×
Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.“Other than that, we are in good shape.”The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.Published on May 01, 2026 #Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race

Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.

United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.

Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.

“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.

“Other than that, we are in good shape.”

The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.

“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.

“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”

United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.

“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.

“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”

Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.

ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid

“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.

“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”

Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.

Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.

“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.

“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”

United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race

Sports news , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.

United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.

Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.

“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.

“Other than that, we are in good shape.”

The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.

“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.

“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”

United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.

“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.

“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”

Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.

ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid

“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.

“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”

Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.

Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.

“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.

“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”

United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Published on May 01, 2026

Source link
#Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race

Tag
Previous post

Deadspin | Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr seeks first homer, wins in series vs. White Sox <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28835511.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28835511.jpg" alt="MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reacts after a ball call during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>It’s safe to say that no one had San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. getting to May 1 without a homer on his stat sheet.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>But that’s the case as Tatis and San Diego gear up for the first game on Friday of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>It would be ironic if Tatis finally went deep against the organization that originally found him before trading him in June 2016 for the veteran right-hander James Shields, a one-time All-Star who went 4-12 that season with Chicago and 16-35 there to close out his career.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Since making his major league debut with the Padres in 2019, Tatis has slugged 152 homers, winning a home run title with 42 in 2021. The three-time All-Star has swiped 132 bases, including a career-high 32 last year, and has become a platinum Gold Glove right fielder after starting his career as a plus defender at shortstop.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>However, he’s yet to perform his patented home run trot this year, even though his recent swings — he’s swatted a spate of balls well over 100 mph — suggest he might find the bleachers sooner instead of later.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I’m doing everything — hitting early, doing batting practice, after (games),” Tatis said. “It still doesn’t turn around. I don’t know … trying to figure it out.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Tatis is batting .250 with 13 RBI and eight steals in 10 attempts. He’s one of a handful of San Diego hitters still looking for their best form. Center fielder Jackson Merrill, a career .271 hitter, is down to .200 this season after managing only one hit in the team’s series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth, a career .244 hitter, is batting a shocking .146.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>But the team has pitched well enough, including Friday night’s starter, right-hander German Marquez (3-1, 4.38 ERA). He’s coming off a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Mexico City, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with a walk and two strikeouts. </p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Marquez is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Noah Schultz (1-1, 3.52) takes the ball for Chicago. The rookie lefty last worked on Saturday, fanning eight and permitting just four hits and two runs over six innings while walking four in a no-decision against Washington. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Schultz has allowed only eight hits in 15 1/3 innings and fanned 18 but walked nine.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Schultz is one reason why the White Sox are finally trending in the right direction after three long years. Chicago polished off a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a 3-2, 10-inning win on Colson Montgomery’s game-winning single.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The White Sox finished April at 13-13, their first full month of .500 baseball since June 2023 (13-13). The 2026 run included a sweep of defending American League champion Toronto and a series win at Arizona.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“After a tough first couple of series, it feels like we’ve found different ways to win some of these close ballgames that maybe last year we wouldn’t have won,” said second-year manager Will Venable. “They’re coming to the ballpark focused and energized.”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The addition of rookie third baseman Munetaka Murakami from Japan has given the team a hammer in the middle of the order. Murakami is batting only .236 but has belted 12 homers to tie Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the MLB lead.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Padres #Fernando #Tatis #seeks #homer #wins #series #White #Sox

Next post

Frank Sinatra’s Emotional Last Words Still Strike a Chord With Fans

Related Posts

Delhi Capitals’ opening partnership finally came good as the visitor chased down 225 against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Friday.

Earlier in the evening, RR captain Riyan Parag won the toss and chose to bat first. The home side were dealt an early setback when the destructive opening pair of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed early.

But captain Riyan Parag, who has been short of runs this season, stepped up when it mattered most by scoring 90 off 50 balls. Along with the Donovan Ferreira’s final flourish in the latter half of the first innings, RR ended up with 225 on the board at the end of the first 20 overs.

RR would have backed itself to defend this total with Jofra Archer firing on all cylinders against a misfiring DC batting unit, but Pathum Nissanka (62 off 33 balls) and KL Rahul (75 off 40 balls) got off to a flying start.

By the end of the PowerPlay, DC were 70/0, the first time they managed to bat through the first six without losing a wicket this season.

Nissanka was dismissed soon after but Rahul batted till the 15th over before Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma completed the chase to help DC return to winning ways and snap its three match losing streak.

Published on May 01, 2026

#IPL #Rahul #Nissanka #centuries #power #Delhi #Capitals #victory #Rajasthan #Royals">RR vs DC, IPL 2026: Rahul, Nissanka half centuries power Delhi Capitals to victory over Rajasthan Royals Delhi Capitals’ opening partnership finally came good as the visitor chased down 225 against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Friday.Earlier in the evening, RR captain Riyan Parag won the toss and chose to bat first. The home side were dealt an early setback when the destructive opening pair of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed early.But captain Riyan Parag, who has been short of runs this season, stepped up when it mattered most by scoring 90 off 50 balls. Along with the Donovan Ferreira’s final flourish in the latter half of the first innings, RR ended up with 225 on the board at the end of the first 20 overs.RR would have backed itself to defend this total with Jofra Archer firing on all cylinders against a misfiring DC batting unit, but Pathum Nissanka (62 off 33 balls) and KL Rahul (75 off 40 balls) got off to a flying start.By the end of the PowerPlay, DC were 70/0, the first time they managed to bat through the first six without losing a wicket this season.Nissanka was dismissed soon after but Rahul batted till the 15th over before Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma completed the chase to help DC return to winning ways and snap its three match losing streak.Published on May 01, 2026 #IPL #Rahul #Nissanka #centuries #power #Delhi #Capitals #victory #Rajasthan #Royals

Deadspin | Cowboys sign 1st-rounder Caleb Downs, five other picks Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Dallas Cowboys signed six of their seven picks from the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, including first-round selection Caleb Downs to his four-year rookie deal. Downs, the 11th overall pick of the draft, will receive .95 million in fully guaranteed money that includes a .5 million signing bonus. The deal also includes a fifth-year team option. The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to acquire Downs, a safety. Dallas has yet to sign its other first-round pick, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, who was selected with the 23rd overall pick. Downs, a two-time consensus All-American, was named the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio State and took home the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy. His career totals include 164 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 44 games for Alabama (2023) and Ohio State (2024-25). In addition to Downs, the Cowboys signed third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham, fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton, fourth-round cornerback Devin Moore, fourth-round edge rusher LT Overton and seventh-round wide receiver Anthony Smith. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cowboys #sign #1strounder #Caleb #Downs #picksApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys signed six of their seven picks from the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, including first-round selection Caleb Downs to his four-year rookie deal.

Downs, the 11th overall pick of the draft, will receive $28.95 million in fully guaranteed money that includes a $17.5 million signing bonus. The deal also includes a fifth-year team option.

The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to acquire Downs, a safety. Dallas has yet to sign its other first-round pick, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, who was selected with the 23rd overall pick.


Downs, a two-time consensus All-American, was named the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio State and took home the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy.

His career totals include 164 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 44 games for Alabama (2023) and Ohio State (2024-25).

In addition to Downs, the Cowboys signed third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham, fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton, fourth-round cornerback Devin Moore, fourth-round edge rusher LT Overton and seventh-round wide receiver Anthony Smith.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cowboys #sign #1strounder #Caleb #Downs #picks">Deadspin | Cowboys sign 1st-rounder Caleb Downs, five other picks Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number eleven pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Dallas Cowboys signed six of their seven picks from the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, including first-round selection Caleb Downs to his four-year rookie deal. Downs, the 11th overall pick of the draft, will receive .95 million in fully guaranteed money that includes a .5 million signing bonus. The deal also includes a fifth-year team option. The Cowboys traded up one spot with the Miami Dolphins to acquire Downs, a safety. Dallas has yet to sign its other first-round pick, edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, who was selected with the 23rd overall pick. Downs, a two-time consensus All-American, was named the 2025 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio State and took home the Jim Thorpe Award and Lott Trophy. His career totals include 164 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 44 games for Alabama (2023) and Ohio State (2024-25). In addition to Downs, the Cowboys signed third-round linebacker Jaishawn Barham, fourth-round tackle Drew Shelton, fourth-round cornerback Devin Moore, fourth-round edge rusher LT Overton and seventh-round wide receiver Anthony Smith. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cowboys #sign #1strounder #Caleb #Downs #picks

Rajasthan United FC dropped precious points in the Indian Football League 2025-26 title race, suffering a 0-1 defeat to Dempo SC in their Championship Phase clash at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.

Seigoumang Doungel scored the only goal of the match to guide Dempo to all three points.

The result leaves Rajasthan fourth with 17 points from 11 matches, while Dempo is fifth with 13 points from the same number of outings.

Rajasthan dominated large phases of the contest but failed to convert its control into goals, while Dempo delivered a disciplined defensive display and capitalised on a key moment in the second half to secure a crucial victory.

After an evenly contested opening period in terms of chances, despite Rajasthan’s territorial dominance, the game was decided just after the hour mark when Doungel finished off a swift Dempo move with Vieri Colaco surging forward down the right and driving into the box. With multiple defenders drawn towards him and Thakuri guarding the near post, Colaco squared the ball to an unmarked Doungel, who calmly tapped into an empty net.

ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

Rajasthan pushed hard for an equaliser thereafter but was repeatedly denied by a resolute Dempo backline and an assured performance from goalkeeper Ashish Sibi.

The host came closest to an equaliser in the 79th minute when a defensive lapse from Dempo allowed Gerard Artigas a sight of goal from close range, but Moreno produced a crucial block to deny him.

Rajasthan relied heavily on wide play through Pangambam Naoba Meitei and Pranjal Bhumij, but Dempo appeared well-prepared, dealing comfortably with crosses into the box.

Seven minutes of added time provided a final opportunity for Rajasthan, and it nearly capitalised in the third minute off additional time when Joseph Lalvenhima delivered a dangerous inswinging cross that found Jaideep Singh. His glancing header looked destined to trouble the goal, but Sibi reacted sharply to tip the ball away and preserve Dempo’s lead.

Published on May 01, 2026

#IFL #Rajasthan #Uniteds #title #push #dented #loss #Dempo">IFL 2025-26: Rajasthan United’s title push dented after loss against Dempo SC Rajasthan United FC dropped precious points in the Indian Football League 2025-26 title race, suffering a 0-1 defeat to Dempo SC in their Championship Phase clash at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.Seigoumang Doungel scored the only goal of the match to guide Dempo to all three points.The result leaves Rajasthan fourth with 17 points from 11 matches, while Dempo is fifth with 13 points from the same number of outings.Rajasthan dominated large phases of the contest but failed to convert its control into goals, while Dempo delivered a disciplined defensive display and capitalised on a key moment in the second half to secure a crucial victory.After an evenly contested opening period in terms of chances, despite Rajasthan’s territorial dominance, the game was decided just after the hour mark when Doungel finished off a swift Dempo move with Vieri Colaco surging forward down the right and driving into the box. With multiple defenders drawn towards him and Thakuri guarding the near post, Colaco squared the ball to an unmarked Doungel, who calmly tapped into an empty net.ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaignRajasthan pushed hard for an equaliser thereafter but was repeatedly denied by a resolute Dempo backline and an assured performance from goalkeeper Ashish Sibi.The host came closest to an equaliser in the 79th minute when a defensive lapse from Dempo allowed Gerard Artigas a sight of goal from close range, but Moreno produced a crucial block to deny him.Rajasthan relied heavily on wide play through Pangambam Naoba Meitei and Pranjal Bhumij, but Dempo appeared well-prepared, dealing comfortably with crosses into the box.Seven minutes of added time provided a final opportunity for Rajasthan, and it nearly capitalised in the third minute off additional time when Joseph Lalvenhima delivered a dangerous inswinging cross that found Jaideep Singh. His glancing header looked destined to trouble the goal, but Sibi reacted sharply to tip the ball away and preserve Dempo’s lead.Published on May 01, 2026 #IFL #Rajasthan #Uniteds #title #push #dented #loss #Dempo

‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

Rajasthan pushed hard for an equaliser thereafter but was repeatedly denied by a resolute Dempo backline and an assured performance from goalkeeper Ashish Sibi.

The host came closest to an equaliser in the 79th minute when a defensive lapse from Dempo allowed Gerard Artigas a sight of goal from close range, but Moreno produced a crucial block to deny him.

Rajasthan relied heavily on wide play through Pangambam Naoba Meitei and Pranjal Bhumij, but Dempo appeared well-prepared, dealing comfortably with crosses into the box.

Seven minutes of added time provided a final opportunity for Rajasthan, and it nearly capitalised in the third minute off additional time when Joseph Lalvenhima delivered a dangerous inswinging cross that found Jaideep Singh. His glancing header looked destined to trouble the goal, but Sibi reacted sharply to tip the ball away and preserve Dempo’s lead.

Published on May 01, 2026

#IFL #Rajasthan #Uniteds #title #push #dented #loss #Dempo">IFL 2025-26: Rajasthan United’s title push dented after loss against Dempo SC

Rajasthan United FC dropped precious points in the Indian Football League 2025-26 title race, suffering a 0-1 defeat to Dempo SC in their Championship Phase clash at the Namdhari Football Stadium in Sri Bhaini Sahib on Friday.

Seigoumang Doungel scored the only goal of the match to guide Dempo to all three points.

The result leaves Rajasthan fourth with 17 points from 11 matches, while Dempo is fifth with 13 points from the same number of outings.

Rajasthan dominated large phases of the contest but failed to convert its control into goals, while Dempo delivered a disciplined defensive display and capitalised on a key moment in the second half to secure a crucial victory.

After an evenly contested opening period in terms of chances, despite Rajasthan’s territorial dominance, the game was decided just after the hour mark when Doungel finished off a swift Dempo move with Vieri Colaco surging forward down the right and driving into the box. With multiple defenders drawn towards him and Thakuri guarding the near post, Colaco squared the ball to an unmarked Doungel, who calmly tapped into an empty net.

ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

Rajasthan pushed hard for an equaliser thereafter but was repeatedly denied by a resolute Dempo backline and an assured performance from goalkeeper Ashish Sibi.

The host came closest to an equaliser in the 79th minute when a defensive lapse from Dempo allowed Gerard Artigas a sight of goal from close range, but Moreno produced a crucial block to deny him.

Rajasthan relied heavily on wide play through Pangambam Naoba Meitei and Pranjal Bhumij, but Dempo appeared well-prepared, dealing comfortably with crosses into the box.

Seven minutes of added time provided a final opportunity for Rajasthan, and it nearly capitalised in the third minute off additional time when Joseph Lalvenhima delivered a dangerous inswinging cross that found Jaideep Singh. His glancing header looked destined to trouble the goal, but Sibi reacted sharply to tip the ball away and preserve Dempo’s lead.

Published on May 01, 2026

#IFL #Rajasthan #Uniteds #title #push #dented #loss #Dempo

Post Comment