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Four things to look for as European football picks up speed this week
The European club football trophies should already be stowed in the cabinets, instead most of the top leagues are only just resuming after the coronavirus interruption.
While the Germans returned on May 16, the top two Spanish divisions have only just resumed, and the English Premier League and Serie A reappear this week.
AFP Sport picks out key issues as elite European club football gets back into its stride.
It’s all kicking off
The Premier League returns on Wednesday and Serie A on Saturday, joining the Bundesliga and La Liga in rebooting their seasons.
Aston Villa, who lost to Leicester on Match 9 in the last match before the lockdown, will kick off against Champions League chasing Sheffield United.
The potentially pivotal game on re-opening day pits Manchester City, clinging to their hopes of retaining their title, against visiting Arsenal.
Serie A makes a stuttering comeback with four fixtures called off when Italian sport was suspended on March 9 midway through the 26th round of matches.
Torino kick off at home to Parma in a mid-table battle on Saturday. On Sunday third-place Inter Milan and fourth-place Atalanta both have home games.
We are almost the champions
Two of the leagues could be settled by the end of the week.
Bayern Munich have been in rude health since the restart, winning all six matches, five in the league and one in the cup, including a pivotal victory at challengers Borussia Dortmund.
They can clinch an eighth straight title with victory at struggling Werder Bremen on Tuesday. But Bremen showed signs of life on Saturday with a 5-1 victory in Paderborn.
It could be one and done for Liverpool. If Manchester City fail to beat Arsenal, Liverpool can clinch their first title since 1990 away to neighbours Everton on Sunday.
The prospect of Liverpool winning the title in their own city led police to briefly suggest the match be moved to avoid fans ignoring social distancing rules and gathering to celebrate.
On a knife edge
While Bayern and Liverpool await their coronations, there is plenty at stake elsewhere.
Juventus have usually burned off their pursuers in the final straight on their way to eight straight Serie A titles, but Lazio have been proving dogged, and the long break may change the equation.
In Spain, Barcelona, whose form had been erratic before the enforced break returned with a bang on Saturday, winning 4-0 at Mallorca to ensure they stayed ahead of Real Madrid.
The pace will be frantic. Barcelona return with three matches in six days.
The battle for precious Champions League berths is tight everywhere. In England it is complicated by the possibility that Manchester City will be banned from next season’s competition.
While Paderborn in Germany, Norwich in England, and SPAL and Brescia in Serie A need near miracles to escape relegation, every one of the four big leagues has at least half a dozen clubs embroiled in the survival battle.
Yet Espanyol, who returned in La Liga on Saturday by ending a run of six matches, and more than four months, without a win suggested the break may help some strugglers.
Made for TV
Having been starved of live games, fans still cannot go to matches but can suddenly choose from a crowded menu – if they have the right subscriptions.
When he gave the green light for Italian football to return, Sports Minister Vincent Spadafora said the sport was part of the country’s “return to normal life again”.
The first match suggested the appetite was there as a goalless cup semi-final between Juventus and Inter Milan on Friday drew the biggest football audience for more than a year. But it was shown free-to-air on national broadcaster RAI. When Serie A returns so will the pay wall, with most matches on Sky Italia.
In Germany, the local Sky arm owns the rights and broadcast live action free for the first two rounds.
In England, where the Premier League has become a political football for battered politicians, the schedule has been arranged so all the 92 games can be screened live.
Of those 33, 25 on Sky and four each on the BBC and Amazon, will be available free, including the Merseyside derby.
In Spain, the format is unchanged with one game a week available free, but Movistar, which owns the rights to the other nine matches, has reduced its price for the remaining games.
Reporting and photos: AFP
From December 10th to 14th, Siyam World Maldives will host an unforgettable event for tennis enthusiasts and sports lovers. In collaboration with LUX Tennis, the resort welcomes former World No. 7 and Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli for an exciting LUX Tennis Star Event, featuring private lessons, group clinics, and a Meet & Greet with the tennis legend.
After establishing itself as a premier destination for football camps and hosting some of the sport’s greatest players, Siyam World is now shifting focus to tennis, with Marion Bartoli as the latest star to join its roster of sports icons. Guests will have the opportunity to step onto the court with Bartoli herself, gaining insights and tips from one of the sport’s best, whether they’re experienced players or beginners looking to improve their skills.
In collaboration with LUX Tennis, the resort offers a diverse range of tennis activities, from private one-on-one lessons to energetic group clinics, catering to all levels of players. Additionally, a Complimentary Meet & Greet session provides fans with the chance to take photos, engage in conversation with Bartoli, and hear about her inspiring journey from professional player to tennis icon.
Marion Bartoli is a celebrated former professional tennis player from France, known for her unique playing style and remarkable career achievements. She captured the prestigious Wimbledon Championships singles title in 2013, becoming the sixth player in the Open Era to win the title without dropping a set. Bartoli was also a Wimbledon finalist in 2007 and reached the semifinals at the French Open in 2011. Throughout her career, she earned seven singles and three doubles titles on the WTA Tour. Recognised for her unconventional approach, she played with both hands on her forehand and backhand, distinguishing her from traditional players. Bartoli reached her career-high ranking of World No. 7 on January 30, 2012, and returned to this ranking on July 8, 2013, following her Wimbledon victory.
Ayada Maldives, renowned for its luxury experiences and stunning oceanic paradise, has introduced an exhilarating new way to explore the island’s turquoise waters: the Jet Car. This innovative, sports-car-inspired watercraft offers guests the ultimate blend of luxury and adventure, providing a one-of-a-kind experience in the Maldivian seas.
The Ayada Maldives Jet Car is more than just a ride; it represents an unforgettable thrill. Designed to resemble a sleek sports car, this watercraft glides effortlessly over the lagoon, offering an exhilarating way to explore the island’s pristine waters in style. Perfect for adventure seekers and luxury enthusiasts alike, the Jet Car presents an unmatched opportunity to experience the breathtaking views and vibrant marine life of the Maldives from an entirely new perspective.
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The Jet Car experience is available for booking at Ayada Maldives’ Watersports Center, with prices starting from $249 per ride. Each ride promises to be a highlight of any guest’s stay, providing an unbeatable blend of adrenaline and beauty that captures the essence of the Maldives.
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One&Only Reethi Rah welcomes top tennis talents Iga Swiatek and Ugo Humbert for exclusive clinics
One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives is offering tennis enthusiasts of all levels and ages a unique chance to meet and play with two of the world’s top players this November. In collaboration with the global tennis management company LUX Tennis, the resort will host Iga Swiatek, currently ranked No. 2, and Ugo Humbert, currently ranked No. 14, starting from November 21. The event will feature world-class showcases of their skills through clinics, private lessons, and exhibition matches at the exclusive private island resort.
Iga Swiatek, known for her aggressive, all-court play style, powerful serve, and exceptional speed, held the No. 1 ranking globally until recently. Originally from Poland and a favourite on the WTA Tour, she has won an impressive 22 singles titles, including the 2023 WTA Finals and ten WTA 1000 titles.
Ugo Humbert, celebrated for his strong serve and attacking approach, reached his career-high singles ranking of No. 13 in March 2021. Representing France, Humbert has shown his prowess across various ATP tours and ITF circuits, with a remarkable record of six ATP Tour titles from six finals.
The exciting visits of Iga and Ugo add to the tennis program at One&Only Reethi Rah, supported by resident LUX Tennis professionals. Guests can enjoy private lessons and friendly matches on the resort’s superb facilities, which include two floodlit tennis courts and a padel court, all set amidst the stunning Maldivian landscape.
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