Football: Ten-man India U23 lose lead and match against Tajikistan

IANS | June 18, 2025 11:10 PM

New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) The India U23 men's side failed to capitalise on their lead twice and suffered a 2-3 defeat at the hands of hosts Tajikistan U23s, after being reduced to 10 men in a friendly match at the TALCO Arena, in Tursunzoda, Tajikistan, on Wednesday.

FC Barcelona sign highly-rated goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol

IANS | June 18, 2025 6:47 PM

Barcelona, June 18 (IANS) FC Barcelona have signed goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol. The club confirmed it had activated the release clause of 25 million euros to secure his signing. The player will sign a contract with the club for the next six seasons, until June 30, 2031, in a private ceremony at FC Barcelona’s offices on Friday.

Valles to Betis, Moleiro to Villarreal in La Liga transfers

IANS | June 17, 2025 11:44 PM

Madrid (Spain), June 17 (IANS) La Liga outfit Real Betis have announced the signing of goalkeeper Alvaro Valles from Las Palmas with a five-year contract. The 27-year-old, who began his career in the Betis youth system, returns on a free transfer after spending last season in the stands after rejecting a new contract with the recently relegated outfit, for whom he made 132 league appearances.

Club World Cup offers Man City chance to redeem their poor season

IANS | June 17, 2025 10:49 PM

Philadelphia, June 17 (IANS) A new-look Manchester City make their Club World Cup debut against Moroccan side Wydad AC at the Lincoln Field Stadium in Philadelphia on Wednesday night. The Club World Cup has taken on an extra importance after Pep Guardiola's side finished last season a disappointing third in the Premier League, went out of the Champions League early and ended the campaign with a defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

Doesn't matter if it's Club WC or another competition, we are here to win: Chelsea's Maresca

IANS | June 16, 2025 5:20 PM

Atlanta, June 16 (IANS) Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has delivered a clear message to players and fans ahead of the club's opening game in the Club World Cup 2025. The Conference League champions will face Los Angeles FC in their first match of the tournament, whose timing and toll on player fatigue have drawn criticism. Still, Maresca emphasised that Chelsea have come to the United States with only one goal: to win.