Barcelona president Joan Laporta took aim at Real Madrid’s players after winning the Spanish Super Cup final.

Laporta seemed surprised that Real’s players didn’t give Barcelona a guard of honour after the final.

At the end of the match, after the Real players had received their medals, Kylian Mbappé was seen telling his teammates to leave the pitch and go to the locker room. This didn’t sit well with the Barcelona president, who expressed his displeasure in an interview with Rac1.

Laporta stated: “We were playing very well and had the game very much under control… but yes, it’s true that I could see that Madrid could make things difficult for us on any counterattack.

“Despite that, we had control of the game and that gave me some peace of mind. We were far superior to Madrid and could have won by a larger margin.

“I’m surprised they didn’t give us a guard of honour. You have to be generous and respectful even when you lose, but I understand that it must have been a really tough time. They must have been really struggling, and that’s why they reacted that way.”

On coach Hansi Flick, Laporta added: “Hansi Flick has a contract and will be with us for many more seasons. We have a great coach who is under contract. It’s a contract that was made with heart and he has a very strong connection with the city.”

Arsenal attacker Kai Havertz was delighted with his comeback appearance in their FA Cup third round win at Portsmouth.

Havertz was a second-half substitute as he returned to action after suffering a knee injury on the opening day of the season against Manchester United.

Havertz said: “It’s a special feeling, it’s amazing for myself. I’m just happy to be back with the boys and I hope I can help them as much as possible now.

“I think the way the boys have played the last couple of months, it was so nice even to watch from the outside, even though it’s always very hard to be in a situation like this. But just to watch them was amazing and I’m very happy to be with them now.”

The Germany international also commented on Gabriel Martinelli’s hat-trick in the 4-1 win.

He said, “He’s buzzing. I think he deserves it. Every day he works so hard, and especially the way today, with two goals after a set piece, it’s incredible. So I think we’re all very happy for him.

“They were top, especially against teams where they actually focus a lot on set pieces, so to jump that high and then score two goals is amazing.

“I think it’s always tough in the third round of the FA Cup, and a place like this is always tough to play at. We didn’t play our best football, but we won the game and that’s the most important thing.”

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has expressed his delight with the Super Eagles’ steady progress at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, saying his ideas and football philosophy are now clearly taking shape within the team.

The three-time African champions continued their impressive run by recording a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals.

After a goalless first half at the Marrakech Stadium, the West African broke the deadlock through Victor Osimhen, who rose highest to head home a cross from Bruno Onyemaechi and give his side the lead.

The Nigerians then sealed the win late in the game when Sevilla forward Akor Adams produced a brilliant solo effort to put the result beyond doubt.

Reacting to the result, the Franco-Malian tactician praised his players for their positive attitude while stressing that the performance against Vladimir Petkovic’s men showed clear improvement.

“The Nigerian players are very happy, and I am extremely proud of them,” Chelle said.

“We really enjoyed the match. I have worked a lot since taking over my role with the Nigerian national team; we put in a lot of effort during preparations.

“My vision has been implemented in the Nigerian team, and we must continue working in this manner.


“The victory we achieved against Algeria was deserved. The match was fantastic, and I am very happy with the win.”

Nigeria face hosts Morocco in the semi-final and coach Chelle has already shifted focus to the next challenge. He acknowledged the quality of the opposition but remains confident in his team.

“After this match, we have another game, and we will prepare for it,” he added.

“Morocco is a strong team, and there will be pressure in front of the host nation. The best team will win. I am proud that we will face Morocco, and I hope it will be a good match, with the best team winning.”

If Nigeria overcome the Atlas Lions in Rabat, they will face either Egypt or Senegal in the final as they bid to become African champions for the fourth time in their history.