Sosa prefers to sacrifice FMF subsidy in exchange for promotion
Sosa prefers to sacrifice FMF subsidy in exchange for promotion
From the Editorial Staff
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, May 24, 2025, p. 9
Former footballer Alfonso Sosa, technical director of Leones Negros and familiar with the situations affecting professionals in the Liga de Expansión, is turning the press conference before the final against Jaiba Brava into an arena to discuss the claim filed before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) by 10 clubs in the category to reinstate promotion to the First Division.
As if every action required an opposite reaction from the authorities of the Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF), Sosa admits there are repercussions he's willing to face to open the door to the circuit's franchises; among them, the withdrawal of the 20 million peso annual subsidy granted to teams since April 2020.
"If it's in exchange for opening the promotion, welcome, that's the only thing I can comment on. The rest is superfluous. Hopefully, instead of that subsidy we've received, we'll open the promotion
," emphasized Marco Antonio Chima Ruiz, the Jaiba Brava manager with experience in the top flight after having led the UANL Tigres in 2023, alongside his colleague and rival.
Atlante, Atlético La Paz, Atlético Morelia, Cancún FC, Cimarrones de Sonora, Alebrijes de Oaxaca, Mineros de Zacatecas, Venados FC, Leones Negros and Jaiba Brava –these last two finalists of the 2025 Clausura– are the clubs that signed the request, according to the document published by the CAS itself.
Contrary to Sosa's opinion, Chima Ruiz preferred not to comment on circumstances beyond his control. "We're close to a great achievement; the rest is not up to us, but to the long-pants people
," he warned, despite the inclusion of the Tampico club in the document submitted to the CAS on Monday. "This place (Tampico) is important; it has history in the First Division. They brought me here to do important things
."
In the first match of the final, Jaiba Brava defeated Universidad de Guadalajara 2-1 with goals from Omar Soto and Rubén Domínguez. Tonight, both teams will decide the champion at Jalisco Stadium, with the trophy as their sole prize.
▲ The Gli Azzurri won after beating Cagliari 2-0. Photo Ap
AFP
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, May 24, 2025, p. a10
Naples. A new Scudetto for Napoli. The Gli Azzurri were crowned Serie A champions for the fourth time in their history , beating Cagliari 2-0 after a close contest against Inter Milan, who relinquished the title and will now focus solely on the Champions League .
This Scudetto joins the three won by the Neapolitan club in 1987, 1990, and 2023. The first two were during the Italian team's memorable Maradona era
. Their most recent title two years ago had a tricolor touch with Mexican Hirving Chuky Lozano.
Now, Napoli have won the title battle by just one point over Inter Milan. The Gli Azzurri have 83 points after 38 matches, while the Nerazzurri have 82, despite also winning their final match of the season 2-0 over Como yesterday.
"It's certainly the most difficult, the most stimulating, the most unexpected title of my career. We've achieved something extraordinary thanks to this formidable group of players
," said Napoli coach Antonio Conte.
Inter won't have much time to grieve, as next Saturday they have their most anticipated final, the European Champions League, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in Munich.
Napoli had their hopes of becoming champions this Friday and they didn't let that slip, with a victory that secures them the title two years later. Between ups and downs, they had a disastrous 2023-2024 season, in which they could only manage tenth place, 41 points behind the champions.
22 minutes without glory
Napoli's victory at the Diego Maradona stadium began to take shape with a scissor-kick goal from Scotland's Scott McTominay (minute 42) and a superb strike from Belgian Romelu Lukaku (51).
The 2-0 allowed a relatively calm second half for Napoli and made useless the efforts of an Inter that was simultaneously winning by the same score against Como, with goals from Stefan de Vrij (20) and the Argentine Joaquín Correa (51).
From De Vrij's goal to McTominay's, Inter were virtually champions for 22 minutes, but Napoli managed to turn things around in time.
Napoli's fourth national title was celebrated with great fanfare from the final whistle by a city that was fully dedicated to its team and adorned in its colors.
The club's leap in quality compared to last season is due above all to one person: Antonio Conte, the coach, who was suspended for last season's match.
He arrived at the start of the season to build a championship-winning team and reshaped the squad with the signings of McTominay and Lukaku. Conte applied his usual recipe of impeccable physical condition, defensive rigor, and tactical discipline.
Napoli captain Giovanni di Lorenzo praised the coach's work: "This team needed him. What he's done is phenomenal
."
AFP and Europa Press
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, May 24, 2025, p. a10
Madrid. As the most successful coach in Real Madrid's history—with 15 titles—Carlo Ancelotti said goodbye to the team yesterday with his sights set on managing Brazil. The 65-year-old manager asserted that he would not betray the fans, while also revealing the arrival of former star Xabi Alonso as manager.
Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti have reached an agreement to end his tenure as manager. Our club wishes to express its gratitude and affection for one of its greatest legends and that of world football
, the club said in a statement.
In six seasons, divided into two stages (from 2013 to 2015 and from 2021 to 2025), Ancelotti won two La Liga titles (2022 and 2024), two Copa del Rey titles (2014 and 2023), three Champions League titles (2014, 2022 and 2024), as well as three Club World Cups, three European Super Cups and two Spanish Super Cups.
These days are very emotional. I'm not sad, but very happy. A very important stage in my career has come to an end. I did everything I could for this club. We're leaving happy, considering this day had to happen
, said the manager in a press conference before today's match against Real Sociedad, the final game of the season in La Liga.
He also announced that Alonso will take over the reins of the club after his departure. "I don't want to give advice; everyone has their own idea of football. It's a blessing to coach Real Madrid, and I wish him all the luck in the world. He has the qualities to lead this club
," he stated.
Regarding the tribute this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, where Croatian Luka Modric will also bid farewell, he expressed confidence that it will be an emotional day and even admitted that he might shed a tear.
I don't mind crying; it's going to be a beautiful day. I'm sharing it with Luka, who has been a tremendous support during this time
, she emphasized.
Heading to Brazil
Ancelotti also spoke about the Canarinha , which he will manage starting this Monday. "I have no desire to coach another club; the immediate future is to do well with Brazil. I didn't want to betray Real Madrid with another team, and I'm going to a national team that has a lot of history in football. It's a great challenge. I love this opportunity to prepare for a World Cup with Brazil
."
Meanwhile, Brazilian forward Vinicius sent a letter of thanks to the coach yesterday, while welcoming him to the Rio de Janeiro national team.
Thank you, coach. So much. You're the best. Since your arrival in Madrid, my life has changed as a player and as a person. You gave me confidence, you helped me grow, and you were by my side every moment, on and off the field
, the striker said.
We built beyond football. You always stood up for me when I needed it most. Today is hard to say goodbye. The Real Madrid team and I will miss you. But at the same time, I'm happy to know we already have a date for our reunion, now, wearing the Brazilian national team jersey together. It's destiny. I'll wait for you in Brazil
, he concluded.
The Devils announce Patrice Lair as their new coach.
Karla Torrijos
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, May 24, 2025, p. a10
With the intention of turning Toluca into one of the leading teams in the Liga MX Femenil, the board announced yesterday the hiring of Frenchman Patrice Lair, winner of two Women's Champions League titles, as the new coach for the upcoming 2025 Apertura tournament.
The 63-year-old former player and coach will replace César Arzate, who had been appointed interim coach following the departure of Brazilian Ricardo Belli midway through the 2025 Clausura.
By hiring one of the world's best coaches, both Toluca and Liga MX will position themselves at the forefront of international women's soccer, given that Liar has a long history in Europe, where she stood out with Olympique Lyonnais, which she managed from 2010 to 2014 and with which she won four league titles, three French Cups, and two Women's Champions Leagues.
He also led Montpellier, which he led to the European Cup semi-finals in 2006, and Paris Saint-Germain. In 2024, he led the men's team at Châteauroux in the French Third Division, as well as the women's team at Girondis de Bordeaux. He was also named FIFA's best coach in 2011 and 2012.
Amazonas go for the Concachampions W
In another example of the growth of national women's soccer, this Saturday, Tigres will try to make a statement on an international scale in their first Concachampions W final, where they will face Gotham, from New York, at the Universitario stadium.
Cristina Ferral, captain of the Amazonas, emphasized the importance of this match, in which her team will seek a spot in the next Club World Cup.
For us, the upcoming match is the most important. What we've achieved is recognized. We're pursuing that path, and if we win, it will begin a history on an international scale. It would reflect many years of work. It's transcendental, and we're motivated to move forward
," she said yesterday at a press conference.
For her part, Mariana Gutiérrez, president of the Liga MX Femenil, said this match demonstrates the work that has been done to benefit women's soccer in Mexico.
▲ The plan was to stay calm and defend the jersey
, said the Baja Californian cyclist, who is wearing the pink jersey for the fifth consecutive day, after the race. Photo AFP
From the editorial staff, AP and AFP
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, May 24, 2025, p. a11
Isaac del Toro (UAE Emirates) continues his feat. The Mexican finished third on stage 13 of the Giro d'Italia—his fourth podium finish in the competition—and maintains his overall lead, while also increasing his advantage over his teammate and runner-up, Spaniard Juan Ayuso.
The finish was spectacular. The Baja California native's momentum stood out against highly experienced opponents, allowing him to finish in the top three after a 180-kilometer route through Veneto on stage 13, where Dane Mads Pedersen (Lidl Trek) won.
The plan was to stay calm, shadow key opponents, and defend the jersey, and we did that perfectly. Maybe on paper I'm not the favorite, but I have to be strong and listen to the guys on the team
, the Mexican said with a calm expression while wearing the pink jersey for the fifth consecutive matchday.
With this new podium finish, and thanks to bonuses, Del Toro slightly extended his lead in the overall standings over his UAE teammate Juan Ayuso, who was second in the competition. The tricolor started the day with a 33-second lead and finished it with a 38-second advantage.
Thus, with one day of competition remaining, Del Toro stands out as one of the revelations of international cycling. The UAE team considered the tricolor a domestique, while Ayuso would be the starter. Now, the spotlight is on the Baja California native, who also remains at the forefront of the race for the white jersey of best young rider.
The Mexican was only surpassed now by Pedersen (Lidl Trek), who took first place in this stage after a sprint , relegating Belgian Wout van Aert (Team Visma-Lease a Bike) to second place.
The timing of my effort was dictated by instinct. I had to open up on the right side, near the hurdles, so I started a little earlier than I wanted
, Pedersen noted.
It was Pedersen's fourth victory in this edition of the Giro d'Italia after a display of power on the climb to the sanctuary of Monte Berico.
However, Del Toro's strong performance allowed him to earn a two-second bonus for the second day in a row during an intermediate sprint 10 kilometers from the finish, while Ayuso added four.
“I lacked the legs needed for the sprint today. Pedersen and Van Aert arrived very quickly, and I tried to keep up with them, but my limbs didn't give me enough,” said Del Toro, although he remains in good spirits for the lead.
Even for Stage 14, few changes are expected in the general classification, as it will be a mostly flat route, 195 kilometers from Treviso, crossing the border into Slovenia, and finishing in Nova Gorica. Another stage for Del Toro to maintain his brilliance.
Novak Djokovic, one victory away from his 100th title
▲ The Serbian tennis player (pictured), winner of 24 Grand Slams, will play the final of the Geneva tournament against Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, seeking to enhance his legacy. AP Photo
Ap
La Jornada Newspaper, Saturday, May 24, 2025, p. a11
Geneva. Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is one victory away from his 100th singles title, after defeating Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-1 in the semifinals of the Geneva Open yesterday.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had a tough match, losing a match point in the second set, but regained his strength and confidence to advance to the final round where he will face Poland's Hubert Hurkacz.
Meanwhile, Hurkacz, ranked 31st in the ATP rankings , defeated Austrian Sebastian Ofner 6-3, 6-4 in the other semifinal.
Djokovic has already achieved his main goal by participating in the Geneva tournament: getting some experience in clay-court matches before heading to Roland Garros for the French Open, which begins on Sunday.
Djokovic's level of glory returned at least in this tournament, as he strung together three consecutive victories in three days, including Thursday's victory when Nole celebrated his 38th birthday with a triumph over Italian Matteo Arnaldi.
It was a scenario that put the bitter defeats in their debuts at both clay court tournaments in Monte Carlo and Madrid, which took place last month, to one side.
Although that goal seemed to slip away in the match, Djokovic trailed 5-2 in the second set, then won three consecutive games and held a match point in the tiebreak. But he missed a return serve and Norrie forced a deciding set.
An early break of serve came in the third set and was backed by a dominant serve as Djokovic closed out the semifinal on a court that was bathed in sunshine, unusually this week.
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