Sports

La Liga 2024-25: High Stakes in Four Midweek Showdowns Across Spain

Published

11 months ago

April 24, 2025

Wednesday’s four La Liga matches hold significant implications for the title race, Champions League qualifications for next season, and the battle against relegation. Real Madrid will visit Getafe following their dramatic injury-time victory over Athletic Club Bilbao at home last Sunday. Depending on Barcelona’s outcome against Mallorca on Tuesday, Madrid may find themselves seven points behind the league leaders and will need to secure a win to remain competitive.

The Copa del Rey final in Sevilla is set for Saturday, just days after this match, leaving Madrid frustrated with only 24 hours less to prepare than Barcelona.

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With Kylian Mbappé possibly sidelined due to an ankle injury, Carlo Ancelotti may opt for squad rotations to keep key players rested for Saturday’s cup final. Brahim Diaz and Arda Güler could see playing time, and David Alaba is expected to return to defense, according to reports from Xinhua. Getafe, positioned comfortably in mid-table, have little more than pride at stake in this match.

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Athletic Club Bilbao currently sits in fourth place, five points clear of Villarreal in fifth. Coach Ernesto Valverde is set to make extensive changes to the team that narrowly missed earning a point at the Bernabeu on Sunday. He expressed frustration about the tight schedule, as his players have only 68 hours between matches, having played late Sunday evening and then facing a 7 pm kickoff on Wednesday.

Key players like Davi Vivian, Yeray Alvarez, and Oihan Sancet are expected to start on Wednesday, although Nico Williams is uncertain due to a minor groin issue, and Javier Munoz is suspended. Fabio Silva’s status is also in doubt for a Las Palmas team that has boosted their survival hopes with back-to-back wins.

Villarreal will take on Celta Vigo in what is expected to be an exciting matchup against a rival also vying for European qualification. Celta pushed Barcelona to the edge before losing on a last-minute penalty over the weekend. Although Alex Baena is out for Villarreal, Yeremi Pino demonstrated that he is a capable replacement with his goal last weekend.

The last fixture on Wednesday features Alaves facing Real Sociedad in a Basque derby. Alaves is in dire need of a victory after falling into the relegation zone, despite earning a draw away against Sevilla. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad is still in the hunt for European qualification after their draw with Villarreal.

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Sports

Complaint Filed Against Hardik Pandya Over Alleged National Flag Insult

Published

4 days ago

March 12, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: A complaint has been filed against Hardik Pandya for allegedly insulting the Indian national flag during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup victory celebrations. The complaint was submitted to police in Pune by advocate Wajid Khan.

According to the complaint, Pandya wrapped the tricolour around his body and behaved in an inappropriate manner on the field after India’s win against New Zealand national cricket team in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium. The lawyer requested police to register an FIR and take legal action.

A police officer from Shivaji Nagar Police Station confirmed that the complaint application was received.

Meanwhile, Pandya celebrated India’s T20 World Cup victory and said winning back-to-back titles was a personal promise fulfilled. He also said this victory is only the beginning of the team’s success.

Pandya had a strong tournament performance with the bat and ball. He scored two half-centuries and took nine wickets during the competition.

Sports

Suryakumar,Gambhir and Jay Shah Visit Hanuman Temple after wining World cup

Published

1 week ago

March 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: After India’s historic victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited a Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad and offered special prayers. The trio carried the World Cup trophy and sought the blessings of Lord Hanuman after India’s memorable win.

The visit came a day after India defeated New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With this victory, India lifted its record third T20 World Cup title and created history in international cricket.

After losing the toss, India was asked to bat first by New Zealand. India got off to a strong start as Abhishek Sharma played a brilliant innings. He scored 52 runs from just 21 balls, hitting six boundaries and three sixes. His aggressive batting gave India early momentum.

Sanju Samson then continued the strong performance and built an important partnership with Abhishek Sharma. Later, Samson also shared a century partnership with Ishan Kishan, who played a powerful knock. Ishan Kishan scored 54 runs from 25 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. Their partnership helped India cross the 200-run mark by the 16th over.

Although India lost a few quick wickets later, Shivam Dube played a crucial cameo. He scored 26 runs from just 8 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes. His quick runs helped India finish with a massive total of 255 runs for the loss of five wickets. This became the highest total ever recorded in a T20 World Cup final.

Chasing a huge target of 256 runs, New Zealand struggled under pressure. Indian bowlers delivered an outstanding performance to restrict the opposition. Axar Patel took three wickets for 23 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah was the star with four wickets for just 15 runs.

For New Zealand, Tim Seifert fought hard and scored 52 runs from 26 balls with two boundaries and five sixes. Daryl Mitchell scored 17 runs, while captain Mitchell Santner made 43 runs from 35 balls. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships.

As a result, New Zealand were bowled out for 159 runs and suffered a heavy defeat. India won the match by 96 runs and celebrated one of the biggest victories in T20 World Cup history.

Following the victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav, coach Gautam Gambhir and ICC chairman Jay Shah visited the Hanuman temple in Ahmedabad with the trophy. They offered special prayers and thanked the deity for the team’s historic achievement. The visit reflected the team’s gratitude after winning the prestigious global tournament.

Sports

Ishan Kishan Plays World Cup Final Despite Personal Loss

Published

1 week ago

March 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Ishan Kishan helped India win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 despite the death of his brother-in-law in a car accident two days before the final.

Because of the tragedy, his father Pranav Pandey could not travel to Ahmedabad for the match. Kishan also wanted to be with his family but stayed with the team due to the responsibility of the final.

In the final, Kishan played a brilliant innings and scored 54 runs off 25 balls. After reaching his half-century, he looked at the sky to pay tribute to his late brother-in-law.

He also took two important catches to dismiss Rachin Ravindra and Tim Seifert of New Zealand national cricket team.

Kishan finished the tournament with 317 runs in nine innings and became the fourth-highest run scorer.