It was 1.30am when most of the 3,000 travelling Manchester United fans were dropped by buses in Lyon’s Place Bellecour after an escort from the stadium on the outskirts of the city.
Rats receive better treatment than travelling English football fans from the authorities in France, and those fans who had enjoyed the Lyon sunshine and hospitality of the locals were forced to jump through many hoops just to see the match. Many gave up, especially after the entire Lyon metro system went down four hours before kick off.
Others didn’t want to traverse across the city to pick up wristbands, then be bussed to the stadium where they would be held for an hour after the final whistle. Those who did persist saw a dramatic finale where United came within a Rayan Cherki goal of a fine away win in the Europa League quarter-final first leg in the cauldron created by the 58,000 crowd.
“It’s the worst moment to concede a goal,” said French defender Leny Yoro after his best United performance. “Two-one would have been a good result away from home but now we must win it at home. They’re a good team with a good striker and we need to be ready for everything.”
Andre Onana, United’s goalkeeper who had disparaged Lyon before the game, created a rod for his own back. Lyon’s former United player Nemanja Matic responded with his own criticism of the Cameroonian goalkeeper, branding the United No 1 “one of the worst in the club’s history." His teammates used Onana’s comments as motivation, Lyon’s fans as fuel to ramp up their vociferous support further, a target standing right in front of their eyes.
Onana was heavily booed and jeered at before and during the game in which he had set himself up to fail. And he did, his nightmare coming true as a mistake allowed a free kick from Thiago Almada to squeeze in to give Lyon the lead after 25 minutes. Onana misjudged the ball amid the uncertainty of a packed box. The whistling whenever he touched the ball never let up.
Yoro’s flicked header restored parity in one of the last actions of the first half while Joshua Zirkzee’s 87th-minute header from the latest delightful Bruno Fernandes ball looked like the winner for a side who remain the only unbeaten team in European competition. But there was a further sting as Onana looked like he could have done better for Lyon’s late equaliser in an even contest full of drama, edge and action.
“We are really disappointed,” said coach Ruben Amorim. “We should have taken a one-goal advantage into the next game.”
Amorim tried to be diplomatic about his under-fire goalkeeper. “The important thing is to focus on the next game. When one player makes a mistake, all the team makes a mistake,” he said.
Asked if he needed to change his goalkeeper, Amorim replied: “No, we continue to do the same thing – training, seeing the games, trying to choose the best XI to win every match. I think we did well. In the first half we had some difficulties trying to press the opponent because they play in a different way. In the second half we adapted and controlled the game. I think we did well; we can do better.
“We are improving game by game but we need to be more clinical. This is half time, we must think of the next one. We’ll give everything we have to get to the next stage.”
Fair and reasonable words. In his captain Fernandes, Yoro and Zirkzee he had three top performances in another European match with more positives than negatives amid a hapless season where the team sit 14th in the Premier League. The Europa League, with its final in Bilbao, offers the only salvation, plus Uefa Champions League football and the much needed financial boost next term.
“I think we defended really well, we were compact, and we’ll need that again at home,” said Yoro. “We need to keep our heads up – we didn’t lose tonight and we can win at Old Trafford, of course we can”.
“It was a great football match,” said Lyon’s coach Paulo Fonseca. “We played very well with a lot of courage and quality. Offensively and defensively, I’m proud of my players – even if I’m not satisfied with the result.
“The players are mentally very strong; they believe in it until the last second. We showed that we are a courageous team, with personality. It’s never easy to play against a team like Manchester United but we were able to respond. I think we have every chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. We have the opportunity to do something special at Old Trafford.”
“I think it’s 50/50,” Amorim said of United's chances of progressing to the semi-finals. “We must be really smart because we are going to play at home in our stadium with our own fans and they will give us energy. But at the same time Lyon wants to push us to have possession near the box to make a lot of space to have transitions. The next game we will have to play with our heart but we need to think a lot during the game. So it’s a really difficult match but we are playing with our fans and when we play at home we are playing with one more player.”
The biog
Name: Sari Al Zubaidi
Occupation: co-founder of Cafe di Rosati
Age: 42
Marital status: single
Favourite drink: drip coffee V60
Favourite destination: Bali, Indonesia
Favourite book: 100 Years of Solitude
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
Company%20profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
Size: 10,000 users by the end of July and a goal of 200,000 users by the end of the year
Employees: Five
Based: Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
Financing stage: Two seed rounds – the first sourced from angel investors and the founders' personal savings
Second round raised Dh720,000 from silent investors in June this year
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
Basquiat in Abu Dhabi
One of Basquiat’s paintings, the vibrant Cabra (1981–82), now hangs in Louvre Abu Dhabi temporarily, on loan from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The latter museum is not open physically, but has assembled a collection and puts together a series of events called Talking Art, such as this discussion, moderated by writer Chaedria LaBouvier.
It's something of a Basquiat season in Abu Dhabi at the moment. Last week, The Radiant Child, a documentary on Basquiat was shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and tonight (April 18) the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is throwing the re-creation of a party tonight, of the legendary Canal Zone party thrown in 1979, which epitomised the collaborative scene of the time. It was at Canal Zone that Basquiat met prominent members of the art world and moved from unknown graffiti artist into someone in the spotlight.
“We’ve invited local resident arists, we’ll have spray cans at the ready,” says curator Maisa Al Qassemi of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's Canal Zone Remix is at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Thursday April 18, from 8pm. Free entry to all. Basquiat's Cabra is on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until October
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
WWE Super ShowDown results
Seth Rollins beat Baron Corbin to retain his WWE Universal title
Finn Balor defeated Andrade to stay WWE Intercontinental Championship
Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns
Lars Sullivan won by disqualification against Lucha House Party
Randy Orton beats Triple H
Braun Strowman beats Bobby Lashley
Kofi Kingston wins against Dolph Zigggler to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Mansoor Al Shehail won the 50-man Battle Royal
The Undertaker beat Goldberg
More on Quran memorisation:
The 24-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg).
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham), Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Dedryck Boyata (Celtic), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Youri Tielemans (Monaco), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur).
Forwards: Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea/Dortmund), Yannick Carrasco (Dalian Yifang), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad), Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), Dries Mertens (Napoli).
Standby player: Laurent Ciman (Los Angeles FC).
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