19/12/2025

SPORTS FRIDAY | DEC 19, 2025

29

Real survive Copa test Mbappe edges closer to Ronaldo record after brace against minnows K YLIAN MBAPPE moved tantalisingly close to Cristiano Ronaldo’s calendar year scoring record for Real Madrid with a brace as they earned a 3-2 victory alongside Mbappe. However, they were repeatedly thwarted by Talavera’s inspired goalkeeper Jaime Gonzalez. With coach Xabi Alonso resting first-choice stars, including Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois, Madrid looked to Mbappe for inspiration.

SHORTS F1 announces new terms for 2026 FORMULA ONE fans will be hearing a lot about Boost, Overtake, Active Aero and Recharge in 2026 after saying farewell to DRS, the drag reduction system that provided an extra burst of speed for overtaking. The Liberty Media-owned sport announced revised terminology yesterday to accompany the start of a new engine era and what it is calling the biggest ever overhaul of the technical regulations. The cars will be thinner and lighter with narrower tyres and a 50/50 split on internal combustion, using sustainable fuel, and electric power. Formula One said it wanted to avoid “gimmicks and jargon” and had finalised a list of new terms after consulting the governing FIA, teams, engineers and fans new and old. “Overtake Mode” replaces DRS. It can be used in one go or spread over a lap. “Boost Mode” is a driver operated energy deployment used in attack or defence, depending on track position. It will provide maximum power from the engine and battery, anywhere on the track, at the push of a button. “Active Aero” refers to movable front and rear wing elements with “Corner” and “Straight” modes. Formula One says it will enable “strategic adaptability and maximises full usage of the car’s power through greater on track grip.” “Recharge” will be any opportunity for drivers to recharge their car’s battery with “recovered energy from braking, on throttle lift at the end of straights and even corners where only part power is applied.” NICK KYRGIOS believes few male players would accept the chance to face a top woman as the maverick Australian prepares to take on women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition later this month. While many consider the Dec 28 meeting between Kyrgios and four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka in Dubai as nothing more than entertainment, critics believe it risks undermining the reputation of women’s tennis. Women’s trailblazer Billie Jean King famously defeated the 55 year-old former Grand Slam champion Bobby Riggs in a similar showdown, and Kyrgios conceded he was a bit nervous. “I think my chances are really high. I’m very confident in my ability,” Kyrgios said with a smile during the World Tennis League exhibition tournament in the south Indian city of Bengaluru yesterday. “It’s going to be fun, but also I’m a bit nervous. I like doing things that are outside the box. Honestly, not many males in my position would have done that and taken the opportunity. “I don’t know what’s going to happen, we’ll see,” he added. “I’ve been in a lot of controversies in my whole career and this is another thing I get to experience.” Few men would face top woman: Kyrgios

minute before Gonzalez stopped a fierce long range drive. Talavera punished Madrid for their profligacy in the 80th minute when Farrando engineered a quick counter-attack, delivering a perfect low cross to Arroyo, who rifled a powerful strike past Andriy Lunin to make it 2-1. The hosts sensed an upset, but they were undone by a goalkeeping error late on. Mbappe’s tame shot from outside the box in the 83rd minute was fumbled by Gonzalez, with the ball bobbling into the net to restore Madrid’s two goal cushion. A determined Talavera pulled one back again in the 91st minute when Di Renzo reacted first to a rebound after Isaiah Navarro’s strike smacked the post. Real keeper Andriy Lunin then preserved Madrid’s lead with an exceptional save in the dying moments, denying Navarro from close range as the underdogs pushed for a dramatic equaliser. Elsewhere, Antoine Griezmann inspired Atletico Madrid to a 3-2 victory at fourth-tier Atletico Baleares. – AFP

at third-tier Talavera de la Reina yesterday to reach the Copa del Rey’s last 16 after a pulsating encounter. The French striker’s two goals, combined with an own-goal by defender Manuel Farrando, proved enough despite strikes from Nahuel Arroyo and Gonzalo Di Renzo that threatened to spoil Real’s evening in front of a raucous crowd. Mbappe, who came into the game with 56 goals scored in all competitions in 2025, is now one goal shy of the 59-goal calendar-year record set by Ronaldo in 2013. With one match still to play this year – on Sunday (4am Malaysian time) against struggling Sevilla in La Liga at Santiago Bernabeu – the French forward could surpass the Portuguese great. In front of 4,000 passionate supporters in Castilla-La Mancha, Real Madrid dominated the early stages, with young talents Endrick, Arda Guler and Gonzalo Garcia combining well

Fran Garcia’s header was denied by a brilliant goal line clearance from Alvaro Lopez in the 39th minute, but controversy followed seconds later. Referee Guillermo Cuadra penalised the hosts’ Marcos Moreno for handball after what appeared to be contact created by Madrid’s Alvaro Carreras during a tussle in the box. With no VAR until the last 16, the decision stood, and Mbappe converted the penalty in the 41st minute to move closer to Ronaldo’s tally. Before halftime, Mbappe helped Real find the net again – this time with a slice of fortune. His effort from close range deflected off defender Farrando and into Talavera’s goal, handing the visitors a 2-0 advantage at the break. Madrid squandered several opportunities to extend their lead in the second half, with Mbappe missing a clear one-on-one chance in the 52nd

Safonov shootout hero for PSG

PARIS ST GERMAIN goalkeeper Matvey Safonov saved four penal ties in a dramatic shootout to hand the French champions the Intercontinental Cup title after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Flamengo in the final yesterday. The Russian goalkeeper was a model of composure to deny four Flamengo penalty-takers as PSG secured a 2-1 victory in the shootout at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Qatar.

It was PSG’s sixth title in 2025, with their maiden Intercontinental Cup added to a trophy haul from a golden calendar year that already included Ligue 1, the French Cup, the Trophy of Champions, the Champions League and the European Super Cup. Luis Enrique’s team had taken the lead through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the first half, only for Jorginho to level for the Brazilian side with a

penalty shortly after the hour. Flamengo, who were gunning for a third major title this year after win ning the Brazilian title and the Brazil Super Cup, proved a tough nut to crack, once again showing the qual ity of South American football in the wake of the Club World Cup earlier this year. “We can be proud of ourselves, we played a great match against a tough opponent,” said PSG mid

fielder Warren Zaire-Emery. “Now we have to continue like this because the toughest part of the season is still ahead of us.” Enrique was amazed by Safonov’s extraordinary perform ance in the penalty shootout, admit ting that he had never seen a goal keeper save four consecutive penal ties before. “It’s the first time I’ve seen a goal keeper save four penalties,” said Enrique. With yesterday’s trophy, Enrique joins an elite group of coaches to win six trophies in a calendar year alongside Pep Guardiola (Barcelona, 2009/10) and Hansi Flick (Bayern Munich, 2019/20). “I think this year is impossible to repeat for Paris Saint-Germain,” the Spanish coach added. “Six trophies, not bad. We must keep going and keep making his tory. “We saw a very good match, with a Flamengo team that plays very well. “It was very difficult, but the qual ity and mentality of the players were there, and seeing that spirit was a real pleasure against a very good team. “For us, it’s always special to come back to Doha. We’re happy every time we’re here. Our objective will be the same – to keep winning and playing our best football.” – AFP/Agencies

PSG’s Willian Pacho (centre) lifts the trophy with teammates after winning the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Qatar yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

Alcaraz ends ‘incredible ride’ with coach Ferrero

MEN’S tennis world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz announced yesterday he is splitting from his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero after seven hugely successful years together with assistant coach Samuel Lopez taking over. Alcaraz has won six Grand Slams among his 24 tour level titles under the guidance of fellow Spaniad Ferrero, including this year’s French and US Opens. Alcaraz, 22, ends this year as world No. 1 having claimed eight tournaments during the season including his dramatic victory over Jannik Sinner in Paris. “It is very difficult to write this post,” Alcaraz said on social media with photos of the pair hugging. “After more than seven years together,‘Juanki’and I have decided to end our story together as coach and player. Thank you for making the dreams of a

child become reality,” Alcaraz added. Alcaraz began working with 45-year-old Ferrero, a former world No. 1, in August 2018, when he was a teenager. “We started this journey when I was barely a kid, and throughout all this time you’ve been by my side on an incredible ride, on and off the court,” Alcaraz said. “And I’ve enjoyed every step with you immensely. “Now change is coming for both of us, new adventures and new projects. I’m at peace knowing we left everything out there, that we gave everything for one another,“ he added. The Ferrero tennis academy said Lopez will step up to take over as coach. “Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero go their

separate ways, with Samuel Lopez continuing as head coach,“ the academy based in Alicante, Spain said on X . “Endlessly grateful for the unforgettable points, emotions, and moments that defined the 2025 season,” it added. Lopez, 55, took on his current role with Alcaraz in 2024. Ferrero and Lopez won the 2025 ATP coach of the year award, having also secured the title three years earlier. “Today, a very important chapter of my life comes to an end,“ Ferrero said on Instagram . “I close it with nostalgia, but also with pride and excitement for what may come next. “I wish I could have continued. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again,” he added. – AFP