Sports
UCL Final: Ronaldo Poised To Find Juve’s Weak Spot
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is adamant that even Juventus’ excellent defence has a “weak spot” ahead of this weekend’s Champions League final.
Juve’s recent dominance in Italy has been built on their incredible record at the back, with the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini forming an almost unbeatable partnership to lead the Italians to six straight Scudetti.
And there are signs that this season Massimiliano Allegri’s men have taken that form over to Europe as well.
Gianluigi Buffon has seen just one goal slip past him in six knockout matches so far, Kylian Mbappe beat the veteran goalkeeper when the semi-final tie against Monaco was all but over.
Nevertheless, Ronaldo believes there must be a way through when Madrid and Juve clash on Saturday in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
“[Juventus] are an excellent team, as they proved by winning both Serie A and Coppa Italia, and they have completed a fabulous campaign in Europe,” the Portugal international, 32, told Tidespsorts source.
“They like using tight coverage, like Atletico.
“While Juventus certainly have a superb defence, there is always a weak spot, we need to find out how to attack it.”
No team has managed to retain the Champions League since it switched to its current format from the European Cup back in 1992-93.
But Ronaldo affirmed that if any side is capable it is Real Madrid, who have won the title twice in the last three seasons.
“Every player in the dressing room wants to make history. It would be a privilege to be the first team to win consecutive editions of the Champions League,” he explained.
“We are aware it will be an extremely difficult match but we are Madrid so we know we have a realistic shot at winning.
“This final will be similar to the previous ones [against Atletico Madrid], it’s basically a coin flip.
“Both squads will attempt to take advantage of the opponent’s mistakes; whoever plays a cleaner match should prevail, hopefully it’s us.
“It will be an exciting match-up for both players and fans, we have high expectations.”
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.