Schalke 04 came from behind to snatch a late 2-1 win over derby rivals Borussia Dortmund on Friday to climb within a point of the Bundesliga leaders.
Schalke’s victory moved them one point behind Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, who play at the weekend, and gave them a double over Borussia following a 1-0 away win earlier this season.
A lackluster first half ended goalless, but the match came to life when Borussia’s Paraguayan forward Nelson Haedo Valdez was fouled by Ivan Rakitic and Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin converted his penalty in the 47th minute.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Benedikt Hoewedes outjumped two Dortmund defenders to head the equalizer in the 66th minute following a free-kick on the right.
Dortmund, missing leading scorer Lucas Barrios through suspension, could have scored again in the 81st minute after a Haedo Valdez breakaway, but he dallied over his shot, allowing Rafinha time to recover and block the effort.
Two minutes later, Schalke snatched victory when Croatia’s Rakitic atoned for giving away the penalty by firing home from the edge of the penalty area.
The win in the 135th Ruhr derby left Schalke with 48 points from 24 games, putting them nine ahead of fifth-placed Borussia, whose chances of a Champions League place next season are now remote.
Bayer Leverkusen, who lead on goal difference, were scheduled to entertain Cologne yesterday, while Bayern Munich host Hamburg SV today.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely