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Nico Williams fires Bilbao into Europa League quarters, Eintracht hammer Ajax

Nico Williams fires Bilbao into Europa League quarters, Eintracht hammer Ajax
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Mario Goetze celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates during their Europa League — Round of 16 — Second Leg — against Ajax Amsterdam — Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt — Mar. 13, 2025. (Reuters)
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Updated 14 March 2025

Nico Williams fires Bilbao into Europa League quarters, Eintracht hammer Ajax

Nico Williams fires Bilbao into Europa League quarters, Eintracht hammer Ajax
  • A bullet Yuri Berchiche header from a corner gave the Basques a 2-0 lead in the 68th minute
  • Goals by Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Hugo Ekitike, as well as a Mario Goetze brace, handed Eintracht Frankfurt a 4-1 home win against Ajax

PARIS: Athletic Bilbao beat 10-man Roma 3-1 in their Europa League last-16 second leg on Thursday, while Eintracht Frankfurt put four past Ajax to book their place in the quarter-finals with a 6-2 aggregate win.
Euro 2024 winner Nico Williams grabbed a vital brace as Bilbao overturned a one-goal first-leg deficit to progress 4-3 on aggregate against the Italians.
The tie swung dramatically in the hosts’ favor in the 11th minute when veteran Roma center-half Mats Hummels received a straight red card for a last-man tackle on Maroan Sannadi.
Bilbao cranked up the pressure and finally found the breakthrough they were so desperately craving three minutes into first-half additional time.
Inaki Williams’ cross from the left traveled all the way across the box to his brother at the back post who shot first time, his goalbound effort taking a wicked deflection off Angelino to beat Mile Svilar.
A bullet Yuri Berchiche header from a corner gave the Basques a 2-0 lead in the 68th minute at the San Mames and Nico Williams grabbed a fine second eight minutes from time.
A 93rd-minute penalty by Leandro Paredes gave the Romans hope in the final seconds, but Bilbao held firm.
It was a better evening for fellow Italian capital club Lazio, who progressed 3-2 on aggregate against Viktoria Plzen.
Pavel Sulc levelled the tie for the Czechs shortly after half-time, but Alessio Romagnoli nodded in a corner with 19 minutes remaining to tie the score at 1-1 in the Stadio Olimpico and send Lazio through.
Elsewhere in the Europa League, goals by Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Hugo Ekitike, as well as a Mario Goetze brace, handed Eintracht Frankfurt a 4-1 home win against Ajax.
The German side progressed to the next stage with a 6-2 win over both legs.
Norwegians Bodo/Glimt lost 2-1 against reigning Europa Conference League champions Olympiakos in Athens, but went through 4-2 on aggregate.
Later, Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham have work to do if they are to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League when they host Real Sociedad and AZ Alkmaar, respectively.
Chelsea welcome Copenhagen to Stamford Bridge in the Conference League, also at 2000 GMT.
Enzo Maresca’s side hold a 2-1 first-leg advantage over the Danes as they seek to reach the last eight.


Aramco F4 ºÚÁÏÉçÇøn Championship 2025 returns to the Kingdom as part of Jeddah Season

Aramco F4 ºÚÁÏÉçÇøn Championship 2025 returns to the Kingdom as part of Jeddah Season
Updated 14 sec ago

Aramco F4 ºÚÁÏÉçÇøn Championship 2025 returns to the Kingdom as part of Jeddah Season

Aramco F4 ºÚÁÏÉçÇøn Championship 2025 returns to the Kingdom as part of Jeddah Season
  • Inclusion of the Aramco F4 ºÚÁÏÉçÇøn Championship within the Jeddah Season reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a global hub for motorsport and entertainment
  • Promoted by ALTAWKILAT Motorsport under the supervision of SAMF, the F4 Championship continues to reflect the Kingdom’s accelerating motorsport development

JEDDAH: The FIA-certified Aramco F4 ºÚÁÏÉçÇøn Championship 2025 is set to ignite the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the fastest street circuit in the world, in less than a week as it returns for its next thrilling chapters. Forming part of the Jeddah Season, Rounds 3, 4 and 5 will take place on November 10–11, 14–15 and December 5-6 respectively on the banks of the Red Sea.

The inclusion of the Aramco F4 ºÚÁÏÉçÇøn Championship within the Jeddah Season reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a global hub for motorsport and entertainment. The season continues to bring excitement and energy to Jeddah through major international events, cultural festivals, and world-class competitions that highlight ºÚÁÏÉçÇøâ€™s vibrant spirit and ambition.

Promoted by ALTAWKILAT Motorsport under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), the F4 Championship continues to reflect the Kingdom’s accelerating motorsport development and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of Saudi and regional talent, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The Aramco F4 series has rapidly established itself as one of the region’s most competitive single-seater championships, offering young drivers the opportunity to showcase their skills on some of the most prestigious racing circuits in the world.

The opening rounds in Bahrain kicked off the F4 Saudi season in spectacular fashion, delivering intense on-track battles and some scintillating breakout performances. After two action-packed weekends, Adam Al Azhari and Kit Belofsky share the early spotlight with two wins apiece, while rising stars Nina Gademan and Ary Bansal also delivered impressive performances. As the series heads to Jeddah, anticipation is mounting, with the competition expected to reach new heights on the world’s fastest street circuit.

The upcoming Jeddah rounds will offer a full event of racing and entertainment, featuring a range of support races and interactive experiences for motorsport fans and families alike. Among them is Motor Mania, newly launched time attack Championship by ALTAWKILAT Motorsport a regional motorsport IP designed to promote racing across the Kingdom and  neighbouring countries. The competition allows both aspiring and experienced drivers to test their skill, precision, and speed in a professional, time-based format.

A diverse lineup of support events and showcases will also take place alongside the F4 action, including the Corvette Club, Maserati MC20 and Saudi Supercar Club.

Beyond the racing, fans can enjoy a Fan Zone, Kid Zone, and Remote-Controlled Car Zone, as well as a Motorsport Merchandise Shop. A wide selection of food and beverage outlets will serve both local and international cuisines, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the events.

With Aramco as title partner, SAMF as the governing body, and ALTAWKILAT Motorsport as promoter, the Aramco F4 ºÚÁÏÉçÇøn Championship continues to raise the bar for motorsport in the region, combining world-class racing with a vibrant festival atmosphere, and shaping a dynamic future for Saudi motorsport at the heart of Jeddah’s Corniche.