverpool are also in search of a morale boost in the Merseyside derby. Have a look at three talking points ahead of the weekend's action: Arsenal must improve in 'defining' moment Declan Rice doesn't care what the critics say about Arsenal's untimely loss of form, but the midfielder is well aware they must improve to win their "title-defining" clash with Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's side travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday nursing a a six-point lead over second-placed City as they target a first English title since 2004. Arsenal have spluttered in recent weeks, losing the League Cup final against City, suffering a shock FA Cup quarter-final defeat against second tier Southampton and crashing to a damaging loss against Bournemouth in the top-flight. Even Arsenal's progress to the Champions League semi-finals came with an asterisk after they laboured to a nervy goalless draw that secured a 1-0 aggregate victory against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday. The Gunners have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions, while City are approaching top gear, having beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in their last three games. "There's no beating around the bush. We have to perform better than we did against Bournemouth and probably Sporting as well," Rice said. "Recently, we have made too many errors. The Etihad is the ultimate test but it's why we play this game. So, bring it on. "It's beautiful. I can't wait. When you're a kid, you're watching the Premier League, you see these big matches, these title-defining moments and it comes down to if you're going to be ready and how much do you want it?" Chelsea Man Utd Rocked by a miserable run of just one win in their last seven league games, Chelsea are on the brink of falling out of the battle for Champions League places. Liam Rosenior's sixth-placed side have no margin for error in Saturday's game against third-placed Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. They are seven points behind United, who lost to Leeds in their last match, and four adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool with six games to play. A defeat against United would put Chelsea's Champions League hopes in grave danger, increasing the pressure on boss Liam Rosenior after his team were booed off following last weekend's 3-0 loss to Manchester City. Blues midfielder Andrey Santos insisted the players are determined to turn the tide. "We understand the fans are frustrated," he said. "We are frustrated too. When you talk about Chelsea, you talk about winning games, which we're not doing. "It's a difficult moment but we have to work hard and keep going. Of course we believe we can finish in a Champions League place." Wounded Liverpool face Everton test Unceremoniously dumped out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, Liverpool aim to make amends in their first appearance at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. Arne Slot's side lost 4-0 on aggregate to PSG, turning the heat up on the Liverpool boss. Slot suffered another blow this week when France striker Hugo Ekitike was ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury. But Reds midfielder Ryan Gravenberch knows beating Everton in the first Merseyside derby at their plush new arena would lift Liverpool's anxious fans and, more importantly, strengthen their bid to qualify for the Champions League. "We have to pick ourselves up as Sunday is waiting," he said. "We just want to play in the Champions League next year. We have to give it our all." Fixtures: Saturday (1400 GMT unless stated) Brentford v Fulham (1130), Leeds v Wolves, Newcastle v Bournemouth, Tottenham v Brighton (1630), Chelsea v Manchester United (1900) Sunday (1300 GMT unless stated) Aston Villa v Sunderland, Everton v Liverpool, Nottingham Forest v Burnley, Manchester City v Arsenal (1530) Monday Crystal Palace v West Ham (1900)

Apart from Man City vs Arsenal, troubled Chelsea desperately need a win against Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification, while Liverpool are also in search of a morale boost in the Merseyside derby.

Premier League: Arsenal face Man City in top-of-table showdown as title race tightens

A US jury on Wednesday found that entertainment giant Live Nation wielded monopoly power at its Ticketmaster business, violating federal and state antitrust laws, according to California's attorney general.&nbsp;A verdict that could have profound repercussions in the concert world came after four days of deliberations, and remedies could include breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster.&nbsp;The jury found Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for anticompetitive conduct that harmed the music industry and included overcharging consumers, according to California attorney general Rob Bonta.&nbsp;"This is a historic and&nbsp;resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them," Bonta said in a release."In the face of dwindling antitrust enforcement by the Trump Administration, this verdict shows just how far states can go to protect our residents&nbsp;from big corporations that are using their power to illegally raise prices and rip-off Americans.&nbsp;"We are incredibly proud of today's outcome -- and especially proud of our coalition made up of red and blue states alike who understood we needed to come together to protect&nbsp;our consumers, businesses, and state economies from Live Nation's illegal conduct."&nbsp;The jury found that Live Nation overcharged for tickets sold to&nbsp;consumers&nbsp;from&nbsp;May 2020 through 2024, according to Bonta.&nbsp;"The jury's verdict is not the last word on this matter," Live Nation said in response to an AFP inquiry."Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand."&nbsp;<h2>- DOJ settlement -</h2>&nbsp;US judge Arun Subramanian is to determine monetary damages to impose on Live Nation, along with conditions meant to prevent it from abusing its power in the live event ticket market.&nbsp;The case was initiated under former president Joe Biden in May 2024, when the Department of Justice (DOJ) labeled Live Nation a monopolist that controlled virtually all live entertainment in the United States.&nbsp;The California-based company is a behemoth in its industry: in 2025, it organized more than 55,000 events worldwide, drawing 159 million attendees.&nbsp;Beyond promotion, it holds stakes in 460 venues and has controlled Ticketmaster, the world's leading ticket seller, since 2010.&nbsp;The US government accused Live Nation of abusing its dominant position to pressure artists and venues into signing with it, stifling competition, and imposing excessive fees on fans.&nbsp;It called for Live Nation to divest Ticketmaster and take other corrective measures.&nbsp;Live Nation reached a tentative settlement with the US Justice Department just days after the trial started in New York, but an alliance of states that had signed on to the case continued to press it in court.&nbsp;The settlement requires Live Nation to open up the ticketing platform to competitors and to allow other promoters to stage events at certain Live Nation venues, Justice Department officials said.&nbsp;Live Nation will divest up to 13 amphitheaters and pay $280 million in damages to the nearly 40 states that were parties to the antitrust lawsuit against the California-based company.&nbsp;"This verdict underscores what a bad idea settling was," John Kwoka, an economics professor at Northeastern University, told AFP.&nbsp;"This judge seemed to recognize that the DOJ was just trying to make the case go away, so he might well now understand the need to accept a stronger remedy."&nbsp;Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the settlement in a post on X at the time.&nbsp;"Donald Trump just betrayed every fan who's been exploited by Ticketmaster," Warren said. "We need to break up Ticketmaster and Live Nation."

A verdict that could have profound repercussions in the concert world came after four days of deliberations, and remedies could include breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster.



A US jury on Wednesday found that entertainment giant Live Nation wielded monopoly power at its Ticketmaster business, violating federal and state antitrust laws, according to California's attorney general. A verdict that could have profound repercussions in the concert world came after four days of deliberations, and remedies could include breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster. The jury found Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for anticompetitive conduct that harmed the music industry and included overcharging consumers, according to California attorney general Rob Bonta. "This is a historic and resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them," Bonta said in a release. "In the face of dwindling antitrust enforcement by the Trump Administration, this verdict shows just how far states can go to protect our residents from big corporations that are using their power to illegally raise prices and rip-off Americans. "We are incredibly proud of today's outcome -- and especially proud of our coalition made up of red and blue states alike who understood we needed to come together to protect our consumers, businesses, and state economies from Live Nation's illegal conduct." The jury found that Live Nation overcharged for tickets sold to consumers from May 2020 through 2024, according to Bonta. "The jury's verdict is not the last word on this matter," Live Nation said in response to an AFP inquiry. "Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand." - DOJ settlement - US judge Arun Subramanian is to determine monetary damages to impose on Live Nation, along with conditions meant to prevent it from abusing its power in the live event ticket market. The case was initiated under former president Joe Biden in May 2024, when the Department of Justice (DOJ) labeled Live Nation a monopolist that controlled virtually all live entertainment in the United States. The California-based company is a behemoth in its industry: in 2025, it organized more than 55,000 events worldwide, drawing 159 million attendees. Beyond promotion, it holds stakes in 460 venues and has controlled Ticketmaster, the world's leading ticket seller, since 2010. The US government accused Live Nation of abusing its dominant position to pressure artists and venues into signing with it, stifling competition, and imposing excessive fees on fans. It called for Live Nation to divest Ticketmaster and take other corrective measures. Live Nation reached a tentative settlement with the US Justice Department just days after the trial started in New York, but an alliance of states that had signed on to the case continued to press it in court. The settlement requires Live Nation to open up the ticketing platform to competitors and to allow other promoters to stage events at certain Live Nation venues, Justice Department officials said. Live Nation will divest up to 13 amphitheaters and pay $280 million in damages to the nearly 40 states that were parties to the antitrust lawsuit against the California-based company. "This verdict underscores what a bad idea settling was," John Kwoka, an economics professor at Northeastern University, told AFP. "This judge seemed to recognize that the DOJ was just trying to make the case go away, so he might well now understand the need to accept a stronger remedy." Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the settlement in a post on X at the time. "Donald Trump just betrayed every fan who's been exploited by Ticketmaster," Warren said. "We need to break up Ticketmaster and Live Nation."

A verdict that could have profound repercussions in the concert world came after four days of deliberations, and remedies could include breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster.&nbsp;

Live Nation and Ticketmaster ran illegal monopoly, Jury finds

LIV Golf on Wednesday moved to reassure players and staff that it remains fully funded, as reports circulated that the breakaway tour is on the verge of collapse due to the possible withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financing. The Saudi-backed tour has bitterly divided the world of golf since its 2022 launch, when several of the sport's biggest names were lured to defect from the traditional PGA and DP World tours with huge-money deals. Rumors have mounted in recent days that LIV Golf's deep-pocketed backers in Riyadh have cooled on the extravagantly expensive project, which has reportedly cost them over $5 billion so far.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chess-javokhir-sindarov-20-wins-fide-candidates-with-one-game-to-spare-to-set-up-world-championship-clash-vs-gukesh-1776235557825">Candidates | Sindarov, 20, wins to set up world title clash vs Gukesh</a>And multiple outlets including the Financial Times, New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the near-$1-trillion Saudi sovereign wealth fund's withdrawal was imminent, all citing anonymous sources."I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle," LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil wrote in an email to staff, including players, obtained by AFP.O'Neil's missive came as players assembled in Mexico City ahead of this week's LIV event, where tour organizers were presenting a business-as-usual front.The tour posted first-round tee times as usual, and even poked fun at the rumors on social media."Slow news day? We are ON," said one post, alongside an image with the words "BREAKING NEWS. TUNE IN TOMORROW" and the Mexico City tournament's starting times."LIV Golf funding and operations are continuing as planned," sources familiar with the tour's workings told AFP, pointing to a doubling in tour revenue from 2024 to 2025, and recent record attendances in Australia and South Africa.But Britain's Telegraph newspaper reported that LIV Golf executives had been called into a meeting in New York to discuss the potential fallout from a withdrawal of Saudi funding.The speculation comes as the Saudi fund on Wednesday unveiled a new five-year strategy that will reorganize its investments -- an announcement that came against the backdrop of war in the Middle East.The Gulf region has been hit hard by Iranian barrages on infrastructure, including airports, energy installations and ports following the US and Israeli attack on Iran in late February.Even before the war, Saudi Arabia's economic reforms were coming under pressure, with persistently low oil prices in recent years shrinking government revenues.Cracks have appeared in LIV Golf's player roster, as five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and former Masters champion Patrick Reed have recently ditched LIV for returns to the PGA Tour.<h2>'We are pioneers'</h2>If the LIV Golf tour were to cease operations, it is not clear how it would affect its remaining players.LIV star Sergio Garcia told a press conference in Mexico City that players "haven't heard anything" since the start of the year, when wealth fund's leader Yasir al-Rumayyan told golfers "that he's behind us, that they have a long-term project."In his letter, O'Neil did not directly dispute the rumors of a Saudi withdrawal, but said that "the life of a startup movement is often defined by these moments of pressure.""We signed up for this because we believe in disrupting the status quo," wrote the executive."We are pioneers, and while the road isn't always smooth, the destination is worth every mile," he added.

Rumors have mounted in recent days that LIV Golf's deep-pocketed backers in Riyadh have cooled on the extravagantly expensive project, which has reportedly cost them over $5 billion so far.

LIV Golf on Wednesday moved to reassure players and staff that it remains fully funded, as reports circulated that the breakaway tour is on the verge of collapse due to the possible withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financing. The Saudi-backed tour has bitterly divided the world of golf since its 2022 launch, when several of the sport's biggest names were lured to defect from the traditional PGA and DP World tours with huge-money deals. Rumors have mounted in recent days that LIV Golf's deep-pocketed backers in Riyadh have cooled on the extravagantly expensive project, which has reportedly cost them over $5 billion so far. Also Read - Candidates | Sindarov, 20, wins to set up world title clash vs Gukesh And multiple outlets including the Financial Times, New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the near-$1-trillion Saudi sovereign wealth fund's withdrawal was imminent, all citing anonymous sources. "I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle," LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil wrote in an email to staff, including players, obtained by AFP. O'Neil's missive came as players assembled in Mexico City ahead of this week's LIV event, where tour organizers were presenting a business-as-usual front. The tour posted first-round tee times as usual, and even poked fun at the rumors on social media. "Slow news day? We are ON," said one post, alongside an image with the words "BREAKING NEWS. TUNE IN TOMORROW" and the Mexico City tournament's starting times. "LIV Golf funding and operations are continuing as planned," sources familiar with the tour's workings told AFP, pointing to a doubling in tour revenue from 2024 to 2025, and recent record attendances in Australia and South Africa. But Britain's Telegraph newspaper reported that LIV Golf executives had been called into a meeting in New York to discuss the potential fallout from a withdrawal of Saudi funding. The speculation comes as the Saudi fund on Wednesday unveiled a new five-year strategy that will reorganize its investments -- an announcement that came against the backdrop of war in the Middle East. The Gulf region has been hit hard by Iranian barrages on infrastructure, including airports, energy installations and ports following the US and Israeli attack on Iran in late February. Even before the war, Saudi Arabia's economic reforms were coming under pressure, with persistently low oil prices in recent years shrinking government revenues. Cracks have appeared in LIV Golf's player roster, as five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and former Masters champion Patrick Reed have recently ditched LIV for returns to the PGA Tour. 'We are pioneers' If the LIV Golf tour were to cease operations, it is not clear how it would affect its remaining players. LIV star Sergio Garcia told a press conference in Mexico City that players "haven't heard anything" since the start of the year, when wealth fund's leader Yasir al-Rumayyan told golfers "that he's behind us, that they have a long-term project." In his letter, O'Neil did not directly dispute the rumors of a Saudi withdrawal, but said that "the life of a startup movement is often defined by these moments of pressure." "We signed up for this because we believe in disrupting the status quo," wrote the executive. "We are pioneers, and while the road isn't always smooth, the destination is worth every mile," he added.

Rumors have mounted in recent days that LIV Golf's deep-pocketed backers in Riyadh have cooled on the extravagantly expensive project, which has reportedly cost them over $5 billion so far.

LIV Golf reassures players against rumours of Saudi funding withdrawal

Ousmane Dembele's double guided Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League semi-finals as a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday completed a 4-0 aggregate win for the holders. To compound the English champions' woes, Hugo Ekitike suffered a serious-looking injury that could end his season and hinder Liverpool's chances of being back among Europe's elite next season. Arne Slot's men sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign trophyless after being kept at arm's reach by a PSG side that did not need to be at their brilliant best to reach a third consecutive semi-final. Defeat means there will be no glorious goodbye for Mohamed Salah after nine memorable years on Merseyside.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-atletico-madrid-hold-barcelona-at-bay-to-enter-semis-1776219691249">Champions League | Atletico Madrid hold Barcelona at bay to enter semis</a>Slot showed little sentiment as he dropped the Egyptian to the bench on his final Champions League appearance in red.Alexander Isak was preferred up front as the most expensive player in Premier League history started for the first time since breaking his leg in December.However, Salah was forced into action after just half an hour as Ekitike suffered a nasty-looking injury that could ruin his World Cup hopes with France.The former PSG striker crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles.Salah nearly made an immediate impact as from his cross Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Milos Kerkez before Marquinhos produced a remarkable block to deny Virgil van Dijk the opening goal.PSG had plenty of chances to have put the tie to bed in the Parc des Princes last week and were profligate once more in the first half.Giorgi Mamardashvili scrambled back towards his line to punch away Dembele's attempted chip before the Ballon d'Or winner blazed over from close range with just the Georgian to beat.Slot admitted before kick-off that Isak could only last for 45 minutes due to a lack of match practice and the Swede made way for Cody Gakpo at half-time in a further blow to Liverpool's firepower up front.<h2>Dembele kills tie off</h2>Kerkez had the best chance to set up a grandstand finale when he sliced wide another inviting Salah delivery.Liverpool thought they had been gifted a lifeline when Alexis Mac Allister was awarded a very generous penalty for minimal contact by Willian Pacho, but VAR intervened to instruct referee Maurizio Mariani to reverse his original decision.But as Liverpool poured forward in desperation, they became a sitting duck for the rapid PSG counter-attack.Dembele finally killed the tie off 18 minutes from time when he cut onto his left foot and curled into the bottom corner from outside the box.The French international then inflicted the final blow with a cool finish from Bradley Barcola's cross in stoppage time.PSG will face a tougher test against the in-form Bayern Munich or 15-time winners Real Madrid in the last four.But after ending the Qatari-backed French champions' long wait to conquer Europe last season, Luis Enrique's men remain on course to become the only side other than Madrid to retain the competition in the Champions League era.

Arne Slot's men sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign trophyless after being kept at arm's reach by a PSG side that did not need to be at their brilliant best to reach a third consecutive semi-final.

Ousmane Dembele's double guided Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League semi-finals as a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday completed a 4-0 aggregate win for the holders. To compound the English champions' woes, Hugo Ekitike suffered a serious-looking injury that could end his season and hinder Liverpool's chances of being back among Europe's elite next season. Arne Slot's men sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign trophyless after being kept at arm's reach by a PSG side that did not need to be at their brilliant best to reach a third consecutive semi-final. Defeat means there will be no glorious goodbye for Mohamed Salah after nine memorable years on Merseyside. Also Read - Champions League | Atletico Madrid hold Barcelona at bay to enter semis Slot showed little sentiment as he dropped the Egyptian to the bench on his final Champions League appearance in red. Alexander Isak was preferred up front as the most expensive player in Premier League history started for the first time since breaking his leg in December. However, Salah was forced into action after just half an hour as Ekitike suffered a nasty-looking injury that could ruin his World Cup hopes with France. The former PSG striker crumpled in a heap holding his lower right leg with a suspected ruptured Achilles. Salah nearly made an immediate impact as from his cross Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Milos Kerkez before Marquinhos produced a remarkable block to deny Virgil van Dijk the opening goal. PSG had plenty of chances to have put the tie to bed in the Parc des Princes last week and were profligate once more in the first half. Giorgi Mamardashvili scrambled back towards his line to punch away Dembele's attempted chip before the Ballon d'Or winner blazed over from close range with just the Georgian to beat. Slot admitted before kick-off that Isak could only last for 45 minutes due to a lack of match practice and the Swede made way for Cody Gakpo at half-time in a further blow to Liverpool's firepower up front. Dembele kills tie off Kerkez had the best chance to set up a grandstand finale when he sliced wide another inviting Salah delivery. Liverpool thought they had been gifted a lifeline when Alexis Mac Allister was awarded a very generous penalty for minimal contact by Willian Pacho, but VAR intervened to instruct referee Maurizio Mariani to reverse his original decision. But as Liverpool poured forward in desperation, they became a sitting duck for the rapid PSG counter-attack. Dembele finally killed the tie off 18 minutes from time when he cut onto his left foot and curled into the bottom corner from outside the box. The French international then inflicted the final blow with a cool finish from Bradley Barcola's cross in stoppage time. PSG will face a tougher test against the in-form Bayern Munich or 15-time winners Real Madrid in the last four. But after ending the Qatari-backed French champions' long wait to conquer Europe last season, Luis Enrique's men remain on course to become the only side other than Madrid to retain the competition in the Champions League era.

Arne Slot's men sit fifth in the Premier League and will end the campaign trophyless after being kept at arm's reach by a PSG side that did not need to be at their brilliant best to reach a third consecutive semi-final.

Champions League | Dembele brace ensures PSG brush aside Liverpool to enter last 4

Atletico Madrid sent 10-man Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League and reached the final four with a 3-2 aggregate victory despite Tuesday's 2-1 quarter-final second leg defeat. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres fired visitors Barca ahead inside 24 minutes but Ademola Lookman's strike gave Atletico the edge in the gripping all-Spanish tie once again after their 2-0 win in the first leg. Diego Simeone's side returned to the semi-finals for the first time since 2017 by holding on against the La Liga champions in a compelling and bloody battle. Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sorloth as he ran in on goal in the final stages, hampering their chances of finding a third goal to force extra-time.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-watch-man-utd-s-martinez-gets-red-card-3-match-suspension-for-pulling-hair-of-leeds-calvert-lewin-1776144279636">Man Utd's Martinez gets red card &amp; 3-match suspension for pulling hair</a>Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals."(We're) very happy, knocking out a great Barca side. We had a great game away... it was really hard for us at the start (of this one), but the team knew how to get back on its feet," Atletico midfielder Koke told Movistar.Barcelona last won the Champions League in 2015 and their wait for a sixth crown continues, but midfielder Frenkie de Jong said that the club was on the right path despite their elimination."I think we had a very good game, we gave our lives out there, we tried everything," said the Dutchman."I feel like luck was not on our side. We have to continue -- we're on a good path, we're growing every year."Barca coach Hansi Flick benched forwards Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski for workhorses Torres and Gavi, looking to press Atletico relentlessly in the sixth match between these sides this season.Goalkeeper Juan Musso tipped a Yamal effort around his post after just 32 seconds, with Barca roaring out of the blocks in a fiery atmosphere at the Metropolitano stadium.The teenage winger fired the visitors ahead after just four minutes when he harried Clement Lenglet into giving the ball away.Torres nudged it back to Yamal who slipped a low shot through Musso's legs to hush the home fans and ignite Barca's attempted comeback bid.Dani Olmo nearly grabbed a second but Musso was able to reach his attempted lob as Barca continued to dominate.Antoine Griezmann had a shot deflected wide as Atletico showed occasional flashes, mostly through enterprising winger Lookman, who gave Jules Kounde a difficult night.Barcelona doubled their lead in the 24th minute to level the tie on aggregate when Torres left Lenglet trailing, reached Olmo's pass and fired across Musso into the top corner.Fermin Lopez could have notched Barca's third but Musso clawed out his header and left the midfielder bleeding after his boot caught the Spaniard in the face.Atletico pulled their way back into the game in the 31st minute after Barca switched off defensively for the first time.Marcos Llorente charged in down the right behind the Catalans' high defensive line and crossed for Lookman to convert.<h2>Another red card</h2>Barcelona were frustrated early in the second half when Torres volleyed home but the goal was disallowed for offside.Flick sent on Rashford and Lewandowski with around 20 minutes remaining to find the goal that last season's semi-finalists needed.Barca stopper Joan Garcia made a fine save with his leg to thwart Robin Le Normand from close range as Atletico almost pulled level on the night.Matteo Ruggieri was left with blood streaming down his face after Gavi caught him with an elbow, with tensions rising.The game spun away from Barca when Eric Garcia was sent off for clipping Sorloth's heels as he ran through on goal, similar to Pau Cubarsi's red card in the first leg.Flick threw centre-back Ronald Araujo up front for the final stages but there was no way back and Atletico gritted their teeth through eight minutes of stoppage time before the celebrations could begin.

Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals.

Atletico Madrid sent 10-man Barcelona crashing out of the Champions League and reached the final four with a 3-2 aggregate victory despite Tuesday's 2-1 quarter-final second leg defeat. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres fired visitors Barca ahead inside 24 minutes but Ademola Lookman's strike gave Atletico the edge in the gripping all-Spanish tie once again after their 2-0 win in the first leg. Diego Simeone's side returned to the semi-finals for the first time since 2017 by holding on against the La Liga champions in a compelling and bloody battle. Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sorloth as he ran in on goal in the final stages, hampering their chances of finding a third goal to force extra-time. Also Watch - Man Utd's Martinez gets red card & 3-match suspension for pulling hair Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals. "(We're) very happy, knocking out a great Barca side. We had a great game away... it was really hard for us at the start (of this one), but the team knew how to get back on its feet," Atletico midfielder Koke told Movistar. Barcelona last won the Champions League in 2015 and their wait for a sixth crown continues, but midfielder Frenkie de Jong said that the club was on the right path despite their elimination. "I think we had a very good game, we gave our lives out there, we tried everything," said the Dutchman. "I feel like luck was not on our side. We have to continue -- we're on a good path, we're growing every year." Barca coach Hansi Flick benched forwards Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski for workhorses Torres and Gavi, looking to press Atletico relentlessly in the sixth match between these sides this season. Goalkeeper Juan Musso tipped a Yamal effort around his post after just 32 seconds, with Barca roaring out of the blocks in a fiery atmosphere at the Metropolitano stadium. The teenage winger fired the visitors ahead after just four minutes when he harried Clement Lenglet into giving the ball away. Torres nudged it back to Yamal who slipped a low shot through Musso's legs to hush the home fans and ignite Barca's attempted comeback bid. Dani Olmo nearly grabbed a second but Musso was able to reach his attempted lob as Barca continued to dominate. Antoine Griezmann had a shot deflected wide as Atletico showed occasional flashes, mostly through enterprising winger Lookman, who gave Jules Kounde a difficult night. Barcelona doubled their lead in the 24th minute to level the tie on aggregate when Torres left Lenglet trailing, reached Olmo's pass and fired across Musso into the top corner. Fermin Lopez could have notched Barca's third but Musso clawed out his header and left the midfielder bleeding after his boot caught the Spaniard in the face. Atletico pulled their way back into the game in the 31st minute after Barca switched off defensively for the first time. Marcos Llorente charged in down the right behind the Catalans' high defensive line and crossed for Lookman to convert. Another red card Barcelona were frustrated early in the second half when Torres volleyed home but the goal was disallowed for offside. Flick sent on Rashford and Lewandowski with around 20 minutes remaining to find the goal that last season's semi-finalists needed. Barca stopper Joan Garcia made a fine save with his leg to thwart Robin Le Normand from close range as Atletico almost pulled level on the night. Matteo Ruggieri was left with blood streaming down his face after Gavi caught him with an elbow, with tensions rising. The game spun away from Barca when Eric Garcia was sent off for clipping Sorloth's heels as he ran through on goal, similar to Pau Cubarsi's red card in the first leg. Flick threw centre-back Ronald Araujo up front for the final stages but there was no way back and Atletico gritted their teeth through eight minutes of stoppage time before the celebrations could begin.

Atletico, who have never won the competition and lost the 2014 and 2016 finals with Simeone at the helm, will face Arsenal or Sporting Lisbon in the semi-finals.

Champions League | Atletico Madrid hold Barcelona at bay to enter semis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez, has been formally charged with corruption after a years-long criminal investigation, according to a court ruling published Monday. The probe is one of several corruption cases that have embroiled the Socialist leader’s family and former allies, putting pressure on his minority coalition government.Judge Juan Carlos Peinado opened the investigation in April 2024 to determine whether Gomez had exploited her position as Sanchez’s wife for private gain, which she and the prime minister deny.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pezeshkian-warns-macron-of-broad-consequences-if-hormuz-is-threatened-says-iran-open-to-negotiations-but-1776133943246">Pezeshkian warns Macron of 'broad consequences' if Hormuz is threatened, says Iran open to negotiations but...</a>The case centers on the creation and management of a chair at Madrid’s Complutense University that was co-directed by Gomez, as well as the alleged use of public resources and personal connections to advance private interests.Peinado said his investigation had found sufficient indications of criminal conduct by Gomez, 55, according to a ruling dated April 11 that was made public on Monday.He formally charged Gomez with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds, the ruling added."The chair served as a means of private professional development for the person under investigation," the judge wrote.It is now up to the courts to decide whether Gómez will stand trial.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-backstab-to-the-resistance-hezbollah-demands-lebanon-cancel-futile-washington-talks-with-israel-1776127517762">'A backstab to the resistance': Hezbollah demands Lebanon cancel 'futile' Washington talks with Israel</a>Gomez, who is on an official visit to China with Sanchez, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.Sanchez has dismissed the allegations against his wife as an attempt by the right wing to undermine his government. Opposition parties have called for his resignation.The case originated from a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group with far-right ties.The prime minister’s brother, David Sanchez, has also been indicted in a separate investigation into alleged influence peddling tied to his hiring by a regional government.Sanchez’s former right-hand man and former transport minister, Jose Luis Abalos, went on trial this month over alleged kickbacks linked to public contracts.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

Spain’s First Lady now at the centre of a corruption case: A court has formally charged Begona Gomez with corruption after a years-long criminal investigation. Scroll down to read more.


Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez, has been formally charged with corruption after a years-long criminal investigation, according to a court ruling published Monday. The probe is one of several corruption cases that have embroiled the Socialist leader’s family and former allies, putting pressure on his minority coalition government. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado opened the investigation in April 2024 to determine whether Gomez had exploited her position as Sanchez’s wife for private gain, which she and the prime minister deny. Also read | Pezeshkian warns Macron of 'broad consequences' if Hormuz is threatened, says Iran open to negotiations but... The case centers on the creation and management of a chair at Madrid’s Complutense University that was co-directed by Gomez, as well as the alleged use of public resources and personal connections to advance private interests. Peinado said his investigation had found sufficient indications of criminal conduct by Gomez, 55, according to a ruling dated April 11 that was made public on Monday. He formally charged Gomez with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds, the ruling added. "The chair served as a means of private professional development for the person under investigation," the judge wrote. It is now up to the courts to decide whether Gómez will stand trial. Also read | 'A backstab to the resistance': Hezbollah demands Lebanon cancel 'futile' Washington talks with Israel Gomez, who is on an official visit to China with Sanchez, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Sanchez has dismissed the allegations against his wife as an attempt by the right wing to undermine his government. Opposition parties have called for his resignation. The case originated from a complaint filed by an anti-corruption group with far-right ties. The prime minister’s brother, David Sanchez, has also been indicted in a separate investigation into alleged influence peddling tied to his hiring by a regional government. Sanchez’s former right-hand man and former transport minister, Jose Luis Abalos, went on trial this month over alleged kickbacks linked to public contracts. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Spain’s First Lady now at the centre of a corruption case: A court has formally charged Begona Gomez with corruption after a years-long criminal investigation. Scroll down to read more. &nbsp;

Spanish PM's wife Begona Gomez formally charged with corruption after two-year investigation

A new trial over the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona begins Tuesday a year after a scandal involving a judge caused the first trial to collapse. Maradona, considered one of the world's greatest players ever, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery at a private residence. He died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema -- a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs -- two weeks after going under the knife.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-traitor-to-hero-iran-release-assets-of-women-captain-zahra-ghanbari-amid-australian-asylum-row-1776092667633">Iran release assets of women’s captain Zahra Ghanbari amid Australian asylum row</a>His seven-person medical team were indicted over the conditions of his convalescence in the northern Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre, described by prosecutors as grossly negligent.But two and a half months into their trial, after hours of sometimes tearful testimony from witnesses, including Maradona's children, the proceedings came to a halt.The trial was annulled in May 2025 after it emerged that one of the judges overseeing the trial was involved in a documentary about the case, potentially breaking ethics rules.The judge, Julieta Makintach, was later impeached.The new trial, which will hear from some 120 witnesses, will again seek to determine if Maradona's medical team is responsible for his death.Seven health care professionals —- doctors, psychologists, and nurses -- who were treating him at the time of his death are accused of homicide with possible intent -- pursuing a course of action despite knowing it could lead to death.They risk prison terms of between eight and 25 years if convicted.The defense maintains the larger-than-life Maradona, who battled cocaine and alcohol addictions, died of natural causes."If there's one thing that has been ruled out, it's a malicious criminal plan to kill Maradona. Anyone who continues to maintain that is cruel to the family and the accused," Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, told Radio Con Vos on Sunday.News of the death of the 1986 World Cup champion brought hundreds of thousands of Argentines onto the streets in mourning in the midst of the Covid pandemic.The trial is expected to last until July.

Maradona, considered one of the world's greatest players ever, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery at a private residence. He died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema -- a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs.

A new trial over the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona begins Tuesday a year after a scandal involving a judge caused the first trial to collapse. Maradona, considered one of the world's greatest players ever, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery at a private residence. He died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema -- a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs -- two weeks after going under the knife. Also Read - Iran release assets of women’s captain Zahra Ghanbari amid Australian asylum row His seven-person medical team were indicted over the conditions of his convalescence in the northern Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre, described by prosecutors as grossly negligent. But two and a half months into their trial, after hours of sometimes tearful testimony from witnesses, including Maradona's children, the proceedings came to a halt. The trial was annulled in May 2025 after it emerged that one of the judges overseeing the trial was involved in a documentary about the case, potentially breaking ethics rules. The judge, Julieta Makintach, was later impeached. The new trial, which will hear from some 120 witnesses, will again seek to determine if Maradona's medical team is responsible for his death. Seven health care professionals —- doctors, psychologists, and nurses -- who were treating him at the time of his death are accused of homicide with possible intent -- pursuing a course of action despite knowing it could lead to death. They risk prison terms of between eight and 25 years if convicted. The defense maintains the larger-than-life Maradona, who battled cocaine and alcohol addictions, died of natural causes. "If there's one thing that has been ruled out, it's a malicious criminal plan to kill Maradona. Anyone who continues to maintain that is cruel to the family and the accused," Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, told Radio Con Vos on Sunday. News of the death of the 1986 World Cup champion brought hundreds of thousands of Argentines onto the streets in mourning in the midst of the Covid pandemic. The trial is expected to last until July.

Maradona, considered one of the world's greatest players ever, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery at a private residence. He died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema -- a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs.

New trial in football great Maradona's death begins in Argentina

Rory McIlroy overcame early stumbles and a late scare to win the Masters on Sunday, capturing his sixth major title to become only the fourth back-to-back champion at Augusta National. The world number two from Northern Ireland made a double bogey at the fourth and a bogey at the sixth, but responded with four birdies in the next seven holes and hung on after woeful late tee shots to win a second green jacket and a record top prize of $4.5 million. McIlroy joined Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only back-to-back winners in Masters history, firing a final round one-under-par 71 to finish on 12-under-par 276 and defeat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler by one stroke.A year after winning his first Masters to complete a career Grand Slam and snap a 10-year major win drought, McIlroy pulled off a wire-to-wire triumph.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/augusta-masters-shot-of-the-day-watch-xander-schauffele-lands-ball-in-shopping-bag-on-eighth-hole-1775793607454">Augusta Masters Shot of the Day | Xander Schauffele lands ball in shopping bag on eighth hole</a>"I just can't believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket and you know I get two in a row. It's just sort of the way," McIlroy said."I think all of my perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has really started to pay off."Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley placed the green jacket on McIlroy, a role usually reserved for the prior year's Masters winner.McIlroy seized a 36-hole Masters record six-stroke lead only to play the weekend at level par."It was a tough weekend. I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday," McIlroy said. "But just so, so happy to hang in there and get the job done."McIlroy, third-from last in driving accuracy for the week, saved par at 15 from the trees but sent his tee shot at the 18th over trees on the right to a spot near the adjacent 10th fairway.With a victory at risk, McIlroy curled a dramatic approach around the pines and into a greenside bunker, then blasted onto the green to 12 feet and two-putted for bogey to secure the triumph."It's nice to have that two-shot cushion instead of the one like I had last year," said McIlroy, who needed a playoff to win in 2025.McIlroy, 36, yelled with joy and lifted his arms into the air after the triumph. He hugged daughter Poppy and wife Erica after walking off the 18th green where he embraced his parents.<h2>‘Good fight’</h2>Scheffler, a four-time major winner seeking his third Masters victory in five seasons, was on 277 after shooting a 68 to complete a bogey-free weekend."Over the weekend I put up a good fight, did a lot of good stuff in order to give myself a chance and ultimately came up a couple shots short," Scheffler said.England's Tyrrell Hatton and 45-year-old Justin Rose and Americans Russell Henley and Cameron Young shared third on 278.Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, settled for another near miss after three runner-up Masters finishes."I felt like there was an opportunity to do better, so obviously that's frustrating for sure," Rose said.Rose birdied four of the last five holes on the front nine and led on 12-under but bogeys at 11 and 12 moved McIlroy into the lead to stay.McIlroy sank a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-three 12th after an impressive tee shot, then added an 11-foot birdie putt at the par-five 13th to seize a three-stroke lead."I think the tee shot on 12 and then the tee shot on 13, just to give me the option to go for the green in two," were the day's key shots."I made a really good committed swing off the 13th tee, and that enabled me to go for the green in two and to make a birdie there, following the birdie on 12. That was massive," he said.Four pars and the closing bogey followed to produce McIlroy's sixth major victory -- and the champion said there could be more to come."I'm not putting a number on it, but I certainly don't want to stop here," he said.

McIlroy joined Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only back-to-back winners in Masters history, firing a final round one-under-par 71 to finish on 12-under-par 276 and defeat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler by one stroke.

Rory McIlroy overcame early stumbles and a late scare to win the Masters on Sunday, capturing his sixth major title to become only the fourth back-to-back champion at Augusta National. The world number two from Northern Ireland made a double bogey at the fourth and a bogey at the sixth, but responded with four birdies in the next seven holes and hung on after woeful late tee shots to win a second green jacket and a record top prize of $4.5 million. McIlroy joined Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only back-to-back winners in Masters history, firing a final round one-under-par 71 to finish on 12-under-par 276 and defeat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler by one stroke. A year after winning his first Masters to complete a career Grand Slam and snap a 10-year major win drought, McIlroy pulled off a wire-to-wire triumph. Also Watch - Augusta Masters Shot of the Day | Xander Schauffele lands ball in shopping bag on eighth hole "I just can't believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket and you know I get two in a row. It's just sort of the way," McIlroy said. "I think all of my perseverance at this golf tournament over the years has really started to pay off." Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley placed the green jacket on McIlroy, a role usually reserved for the prior year's Masters winner. McIlroy seized a 36-hole Masters record six-stroke lead only to play the weekend at level par. "It was a tough weekend. I did the bulk of my work on Thursday and Friday," McIlroy said. "But just so, so happy to hang in there and get the job done." McIlroy, third-from last in driving accuracy for the week, saved par at 15 from the trees but sent his tee shot at the 18th over trees on the right to a spot near the adjacent 10th fairway. With a victory at risk, McIlroy curled a dramatic approach around the pines and into a greenside bunker, then blasted onto the green to 12 feet and two-putted for bogey to secure the triumph. "It's nice to have that two-shot cushion instead of the one like I had last year," said McIlroy, who needed a playoff to win in 2025. McIlroy, 36, yelled with joy and lifted his arms into the air after the triumph. He hugged daughter Poppy and wife Erica after walking off the 18th green where he embraced his parents. ‘Good fight’ Scheffler, a four-time major winner seeking his third Masters victory in five seasons, was on 277 after shooting a 68 to complete a bogey-free weekend. "Over the weekend I put up a good fight, did a lot of good stuff in order to give myself a chance and ultimately came up a couple shots short," Scheffler said. England's Tyrrell Hatton and 45-year-old Justin Rose and Americans Russell Henley and Cameron Young shared third on 278. Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, settled for another near miss after three runner-up Masters finishes. "I felt like there was an opportunity to do better, so obviously that's frustrating for sure," Rose said. Rose birdied four of the last five holes on the front nine and led on 12-under but bogeys at 11 and 12 moved McIlroy into the lead to stay. McIlroy sank a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-three 12th after an impressive tee shot, then added an 11-foot birdie putt at the par-five 13th to seize a three-stroke lead. "I think the tee shot on 12 and then the tee shot on 13, just to give me the option to go for the green in two," were the day's key shots. "I made a really good committed swing off the 13th tee, and that enabled me to go for the green in two and to make a birdie there, following the birdie on 12. That was massive," he said. Four pars and the closing bogey followed to produce McIlroy's sixth major victory -- and the champion said there could be more to come. "I'm not putting a number on it, but I certainly don't want to stop here," he said.

McIlroy joined Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only back-to-back winners in Masters history, firing a final round one-under-par 71 to finish on 12-under-par 276 and defeat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler by one stroke.

Augusta Masters: Rory McIlroy joins Woods, Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as back-to-back winners

Rory McIlroy reeled off three consecutive back-nine birdies to fire a five-under par 67 and seize a share of the lead in Thursday's opening round of the 90th Masters with top-ranked Scottie Scheffler three adrift. World number two McIlroy, trying to become only the fourth golfer to win back-to-back Masters titles, curled in a 29-foot birdie putt at the par-five 15th as he matched Sam Burns atop the leaderboard at Augusta National.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/augusta-masters-par-3-contest-watch-hole-in-one-shots-justin-thomas-wyndham-clark-keegan-bradley-tommy-fleetwood-1775725895118">Augusta Masters: 4 hole-in-shots in Par 3 contest including a historic one for Keegan Bradley</a>"It's a great start. I'm right into the tournament," McIlroy said. "Great start but I can't get ahead of myself. There's a long way to go, but I'm happy with where I'm at."The five-time major champion from Northern Ireland pitched to three feet and tapped in for birdie at the par-five second hole but left a nine-foot par putt hanging on the edge to bogey the third.McIlroy answered with a tap-in birdie at the eighth after reaching the green in two then made an eight-foot birdie putt at the ninth."I settled into the round really nicely," McIlroy said. "I started to find my game a bit on the back."When I was missing tee shots on the front nine, I kept swinging away. Felt sooner or later I would find it, and I did. Found it at the eighth hole and played well from there."McIlroy charged to the top with a 14-foot birdie putt at the par-five 13th, a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-four 14th and his impressive putt at 15.He found a fairway bunker off the 18th tee but landed his approach 41 feet from the hole and two-putted."Wind is up and down," McIlroy said. "It's not a strong breeze but you can get some gusts and that can affect your ball flight."Not since Jordan Spieth in 2016 had a defending champion led after the opening round of the Masters."I thought I'd feel different," McIlroy said after his 2025 win to complete a career Grand Slam. "But when I put my tee in the ground and ball on the tee, I felt the same nerves I always feel."Burns, seeking his first major win, made three birdies in four holes on the back nine."I drove it really nice," Burns said. "You can get in some pretty tough spots getting off the fairway. Getting onto the green, I felt like I was able to give myself some opportunities."Burns was the 54-hole leader in last year's US Open before a closing 78 left him sharing seventh, his best major result.Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, eagled the second and eighth to join fellow American Kurt Kitayama and Australian Jason Day in sharing third on 69.<h2>Xander's tee bag shot</h2>Four-time major winner Scheffler, seeking a third Masters crown in five seasons, shot 70 to share sixth. He sank an 18-foot eagle putt at the second and drove the green at the par-four third to set up a tap-in birdie but got no lower all day.England's 45-year-old Justin Rose, the 2013 US Open winner who lost a Masters playoff to McIlroy last year, closed with back-to-back bogeys to join the pack on 70 that also included Ireland's Shane Lowry and American Xander Schauffele.Tenth-ranked Schauffele, the 2024 British Open and PGA Championship winner, sent his tee shot at the eighth into a spectator's souvenir bag but recovered to par the hole."Just flew straight into the bag. It was a great break. That bounce would've put me in the pine straw," he said. "So thanks to the lady on eight."Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 and 2024 US Open champion, suffered a triple bogey at 11 and shot 76 while Spain's Jon Rahm shot 78.

The five-time major champion from Northern Ireland pitched to three feet and tapped in for birdie at the par-five second hole but left a nine-foot par putt hanging on the edge to bogey the third.

Rory McIlroy reeled off three consecutive back-nine birdies to fire a five-under par 67 and seize a share of the lead in Thursday's opening round of the 90th Masters with top-ranked Scottie Scheffler three adrift. World number two McIlroy, trying to become only the fourth golfer to win back-to-back Masters titles, curled in a 29-foot birdie putt at the par-five 15th as he matched Sam Burns atop the leaderboard at Augusta National. Also Watch - Augusta Masters: 4 hole-in-shots in Par 3 contest including a historic one for Keegan Bradley "It's a great start. I'm right into the tournament," McIlroy said. "Great start but I can't get ahead of myself. There's a long way to go, but I'm happy with where I'm at." The five-time major champion from Northern Ireland pitched to three feet and tapped in for birdie at the par-five second hole but left a nine-foot par putt hanging on the edge to bogey the third. McIlroy answered with a tap-in birdie at the eighth after reaching the green in two then made an eight-foot birdie putt at the ninth. "I settled into the round really nicely," McIlroy said. "I started to find my game a bit on the back. "When I was missing tee shots on the front nine, I kept swinging away. Felt sooner or later I would find it, and I did. Found it at the eighth hole and played well from there." McIlroy charged to the top with a 14-foot birdie putt at the par-five 13th, a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-four 14th and his impressive putt at 15. He found a fairway bunker off the 18th tee but landed his approach 41 feet from the hole and two-putted. "Wind is up and down," McIlroy said. "It's not a strong breeze but you can get some gusts and that can affect your ball flight." Not since Jordan Spieth in 2016 had a defending champion led after the opening round of the Masters. "I thought I'd feel different," McIlroy said after his 2025 win to complete a career Grand Slam. "But when I put my tee in the ground and ball on the tee, I felt the same nerves I always feel." Burns, seeking his first major win, made three birdies in four holes on the back nine. "I drove it really nice," Burns said. "You can get in some pretty tough spots getting off the fairway. Getting onto the green, I felt like I was able to give myself some opportunities." Burns was the 54-hole leader in last year's US Open before a closing 78 left him sharing seventh, his best major result. Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, eagled the second and eighth to join fellow American Kurt Kitayama and Australian Jason Day in sharing third on 69. Xander's tee bag shot Four-time major winner Scheffler, seeking a third Masters crown in five seasons, shot 70 to share sixth. He sank an 18-foot eagle putt at the second and drove the green at the par-four third to set up a tap-in birdie but got no lower all day. England's 45-year-old Justin Rose, the 2013 US Open winner who lost a Masters playoff to McIlroy last year, closed with back-to-back bogeys to join the pack on 70 that also included Ireland's Shane Lowry and American Xander Schauffele. Tenth-ranked Schauffele, the 2024 British Open and PGA Championship winner, sent his tee shot at the eighth into a spectator's souvenir bag but recovered to par the hole. "Just flew straight into the bag. It was a great break. That bounce would've put me in the pine straw," he said. "So thanks to the lady on eight." Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 and 2024 US Open champion, suffered a triple bogey at 11 and shot 76 while Spain's Jon Rahm shot 78.

The five-time major champion from Northern Ireland pitched to three feet and tapped in for birdie at the par-five second hole but left a nine-foot par putt hanging on the edge to bogey the third.

Augusta Masters: Defending champ Rory McIlroy shares lead with Sam Burns after Round 1

Rory McIlroy seeks a historic repeat victory starting Thursday at the 90th Masters, while world number one Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau lead a host of challengers in firm and fast conditions. Second-ranked McIlroy completed a career Grand Slam by capturing the green jacket at Augusta National last year, but only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have won back-to-back green jackets, Woods the most recent in 2001-2002.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aussie-golfer-jason-day-syampathises-and-calls-tiger-woods-selfish-after-car-crash-1775534287184">Aussie golfer Jason Day sympathises and calls Tiger Woods 'selfish' after car crash</a>"Maybe not the largest field in golf but it's the strongest," McIlroy said. "I know that I can do it now, so that should make it a little easier for me to go out and play the golf I want to play."McIlroy suffered an injury scare last month when back pain prompted his withdrawal at Bay Hill. But he competed the following week and has rested since."I've taken the last three weeks to make sure I'm 100 percent coming in here, which I am," McIlroy said."I feel comfortable on the golf course, feel comfortable with my game. It has been a good three weeks at home getting ready physically and mentally and just trying to prepare for everything this week is going to throw at me."Scheffler, last year's British Open and PGA Championship winner, has failed in two Masters repeat bids."Defending can always be difficult, but I think that's mostly just the odds of winning a tournament in back-to-back years," Scheffler said. "That's just extremely challenging, especially when you look at these major championships."Scheffler, the 2022 and 2024 Masters winner, has been off for three weeks as wife Meredith gave birth to son Remy on March 27."Game feels like it's in a good spot," Scheffler said. "I feel rested and ready to go this week."DeChambeau, who edged McIlroy for the 2024 US Open title, was in the final Sunday group last year at the Masters when the Northern Ireland star made history."It's great if we can continue to have a rivalry," DeChambeau said. "It kind of helps create more buzz around the game of golf."It's one of those things like I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here, and I hope there's more of those to come because it's great for the game."DeChambeau, ranked 24th, won LIV Golf titles in Singapore and South Africa last month and likes speed at Augusta."If it's firm and fast, the greens are going to be even more difficult to hit than they already are," DeChambeau said. "I feel really good. It's just about going out and executing."<h2>‘Be more precise’</h2>Precision will be at a premium with no rain in the forecast to soften the course."You have to be more precise when it's firm," American Kurt Kitayama said. "Whenever it's firm and fast makes any course difficult, and especially with how sloped the greens are, it's going to be even more penalizing missing your spots."Dustin Johnson, the 2020 Masters champion who holds the 72-hole Masters record score of 20-under par 268, is already seeing strong bounces on the course."Makes it a little bit more difficult," Johnson said. "You have to be spot on with pretty much all your clubs and where they're going, especially if it gets firm. The landing areas get really small."Other contenders include world number three Cameron Young, who won The Players Championship last month; England's fourth-ranked Tommy Fleetwood, last year's Tour Championship winner, and England's ninth-ranked Justin Rose, last year's Masters runner-up.

McIlroy suffered an injury scare last month when back pain prompted his withdrawal at Bay Hill. But he competed the following week and has rested since.

Rory McIlroy seeks a historic repeat victory starting Thursday at the 90th Masters, while world number one Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau lead a host of challengers in firm and fast conditions. Second-ranked McIlroy completed a career Grand Slam by capturing the green jacket at Augusta National last year, but only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods have won back-to-back green jackets, Woods the most recent in 2001-2002. Also Read - Aussie golfer Jason Day sympathises and calls Tiger Woods 'selfish' after car crash "Maybe not the largest field in golf but it's the strongest," McIlroy said. "I know that I can do it now, so that should make it a little easier for me to go out and play the golf I want to play." McIlroy suffered an injury scare last month when back pain prompted his withdrawal at Bay Hill. But he competed the following week and has rested since. "I've taken the last three weeks to make sure I'm 100 percent coming in here, which I am," McIlroy said. "I feel comfortable on the golf course, feel comfortable with my game. It has been a good three weeks at home getting ready physically and mentally and just trying to prepare for everything this week is going to throw at me." Scheffler, last year's British Open and PGA Championship winner, has failed in two Masters repeat bids. "Defending can always be difficult, but I think that's mostly just the odds of winning a tournament in back-to-back years," Scheffler said. "That's just extremely challenging, especially when you look at these major championships." Scheffler, the 2022 and 2024 Masters winner, has been off for three weeks as wife Meredith gave birth to son Remy on March 27. "Game feels like it's in a good spot," Scheffler said. "I feel rested and ready to go this week." DeChambeau, who edged McIlroy for the 2024 US Open title, was in the final Sunday group last year at the Masters when the Northern Ireland star made history. "It's great if we can continue to have a rivalry," DeChambeau said. "It kind of helps create more buzz around the game of golf. "It's one of those things like I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here, and I hope there's more of those to come because it's great for the game." DeChambeau, ranked 24th, won LIV Golf titles in Singapore and South Africa last month and likes speed at Augusta. "If it's firm and fast, the greens are going to be even more difficult to hit than they already are," DeChambeau said. "I feel really good. It's just about going out and executing." ‘Be more precise’ Precision will be at a premium with no rain in the forecast to soften the course. "You have to be more precise when it's firm," American Kurt Kitayama said. "Whenever it's firm and fast makes any course difficult, and especially with how sloped the greens are, it's going to be even more penalizing missing your spots." Dustin Johnson, the 2020 Masters champion who holds the 72-hole Masters record score of 20-under par 268, is already seeing strong bounces on the course. "Makes it a little bit more difficult," Johnson said. "You have to be spot on with pretty much all your clubs and where they're going, especially if it gets firm. The landing areas get really small." Other contenders include world number three Cameron Young, who won The Players Championship last month; England's fourth-ranked Tommy Fleetwood, last year's Tour Championship winner, and England's ninth-ranked Justin Rose, last year's Masters runner-up.

McIlroy suffered an injury scare last month when back pain prompted his withdrawal at Bay Hill. But he competed the following week and has rested since.

Augusta Masters: Defending champ Rory McIlroy aims to join elite company with back-to-back green jackets

When Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool last met in the Champions League a year ago, the Anfield outfit were marching towards the Premier League title and were described as "an almost perfect team" by the French club's coach Luis Enrique. Fast forward to this season and a formidable PSG appear clear favourites as the sides clash again in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg in Paris on Wednesday. PSG's triumph on penalties against Liverpool in the last 16 last season was pivotal on their run to a first ever Champions League title.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-hope-for-champions-league-luck-to-come-back-against-bayern-munich-1775443208566">Real Madrid hope for Champions League luck to come back against Bayern Munich</a>They had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since.Arne Slot's side somewhat ran out of steam after that, albeit having done more than enough to get over the line in the Premier League.This season has been a huge disappointment, however, and they return to Paris in especially downbeat mood after a chastening 4-0 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.<h2>‘So tough’</h2>That had Slot saying his team lacked fighting spirit, while captain Virgil van Dijk suggested they had given up and admitted it would be "very difficult" for Liverpool to lift themselves against PSG."But we have a responsibility, not only to ourselves but especially to the fans and, if we want to make something out of this season, we have to try and do something special in the next three games," he said, with the Champions League tie taking place either side of an awkward clash with Fulham."The matter of fact is now, PSG are waiting for us. It will be so tough again. So we have to be ready mentally as soon as possible," Van Dijk added.Liverpool have won just one of their last five matches and have suffered 15 defeats in this campaign.Securing a return to Europe's top table for next season has to be the main aim now for a team currently lying fifth in the Premier League.PSG, in contrast, have had a tricky season at times due to injuries but look like they might be returning to their very best form at the right time.A 3-1 win over Toulouse last Friday, featuring one marvellous goal from reigning Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembele, helped them extend their lead atop Ligue 1 to four points from nearest challengers Lens, with a game in hand.But the Champions League is what really matters -- the French league even accepted their request to postpone this Saturday's key trip to Lens to allow them to concentrate fully on Liverpool."I think we have shown for a long time that we are ready, regardless of the competition, but there are obviously things we can improve," warned Luis Enrique.Dembele is fully fit and firing, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the inspiration in the last round, when PSG destroyed Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate -- Wednesday's game will be their 14th against Premier League opposition since January 2025.<h2>Ekitike back in Paris</h2>There is one obvious weakness in PSG's ranks, however -- they have not successfully replaced goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the hero in last season's shoot-out against Liverpool who is now at Manchester City.Lucas Chevalier was signed as the Italian's successor but has lost his place to Matvey Safonov, the Russian who made two glaring mistakes to cost his side a goal at the weekend."A goalkeeper is like any other player. They can make mistakes, because that's normal in football," said Luis Enrique.The key for the visitors, meanwhile, could be Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool's leading scorer this season with 17 goals, who comes up against the club where he failed to make an impact earlier in his career.Ekitike, 23, joined PSG from Reims in 2022 but scored just four goals in 18 months before leaving for Eintracht Frankfurt.He struggled to break into an attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar but returns to his homeland as a genuine contender to start for France at the World Cup."Hugo is a great player. He is really in form so we are just hoping he won't be against us," said PSG's Dembele, his international teammate.

PSG had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated last season before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since.

When Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool last met in the Champions League a year ago, the Anfield outfit were marching towards the Premier League title and were described as "an almost perfect team" by the French club's coach Luis Enrique. Fast forward to this season and a formidable PSG appear clear favourites as the sides clash again in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg in Paris on Wednesday. PSG's triumph on penalties against Liverpool in the last 16 last season was pivotal on their run to a first ever Champions League title. Also Read - Real Madrid hope for Champions League luck to come back against Bayern Munich They had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since. Arne Slot's side somewhat ran out of steam after that, albeit having done more than enough to get over the line in the Premier League. This season has been a huge disappointment, however, and they return to Paris in especially downbeat mood after a chastening 4-0 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals. ‘So tough’ That had Slot saying his team lacked fighting spirit, while captain Virgil van Dijk suggested they had given up and admitted it would be "very difficult" for Liverpool to lift themselves against PSG. "But we have a responsibility, not only to ourselves but especially to the fans and, if we want to make something out of this season, we have to try and do something special in the next three games," he said, with the Champions League tie taking place either side of an awkward clash with Fulham. "The matter of fact is now, PSG are waiting for us. It will be so tough again. So we have to be ready mentally as soon as possible," Van Dijk added. Liverpool have won just one of their last five matches and have suffered 15 defeats in this campaign. Securing a return to Europe's top table for next season has to be the main aim now for a team currently lying fifth in the Premier League. PSG, in contrast, have had a tricky season at times due to injuries but look like they might be returning to their very best form at the right time. A 3-1 win over Toulouse last Friday, featuring one marvellous goal from reigning Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembele, helped them extend their lead atop Ligue 1 to four points from nearest challengers Lens, with a game in hand. But the Champions League is what really matters -- the French league even accepted their request to postpone this Saturday's key trip to Lens to allow them to concentrate fully on Liverpool. "I think we have shown for a long time that we are ready, regardless of the competition, but there are obviously things we can improve," warned Luis Enrique. Dembele is fully fit and firing, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the inspiration in the last round, when PSG destroyed Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate -- Wednesday's game will be their 14th against Premier League opposition since January 2025. Ekitike back in Paris There is one obvious weakness in PSG's ranks, however -- they have not successfully replaced goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the hero in last season's shoot-out against Liverpool who is now at Manchester City. Lucas Chevalier was signed as the Italian's successor but has lost his place to Matvey Safonov, the Russian who made two glaring mistakes to cost his side a goal at the weekend. "A goalkeeper is like any other player. They can make mistakes, because that's normal in football," said Luis Enrique. The key for the visitors, meanwhile, could be Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool's leading scorer this season with 17 goals, who comes up against the club where he failed to make an impact earlier in his career. Ekitike, 23, joined PSG from Reims in 2022 but scored just four goals in 18 months before leaving for Eintracht Frankfurt. He struggled to break into an attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar but returns to his homeland as a genuine contender to start for France at the World Cup. "Hugo is a great player. He is really in form so we are just hoping he won't be against us," said PSG's Dembele, his international teammate.

PSG had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated last season before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since.

Champions League | PSG aim to continue good form against struggling Liverpool

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