The post FanCode Tournaments in the coming week appeared first on NRI News.

“We are incredibly excited to host the world’s largest sporting event,” says Saudi Tourism Authority CEO, Fahd Hamidaddin. “Saudi welcomed over 100 million visitors in 2023, and we are the fastest-growing tourism destination in the G20. As the Heart of Arabia, we are eager to welcome visitors to experience our beautiful country, and the breadth of its wonders – from the mountains of Aseer to the shimmering waters of the Saudi Red Sea, the vast dunes, our human and natural heritage will dazzle and inspire. Our dynamic tourism sector ensures visitors have a seamless experience across all touchpoints, and we invite the world to experience the magic of Saudi now. Whether seeking adrenaline, culture, or relaxation, a visit in advance of the World Cup will offer a taste of Saudi, and our famed hospitality, where, with hearts open, we invite everyone to experience the warmest of Saudi welcomes.”

The FIFA World Cup 2034 will be the first time the 48-team tournament will be hosted by a single country. Saudi’s host cities include Riyadh, blending modern entertainment with historic treasures at Diriyah; Jeddah, showcasing the glimmering Red Sea and Al Balad, Historic Jeddah’s charm; Al Khobar, featuring serene beaches and cultural landmarks; and Abha, with its lush landscapes and adventure activities. All of the host cities are set to captivate football fans with state-of-the-art stadiums, world-class amenities, vibrant fan festivals, and a diverse array of cultural experiences.

In celebration of Saudi’s successful FIFA World Cup 2034 bid, STA organized vibrant on-ground activities in key international locations, such as London’s Piccadilly Circus and Dubai Mall’s iconic fountain, featuring Saudi flash mobs that showcased the country’s rich culture and highlighted the destinations set to host matches. Domestically, celebrations took place in five iconic locations: Salwa Palace, Historic Jeddah, Hegra, Rijal Almaa, and Ithra, inviting the public to join in and commemorate this historic milestone. STA also launched a short film welcoming and inviting the world to experience Saudi’s warmth and wonder, embodying the joy, pride, and excitement felt nationwide.

With a passionate football fan base and a growing cadre of world-class sporting events hosted in the country, Saudi is sharing its storied heritage and vibrant culture with the world. From the stunning landscapes of the Saudi Red Sea – with its 1,800 km of pristine coastline, sweeping desert dunes, and mountain canyons, to the historical wonders of AlUla, where heritage meets nature, the coastal cosmopolitan hub of Jeddah, where the modern and traditional blend beautifully, to the thrum and thrill of the capital of Riyadh, visitors can explore a land rich in culture, history, and breathtaking experiences in this year-round destination.

The STA is working closely with partners across the tourism ecosystem to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors. This includes enhanced flight connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, Saudi is committed to delivering a tournament that celebrates the spirit of football and leaves a positive legacy for generations to come.     

Reaching Saudi has never been easier, with over 330 direct flights from India, offered by carriers like SAUDIA, FlyNas, Air India, Air India Express, Indigo, and Spicejet. Indigo recently launched the route of a daily service between Bengaluru and Jeddah w.e.f. September 30, 2024. Indians holding a valid tourist or business visa from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, or any Schengen country, with stamped proof of entry are eligible for the eVisa and visa upon arrival at Saudi international airports. Indian travelers can also apply for a Stopover visa, which is valid for up to 96 hours and can be obtained 90 days in advance on the Saudia Airline and Flynas website. There are 10 VFS Tasheer offices across Indian cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and more to streamline travel for Indians.

The post Saudi Arabia Gears Up to Host FIFA World Cup™ 2034 appeared first on NRI News.

Founded in 1889, Mohun Bagan Super Giant is one of the oldest and most prestigious football clubs in Asia. The club’s rich history includes being the first all-Indian team to win a championship against a British club, a significant milestone during India’s struggle for independence. MBSG is more than just a football club; it symbolizes pride, sentiment, and identity for West Bengal and across India. The club’s matches are cultural spectacles deeply embedded in the East Indian market, with a passionate fan base that mirrors the enthusiasm of European football. Currently, MBSG is one of India’s top-performing clubs, having won the ISL League Title for the 2023-2024 season.

While Skechers has widely been recognized for its supreme comfort in footwear, the brand continues to focus on expanding its influence in the performance category. Skechers has partnered with athletes around the world who compete in the brand’s footwear across various sports including football, cricket, basketball, golf, pickleball, and running. Along with existing official partnerships with the Indian Pickleball Association and the Mumbai Indians, these initiatives reflect Skechers’ commitment to enhancing its reputation in the sportswear market and providing athletes with innovative, high-performance gear.

Rahul Vira, CEO of Skechers South Asia Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are incredibly proud to partner with a club as iconic as Mohun Bagan Super Giant. With more and more players globally experiencing our signature Comfort That Performs on the pitch, this association is an extension of our commitment to developing a strong sports culture in India while reinforcing Skechers as a leading performance brand to consumers everywhere. Mohun Bagan’s legacy and its passionate fan base align perfectly with our brand values, and we are excited to be part of their journey as they continue to inspire and achieve further milestones on the field.”

Vinay Chopra, Director of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Skechers, a global leader in performance and lifestyle apparel, to fuel our pursuit of excellence on and off the pitch. This association is a testament to our shared values of innovation, quality, and a passion for performance. With Skechers by our side, we’re confident that our team will be equipped with the best apparel to take on the toughest challenges in the Indian Super League and beyond. We look forward to a winning partnership that will inspire our fans and take Indian football to new heights.”

As the new ISL season approaches, Skechers looks forward to seeing its brand proudly displayed on the jerseys of Mohun Bagan Super Giant. This partnership not only aligns with Skechers’ mission to be a key player in the performance sportswear category but also honors the legacy and cultural significance of MBSG.

The latest Skechers performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel for men and women is available at Skechers.in as well as Skechers retail stores throughout India. Football fans can get behind-the-scenes access to Skechers Football product launches and more by following @skechersfootball on Instagram.

The post SKECHERS Becomes the Official Kit Partner of Mohun Bagan Super Giant appeared first on NRI News.

BIRMINGHAM, UK: The Next Generation Cup 2024 campaign began with Indian clubs Punjab FC and Muthoot FA giving a tough run to their opponents Aston Villa FC and Everton FC respectively. The Toffees had to wait till the second half to find a way past a disciplined Muthoot FA team for their 1-0 victory. On the other hand, Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 champions Punjab FC put up an impressive fight before going down 3-2 in front of Aston Villa FC on the opening day of the tournament.

The two games were arguably of stark contrast, with there being a fair bit of flair in the Punjab FC encounter, thanks to the two teams constantly going back and forth against each other. Muthoot FA’s style of play drew praise from Everton FC coach and ex-England player Leighton Baines as well. Here’s a brief rundown of the concerned fixtures. 

Muthoot FA vs Everton FC

Muthoot FA produced a fitting contest against Everton with the Toffees scoring the only goal of the match in the 34th minute.

The third-place winners of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 were neatly organized at the back and didn’t offer their Premier League opponents many clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities in the opening half of the contest.

Eventually, it took a concerted team effort on their behalf to break through the Muthoot FA backline.

Jacob Beaumont-Clark pierced through the defense of the Indian side with a dazzling run through the center. He released the ball to an onrushing Callum Bales on the right flank.

Bales received the ball with a deft first touch, before setting up Kean Wren with a squared-up pass that the latter comfortably tapped in to break the deadlock after a gripping passage of play.

“It was a tough game. It was a different challenge for our lads to play against well-organised opponents. I am hoping that they learn something from it and it came across as a big challenge for us. Muthoot FA came in with a clear idea of how they might get success out of this game. They’ve got a good idea of when they have the ball, and what they would want to do in those moments. We don’t always get to practice in such situations, which is good for our lads and for the overall development of players,” Everton FC coach Leighton Baines said after the game.

Brief Scores

Everton FC 1 (Kean Wren 34’) – 0 Muthoot FA

Punjab FC vs Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa FC triumphed over Punjab FC by 3-2 in a closely contested game, with the English outfit taking the lead through their forward Rory Wilson in the 12th minute of the match.

In a template that was visible throughout the encounter, both sides ensured that they didn’t allow their opponents ample space to work with the ball outside of the 18-yard box.

It resulted in an overcrowding of the penalty area, but players from the two ends delivered a high-scoring clash.

Wilson complemented his opening goal with another strike in the 33rd minute, with almost identical goals coming as a result of his ability to put the ball into the back of the net from close spaces.

But before that, Omang Dodum from Punjab FC equalized the scores in the 22nd minute, collecting a ball on the run in the left flank and depositing it past Aston Villa FC goalkeeper Sam Lewis. Travis Patterson and Mason Cotcher joined hands at the 40th-minute mark to add another goal to Aston Villa FC’s tally.

Patterson’s cross from the left flank was perfectly met and converted by Cotcher to get the scores to 3-1 up. However, Punjab FC struck quickly on the counter, with No. 10 Manglenthang Kipgen striking from a few yards away from the left flank a minute later to cut the deficit.

Eventually, Aston Villa FC held their nerves until the end to secure the win.

“We need to focus more on tactical decisions. We were intact for large portions but lost concentration for a bit and conceded the easiest of goals. We were having a good run of chances, but couldn’t capitalize on that and an unwanted error resulted in us going 1-0 down. The players are high on confidence but we need to address a bit in the execution part of things. We are lacking a bit of instinct and this is the best possible platform for us to work on things and learn a lot going forward,” Punjab FC coach Sankarlal Chakraborty said.

Brief Scores

Aston Villa FC 3 (Rory Wilson 12’ 33’, Mason Cotcher 40’) – 2 Punjab FC (Omang Dodum 22’, Manglenthang Kipgen 41’)

Schedule – August 2, 2024

Muthoot FA vs Crystal Palace FC – 2:30 PM IST

Aston Villa FC vs Stellenbosch FC – 2:30 PM IST

Everton FC vs East Bengal FC – 7:30 PM IST

Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Punjab FC – 7:30 PM IST

Where to Watch

The matches will be streamed live on the following platforms -:

Reliance Foundation Youth Sports: https://youtube.com/@RelianceFoundationYouthSports

Premier League: https://youtube.com/@premierleague

The post Everton FC Coach Leighton Baines on Competing Against Muthoot FA’s Tactical Brilliance appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: The K.C. Mahindra Education Trust proudly announces the re-defined intervention from Project Nanhi Kali with an innovative campaign that integrates football into the curriculum for underprivileged schoolgirls across India. This campaign, created by Ogilvy, underscores the Trust’s commitment to holistic education, blending academic learning with essential life skills acquired through sports.

KC Mahindra Education Trust started Project Nanhi Kali to encourage and support underprivileged girls to complete 10 years of schooling. In alignment with the National Education Policy which advocates the integration of sports as part of the curriculum, Project Nanhi Kali is introducing the girls to the game of football.

Project Nanhi Kali’s campaign film captures the transformative power of football on young girls, highlighting real-life stories of schoolgirls from across India who are part of this program. These girls are not just learning to play football; they are gaining confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of self-worth that transcends the football field. The film is a testament to how sports can be a powerful vehicle for change, teaching values such as teamwork, perseverance, and resilience.

Project Nanhi Kali has transformed the lives of more than 700,000 girls across India.

Watch the film here: 

Commenting on the new film, Sheetal Mehta, Trustee and Executive Director, of K.C. Mahindra Education Trust says, “At Project Nanhi Kali, we empower underprivileged girls through a transformative blend of education including 21st-century skills and sports leadership training. This holistic approach provides the girls with the essential tools to succeed in life. Our ‘Lessons from a Football’ film vividly showcases how football teaches crucial values like teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. By incorporating sports into our program, we see Nanhi Kalis evolving into a strong, confident leader who is ready to take on the world.”

Asha Kharga, Chief Customer and Brand Officer, Mahindra Group also added, “Nanhi Kali represents Mahindra’s philosophy of Rise in action. We approached the new campaign with the mindset of an innovation launch. In alignment with the National Education Policy, Nanhi Kali has revamped its curriculum to be more holistic by integrating sports, while maintaining a focus on English, Math, Digital & Financial Literacy, and Soft Skills.“

“We needed to effectively communicate this shift and a day with the Nanhi Kalis in the village of Jambusar gave us rich insights. For these girls, football is more than a sport, it instills in them the confidence to Rise.” 

Ogilvy India conceptualized this thought-provoking film. Kainaz Karmakar and Harshad Rajadhyaksha, Chief Creative Officers of Ogilvy India opined: “We visited a rural Nanhi Kali center and spent a lot of quality time interacting with several Nanhi Kalis, and their coaches. The raw, captivating, and liberating stories of what the simple game of football has come to mean for these little girls and their sense of confidence and self-worth, are what inspired us to create this piece of communication.

It is a privilege and honor for all of us at Ogilvy to partner with the super-driven Nanhi Kali client team in this journey. We are also very pleased with what our director, Afshan, has been able to bring to life in this film, working with so many amazing actual Nanhi Kalis who had never faced a movie camera in their lives, before this film.”

The post Nanhi Kali’s Groundbreaking Initiative Uniting Education and Sports for Girls appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: Aston Villa FC and Punjab FC will kick off the Next Generation Cup 2024 at the Aston Villa FC Training Ground in Tamworth, UK on August 1. Three teams from India and one from South Africa will fly to the UK in the coming week and the town of Tamworth will host the tournament this year. (Premier League Next Generation Cup 2024 Schedule)

Matches are scheduled to take place at the Aston Villa FC Training Ground. The facility boasts more than eight football fields and many impressive amenities. The tournament will be held from August 1 to August 4 with the finals hosted at the Loughborough University Stadium. Premier League Next Gen Cup Announcement

August 1st – Thursday

The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) champions Punjab FC will take on the host city team Aston Villa at 10:00 AM (2:30 PM IST). Simultaneously, Everton will face off with Muthoot FA, the third-placed team in the RFDL, on the other pitch. Muthoot FA opened a lot of eyes during the RFDL and the players will display their grit against the International opponents.

A few hours later, at 3:00 PM (7:30 PM IST), Crystal Palace takes on East Bengal FC, the RFDL runners-up, while the other pitch witnesses a clash between Stellenbosch FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC. Stellenbosch FC of South Africa won the Midlands group title in the 2022 Next Generation Cup while Spurs suffered a defeat that year in the London group finals as they lost 8-0 to West Ham United. They missed out on an appearance in the 2023 Next Generation Cup but will try to get the silverware home this season.

August 2nd – Friday

The second day of the tournament will kick off similarly at 10:00 AM (2:30 PM IST), with a matchup between Muthoot FA and Crystal Palace on one pitch while the other field hosts Aston Villa and Stellenbosch FC. A few hours later, at 3:00 PM (7:30 PM IST), East Bengal will try to prove their mettle against Everton while Tottenham Hotspur faces off with the RFDL champions Punjab FC.

Every team plays every day during this tournament so the players have to deal with a very quick turnaround regardless of the previous game’s outcome. Only time will tell which team will step up to the challenge.

August 3rd – Saturday

The third and final day of the group-stage games will begin with Tottenham Hotspur and Muthoot FA battling it out for a top spot in the leaderboard at 3:00 PM (7:00 PM IST). The top eight teams will enter a bracket and compete on the last day of the tournament. The first and second-placed teams on the table will play in the Grand Final and fight for the bragging rights of the 2024 Next Generation Cup.

Premier League sides and Indian teams will not face teams from their country during the span of these group-stage games. The aim is to promote international exposure and development of young players and they are set to receive that courtesy of the high-intensity matches that they’ll be a part of in the coming week.

Crystal Palace and Stellenbosch FC will kick off alongside the game between Tottenham Hotspur and Muthoot FA at 3:00 PM (7:30 PM IST). At 6:00 PM (10:30 PM IST), hosts Aston Villa welcome East Bengal FC on the field while Everton and Punjab FC clash on the other pitch to wrap up the group stages.

The stakes will be at an all-time high as teams try to move up the ladder on the final day of the group-stage games. As mentioned earlier, the last day’s fixtures will be determined by the standings.

August 4th – Sunday

The last day of the tournament will show each team’s grit and might. The 7th and 8th-placed teams will face off at 10:00 AM (2:30 PM IST) alongside the 5th and 6th-placed teams. At noon, there will be a showdown between the third and fourth-placed sides for the third place. Finally, the 2024 Next Generation Cup will conclude with the first and second-position teams locking horns at 4:00 PM (8:30 PM IST) for the much-awaited championship title.

Where to Watch?

The matches will be streamed live on the following platforms -:

Reliance Foundation Youth Sports: https://youtube.com/@RelianceFoundationYouthSports

Premier League: https://youtube.com/@premierleague

The post Don’t Miss It: Punjab FC and Aston Villa FC Clash in Next Generation Cup 2024 appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: The 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season is over and numerous players who ply their trade on Spanish soil are now gearing up for the upcoming 2024 European Championship, which is set to take place in Germany from June 14th to July 14th. This highly anticipated tournament will kick off on Friday with the opener between hosts Germany and Scotland, a game that will feature Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, who has returned to international action three years after announcing his retirement from the national team in the wake of Germany’s exit in Euro 2020.

Kroos is just one of the many LALIGA EA SPORTS players expected to steal the limelight at Euro 2024. Here comes a look at five other players worth watching when the competition gets up and running.

Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona & Spain): The prodigy who could light up his first tournament

Having recorded as many as 50 appearances across all competitions in 2023/24, Lamine Yamal had a breakout year and smashed several records on his way to becoming an undisputed starter at FC Barcelona, such as becoming the youngest-ever goalscorer in LALIGA EA SPORTS history.

Moreover, he has also made history with Spain by becoming the youngest debutant and goalscorer in La Roja’s history, playing and scoring in a game against Georgia when he was just 16 years and 57 days old.

Expected to start in Luis de la Fuente’s line-up, Lamine Yamal is preparing for his first international tournament and will hope to help Spain emerge through a challenging Group B, which also features reigning champions Italy, Croatia – captained by Real Madrid veteran Luka Modrić – and Albania.

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England): The Player of the Season hopes for a triumphant summer

After taking LALIGA EA SPORTS by storm and leading Real Madrid to the 2023/24 title, Jude Bellingham will now look to inspire the Three Lions to their first-ever European Championship trophy. The midfielder joined Los Blancos from Borussia Dortmund last summer and, in his first season with the Spanish team, he celebrated both the domestic league and Champions League titles, having recorded 23 goals and 13 assists across all competitions.

England is one of the favorites to win this tournament, given that they reached the final last time when they lost to Italy on penalties at Wembley. Bellingham didn’t play in that final, so his presence could be the X-factor this time around.

Gareth Southgate’s team is in a Group C that also features Slovenia, Serbia, and Denmark, and they’ll be hoping to go far in the tournament, aware that Bellingham is in great form and travels to Germany as a Spanish and European champion.

Giorgi Mamardashvili (Valencia CF & Georgia): The hero of the European Championship debutants

Giorgi Mamardashvili not only had an excellent season with Valencia CF, but he also kept two clean sheets in the playoff games against Luxembourg and Greece to help Georgia clinch their first-ever European Championship participation. After defeating the former 2-0, Georgia drew 0-0 against the Greek national team, with the game going to a penalty shootout. There, it was time for Mamardashvili to shine again, with the Valencia CF shot-stopper denying Greece captain Anastasios Bakasetas to send fans at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi into a frenzy.

Georgia’s task to qualify for the Euro 2024 knockout stage will be anything but easy, as they will have to face Turkey, Portugal and Czechia, but Mamardashvili – who finished sixth in the rankings for the Zamora Trophy in LALIGA EA SPORTS in 2023/24 – will be tough to beat for all opponents he comes up against.

Artem Dovbyk (Girona FC & Ukraine): The Pichichi wants more goals

Having netted 24 goals in 36 LALIGA EA SPORTS appearances, Artem Dovbyk became the first Girona FC and first Ukrainian player to ever win the Pichichi prize, awarded to the top goalscorer each LALIGA EA SPORTS season. The Girona FC striker became the first player who doesn’t play for either Real Madrid or FC Barcelona to win the accolade since 2008/09 when Atlético de Madrid striker Diego Forlán earned the award.

He was instrumental to Girona FC’s incredible season, in which the underdogs finished third and secured a maiden ticket for the Champions League. Now, Dovbyk will look to punish opposition defenses in Euro 2024 and he’ll aim to spearhead another Cinderella story, starting with his team’s Group E matches against Romania, Slovakia, and Belgium.

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid & France): A look at Real Madrid’s new star

Real Madrid fans will have the opportunity to watch their new signing in action this summer, as Kylian Mbappé will captain France at Euro 2024. The striker is set to join Real Madrid after the tournament, with Los Blancos officially announcing his arrival just a few days after winning their 15th Champions League trophy.

After leading France to FIFA World Cup glory in 2018, Mbappé netted a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina, who won the trophy on penalties. He hasn’t yet won the European Championship but hopes to inspire Les Blues to what would be the third success in this competition in their history. But, to do so, France will first need to get through a tough Group D featuring Poland, Austria, and the Netherlands.

Mbappé will be keen to put on a show, aware that even more attention is on him than ever before, and he’ll be accompanied by several other LALIGA EA SPORTS stars, such as Barça defender Jules Koundé, Atleti forward Antoine Griezmann and Real Madrid players Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

The post FIVE LALIGA EA SPORTS PLAYERS TO WATCH DURING EURO 2024 appeared first on NRI News.

The ‘Inter-Batch Sports Tournament’ has grown significantly since its inception in 2015. The first edition, held at the Astroturf in Mukund Nagar, received an overwhelming response. This success led St. Vincent School’s principal Rev. Fr. Andrew Fernandes to invite the tournament to use the St. Vincent’s ground from the second edition onwards. Since then St. Vincent’s ground has been the venue for hosting the Fr. Schoch Memorial Sports Tournament.

The tournament was graced by the presence of the Principal of St. Vincent’s High School, the President of VOBA (Vocational Officers’ Benevolent Association), VOBA Committee members, and Terence Phelan (SUFC).

This year in football, a total of 38 teams competed in two categories: Senior (36 years and above) and Junior Category (below 36 years) playing in a group stage followed by knockout rounds.

Tournament Winners

Individual Winners:

• Best Goalkeeper (Seniors): Nikhil Dubois, batch of 1995
• Top Scorer (Seniors): Bruce de Almeida, batch of 2003
• Best Player (Seniors): Benedict Rodrick’s, batch of 1993
• Top Scorer (Juniors): Shaun Bob, batch of 2010
• Best Goalkeeper (Juniors): Krishna Patel, batch of 2022
• Best Player (Juniors): Nikil Narayanan, batch of 2010
• Upcoming Player: Shaun Perreira, under 19

Team Winners

• Seniors Winners: Batch of 1995
• Seniors Runners-up: Batch of 1993
• Juniors Winners: Batch of 2010
• Juniors Runners-up: Batch of 2022

Terence Phelan, former professional footballer and currently serving as the Sporting Director of the South United Sports Foundation, awarded the winners with prizes and certificates to conclude the 8^th edition of the tournament.

The post South United FC Sponsors 8th Fr. Schoch Memorial Sports Tournament To Promote Football In Pune appeared first on NRI News.

Football fans can watch all the action on FanCode’s mobile app (Android, iOS), TV app available on Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Jio STB, Samsung TV, and on partner platforms Airtel XStream, OTT Play, Jio TV, Jio TV+, Vodafone Idea, Prime Video Channels, and www.fancode.com.

Booking their place with a convincing 3-1 victory over West Brom, Southampton will be relying on striker Adam Armstrong to once again fire on all cylinders. With a late brace in the return fixture putting the Saints within touching distance of a return back to the Premier League, all eyes will be on the English talisman to once again deliver the goods on the big stage.

Meanwhile, Leeds United will be aiming to replicate the success of Luton Town; Winners of last year’s dramatic playoff final. No strangers to the EFL Championship Playoffs & the Premier League, Leeds will look towards the attacking prowess of their front four marksmen, who made light work of Norwich City in their 4-0 victory at Elland Road.

Both sides will also be eyeing immediate promotion to the Premier League. Leicester City and Ipswich Town have already secured promotion by finishing in the top 2 positions respectively.

A winner-takes-all clash in every sense of the word, the nail-biting affair promises high-octane football action, dreams of Premier League participation, and a place to witness history in the making for football enthusiasts across the globe. 

What time would the promotions play-off final be broadcast in India?  

The EFL Championship final will kick off at 7:30 PM IST on May 26.

How to watch the promotions play-off final in India? 

Football fans can watch all the action on FanCode’s mobile app (Android, iOS), TV app available

The post Leeds United Southampton Battle For Promotion In Football’s Richest Match’ appeared first on NRI News.

The results of Matchday 34 of LALIGA EA SPORTS meant several teams could start celebrating already, such as Real Madrid for winning the title or Girona FC for qualifying for the Champions League. Here’s all you need to know

Real Madrid, LALIGA EA SPORTS champions

The results in Matchday 34 mathematically confirmed Real Madrid as champions of the 2023/24 LALIGA EA SPORTS season. Carlo Ancelotti’s side defeated Cádiz CF 3-0 at the Bernabéu to move on to 87 points, a tally none of their challengers can match. It is the 36th time the capital city institution has won Spanish football’s top flight.

Girona FC will play in the Champions League next season

Girona FC also had a lot to celebrate this weekend, as they clinched the club’s first-ever Champions League qualification with a 4-2 victory over Catalan neighbors FC Barcelona. That result means Míchel’s side will play in Europe’s top club competition next campaign, and Los Blanquivermells are currently in second place and on course for Spanish Super Cup qualification too.

Isco, April Player of the Month

For the first time in his career, Isco has been named as the LALIGA EA SPORTS Player of the Month, with the Real Betis playmaker winning for his excellent performances throughout April. As well as scoring a goal in ELGRAN DERBI and assisting one in a victory over RC Celta, Isco consistently drove his team forward and has been recognized with this individual honor.

The rest of the LALIGA AWARDS winners for April

The other winners of the ‘LALIGA AWARDS, The Pride of our Fútbol’ were also revealed this past week. The Best Coach for April was Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, the Best U-23 Player was Girona FC’s Miguel Gutiérrez, the Best Goal was FC Barcelona forward João Félix’s overhead kick against Cádiz CF and the Best Play was the goal Real Betis scored against RC Celta when Isco assisted Nabil Fekir.

CA Osasuna, Sevilla FC and Deportivo Alavés are staying up

As the end of the season approaches, several clubs in the bottom half of the table have already secured their place in the top division for next season. Following the Matchday 34 results, CA Osasuna, Sevilla FC, and Deportivo Alavés are now mathematically safe.

RC Celta takes a big step toward safety

They’re not safe yet, but RC Celta took a big step towards avoiding relegation this past weekend. The Galician side edged a thrilling game against Villarreal CF, winning 3-2 to mean they’re now eight points ahead of 18th-placed Cádiz CF. The Galician side has even moved ahead of Rayo Vallecano and RC Mallorca, currently sitting 15th.

Unai Simón earns another clean sheet

Athletic Club earned a 2-0 victory away at Getafe CF to keep their chances of earning Champions League qualification alive, and they even did so despite receiving two red cards in the game. The clean sheet was also important for goalkeeper Unai Simón, as he is closing in on the Zamora Trophy. His record of 0.94 goals conceded per game is the best in LALIGA EA SPORTS among eligible players.

Dovbyk remains top of the Pichichi standings

As for the individual prize for the best goalscorer, Girona FC’s No.9 Artem Dovbyk remains the leader as he moved on to 20 goals with his effort against FC Barcelona on Saturday. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is his closest pursuer and also scored in Matchday 34, meaning the Englishman has 18 goals.

Thibaut Courtois makes his long-awaited return

There was another reason for Real Madrid fans to celebrate this week, besides becoming LALIGA EA SPORTS champions. And, that was the return of Thibaut Courtois from injury. The Belgian started against Cádiz CF on Saturday for his first minutes of the 2023/24 campaign, having recovered from a pair of serious knee injuries.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich will be decided at the Bernabéu

The first legs of the Champions League semi-finals took place last week and Real Madrid traveled to Germany to play out an enthralling 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, with Vinícius scoring both of Los Blancos’ goals. That first-leg result means the tie will be decided in the second leg at the Bernabéu on Wednesday.  

The post 10 Things We Learned This Week In LALIGA EA SPORTS appeared first on NRI News.