Barcelona took another major step toward retaining their La Liga title with a 2-0 victory over Getafe on Saturday. The win marked their first triumph at Getafe’s Coliseum Stadium in six seasons. Fermín López opened the scoring in the 45th minute and dedicated his goal to injured teammate Lamine Yamal, who will miss the rest of the season due to a muscle injury. Substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the result in the 74th minute with a solo effort.

With five matches remaining, Barcelona extended their lead over second-placed Real Madrid to 11 points, strengthening their position at the top of the table. The upcoming El Clásico at Camp Nou on May 10 could play a decisive role in determining the league champion.

The victory ended a long drought for Barcelona at Getafe’s home ground, where they had managed only one goal in their previous five visits, resulting in four draws and one defeat. Their last win at the venue came in 2019.

The football world has been stunned by the soaring price of a single ticket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. According to the report, one ticket has been listed for sale at nearly 2.3 million US dollars, equivalent to about 282.2 million Bangladeshi taka. The final match is scheduled to take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States. Four seats in row 45, block 124, seats 33 to 36, have been made available for purchase.

These tickets are being offered through FIFA’s official resale or exchange marketplace, where prices are set by agreement between buyers and sellers rather than by FIFA itself. The organization, however, charges a 15 percent fee from both parties for each transaction. The minimum listed price for a final ticket stands at 10,923 dollars, placing it far beyond the reach of most fans.

The extraordinary ticket prices have already become a major topic of discussion surrounding the world’s biggest football event, months before the tournament begins.

Bangladesh Army clinched the title in the Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited Independence and National Day Volleyball Championship held on Saturday at the Shaheed Noor Hossain National Volleyball Stadium. In the final match, the Army team defeated the Air Force by 3-1 sets to secure the championship. The Water Development Board (PDB) finished third after beating Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) by the same margin.

Sifat Hossain of the Army was named the tournament’s best player and best opposite attacker. PDB’s Mazharul Islam was recognized as the best outside attacker, while Ashikuzzaman of the Army won the best setter award. Parvez Mosharraf from the Air Force was chosen as the best middle blocker, and Abdul Hakim of the Army received the best libero award.

After the final, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain handed over the prizes to the winners. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Mahfuzul Alam Khan, Federation Vice-President Mashudul Alam, and Organizing Committee Secretary Sohel Rana Lincoln were also present at the ceremony.

Arsenal returned to the top of the English Premier League table after a narrow 1–0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday night at the Emirates Stadium. Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal that ended Arsenal’s run of four consecutive defeats, giving coach Mikel Arteta’s side a crucial win late in the season.

Elsewhere in the league, Liverpool defeated Crystal Palace 3–1 at Anfield, securing their third straight league victory. Despite a second-half push from Palace, goals from Aleksandar Isak, Andrew Robertson, and Florian Wirtz ensured Liverpool maintained control. In the FA Cup, Manchester City reached the final with a 2–1 comeback win over Southampton at Wembley Stadium, thanks to goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez after trailing early.

In Germany, Bayern Munich overcame a three-goal deficit to beat Mainz 4–3 away, continuing their strong form after already securing the Bundesliga title and advancing to the German Cup final earlier in the week.

Bangladesh’s national cricket team began their official training in Chattogram on April 25, 2026, under extreme heat conditions, preparing for the first T20 match against New Zealand scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m. The session started at 1 p.m. to help players adapt to the match timing. Young bowlers Ripon Mondol and Abdul Gaffar Saklain drew attention with their impressive performances during practice, earning praise from coaching staff and observers.

The training also focused on pitch assessment, with both teams’ coaches and captains inspecting the wicket alongside curators Zahid Reza Babu and Tony Hemming. Bangladesh’s spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed described the wicket as “brilliant” and expressed confidence that spinners Sheikh Mahedi and Nasum Ahmed could extract turn. He emphasized the importance of mental strength for players, particularly spinner Rishad Hossain, who rejoined the T20 squad after missing the last ODI.

Mushtaq confirmed that three spinners are in the squad but not all will play. He said team selection decisions rest with selectors, the head coach, and the captain, while his role is to ensure all players are mentally ready for each match.

Kylian Mbappé left the field in the 81st minute during Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Real Betis on Friday, raising injury concerns for both his club and the French national team. The forward appeared uncomfortable and went directly to the dressing room, with Gonzalo García replacing him. Real coach Álvaro Arbeloa said he was unsure about the extent of Mbappé’s problem and that the situation would be clearer in the coming days.

According to media reports, Mbappé may have suffered a strain in his left hamstring, putting his participation in upcoming matches in doubt. Real Madrid could be without him for the May 3 match against Espanyol and the following week’s El Clásico against Barcelona. Having scored 24 goals in 28 league appearances this season, Mbappé’s absence would be a major blow for Real. France also faces concern ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins for them on June 16 against Senegal.

Arbeloa also expressed disappointment over the draw with Betis and criticized a refereeing decision, claiming a clear handball penalty was denied.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined Bangladesh players Nahida Akter and Sharmin Sultana for breaching the Level 1 code of conduct during the second ODI of the ICC Women’s Championship against Sri Lanka. Both players were penalized 10 percent of their match fees and received one demerit point each. Nahida was found guilty under Article 2.5 for using language or gestures that could provoke a batter after dismissal, while Sharmin violated Article 2.8 for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.

The incidents occurred in the 16th and 17th overs of the match. Nahida gestured toward Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu after her dismissal, and Sharmin expressed dissatisfaction with an LBW decision before leaving the field slowly. The on-field umpires, along with the third and fourth umpires, reported the offenses. Both players admitted their misconduct and accepted the sanctions, avoiding a formal hearing.

Under ICC regulations, Level 1 offenses carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 percent of match fees and one or two demerit points.

Bangladesh women’s cricket team lost the three-match ODI series 2–1 to Sri Lanka after suffering a seven-wicket defeat in the final match held in Rajshahi on April 25, 2026. Despite winning the opening match and taking an early series lead, the hosts failed to maintain momentum in the decider. Batting first, Bangladesh posted 213 for 8 in 50 overs, but Sri Lanka comfortably chased the target with 21 balls remaining.

Sri Lanka’s chase began shakily with captain Chamari Athapaththu dismissed for 19, but Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani steadied the innings with a 108-run stand for the second wicket. Dulani scored 56, while Perera fell for 95 after adding another 78 runs with Harshitha Samarawickrama, who remained unbeaten on 44. For Bangladesh, Marufa Akter took two wickets and Sobhana Mostary claimed one.

Earlier, Sobhana Mostary top-scored for Bangladesh with 74 off 80 balls, while captain Nigar Sultana Jyoti made 40 from 90 deliveries. Despite a late cameo from Ritu Moni, Bangladesh could not post a challenging total, allowing Sri Lanka to secure the series win.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the national women’s team for the upcoming three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka. The matches will be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on April 28, April 30, and May 2, each starting at 1:30 p.m. The squad combines experienced players and emerging talents, aiming for a balanced lineup for the home series.

Regular captain Nigar Sultana Joty will lead the team, with spin all-rounder Nahida Akter serving as vice-captain. The squad includes Dilara Akter, Shobnom Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Sharmin Akter Supta, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sharmin Sultana, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Sultana Khatun, Shanjida Akter Maghla, and Jueria Ferdous. Standby players are Fargana Hoque, Sharifa Khatun, Fargana Yasmin, and Taj Nehar.

Playing at home is expected to boost Bangladesh’s confidence, with local conditions in Sylhet likely to favor spinners such as Nahida Akter and others in the bowling lineup.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal has been named La Liga’s Player of the Month for April 2026, marking a historic achievement for the 18-year-old. The announcement came on Friday, shortly after confirmation that Yamal’s season had ended due to an injury sustained in Wednesday’s match against Celta Vigo. Despite the setback, his performances throughout April earned him the top individual honor.

Yamal outperformed Vedat Muriqi, Carlos Soler, Lucas Boyé, and Fede Viñas to claim the award. This is his third Player of the Month title of the season, having previously won in November and December. He is now the first player in La Liga history to win the monthly award three times in a single season.

In April, Barcelona won all three of their league matches, with Yamal playing a decisive role. He scored against Espanyol and Celta Vigo, and contributed one goal and two assists against Espanyol, further solidifying his impact before the injury ended his campaign.

Real Madrid stumbled again in the La Liga title race after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer against Real Betis, resulting in a 1-1 draw on April 25, 2026. Despite taking an early lead through Vinícius Júnior in the 17th minute, Real failed to secure victory as Héctor Bellerín scored in the 94th minute to level the match. The draw denied Madrid a chance to close the gap with league leaders Barcelona.

Throughout the match at Betis’ home ground, Real faced strong resistance. Betis controlled 52 percent of possession and took 19 shots, four on target, while Real managed 12 shots with eight on target. Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham missed opportunities to extend the lead, and Mbappé had a goal disallowed for offside. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made several key saves to keep Madrid ahead until the final moments.

After 33 matches, Real Madrid remain second with 74 points, trailing Barcelona, who lead with 82 points from one game fewer. Betis stand fifth with 50 points. The late setback adds pressure on Madrid’s pursuit of the league title.

NRBC Bank clinched the title in the Don Ready Mix Concrete Bankers Club Cricket Tournament 2026 final with a commanding 53-run win over City Bank PLC. The match, held under the organization of Bankers Club Rajshahi, saw NRBC Bank secure their third consecutive championship title. Batting first after winning the toss, NRBC Bank were bowled out for 134 runs in 19.1 overs, with Helal scoring 27 off 14 balls and Sayed adding 23 off 27. City Bank’s Raju took 4 wickets for 29 runs, while Nayeem claimed 2 for 13.

Chasing 135, City Bank struggled against NRBC’s disciplined bowling attack and were dismissed for 81 runs in 16.1 overs. Abir starred with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 15 runs in 3.1 overs, while Helal contributed with 2 wickets for 12 runs. Abir was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, and Helal hit the most sixes in the final. The trophy was presented to NRBC Bank’s Managing Director and CEO Dr. Md. Touhidul Alam Khan by Bankers Club Rajshahi President Amjad Hossain Khan.

The award ceremony was attended by senior officials from various banks, including former national cricket captain Khaled Mashud Pilot, whose Clemon Cricket Academy managed the event.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) hosted a reception and award ceremony for the Bangladesh Under-20 national football team, which recently won the SAFF U-20 Championship. The event took place on Wednesday morning at the Gulshan Nagar Bhaban in Dhaka. Each player received a cheque of 50,000 taka, a crest, and a commemorative gift from DNCC, while the coaching staff were presented with honorary mementos.

DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan attended as the chief guest, and Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal was present as the special guest. DNCC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Asaduzzaman delivered the welcome speech. In his remarks, the DNCC administrator praised the players’ achievement and highlighted ongoing efforts to free public spaces for sports under the Prime Minister’s directive. He emphasized that the main goal of the event was to honor and inspire the young athletes.

BFF President Tabith Awal thanked the DNCC administrator for his support of sports and noted the city corporation’s role in promoting unity and social well-being through athletics.

Uncertainty remains over Iran’s participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the United States confirming that Iranian players will be allowed to compete. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Iran’s footballers may take part, but no team member or accompanying individual with ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will be permitted entry. The IRGC is listed by Washington as a foreign terrorist organization. Rubio clarified that the issue concerns potential associates, not the players themselves.

The 23rd edition of the World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran’s group-stage matches set to be held on US soil. This has added complexity to the situation. A proposal from a Trump envoy to replace Iran with Italy was dismissed by US officials as lacking any formal basis. Ongoing regional tensions among the United States, Israel, and Iran have influenced the matter, and although a ceasefire is in place, full resolution has yet to be achieved.

As a result, Iran’s World Cup campaign faces diplomatic hurdles even before the tournament begins.

Bangladesh secured a 55-run victory over New Zealand in the third and final ODI at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram, winning the three-match series 2-1. Despite losing three early wickets for 32 runs after being sent to bat, senior batters Najmul Hossain Shanto and Liton Das stabilized the innings with a 160-run fourth-wicket partnership. Shanto scored 105 runs, while Liton added 76, guiding Bangladesh to a total of 265 for 8 in 50 overs.

In reply, New Zealand struggled against Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack and were bowled out for 210 in 44.5 overs. Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman claimed his first five-wicket haul in seven years, finishing with figures of 5 for 43. Nahid Rana and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took two wickets each. Dean Foxcroft top-scored for New Zealand with 75 runs. With this result, Bangladesh achieved their third consecutive home ODI series win, following victories over West Indies and Pakistan, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz celebrated his third straight series triumph.

Najmul Hossain Shanto was named Player of the Match, and Nahid Rana received the Player of the Series award.