Sports
UCL: Real Dethrones Bayern, Berths In Final
Real Madrid sailed into their first Champions League final since 2002 with an astonishingly one-sided away victory over holders Bayern Munich.
Sergio Ramos scored two headers from set-pieces before Cristiano Ronaldo rounded off a counter-attack to all but end the game as a contest.
Ronaldo added a late free-kick for his record 16th goal of the European campaign to seal a 5-0 aggregate win.
Real will face either Chelsea or Atletico Madrid in the final in Lisbon.
The defeat was a humiliation for Bayern, who last year thrashed Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals before overcoming fellow Germans Borussia Dortmund to lift the trophy for the fifth time.
And the result will increase the pressure on manager Pep Guardiola amid the growing feeling that, despite winning the Bundesliga in record time, he has not delivered the progress his employers were expecting.
The future of the former Barca coach will be of little concern to Real, who now have the chance to add to their record haul of nine European Cups, 12 years after Zinedine Zidane’s volley delivered their last triumph at Hampden Park.
With Zidane now watching from the Real bench as a member of Carlo Ancelotti’s coaching staff, the Spaniards started the game with verve and purpose and were swiftly on the way to their first ever victory over Bayern in Munich at the 10th attempt.
Gareth Bale had already gone close with a long-range effort after Manuel Neuer’s weak punch when a Luka Modric corner from the right located the unmarked Ramos, who powered a header past the Germany goalkeeper.
Shortly afterwards, Real doubled their lead via a near-identical goal as Angel Di Maria’s free-kick was flicked on by Pepe, and Ramos was once again on hand to head in.
With Bayern’s usually fervent fans stunned into silence, Real added a third on the break. Benzema’s hooked pass sent Bale racing clear and the Welshman squared for Ronaldo to slot in his 48th goal of the season.
The only low for Real in an otherwise perfect first period was Xabi Alonso’s yellow card for a foul on Bastian Schweinsteiger, which will rule him out of the final on 24 May.
With Bayern needing a near-impossible five goals, the second half was predictably flat.
Arjen Robben curled wide from the edge of the area, Franck Ribery drew a rare save from Iker Casillas with a low drive and substitute Mario Gotze could not keep his shot below the bar after turning sharply in the box.
And Bayern suffered a final ignominy in the 89th minute when Ronaldo curled a 20-yard free-kick under a jumping wall to kick-start the Real celebrations.
The victory sets up a mouth-watering final either way, with Real poised to face either former boss Jose Mourinho should Chelsea make it through, or city rivals Atletico.
The hosts failed to heed the warning offered by Ronaldo, though, and he duly netted his milestone goal by coolly finishing off a scintillating move that saw Bale charge through the heart of the Bayern defence before laying the ball off for the 29-year-old.
Ronaldo then went close with an audacious effort from 40 yards following another botched Neuer clearance.
Bayern were allowed more of the ball following the restart but struggled to break down a determined and organised Real defence.
Arjen Robben curled an effort narrowly wide from the edge of the area, before Toni Kross lashed a decent effort just over the bar.
However, a miserable night for Bayern coach Pep Guardiola was capped off in the 90th minute, as Ronaldo drove a low 20-yard free-kick under the wall for his 16th Champions League goal of the campaign that ends Bayern’s chances of winning a second straight treble.
Flying Eagles Captain, Omo Ojabu celebrating a goal during one of the team’s international encounters recently
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.