September 9, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Sports

Bayern Munich Exit Champions League Amid Injury Crisis: Kompany Reflects on Quarterfinal Defeat

Bayern Munich’s hopes of advancing to the Champions League final were dashed on Wednesday as they secured a 2-2 draw against Inter Milan at the San Siro, ultimately losing 4-3 on aggregate. Manager Vincent Kompany expressed his disappointment over the injury crisis that plagued his side, particularly in the lead-up to the quarterfinal clash. Bayern were missing several key players, including Hiroki Ito, Dayot Upamecano, Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, Kingsley Coman, and Aleksandar Pavlovic, making it difficult for the team to field a full-strength side. Despite these setbacks, Kompany was proud of his team’s performance, noting that they had more scoring chances than Inter across both legs. “We had to understand what we could do without those players,” Kompany told reporters. “In the first game, we showed a good Bayern Munich, and in the second game, we also showed a positive attitude in Milan.” Although Bayern Munich battled through the injuries and gave a strong account of themselves, the reality of their exit from the competition was hard to ignore. “The harsh reality is that we will not play the Champions League final at home,” Kompany admitted. “We can’t change that, but we know we did enough to win these games.” When asked about the hectic schedule and its potential impact on the injuries, Kompany explained, “Unfortunately, I don’t decide. In addition to the many games, there are long journeys, and the pressure increases when we have absences.” Despite the setback, Bayern’s resilience throughout the quarterfinals highlighted their competitive spirit, even in the face of adversity.

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Yuzvendra Chahal Equals Narine’s Record with Sensational Spell as PBKS Stun KKR

In a memorable low-scoring thriller at Mullanpur, Punjab Kings (PBKS) spinner Yuzvendra Chahal delivered a match-winning performance, claiming 4/28 to script a 16-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With this, he equalled Sunil Narine’s record for the most four-wicket hauls (8) in IPL history. 🔥 Chahal’s Record-Breaking Spell Rashid Khan leads the T20 wicket charts with 638 wickets in 468 matches. 🏏 Match Summary 📊 Points Table Update 📢 Fan Poll Which aspect of Chahal’s game do you think is most crucial? Chahal’s spell not only brought PBKS a crucial win but also reaffirmed his legacy as one of India’s greatest white-ball spinners.

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Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain both booked dramatic semifinal berths in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain both booked dramatic semifinal berths in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 after surviving intense pressure from Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa in their respective quarterfinal second legs on April 15. Barcelona Survive Guirassy Hat-Trick, Advance 5–3 on Aggregate Despite losing 3–1 to Dortmund in Germany, Barcelona progressed thanks to their 4–0 first-leg advantage. The night belonged to Serhou Guirassy, who scored a hat-trick—including a panenka penalty and a towering header—but his efforts fell just short of completing a historic comeback. Barcelona clung on during a frenzied final 10 minutes, with Wojciech Szczesny and their defense absorbing wave after wave of attacks. Guirassy now leads the tournament’s scoring charts with 13 goals, continuing his fairytale run after years in football’s shadows. PSG Edge Aston Villa Despite 3–2 Defeat, Win 5–4 on Aggregate Over in England, PSG survived a thriller at Villa Park, losing 3–2 on the night but going through thanks to their 3–1 first-leg win. Aston Villa pushed hard for the equaliser, but Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a string of brilliant saves to deny Rashford, Tielemans, and Asensio late on. Champions League Semifinal Picture (So Far) Both ties have shaped into classic European showdowns, and the semis promise fireworks.

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IPL 2025 Bat Check Drama: Russell, Narine & Nortje’s Bats Fail New Gauge Test in KKR vs PBKS Thriller

In an unusual and rather dramatic turn during the IPL 2025 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), three KKR players — Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Anrich Nortje — were forced to change their bats after failing a newly introduced gauge test conducted by on-field and fourth umpires. 🧪 What’s the Gauge Test? A triangle-shaped plastic gauge has become the latest tool in the IPL to check bat dimensions. The permitted size specifications: This rule aims to ensure no unfair advantage is given through overly thick or modified bats — something that was hard to monitor earlier since bat checks were done only before match day, not during it. ⚠️ Bats That Failed the Test 🎙️ What They’re Saying ⚖️ Why It Matters This season’s stricter enforcement shows how IPL 2025 is taking player equipment regulations seriously, especially in an era where power hitting has exploded. With players launching 110m+ sixes, thicker bats can easily offer an edge (literally). This is the first season where bat dimensions are being tested on match day, addressing past loopholes where players swapped bats after pre-match inspections. 📉 What Else Happened That Day? Even after all the drama, Punjab Kings defended 111 runs as Chahal’s 4/28 and Marco Jansen’s 3/17 tore through KKR’s line-up — a memorable night, made even more memorable with bat gauges in the spotlight.

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Sourav Ganguly Reappointed as Chairperson of ICC Men’s Cricket Committee

In a significant move ahead of a crucial international cricketing season, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday announced the reappointment of Sourav Ganguly as chairperson of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. Ganguly, who previously captained India from 2000 to 2005, has been serving in this role since 2021, following the tenure of Anil Kumble. At 52 years old, Ganguly brings a wealth of cricketing and administrative experience to the position. His former teammate and current National Cricket Academy head, VVS Laxman, has also been appointed as a panel member, reinforcing India’s strong presence in the sport’s global governance. Other Members of the Men’s Committee: Changes in Women’s Cricket Committee: The ICC also restructured the Women’s Cricket Committee, appointing: These appointments are seen as part of the ICC’s efforts to bolster the governance and evolution of cricket across both men’s and women’s formats by bringing in diverse, contemporary, and experienced voices from around the world.

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2024-2025 Indian Super League (ISL) final is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, as Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC

The 2024-2025 Indian Super League (ISL) final is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, as Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC (BFC) prepare to battle it out for the title at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. For both teams, this match represents the completion of a cycle in their respective journeys, with significant storylines unfolding for each side. Jose Molina’s Mohun Bagan SG has had a remarkable turnaround this season. After a rough start, including a heavy 0-3 defeat to Bengaluru in September, Molina’s team bounced back with a record-breaking run. Now, with the League Shield in their grasp, Mohun Bagan is aiming for a historic ISL ‘double’. Having lost the final to Mumbai City FC last season, this is their chance to make amends and clinch their first-ever double at home. The Salt Lake Stadium, where they’ve been unbeaten in the league, will be a fortress in their bid to secure the title. On the other hand, Bengaluru FC, under the leadership of Gerard Zaragoza, enters the final with renewed focus and determination. Though they endured a tough patch earlier in the season, Zaragoza reflected on a significant moment from the past—a crushing 0-4 loss to Bagan last April. Now, the BFC side is back with a vengeance, confident and hungry for a strong finish to the season. Zaragoza highlighted how far his team has come since that defeat, with the club now poised to challenge for the trophy. The match promises to be an exciting showdown. Mohun Bagan SG will likely have the edge with the support of their passionate fans at Salt Lake, but Bengaluru FC won’t be an easy opponent. Despite being in the twilight of his career, Sunil Chhetri continues to perform at the highest level, and Zaragoza faces a pleasant dilemma regarding whether to start his star striker or bring him on as a substitute. With both teams motivated by personal narratives and historical goals, this final is set to be a fiercely contested affair. The battle between Mohun Bagan’s ambition for a double and Bengaluru’s hunger for redemption will make for a compelling end to the season.

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Salah Chooses Legacy Over Lucrative Move, Signs New Liverpool Deal Despite £500m Saudi Offer

Mohamed Salah has ended months of speculation over his future by signing a new two-year deal with Liverpool, keeping him at Anfield until he turns 34—a decision that sees him prioritising sporting ambition over financial gain, despite a staggering £500 million offer from Saudi Arabia. The Egypt forward, who stirred uncertainty back in November by saying he was “more out than in,” wasn’t being disingenuous—just honest about his situation. His desire to stay at Liverpool had never truly wavered, but the conditions had to be right for both parties. A breakthrough came late in March during talks involving Salah, his agent Ramy Abbas Issa, and Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes. By early April, the formalities were wrapped up, and even teammates like Andy Robertson were caught by surprise when the news emerged. Salah’s new contract will not involve a pay cut—he is set to earn close to £400,000-per-week, a figure that reflects both his continued brilliance and the difficulty of replacing a player who has already registered 54 goal contributions this season. While the Saudi Pro League had been confident—right up until last week—that they could entice Salah to the Middle East, the pull of European football and unfinished business at Liverpool proved stronger. Sources confirmed that Salah could have earned upwards of £500 million had he accepted the Saudi offer. But in contrast to Real Madrid’s €1 billion (approx. £859m) offer to Vinicius Jr, Salah chose the path of legacy. Liverpool’s upcoming changes—such as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid, which may free up financial space—likely helped in structuring deals for Salah and, soon, Virgil van Dijk, who is also expected to extend his contract. Salah, who has been with Liverpool for eight years, now looks set to complete a decade at the club. His obsessive professionalism and top-tier physical condition mean those close to him believe he still has at least three elite years ahead. With ambitions of winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and a long-standing desire to clinch the Ballon d’Or, Salah remains deeply driven. His commitment is not just about personal goals—he also wants to be in peak form for Egypt’s World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. Off the pitch, his decision was also influenced by his family’s comfort in Merseyside, with wife Magi and daughters Makka and Kayan thriving in Liverpool. Ultimately, Salah’s story is one of loyalty, ambition, and belief—a decision to chase greatness in Europe rather than riches in the Gulf.

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Editor04 mins

Messi’s Magic Lifts Inter Miami to First-Ever Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinal

Lionel Messi turned in another vintage performance as Inter Miami came from behind to beat LAFC 3-1 on Wednesday night at BMO Stadium, overturning a 2-0 aggregate deficit to reach the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals for the first time in club history. ⚽ Match Highlights: 🔥 Key Moments: 🗣️ “The Chinese issue is serious,” — well, not quite the quote here, but Messi’s performance certainly was. His brace, including the game-winner from the spot, was a reminder of why he’s still a game-changer on the world stage. 🧤 Heroic Goalkeeping: Oscar Ustari was instrumental in the win, making 8 saves, including several crucial stops on Denis Bouanga, as LAFC peppered Miami with 21 total shots to Miami’s 13. 🏆 What’s Next: ⚽ Historical Significance:

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Barcelona Crush Dortmund 4-0, Take Giant Step Toward UCL Semifinals

CAMP NOU — Barcelona delivered a statement performance in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal, thrashing Borussia Dortmund 4-0 on Wednesday night to all but secure a semifinal berth for the first time since 2019. ⚽ Scorers: 🔥 Key Highlights: 🗣️ “We are confident, but not overconfident,” said Xavi post-match. “It’s only half the job done—we still have to perform in Dortmund.” 📊 Match Stats: 🎯 Tactical Brilliance: 🚨 Injury Concern: 🏆 Quadruple Hopes Alive: With La Liga leadership, a place in the Copa del Rey final, Spanish Super Cup already secured, and now a foot in the UCL semis, Barcelona’s quadruple dream remains very much alive.

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Inter Milan stunned Bayern Munich with a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final

Inter Milan stunned Bayern Munich with a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, thanks to a dramatic late winner from Davide Frattesi at the Allianz Arena. Despite Bayern dominating the early exchanges, it was Inter who struck first. Marcus Thuram’s audacious back-heel on 38 minutes set up Lautaro Martinez, who lashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. The goal was a reward for Inter’s growing composure as the game progressed, especially after weathering a relentless Bayern onslaught in the opening 30 minutes. Michael Olise, who was a constant menace on the right, and Harry Kane came close to giving Bayern the lead early on. Olise fizzed one just wide and later picked out Kane with a brilliant run and cross, only for the England captain to strike the post. Inter’s defensive discipline kept the hosts at bay after the goal, with goalkeeper Yann Sommer making a key save to deny Martinez early in the second half. But Bayern, who had gone unbeaten in their previous 22 home Champions League games, weren’t done yet. With five minutes to go, Thomas Mueller—fresh off announcing his departure after 25 seasons with the club—popped up with a poacher’s goal at the far post to level the tie and send the home crowd into raptures. However, just as Bayern looked to have snatched momentum, Inter silenced the stadium with a devastating counter-attack. Carlos Augusto surged forward on the left and cut back for Frattesi, whose clinical finish in the 88th minute handed Inter a vital away win. What They Said 🗣️ Lautaro Martinez (Inter goalscorer): “We showed character and personality. This was a complete performance. We knew it would be tough but the boys showed what they’re made of.” 🗣️ Thomas Mueller (Bayern): “It was a stupid goal to concede at the end. We’ll look at the footage and see what went wrong. This isn’t over. We know what we can do in Milan.” 🗣️ Davide Frattesi (Match-winner): “When Carlos gave me the ball, I knew I had to stay calm. It felt amazing to score at such a big moment. We’ll enjoy it for now, but the job’s not done.” Key Stats What’s Next?

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