Sports
Chelsea To Exploit Barca’s Weaknesses, Today
Chelsea and Barcelona will renew hostilities when they meet in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final today.
English Premier League giants Chelsea will be looking for revenge after Andres Iniesta’s late goal in their 2008/09 semi-final tie put Barca into the final, which they won 2-0 against Manchester United.
Chelsea caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo’s team, who booked their place in the FA Cup final on Sunday, welcome Barca to Stamford Bridge for the first leg.
In a blow to Chelsea, centre-back David Luiz could miss the match after being carried off the field with a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 5-1 victory over Tottenham.
Di Matteo believes that Barca has weaknesses his side can exploit, and said the focus would be on each of the European champions’ players, not just the in-form Lionel Messi.
“It’s not just about stopping a single player because obviously they have so many players that can hurt you,” he said.
“It has to be a team tactic, a team strategy, to be able to limit their threat.”
Di Matteo, who took over from Andre Villas-Boas in March, has helped inspire Chelsea’s revival, with the Italian overseeing nine wins, two draws and just one loss in his time in charge.
Attacker Juan Mata will play a key role for Chelsea, with the Spaniard’s ability to support striker Didier Drogba, as well as the Chelsea midfield, crucial.
Messi has scored 20 goals in his last 11 matches, an incredible run that has kept Barca in the hunt for the La Liga title.
The clash against Chelsea marks the start of a crucial week for Pep Guardiola’s side, who meet Real Madrid in the El Clasico at the weekend.
Barca are unbeaten in 15 matches in all competitions, although they needed a fortuitous penalty to record a 2-1 win at Levante on Saturday.
Iniesta, Dani Alves and Gerard Pique all started on the bench in the win, and the trio could all fit into the starting 11 against Chelsea.
Guardiola’s team have only kept one clean sheet in their last four matches, an encouraging sign for Chelsea.
Di Matteo’s side need a strong result at home if they are to upset a high-flying Barcelona in the tie and book a place in the final.
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.