Andrea Pirlo conceded Juventas missed Cristiano Ronaldo's "killer instinct" as the Italian champions fell to their first league defeat in two decades to Atalanta on Sunday leaving their participation in next season's Champions League at risk.

Leaders Inter Milan edged towards the Serie A title despite a 1-1 draw at Napoli, to pull 13 points ahead of Juventus who dropped to fourth place.

Christian Eriksen snatched a point for Inter whose 11-match winning streak ended but who hold a nine-point advantage on AC Milan as they target a first league title since 2010.&nbsp;

Milan earlier got back winning in the San Siro after two months 2-1 against Genoa.

Juve's nine-year reign as champions looks set to end with nine games left, and their European hopes are also at risk.

Substitute Ruslan Malinovskyi struck three minutes from time in Bergamo with a shot that took a deflection off Alex Sandro as Atalanta won 1-0 to move third.

Juventus were playing without injured Ronaldo, the top scorer in Serie A with 25 goals this campaign.&nbsp;

"We knew it would be tough against Atalanta," said Juve coach Andrea Pirlo.

"Ronaldo is our finisher, he adapts to these matches, because he's a champion.

"He's a penalty area killer. Today we had our chances, we didn't use them and we were punished by an episode."

Juve have failed to win any of the four matches they have played this season without 36-year-old Ronaldo.

But they held fourth spot two points ahead of Napoli whose six-match winning streak at home was stopped by Inter.

In Naples, top Inter scorer Romelu Lukaku rattled the woodwork either side of Napoli's opener, an own-goal following a blunder from visiting goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

Lorenzo Insigne tried to connect with Victor Osimhen to finish off with Handanovic intercepting the ball only to lose control after colliding with Stefan de Vrij sending into his own net.

Eriksen pulled Inter level 10 minutes after the break rifling in from just outside the penalty area.

"I'm very happy and proud of this group of guys who have grown significantly in many ways," said Inter coach Antonio Conte.&nbsp;

"On other occasions we would have lost the game, we would have fallen on that goal conceded. Instead the team reacted, they know what they are capable of and want to fight for something important."

<h2>- Milan back winning in San Siro -</h2>

In Milan, Gianluca Scamacca's 68th-minute own goal kept the seven-time European champions on course for a return to Champions League football next season.

Stefano Pioli's side had not won their last six games in the San Siro in all competitions and were playing without suspended forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"We wasted a lot, we could have finished it earlier, but the important thing is the spirit to stay in the game until the very end," said Pioli, who has given up on catching Inter.

"Inter have taken too many points to think that we can still fight for the Scudetto (league title).

"Winning was important. We will have to face important teams, Atalanta, Juventus, Lazio, from here to the end they will all be difficult."

Ante Rebic put Milan ahead in the 13th minute with Rafael Leao, taking the place of Ibrahimovic, missing a chance for a second minutes later.

A Mattia Destro header against his former club pulled 14th-placed Genoa level eight minutes before the break.

Mario Mandzukic came off the bench for his first appearance in over two months just after the hour and had a role in the winning goal, which Scamacca guided past his own goalkeeper from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner.

In Rome, Lazio beat Benevento 5-4 in a match between coaching brothers Simone and Filippo Inzaghi to stay in the chase for the Champions League.

Ciro Immobile scored twice for the hosts and also missed a penalty as sixth-placed Lazio are four points behind Juventus having played a game less.

Roma's Champions League ambitions took a knock with a 3-1 defeat at Torino, who boosted their chances of top-flight survival.

Roma have taken four points from the last five games, and are stuck in seventh position, eight points off the Champions League berths.

Andrea Pirlo conceded Juventas missed Cristiano Ronaldo's "killer instinct" as the Italian champions fell to their first league defeat in two decades to Atalanta on Sunday leaving their participation in next season's Champions League at risk.

Andrea Pirlo conceded Juventas missed Cristiano Ronaldo's "killer instinct" as the Italian champions fell to their first league defeat in two decades to Atalanta on Sunday leaving their participation in next season's Champions League at risk. Leaders Inter Milan edged towards the Serie A title despite a 1-1 draw at Napoli, to pull 13 points ahead of Juventus who dropped to fourth place. Christian Eriksen snatched a point for Inter whose 11-match winning streak ended but who hold a nine-point advantage on AC Milan as they target a first league title since 2010. Milan earlier got back winning in the San Siro after two months 2-1 against Genoa. Juve's nine-year reign as champions looks set to end with nine games left, and their European hopes are also at risk. Substitute Ruslan Malinovskyi struck three minutes from time in Bergamo with a shot that took a deflection off Alex Sandro as Atalanta won 1-0 to move third. Juventus were playing without injured Ronaldo, the top scorer in Serie A with 25 goals this campaign. "We knew it would be tough against Atalanta," said Juve coach Andrea Pirlo. "Ronaldo is our finisher, he adapts to these matches, because he's a champion. "He's a penalty area killer. Today we had our chances, we didn't use them and we were punished by an episode." Juve have failed to win any of the four matches they have played this season without 36-year-old Ronaldo. But they held fourth spot two points ahead of Napoli whose six-match winning streak at home was stopped by Inter. In Naples, top Inter scorer Romelu Lukaku rattled the woodwork either side of Napoli's opener, an own-goal following a blunder from visiting goalkeeper Samir Handanovic. Lorenzo Insigne tried to connect with Victor Osimhen to finish off with Handanovic intercepting the ball only to lose control after colliding with Stefan de Vrij sending into his own net. Eriksen pulled Inter level 10 minutes after the break rifling in from just outside the penalty area. "I'm very happy and proud of this group of guys who have grown significantly in many ways," said Inter coach Antonio Conte. "On other occasions we would have lost the game, we would have fallen on that goal conceded. Instead the team reacted, they know what they are capable of and want to fight for something important." - Milan back winning in San Siro - In Milan, Gianluca Scamacca's 68th-minute own goal kept the seven-time European champions on course for a return to Champions League football next season. Stefano Pioli's side had not won their last six games in the San Siro in all competitions and were playing without suspended forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic. "We wasted a lot, we could have finished it earlier, but the important thing is the spirit to stay in the game until the very end," said Pioli, who has given up on catching Inter. "Inter have taken too many points to think that we can still fight for the Scudetto (league title). "Winning was important. We will have to face important teams, Atalanta, Juventus, Lazio, from here to the end they will all be difficult." Ante Rebic put Milan ahead in the 13th minute with Rafael Leao, taking the place of Ibrahimovic, missing a chance for a second minutes later. A Mattia Destro header against his former club pulled 14th-placed Genoa level eight minutes before the break. Mario Mandzukic came off the bench for his first appearance in over two months just after the hour and had a role in the winning goal, which Scamacca guided past his own goalkeeper from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner. In Rome, Lazio beat Benevento 5-4 in a match between coaching brothers Simone and Filippo Inzaghi to stay in the chase for the Champions League. Ciro Immobile scored twice for the hosts and also missed a penalty as sixth-placed Lazio are four points behind Juventus having played a game less. Roma's Champions League ambitions took a knock with a 3-1 defeat at Torino, who boosted their chances of top-flight survival. Roma have taken four points from the last five games, and are stuck in seventh position, eight points off the Champions League berths.

Juve's Champions League at risk, Inter edge towards title despite Napoli draw

Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund said Monday that they and German rivals Bayern Munich both rejected proposals to form a European Super League.

In a statement on Monday, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke said that the members of the European Club Association (ECA) had met Sunday evening and expressed "a clear opinion to reject the foundation of a Super League".

He added that the two German clubs on the ECA board, Bayern and Dortmund, had taken "100 percent" the same position "in all discussions".

The announcement appears to confirm that neither of Germany's two biggest clubs will join the breakaway league, whose announcement on Sunday threw European football into turmoil.

Overnight, 12 of Europe's most powerful clubs announced the launch of the so-called European Super League to oversee a new midweek competition.&nbsp;

Six of the breakaway clubs are from the English Premier League. Three are Spanish and three Italian. Three more are to be announced.

Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund said Monday that they and German rivals Bayern Munich both rejected proposals to form a European Super League. In a statement on Monday, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke said that the members of the European Club Association (ECA) had met Sunday evening and expressed "a clear opinion to reject the foundation of a Super League".

Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund said Monday that they and German rivals Bayern Munich both rejected proposals to form a European Super League. In a statement on Monday, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke said that the members of the European Club Association (ECA) had met Sunday evening and expressed "a clear opinion to reject the foundation of a Super League". He added that the two German clubs on the ECA board, Bayern and Dortmund, had taken "100 percent" the same position "in all discussions". The announcement appears to confirm that neither of Germany's two biggest clubs will join the breakaway league, whose announcement on Sunday threw European football into turmoil. Overnight, 12 of Europe's most powerful clubs announced the launch of the so-called European Super League to oversee a new midweek competition. Six of the breakaway clubs are from the English Premier League. Three are Spanish and three Italian. Three more are to be announced.

Dortmund, Bayern 'reject' Super League plans: Borussia chairman

Mumbai Indians on Saturday continued their rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 13 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday. It was another terrific show with the ball for Mumbai Indians with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar and Trent Boult starring for the defending champions.<o:p></o:p>

After being restricted to 150/5 in 20 overs, Mumbai Indians were off to a torrid start with the ball as SRH openers Jonny Bairstow and David Warner took their team to a blistering start. However, they were bundled out for 137 despite needing just 47 off the last five overs. With the match in the balance, skipper Rohit Sharma brought Bumrah into the attack and the ace Indian speedster responded with breathtaking two overs in the death including the wicket of well-settled Vijay Shankar.<o:p></o:p>

While Boult picked up three wickets while giving 28 runs, Bumrah conceded just 14. Rahul Chahar again impressed with three scalps to his name. Boult was full of praise for Bumrah, after the match, as he lauded his traits while terming him “one of the best” bowlers in death overs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-vvs-laxman-reveals-why-t-natarajan-missed-mumbai-indians-match-378363" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: VVS Laxman reveals why T Natarajan missed Mumbai Indians match</a>

"It's great to see a guy like that operate. How clear he is with what he is doing with the ball throughout the whole spell. But at the death, I personally believe he is one of the best bowlers in the death overs. He makes my job a lot easier but it's nice to be on the right side of those situations and hopefully, we can get a bit of momentum in the tournament," Boult said at the post-match press conference.<o:p></o:p>

"It's hard to pin-point one performance there. A lot of credit to the whole side for hanging in there. We knew we were a few runs short of the par score. But we also knew that this is a pitch where you can fight. And you get a couple of wickets, you can really get back in the chase. I thought a couple of direct hits from Hardik (Pandya) and the three wickets from Rahul (Chahar) were important when we were bowling. And then Bumrah there, bowling his four overs for only 14 was pretty amazing," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-378258" hreflang="en">From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a>

New Zealand pacer further talked about the difference between the wickets in Mumbai and Chennai. Even Mumbai has offered a bit of assistance to bowlers of late but in Chennai, the bowlers have been ruling the show.<o:p></o:p>

"The contrast between Wankhede and Chepauk Stadium is quite considerable. It looks like its swinging around nicely and it's a perfect surface in Mumbai. Here as a pace bowler, you got to be extremely accurate. Key has really been our ability to bowl dot balls and keep pushing the run rate," Boult said. <o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians on Saturday continued their rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 13 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.

Mumbai Indians on Saturday continued their rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 13 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday. It was another terrific show with the ball for Mumbai Indians with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar and Trent Boult starring for the defending champions. After being restricted to 150/5 in 20 overs, Mumbai Indians were off to a torrid start with the ball as SRH openers Jonny Bairstow and David Warner took their team to a blistering start. However, they were bundled out for 137 despite needing just 47 off the last five overs. With the match in the balance, skipper Rohit Sharma brought Bumrah into the attack and the ace Indian speedster responded with breathtaking two overs in the death including the wicket of well-settled Vijay Shankar. While Boult picked up three wickets while giving 28 runs, Bumrah conceded just 14. Rahul Chahar again impressed with three scalps to his name. Boult was full of praise for Bumrah, after the match, as he lauded his traits while terming him “one of the best” bowlers in death overs. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: VVS Laxman reveals why T Natarajan missed Mumbai Indians match "It's great to see a guy like that operate. How clear he is with what he is doing with the ball throughout the whole spell. But at the death, I personally believe he is one of the best bowlers in the death overs. He makes my job a lot easier but it's nice to be on the right side of those situations and hopefully, we can get a bit of momentum in the tournament," Boult said at the post-match press conference. "It's hard to pin-point one performance there. A lot of credit to the whole side for hanging in there. We knew we were a few runs short of the par score. But we also knew that this is a pitch where you can fight. And you get a couple of wickets, you can really get back in the chase. I thought a couple of direct hits from Hardik (Pandya) and the three wickets from Rahul (Chahar) were important when we were bowling. And then Bumrah there, bowling his four overs for only 14 was pretty amazing," he added. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols New Zealand pacer further talked about the difference between the wickets in Mumbai and Chennai. Even Mumbai has offered a bit of assistance to bowlers of late but in Chennai, the bowlers have been ruling the show. "The contrast between Wankhede and Chepauk Stadium is quite considerable. It looks like its swinging around nicely and it's a perfect surface in Mumbai. Here as a pace bowler, you got to be extremely accurate. Key has really been our ability to bowl dot balls and keep pushing the run rate," Boult said.

'One of the best': Boult lauds Jasprit Bumrah after splendid show in death overs vs SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman on Saturday revealed why left-arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Known as a yorker-specialist, Natarajan missing from the playing XI came as a huge surprise to many as SRH opted to start with Khaleel Ahmed. <o:p></o:p>

However, Laxman revealed why the left-arm sensation missed the match against Mumbai Indians. The former Indian batsman said that Natarajan is suffering from a sore knee and the medical staff deemed him unfit for the match against MI. The SRH mentor added that the medical team is assessing the Indian pacer and will decide on the best possible step soon. <o:p></o:p>

“Yeah, unfortunately, Natarajan missed out because of a sore knee and a niggle in his left knee, he was ruled out of this match. So, he was unfit for this match and that’s why we went with Khaleel Ahmed. We are going to assess the condition of Natarajan and I’m sure that the medical staff of Sunrisers will take the right decision which will be beneficial for him and the franchise,” VVS Laxman said in the post-match press conference on Saturday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-378258" hreflang="en">From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a>

Laxman further praised Khaleel for his good outing in his first IPL 2021 match after he conceded just 25 runs in his four-over quota while picking up one wicket. <o:p></o:p>

“I was very impressed with the way Khaleel Ahmed bowled in his first game of the season. I think he assessed the conditions really well and used a lot of his variation along with extracting a lot of pace and bounce off the surface. So, a lot of positives for SRH in the Khaleel Ahmed bowled,” VVS Laxman said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-vs-kkr-ipl-2021-head-to-head-stats-chennai-weather-forecast-pitch-report-all-you-need-to-know-378360" hreflang="en">RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats, Chennai weather forecast, pitch report - All you need to know</a>

SRH will next play against Punjab Kings here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p>

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman on Saturday revealed why left-arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman on Saturday revealed why left-arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Known as a yorker-specialist, Natarajan missing from the playing XI came as a huge surprise to many as SRH opted to start with Khaleel Ahmed. However, Laxman revealed why the left-arm sensation missed the match against Mumbai Indians. The former Indian batsman said that Natarajan is suffering from a sore knee and the medical staff deemed him unfit for the match against MI. The SRH mentor added that the medical team is assessing the Indian pacer and will decide on the best possible step soon. “Yeah, unfortunately, Natarajan missed out because of a sore knee and a niggle in his left knee, he was ruled out of this match. So, he was unfit for this match and that’s why we went with Khaleel Ahmed. We are going to assess the condition of Natarajan and I’m sure that the medical staff of Sunrisers will take the right decision which will be beneficial for him and the franchise,” VVS Laxman said in the post-match press conference on Saturday. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols Laxman further praised Khaleel for his good outing in his first IPL 2021 match after he conceded just 25 runs in his four-over quota while picking up one wicket. “I was very impressed with the way Khaleel Ahmed bowled in his first game of the season. I think he assessed the conditions really well and used a lot of his variation along with extracting a lot of pace and bounce off the surface. So, a lot of positives for SRH in the Khaleel Ahmed bowled,” VVS Laxman said. ALSO READ: RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats, Chennai weather forecast, pitch report - All you need to know SRH will next play against Punjab Kings here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.

IPL 2021: VVS Laxman reveals why T Natarajan missed Mumbai Indians match

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in what will be the first match of the very first doubleheader of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. <o:p></o:p>

RCB have made an unbeaten start to their season with two wins in as many matches whereas KKR have won one and lost one. While the Virat Kohli-led RCB have gone on to impress many with their all-round show in the first two matches of IPL 2021, KKR threw their last match from a winning position against Mumbai Indians and would be looking to bounce back strong.<o:p></o:p>

Both teams have produced some memorable matches and the encounter promises to be a cracker of a match in Chennai.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-378258">From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">RCB vs KKR, Chennai, MA Chidambaram Stadium: Weather forecast and pitch report</h2>

With the match set to be played in the afternoon, Chennai is likely to offer hot and dry conditions with the temperature hovering around 33 degrees Celcius. Batting first looks like the better option and chasing could become a problem for the team batting second. A score of 160 could be competitive. Both the teams are expected to play an extra spinner, given the conditions of the offer.

<h2 class="MsoNormal">RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats</h2>

In statistical battle, both KKR and RCB are even. In their head-to-head record, KKR have won 14 matches while RCB have ended up with 12 wins out of 26 matches played, in what has been a riveting rivalry between the two franchises.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-overtakes-ms-dhoni-to-become-indian-with-most-number-of-sixes-in-ipl-378293" hreflang="en">Rohit Sharma overtakes MS Dhoni to become Indian with most number of sixes in IPL</a>

RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Expected changes in playing XI

Both RCB and KKR have found a good balance in their playing XI early on and besides playing an extra spinner, there shouldn’t be many changes in the teams. However, KKR’s middle-order, which has some big names but been equally disappointing would be looking to set the record set against RCB.

But all eyes will be on the duo of Kohli and AB de Villiers from RCB when they take the field at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in what will be the first match of the very first doubleheader of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in what will be the first match of the very first doubleheader of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. RCB have made an unbeaten start to their season with two wins in as many matches whereas KKR have won one and lost one. While the Virat Kohli-led RCB have gone on to impress many with their all-round show in the first two matches of IPL 2021, KKR threw their last match from a winning position against Mumbai Indians and would be looking to bounce back strong. Both teams have produced some memorable matches and the encounter promises to be a cracker of a match in Chennai. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols RCB vs KKR, Chennai, MA Chidambaram Stadium: Weather forecast and pitch report With the match set to be played in the afternoon, Chennai is likely to offer hot and dry conditions with the temperature hovering around 33 degrees Celcius. Batting first looks like the better option and chasing could become a problem for the team batting second. A score of 160 could be competitive. Both the teams are expected to play an extra spinner, given the conditions of the offer. RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats In statistical battle, both KKR and RCB are even. In their head-to-head record, KKR have won 14 matches while RCB have ended up with 12 wins out of 26 matches played, in what has been a riveting rivalry between the two franchises. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma overtakes MS Dhoni to become Indian with most number of sixes in IPL RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Expected changes in playing XI Both RCB and KKR have found a good balance in their playing XI early on and besides playing an extra spinner, there shouldn’t be many changes in the teams. However, KKR’s middle-order, which has some big names but been equally disappointing would be looking to set the record set against RCB. But all eyes will be on the duo of Kohli and AB de Villiers from RCB when they take the field at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats, Chennai weather forecast, pitch report - All you need to know

World number one Novak Djokovic will relaunch the Serbia Open tournament in Belgrade on Monday, less than a year after a charity event he organised in the city ended in fiasco.

Djokovic was among several players to test positive after last year's event, which was held in front of thousands of fans with no social distancing.

Organisers insist that the forthcoming ATP clay court event scheduled for April 19-25 will be very different -- no fans will be allowed and Covid protocols will apply.

The Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade will also stage a second clay court event from May 24 on the eve of Roland Garros.

Apart from Djokovic, other top players in Belgrade this week event will include Italy's Matteo Berrettini as well as Russian sensation Aslan Karatsev who made the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year.

The tournament is organised by the 33-year-old's family with his younger brother Djordje acting as director, and will be played in his "Novak" facility where he regularly trains.

The Serbian capital stepped in, relaunching the Serbia Open after a nine-year hiatus, after Budapest withdrew from organising a tournament.

<h2>- 'Controlled spaces' -</h2>

Fans will not be allowed in the stands, while the players will have to follow "strict security protocols" prescribed by the ATP, Djordje Djokovic told the N1 TV channel.

"Masks will be mandatory, inside and outside. We want to respect the rules in order to protect the players." &nbsp;

He added that the players would be housed in "controlled spaces", noting that "isolation is currently a necessity".

According to tennis expert Nebojsa Viskovic, organising the tournament by the book is crucial to revamp the world number one's tarnished reputation as a host.

"The organisers will certainly want to improve this image (of Djokovic) and this is what motivated their decision that there would be no audience this year," Viskovic told AFP.

<h2>- Shirtless in a nightclub -</h2>

Months after tennis went into lockdown last March, Djokovic launched an ill-fated charity competition in Belgrade.

The Adria Tour packed in 4,000 spectators, players shook hands and took selfies with fans, and ball boys and girls handled sweaty towels.

Djokovic and other tennis stars including Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev were heavily criticised after being photographed partying shirtless at a teeming Belgrade night club.

The inevitable happened. Djokovic and his wife Jelena were among a clutch of people linked to the event to test positive for the virus -- Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also falling ill.

The tournament -- branded by the media as a "coronavirus horror show" -- was abruptly cancelled because of the infections, Djokovic later saying he was "deeply sorry" that the tournament "caused harm".

<h2>- 'They are only human' -</h2>

However, the Adria Tour was held in accordance with Serbian regulations at the time -- most restrictions had been lifted ahead of parliamentary elections.

"We trusted the Serbian government's coronavirus rules, but we have been too optimistic," Thiem, who tested negative, said after the tournament.

According to Viskovic, players were also "a little too euphoric" at getting back to the game in front of the fans after months of isolation.

"After all, they are only human", he said.

"Perhaps the criticism was too harsh, the organisers did not do anything against the rules," Serbian player Troicki told AFP.

He said the Adria Tour perhaps came too soon, but insisted "this time there will be no problems".

However, even after the tournament, Djokovic continued to spark controversy, particularly with his opposition to vaccination.

The Serbia Open had four editions between 2009 and 2012 and the organisers not only intend to maintain the slot in the circuit's schedule, but also to raise it to the next level.

"The ATP is so far very satisfied with what we have done and we hope to get the best marks and, within a year or two, get rewarded with an ATP 500 licence" Djordje Djokovic said.

A WTA Serbia Open tournament for female tennis players will be held also in Belgrade from May 16.

Djokovic, who suffered his first loss of 2021 in Monte Carlo on Thursday, is top seed in Belgrade and has a bye in the opening round.

World number one Novak Djokovic will relaunch the Serbia Open tournament in Belgrade on Monday, less than a year after a charity event he organised in the city ended in fiasco.

World number one Novak Djokovic will relaunch the Serbia Open tournament in Belgrade on Monday, less than a year after a charity event he organised in the city ended in fiasco. Djokovic was among several players to test positive after last year's event, which was held in front of thousands of fans with no social distancing. Organisers insist that the forthcoming ATP clay court event scheduled for April 19-25 will be very different -- no fans will be allowed and Covid protocols will apply. The Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade will also stage a second clay court event from May 24 on the eve of Roland Garros. Apart from Djokovic, other top players in Belgrade this week event will include Italy's Matteo Berrettini as well as Russian sensation Aslan Karatsev who made the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year. The tournament is organised by the 33-year-old's family with his younger brother Djordje acting as director, and will be played in his "Novak" facility where he regularly trains. The Serbian capital stepped in, relaunching the Serbia Open after a nine-year hiatus, after Budapest withdrew from organising a tournament. - 'Controlled spaces' - Fans will not be allowed in the stands, while the players will have to follow "strict security protocols" prescribed by the ATP, Djordje Djokovic told the N1 TV channel. "Masks will be mandatory, inside and outside. We want to respect the rules in order to protect the players." He added that the players would be housed in "controlled spaces", noting that "isolation is currently a necessity". According to tennis expert Nebojsa Viskovic, organising the tournament by the book is crucial to revamp the world number one's tarnished reputation as a host. "The organisers will certainly want to improve this image (of Djokovic) and this is what motivated their decision that there would be no audience this year," Viskovic told AFP. - Shirtless in a nightclub - Months after tennis went into lockdown last March, Djokovic launched an ill-fated charity competition in Belgrade. The Adria Tour packed in 4,000 spectators, players shook hands and took selfies with fans, and ball boys and girls handled sweaty towels. Djokovic and other tennis stars including Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev were heavily criticised after being photographed partying shirtless at a teeming Belgrade night club. The inevitable happened. Djokovic and his wife Jelena were among a clutch of people linked to the event to test positive for the virus -- Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also falling ill. The tournament -- branded by the media as a "coronavirus horror show" -- was abruptly cancelled because of the infections, Djokovic later saying he was "deeply sorry" that the tournament "caused harm". - 'They are only human' - However, the Adria Tour was held in accordance with Serbian regulations at the time -- most restrictions had been lifted ahead of parliamentary elections. "We trusted the Serbian government's coronavirus rules, but we have been too optimistic," Thiem, who tested negative, said after the tournament. According to Viskovic, players were also "a little too euphoric" at getting back to the game in front of the fans after months of isolation. "After all, they are only human", he said. "Perhaps the criticism was too harsh, the organisers did not do anything against the rules," Serbian player Troicki told AFP. He said the Adria Tour perhaps came too soon, but insisted "this time there will be no problems". However, even after the tournament, Djokovic continued to spark controversy, particularly with his opposition to vaccination. The Serbia Open had four editions between 2009 and 2012 and the organisers not only intend to maintain the slot in the circuit's schedule, but also to raise it to the next level. "The ATP is so far very satisfied with what we have done and we hope to get the best marks and, within a year or two, get rewarded with an ATP 500 licence" Djordje Djokovic said. A WTA Serbia Open tournament for female tennis players will be held also in Belgrade from May 16. Djokovic, who suffered his first loss of 2021 in Monte Carlo on Thursday, is top seed in Belgrade and has a bye in the opening round.

Djokovic to host Serbia tournament a year after Covid fiasco

UEFA is expected to formalise radical reforms to the format of the Champions League at a key meeting of its executive committee on Monday which could also see some cities removed as hosts of the delayed Euro 2020.

Plans to reform Europe's elite club competition from 2024 onwards were initially set to be approved last month before being put on hold after the powerful European Club Association (ECA) said it was "not yet in a position to formally endorse key changes".

According to sources close to the negotiations, certain leading clubs wanted greater control of UEFA Club Competitions (UCC), the subsidiary company which advises UEFA itself on commercial matters.

Amid talk of an attempted power grab by certain clubs, and with the spectre of a breakaway Super League possibly involving several of those clubs still hanging in the air, the hope is that a solution has been found.

UEFA confirmed on Friday that the reforms were at the top of the agenda for the meeting in the Swiss town of Montreux, on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva.

The Champions League group stage is set to be completely overhauled, with an increase from 32 to 36 participants and the introduction of a so-called 'Swiss system' inspired by chess, with clubs playing 10 group games instead of the current six, all against different opponents.

While the broader outline of the reforms has been an open secret for some time, discussions have been ongoing about several details, including who the four extra places would go to.

France, as Europe's fifth-ranked nation, is expected to get a third guaranteed spot in the group phase, while more places could be given on the back of historical performances -- using UEFA's club coefficient.

That would benefit clubs who have enjoyed success in the past but who failed to qualify via their league position -- think clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, currently underperforming in the Premier League, or Borussia Dortmund in Germany, who as it stands may all miss out on next season's Champions League.

The ultimate goal of the reforms is to increase broadcast rights for the competition to satisfy cash-hungry leading European clubs and end the threat of a breakaway Super League.

At the same time UEFA's need to finalise plans for Euro 2020 is pressing.

<h2>- Doubts over Munich, Bilbao and Dublin -</h2>

Postponed by a year due to the pandemic, the European Championship is set to start in Rome on June 11 and is supposed to be played at 12 different venues spread across the continent, a controversial arrangement even before the pandemic brought about widespread travel restrictions.

The Italian capital was only confirmed as a host city last Wednesday when local authorities confirmed spectators would be allowed in up to 25 percent of the capacity of the 68,000-seat Stadio Olimpico.

It joins eight other cities -- Saint-Petersburg, Baku, Budapest, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen, Glasgow and London -- in being confirmed, although the number of fans allowed into stadiums will vary from one venue to the other.

However, uncertainty remains over the three other host cities.

Munich, Bilbao and Dublin were all given until Monday to provide UEFA with additional information on their plans for spectators.

UEFA could yet take matches due to be played there and relocate them to other existing host cities, although the president of the Spanish Football Federation has said he will do "everything humanly possible" to ensure Spain keeps its four scheduled Euro games.

If UEFA decide that Bilbao, in the Basque Country, cannot host matches, Luis Rubiales has suggested Seville could be an alternative option.

"It is true that there are serious difficulties in Bilbao and with this in mind, it is UEFA who has to decide," he said.

UEFA is expected to formalise radical reforms to the format of the Champions League at a key meeting of its executive committee on Monday which could also see some cities removed as hosts of the delayed Euro 2020.

UEFA is expected to formalise radical reforms to the format of the Champions League at a key meeting of its executive committee on Monday which could also see some cities removed as hosts of the delayed Euro 2020. Plans to reform Europe's elite club competition from 2024 onwards were initially set to be approved last month before being put on hold after the powerful European Club Association (ECA) said it was "not yet in a position to formally endorse key changes". According to sources close to the negotiations, certain leading clubs wanted greater control of UEFA Club Competitions (UCC), the subsidiary company which advises UEFA itself on commercial matters. Amid talk of an attempted power grab by certain clubs, and with the spectre of a breakaway Super League possibly involving several of those clubs still hanging in the air, the hope is that a solution has been found. UEFA confirmed on Friday that the reforms were at the top of the agenda for the meeting in the Swiss town of Montreux, on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. The Champions League group stage is set to be completely overhauled, with an increase from 32 to 36 participants and the introduction of a so-called 'Swiss system' inspired by chess, with clubs playing 10 group games instead of the current six, all against different opponents. While the broader outline of the reforms has been an open secret for some time, discussions have been ongoing about several details, including who the four extra places would go to. France, as Europe's fifth-ranked nation, is expected to get a third guaranteed spot in the group phase, while more places could be given on the back of historical performances -- using UEFA's club coefficient. That would benefit clubs who have enjoyed success in the past but who failed to qualify via their league position -- think clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, currently underperforming in the Premier League, or Borussia Dortmund in Germany, who as it stands may all miss out on next season's Champions League. The ultimate goal of the reforms is to increase broadcast rights for the competition to satisfy cash-hungry leading European clubs and end the threat of a breakaway Super League. At the same time UEFA's need to finalise plans for Euro 2020 is pressing. - Doubts over Munich, Bilbao and Dublin - Postponed by a year due to the pandemic, the European Championship is set to start in Rome on June 11 and is supposed to be played at 12 different venues spread across the continent, a controversial arrangement even before the pandemic brought about widespread travel restrictions. The Italian capital was only confirmed as a host city last Wednesday when local authorities confirmed spectators would be allowed in up to 25 percent of the capacity of the 68,000-seat Stadio Olimpico. It joins eight other cities -- Saint-Petersburg, Baku, Budapest, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen, Glasgow and London -- in being confirmed, although the number of fans allowed into stadiums will vary from one venue to the other. However, uncertainty remains over the three other host cities. Munich, Bilbao and Dublin were all given until Monday to provide UEFA with additional information on their plans for spectators. UEFA could yet take matches due to be played there and relocate them to other existing host cities, although the president of the Spanish Football Federation has said he will do "everything humanly possible" to ensure Spain keeps its four scheduled Euro games. If UEFA decide that Bilbao, in the Basque Country, cannot host matches, Luis Rubiales has suggested Seville could be an alternative option. "It is true that there are serious difficulties in Bilbao and with this in mind, it is UEFA who has to decide," he said.

UEFA set to announce Champions League reforms and decide on Euro 2020 hosts

Chelsea ended Manchester City's quest for a historic quadruple of trophies as Hakim Ziyech's goal earned a 1-0 win to take the Blues into the FA Cup final on Saturday.

A damaging day for City also saw them lose Kevin De Bruyne to an ankle injury just over a week away from the League Cup final, where they face Tottenham, and the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea were good value for another impressive win under Thomas Tuchel and will be favourites for the German's first silverware in English football when they face Leicester or Southampton on May 15.

"It was a very strong performance. I'm very happy and proud," said Tuchel, who has lost just twice in 19 games since replacing Frank Lampard in January.

"We took the opportunity to show up on the highest level and see how we are. You can only win against City if you have everybody on the top level."&nbsp;

Tuchel could land an even bigger prize in the Champions League by the end of his first five months in charge.

Chelsea and City could meet again in the final in Istanbul next month should they see off Real Madrid and PSG respectively in the last four and Tuchel's men proved they can get the better of the runaway Premier League leaders despite a 20-point gap between the sides in the table.

The physical demands of City's bid for a clean sweep of trophies was shown as Pep Guardiola made eight changes from the side that beat Borussia Dortmund in midweek with goalscorers Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez among those rotated.

A much-changed side looked disjointed and Chelsea took advantage in a bright start.

Timo Werner's cross was swept home by Ziyech after just six minutes, but the goal was ruled out for offside against the German international.

<h2>- De Bruyne concern -</h2>

City got to half-time without any damage on the scoreline, but suffered a potentially huge blow to their hopes of still clinching a treble of trophies early in the second-half.

Just 11 days before the first leg of the PSG tie, De Bruyne appeared to roll his ankle in a challenge with N'Golo Kante and was replaced by Foden.

"It doesn't look good, he has pain," said Guardiola. "Tomorrow we will do a test."

City were still reeling from the loss of the Belgian midfielder when they were finally caught out by the Chelsea counter-attack.

Guardiola's decision to retain Zack Steffen in goal for domestic cup competitions backfired as the American was caught in no man's land when Werner raced in behind and once again squared for Ziyech to roll into an empty net.

"In these kind of games, the margin is so tight and the coin fell down on their side," added Guardiola.&nbsp;

Steffen made some measure of amends moments later to deny Ziyech a second when the Moroccan was clean through.

City took until the final 20 minutes to get going, but their best chance of sending the game to extra-time came from a corner as Ruben Dias headed over from close range.

Instead, it was Chelsea who found the net again through Christian Pulisic in stoppage time only for the offside flag to again come to City's rescue.

But there was no saving a bid for history for Guardiola's men as they cannot now better Manchester United's treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup from 1998/99.

Chelsea ended Manchester City's quest for a historic quadruple of trophies as Hakim Ziyech's goal earned a 1-0 win to take the Blues into the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Chelsea ended Manchester City's quest for a historic quadruple of trophies as Hakim Ziyech's goal earned a 1-0 win to take the Blues into the FA Cup final on Saturday. A damaging day for City also saw them lose Kevin De Bruyne to an ankle injury just over a week away from the League Cup final, where they face Tottenham, and the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea were good value for another impressive win under Thomas Tuchel and will be favourites for the German's first silverware in English football when they face Leicester or Southampton on May 15. "It was a very strong performance. I'm very happy and proud," said Tuchel, who has lost just twice in 19 games since replacing Frank Lampard in January. "We took the opportunity to show up on the highest level and see how we are. You can only win against City if you have everybody on the top level." Tuchel could land an even bigger prize in the Champions League by the end of his first five months in charge. Chelsea and City could meet again in the final in Istanbul next month should they see off Real Madrid and PSG respectively in the last four and Tuchel's men proved they can get the better of the runaway Premier League leaders despite a 20-point gap between the sides in the table. The physical demands of City's bid for a clean sweep of trophies was shown as Pep Guardiola made eight changes from the side that beat Borussia Dortmund in midweek with goalscorers Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez among those rotated. A much-changed side looked disjointed and Chelsea took advantage in a bright start. Timo Werner's cross was swept home by Ziyech after just six minutes, but the goal was ruled out for offside against the German international. - De Bruyne concern - City got to half-time without any damage on the scoreline, but suffered a potentially huge blow to their hopes of still clinching a treble of trophies early in the second-half. Just 11 days before the first leg of the PSG tie, De Bruyne appeared to roll his ankle in a challenge with N'Golo Kante and was replaced by Foden. "It doesn't look good, he has pain," said Guardiola. "Tomorrow we will do a test." City were still reeling from the loss of the Belgian midfielder when they were finally caught out by the Chelsea counter-attack. Guardiola's decision to retain Zack Steffen in goal for domestic cup competitions backfired as the American was caught in no man's land when Werner raced in behind and once again squared for Ziyech to roll into an empty net. "In these kind of games, the margin is so tight and the coin fell down on their side," added Guardiola. Steffen made some measure of amends moments later to deny Ziyech a second when the Moroccan was clean through. City took until the final 20 minutes to get going, but their best chance of sending the game to extra-time came from a corner as Ruben Dias headed over from close range. Instead, it was Chelsea who found the net again through Christian Pulisic in stoppage time only for the offside flag to again come to City's rescue. But there was no saving a bid for history for Guardiola's men as they cannot now better Manchester United's treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup from 1998/99.

Chelsea end Man City's quadruple quest to reach FA Cup final

Steve Bruce's side had squandered a two-goal lead in the closing stages at St James' Park, but Willock came off the bench to snatch a priceless winner.

The Magpies are now nine points clear of the relegation zone with just six games remaining in a turbulent season on Tyneside.

Newcastle had taken control in the first-half thanks to Issa Diop's own goal and a blunder from West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski for Joelinton's strike.

West Ham also lost a man in the aftermath of the opening goal as defender Craig Dawson was sent off for two bookings.

But the Hammers set up a tense finale when Diop got one back before Jesse Lingard equalised with a penalty 10 minutes from full-time.

On-loan Arsenal midfielder Willock settled a pulsating encounter with his thunderous header to take Newcastle to the brink of survival.

Staying up would be an impressive achievement for Bruce, who has battled with dressing room rifts and distracting takeover talk.

"I'm not going to take anything for granted. I've always said it's the accumulation of points, and 35, in my opinion, is not enough, so you won't get me jumping and hollering at the moment," Bruce said.

"We've still got six games to play. Can we beat last year's points tally of 44? We'll try our utmost."

The defeat was a big blow for West Ham as they chase an unexpected place in next season's Champions League.

David Moyes' side remain fourth, but Chelsea are just one point behind with a game in hand, while fifth-placed Liverpool would go above the Hammers if they beat Leeds on Monday.

"I wouldn't say it was a chance lost, it was an opportunity for us to pick up three points," Moyes said.

"We like talking about the Champions League, we love the sound of that when everybody says it, but we're realistic."

<h2>- Sheff Utd fate sealed -</h2>

Newcastle's win meant Sheffield United had to avoid defeat to prevent their fate from a miserable season being sealed.

Wolves have also taken a step back this season after losing Raul Jimenez for most of the campaign due to a fractured skull.

January signing Willian Jose has struggled to replace the Mexico forward, but finally got his first Wolves goal by sweeping home Adama Traore's cross on the hour mark.

"If you pick a game to typify this season, it was that. We were on top, missed chances and this league won't give you a second chance," said caretaker United boss Paul Heckingbottom.

"There has to be a mentality to get straight back. Everyone wants to play in this league. You need to get promoted and that's everyone's driving force."

Victory takes Nuno Espirito Santo's men beyond the 40-point mark and up to 12th as they are now safe from the drop.

By contrast, Sheffield United now face a rebuild in the Championship with the club in crisis on and off the field.

United announced on Saturday that Saudi chairman Prince Musaad Bin Khalid Al Saud has resigned for personal reasons.

Last month, Chris Wilder left as manager&nbsp;after five years in the job, during which he guided them from League One to the top-flight.

Steve Bruce's side had squandered a two-goal lead in the closing stages at St James' Park, but Willock came off the bench to snatch a priceless winner. The Magpies are now nine points clear of the relegation zone with just six games remaining in a turbulent season on Tyneside.

Steve Bruce's side had squandered a two-goal lead in the closing stages at St James' Park, but Willock came off the bench to snatch a priceless winner. The Magpies are now nine points clear of the relegation zone with just six games remaining in a turbulent season on Tyneside. Newcastle had taken control in the first-half thanks to Issa Diop's own goal and a blunder from West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski for Joelinton's strike. West Ham also lost a man in the aftermath of the opening goal as defender Craig Dawson was sent off for two bookings. But the Hammers set up a tense finale when Diop got one back before Jesse Lingard equalised with a penalty 10 minutes from full-time. On-loan Arsenal midfielder Willock settled a pulsating encounter with his thunderous header to take Newcastle to the brink of survival. Staying up would be an impressive achievement for Bruce, who has battled with dressing room rifts and distracting takeover talk. "I'm not going to take anything for granted. I've always said it's the accumulation of points, and 35, in my opinion, is not enough, so you won't get me jumping and hollering at the moment," Bruce said. "We've still got six games to play. Can we beat last year's points tally of 44? We'll try our utmost." The defeat was a big blow for West Ham as they chase an unexpected place in next season's Champions League. David Moyes' side remain fourth, but Chelsea are just one point behind with a game in hand, while fifth-placed Liverpool would go above the Hammers if they beat Leeds on Monday. "I wouldn't say it was a chance lost, it was an opportunity for us to pick up three points," Moyes said. "We like talking about the Champions League, we love the sound of that when everybody says it, but we're realistic." - Sheff Utd fate sealed - Newcastle's win meant Sheffield United had to avoid defeat to prevent their fate from a miserable season being sealed. Wolves have also taken a step back this season after losing Raul Jimenez for most of the campaign due to a fractured skull. January signing Willian Jose has struggled to replace the Mexico forward, but finally got his first Wolves goal by sweeping home Adama Traore's cross on the hour mark. "If you pick a game to typify this season, it was that. We were on top, missed chances and this league won't give you a second chance," said caretaker United boss Paul Heckingbottom. "There has to be a mentality to get straight back. Everyone wants to play in this league. You need to get promoted and that's everyone's driving force." Victory takes Nuno Espirito Santo's men beyond the 40-point mark and up to 12th as they are now safe from the drop. By contrast, Sheffield United now face a rebuild in the Championship with the club in crisis on and off the field. United announced on Saturday that Saudi chairman Prince Musaad Bin Khalid Al Saud has resigned for personal reasons. Last month, Chris Wilder left as manager after five years in the job, during which he guided them from League One to the top-flight.

Newcastle dent West Ham's top-four challenge, Sheff Utd relegated

Lionel Messi scored twice, including a stunning solo goal, as Barcelona blew away Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, consigning their opponents to a second final defeat in two weeks.&nbsp;

The cup was won and lost in a whirlwind 12 minutes in Seville, which saw Barca score four times to clinch an emphatic 4-0 victory, with Messi at his devastating best.

It remains to be seen if his seventh Copa del Rey triumph is the last trophy Messi lifts in Barcelona colours but if this was to be a final flourish, the 33-year-old crafted a fitting farewell.&nbsp;

"It's very special to be captain of this team where I have spent my whole life and very special to be able to lift this cup," Messi said.

His first goal, and Barca's third, started with the Argentinian in his own half before a charging run down the right and a surge forward into the penalty area gave him the chance for a simple finish.&nbsp;

With the club's new president Joan Laporta in the crowd, Ronald Koeman's first title as Barcelona coach should also significantly boost his chances of remaining in charge beyond the summer.&nbsp;

"To win a title is important for me," Koeman admitted afterwards.

Yet Laporta was noticeably evasive when asked about Koeman's future.&nbsp;

"He is doing well," he said.

Koeman took over a team at rock bottom, humiliated by an historic loss to Bayern Munich and wounded by the attempts of Messi to leave the club for free.&nbsp;

But this 31st Copa del Rey success for the club is a testament to progress made and Koeman will hope it not only helps convince Messi to stay but gives Barca momentum now in a neck-and-neck title race in La Liga.

"Despite the changes at the club and the young players, at Barca you have to always fight for trophies," Koeman said.&nbsp;

"We have the first one and now we are going to fight to the last game in La Liga."

Gerard Pique said it felt like the club had been "reset".&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Turned it around' -</h2>

"Sometimes you fall down and you have to get up," Pique said. "It has been a difficult year but the team has turned it around."

Messi was sent off when Athletic Bilbao beat Barcelona, also at the La Cartuja, in January to win the Spanish Super Cup but they never looked like pulling off a repeat.&nbsp;

After Athletic lost to their Basque rivals Real Sociedad in last year's postponed final only two weeks ago, lifting themselves for another showpiece in the same stadium and against a tougher opponent was always going to be a big ask.&nbsp;

"In both finals we played well below the level that we're capable of," said Athletic coach Marcelino Garcia Toral.&nbsp;

Barcelona were almost ahead after four minutes as Sergio Busquets played in Messi, who rolled back for Frenkie de Jong but his sidefooted finish came back off the far post.&nbsp;

Sergino Dest dragged wide while Inigo Martinez had Athletic's best chance but as he stretched for the bouncing ball, he could only poke over.

Athletic seemed to have played their way into the match before half-time but Barcelona came out with renewed vigour, with Unai Simon making two brilliant saves to deny Antoine Griezmann and then Busquets, both from close range.&nbsp;

But when the resistance gave way, it became a collapse, with goals scored in the 60th, 63rd, 68th and 72nd minutes to leave Athletic's hopes in tatters.&nbsp;

First, Messi slipped in Dest down the right and his cross was diverted in by Griezmann before the second came from the opposite flank, Jordi Alba curled in a cross for De Jong to nod in.&nbsp;

The third was a spectacular from Messi, who started the move in his own half, leaping over one challenge and dodging another.&nbsp;

He took the ball back from Dest and drove down the right wing, away from three opponents and inside.&nbsp;

Messi twice played off De Jong, the second time after motoring forward into the penalty area, where he darted between two last Athletic defenders and slid the finish into the far corner.&nbsp;

His second, and Barca's fourth, was more straight-forward, Alba pulling a cross back for the Argentinian to tuck under a weak right hand from Simon and inside the post. For Athletic, there was no way back.

Lionel Messi scored twice, including a stunning solo goal, as Barcelona blew away Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, consigning their opponents to a second final defeat in two weeks.

Lionel Messi scored twice, including a stunning solo goal, as Barcelona blew away Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, consigning their opponents to a second final defeat in two weeks. The cup was won and lost in a whirlwind 12 minutes in Seville, which saw Barca score four times to clinch an emphatic 4-0 victory, with Messi at his devastating best. It remains to be seen if his seventh Copa del Rey triumph is the last trophy Messi lifts in Barcelona colours but if this was to be a final flourish, the 33-year-old crafted a fitting farewell. "It's very special to be captain of this team where I have spent my whole life and very special to be able to lift this cup," Messi said. His first goal, and Barca's third, started with the Argentinian in his own half before a charging run down the right and a surge forward into the penalty area gave him the chance for a simple finish. With the club's new president Joan Laporta in the crowd, Ronald Koeman's first title as Barcelona coach should also significantly boost his chances of remaining in charge beyond the summer. "To win a title is important for me," Koeman admitted afterwards. Yet Laporta was noticeably evasive when asked about Koeman's future. "He is doing well," he said. Koeman took over a team at rock bottom, humiliated by an historic loss to Bayern Munich and wounded by the attempts of Messi to leave the club for free. But this 31st Copa del Rey success for the club is a testament to progress made and Koeman will hope it not only helps convince Messi to stay but gives Barca momentum now in a neck-and-neck title race in La Liga. "Despite the changes at the club and the young players, at Barca you have to always fight for trophies," Koeman said. "We have the first one and now we are going to fight to the last game in La Liga." Gerard Pique said it felt like the club had been "reset". - 'Turned it around' - "Sometimes you fall down and you have to get up," Pique said. "It has been a difficult year but the team has turned it around." Messi was sent off when Athletic Bilbao beat Barcelona, also at the La Cartuja, in January to win the Spanish Super Cup but they never looked like pulling off a repeat. After Athletic lost to their Basque rivals Real Sociedad in last year's postponed final only two weeks ago, lifting themselves for another showpiece in the same stadium and against a tougher opponent was always going to be a big ask. "In both finals we played well below the level that we're capable of," said Athletic coach Marcelino Garcia Toral. Barcelona were almost ahead after four minutes as Sergio Busquets played in Messi, who rolled back for Frenkie de Jong but his sidefooted finish came back off the far post. Sergino Dest dragged wide while Inigo Martinez had Athletic's best chance but as he stretched for the bouncing ball, he could only poke over. Athletic seemed to have played their way into the match before half-time but Barcelona came out with renewed vigour, with Unai Simon making two brilliant saves to deny Antoine Griezmann and then Busquets, both from close range. But when the resistance gave way, it became a collapse, with goals scored in the 60th, 63rd, 68th and 72nd minutes to leave Athletic's hopes in tatters. First, Messi slipped in Dest down the right and his cross was diverted in by Griezmann before the second came from the opposite flank, Jordi Alba curled in a cross for De Jong to nod in. The third was a spectacular from Messi, who started the move in his own half, leaping over one challenge and dodging another. He took the ball back from Dest and drove down the right wing, away from three opponents and inside. Messi twice played off De Jong, the second time after motoring forward into the penalty area, where he darted between two last Athletic defenders and slid the finish into the far corner. His second, and Barca's fourth, was more straight-forward, Alba pulling a cross back for the Argentinian to tuck under a weak right hand from Simon and inside the post. For Athletic, there was no way back.

Sensational Messi scores twice as Barca beat Athletic to win Copa del Rey

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday continued their unbeaten run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 38 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. RCB have now won three matches on the trot in IPL 2021 while KKR have lost two and won one. <o:p></o:p>

AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell were the stars of the day for RCB as the duo smashed half-centuries to help the team post a mammoth total of 204/4 in 20 overs. Maxwell started the onslaught with a 49-ball 78 at a time when RCB were struggling at 9/2 on tricky batting conditions in Chennai. De Villiers stole the show as he closed the innings with some thunderous strokes all over the park at the Chepauk. <o:p></o:p>

It was a tough outing for the KKR bowlers after Varun Chakaravarthy’s splendid start with the ball after he picked up two wickets in his very first over.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-harbhajan-sreesanth-slap-gate-to-ms-dhonis-anger-top-ipl-controversies-through-the-years-378405" hreflang="en">From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years</a>

KKR enjoyed a brisk start, chasing 205. However, they lost opener Shubman Gill for 18 before Rahul Tripathi joined him after a 20-ball 25. Nitish Rana followed the duo soon after scoring 25.

Former KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik also failed to get it going and was sent packing for a five-ball two. While Shakib al Hasan and Eoin Morgan stitched a steady partnership, it failed to accelerate the run rate.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-378258">From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a>

Big-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell smoked a couple of sixes but it was too little too late for KKR as they fall short by 38 runs to succumb to their second defeat in IPL 2021.<o:p></o:p>

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday continued their unbeaten run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 38 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday continued their unbeaten run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 38 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. RCB have now won three matches on the trot in IPL 2021 while KKR have lost two and won one. AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell were the stars of the day for RCB as the duo smashed half-centuries to help the team post a mammoth total of 204/4 in 20 overs. Maxwell started the onslaught with a 49-ball 78 at a time when RCB were struggling at 9/2 on tricky batting conditions in Chennai. De Villiers stole the show as he closed the innings with some thunderous strokes all over the park at the Chepauk. It was a tough outing for the KKR bowlers after Varun Chakaravarthy’s splendid start with the ball after he picked up two wickets in his very first over. ALSO READ: From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years KKR enjoyed a brisk start, chasing 205. However, they lost opener Shubman Gill for 18 before Rahul Tripathi joined him after a 20-ball 25. Nitish Rana followed the duo soon after scoring 25. Former KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik also failed to get it going and was sent packing for a five-ball two. While Shakib al Hasan and Eoin Morgan stitched a steady partnership, it failed to accelerate the run rate. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols Big-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell smoked a couple of sixes but it was too little too late for KKR as they fall short by 38 runs to succumb to their second defeat in IPL 2021.

De Villiers, Maxwell star as RCB continue unbeaten show in IPL 2021; defeat KKR by 38 runs

The Miami Grand Prix will join the Formula One calendar from the 2022 season, organisers said on Sunday, in a 10-year deal that adds a second American race to the championship after the United States GP in Austin.

In a statement F1 said that the race will take place at a new track round the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens north of the Florida city.

"We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing in Miami beginning in 2022," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

"The US is a key growth market for us, and we are greatly encouraged by our growing reach in the US which will be further supported by this exciting second race."

He added it would be staged "in the second quarter of next year".

F1 said the track will be 5.41km long with high-speed straights which should allow top speeds of 320 km/h and "multiple overtaking opportunities".

The Hard Rock Stadium is the home of the team Miami Dolphins and also hosted the recent Miami Open tennis tournament.

Miami Dolphins chairman Tom Garfinkel, the managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix, said they had worked with specialist designers "to create a racetrack that we, Formula 1 and the FIA believe will provide great racing".

Controlled since 2017 by the American group Liberty Media, F1 was planning on having a Miami GP in 2019 but hit a roadblock with local authorities.

Initial plans to include a circuit that crossed a bridge over the city's bay were shelved after objections.

Garfinkel commented: "The first priority was to create a great race track, and with the Hard Rock site we have a blank sheet of paper to put together a race track that is demanding in a lot of ways and to put on great experiences that are uniquely reflective of the diversity of Miami.

<h2>- 'Latino community' -</h2>

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton backed the move.

"America is such a big place that it always felt like we needed at least two races there to integrate with the audience," the Mercedes driver said.

"The race can bring 4,000 jobs to communities in Miami. Montreal has always been my favourite to go to but Miami I think that's going to be the favourite spot to go to," added Hamilton, ahead of starting on pole for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola later Sunday.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who finished second to Hamilton in the 2021 season's opening race in Bahrain, said he was "excited" about the new GP.

"I'm sure if they build a good track, we can have a lot of fun out there and hopefully we'll bring a lot of excitement so the fans can of course enjoy the race," he said in a Red Bull statement.&nbsp;

His Mexican teammate Sergio Perez commented: "I think Miami is a great location for Formula One, it's a very fun city and there's lots of energy in that place.

"The Latino community is pretty big there so I'm definitely looking forward going there soon. I think Miami and F1 is the perfect combination."

Miami joins Austin, which has hosted Formula One Grand Prix since 2012, with this year's race in Texas scheduled for October 24.

Miami's arrival will give F1 a potent boost in its bid to compete with the more popular Indycar and NASCAR circuits in the United States.&nbsp;

F1's director of media rights Ian Holmes in February lauded the sport's growth in popularity in the United States, in part on the back of the Netflix F1 documentary series "Drive To Survive".

Miami is the 11th venue in the US to host a leg of the F1 championship after Riverside, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis and Austin.

The Miami Grand Prix will join the Formula One calendar from the 2022 season, organisers said on Sunday, in a 10-year deal that adds a second American race to the championship after the United States GP in Austin.

The Miami Grand Prix will join the Formula One calendar from the 2022 season, organisers said on Sunday, in a 10-year deal that adds a second American race to the championship after the United States GP in Austin. In a statement F1 said that the race will take place at a new track round the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens north of the Florida city. "We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing in Miami beginning in 2022," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. "The US is a key growth market for us, and we are greatly encouraged by our growing reach in the US which will be further supported by this exciting second race." He added it would be staged "in the second quarter of next year". F1 said the track will be 5.41km long with high-speed straights which should allow top speeds of 320 km/h and "multiple overtaking opportunities". The Hard Rock Stadium is the home of the team Miami Dolphins and also hosted the recent Miami Open tennis tournament. Miami Dolphins chairman Tom Garfinkel, the managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix, said they had worked with specialist designers "to create a racetrack that we, Formula 1 and the FIA believe will provide great racing". Controlled since 2017 by the American group Liberty Media, F1 was planning on having a Miami GP in 2019 but hit a roadblock with local authorities. Initial plans to include a circuit that crossed a bridge over the city's bay were shelved after objections. Garfinkel commented: "The first priority was to create a great race track, and with the Hard Rock site we have a blank sheet of paper to put together a race track that is demanding in a lot of ways and to put on great experiences that are uniquely reflective of the diversity of Miami. - 'Latino community' - Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton backed the move. "America is such a big place that it always felt like we needed at least two races there to integrate with the audience," the Mercedes driver said. "The race can bring 4,000 jobs to communities in Miami. Montreal has always been my favourite to go to but Miami I think that's going to be the favourite spot to go to," added Hamilton, ahead of starting on pole for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola later Sunday. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who finished second to Hamilton in the 2021 season's opening race in Bahrain, said he was "excited" about the new GP. "I'm sure if they build a good track, we can have a lot of fun out there and hopefully we'll bring a lot of excitement so the fans can of course enjoy the race," he said in a Red Bull statement. His Mexican teammate Sergio Perez commented: "I think Miami is a great location for Formula One, it's a very fun city and there's lots of energy in that place. "The Latino community is pretty big there so I'm definitely looking forward going there soon. I think Miami and F1 is the perfect combination." Miami joins Austin, which has hosted Formula One Grand Prix since 2012, with this year's race in Texas scheduled for October 24. Miami's arrival will give F1 a potent boost in its bid to compete with the more popular Indycar and NASCAR circuits in the United States. F1's director of media rights Ian Holmes in February lauded the sport's growth in popularity in the United States, in part on the back of the Netflix F1 documentary series "Drive To Survive". Miami is the 11th venue in the US to host a leg of the F1 championship after Riverside, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis and Austin.

Miami joins F1 calendar in 2022 in push for US fan share

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