It is the sort of fixture that should provide the most soothing balm.
Lorient are Ligue 1’s basement barnacles, glued to the bottom of the French first division since their wretched campaign began, six points adrift of safety.
It is the kind of place Paris Saint-Germain have become accustomed to travelling to and winning with their eyes closed.
But the PSG who go there tomorrow night are traumatised, history-makers for all the wrong reasons after they became the first team in the long history of the European Cup knockout ties to not turn a 4-0 first-leg advantage into progress.
PSG are now “losers XXL”, wrote the Paris newspaper Liberation of the remarkable 6-1 defeat inflicted by Barcelona in Catalonia on Wednesday.
The club who have become known for their extra-large margins of victory in French domestic football, their extra-early sealing of league titles are marked out in European terms for how they folded on a famous night in March.
“It’s a defeat that is going to make news around the world,” said Thiago Silva, the PSG captain. “And that’s hard.”
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Read more
■ From Barcelona: Fans spur team to greatest of comebacks
■ Predictions: Chelsea set for shock defeat to Manchester United
■ Xabi Alonso: Will be remembered as a great teammate on great teams
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The captain’s own performance in central defence against Barca will not be one he ever chooses to include in his personal highlights portfolio either.
The notoriety that Barcelona 6-1 PSG leaves with the losers hurts PSG’s wealthy backers. Since substantial sums of Qatari sovereign wealth were poured into the upsizing of PSG — whose budget of more than €500 million (Dh1.95 billion) a season dwarfs any other Ligue 1 side — the club’s wealthy employees have had a barely disguised duty to promote the image of Qatar, which will host the World Cup in 2022.
There has been an expectation that the only top-flight club from the French capital should flex its muscles in the most glamorous club competition in sport, the Uefa Champions League, and make Paris — and Qatar — as important a compass point in the sport as Madrid, Munich or Barcelona.
What happened at Camp Nou put the XXL ambitions into the worst sort of shrinkage.
While PSG’s manager, Unai Emery, had cause to believe the luck of refereeing decisions tilted heavily in favour of a Barcelona who might have conceded at least two penalties and were awarded two themselves, the PSG who conceded three goals after the 86th minute looked terrified, afflicted by a rare sort of vertigo.
This is the condition Emery, now carrying the burden of being the first manager in five years to fail to take the club into the last eight of Champions League, must address immediately.
Besides the scorn — PSG players were greeted by angry fans when they returned from Barcelona and midfielder Thiago Motta reportedly hit a fan with his car — there is the urgent need to remedy a season that may fall short of target.
Not just on one front, European competition, but on two.
PSG go into spring in a rare position of not being the Ligue 1 front-runners.
Monaco, who play Bordeaux this afternoon, might be six points ahead of PSG by the time the champions kick off at Lorient. Emery knows his team selection will be scrutinised with unusual rigour.
L’Equipe reported that senior players Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi were out late at a nightspot the night before PSG travelled to Catalonia.
This also hands Emery unwanted question about internal discipline and a perceived culture of complacency in a squad used to dominating domestic competitions.
Questions about Emery’s future have already been put to Nasser Al Khelaifi, the PSG president.
“Now is not the time to think about that, it’s not a decision that should be taken emotionally,” he said on his way out of Camp Nou on Wednesday.
The dressing-room mood, said the full-back Thomas Muenier, was like a “funeral”.
Unlikely as it might have seemed when PSG embarked on the defence of their fourth successive Ligue 1 title seven months ago, their away game at Lorient now looks like vital moment, for lifting the gloom.
Player of the week
At the San Siro on Saturday, there will be divided loyalties. The family of Inter Milan's Roberto Gagliardini have a strong affection for Atalanta, not least because he grew up with the club.
• Bergamo boy: Gagliardini was born in Bergamo, home of Atalanta, and came up through the ranks of a club respected for their excellent youth system and distinguished list of graduates. At AC Milan, former Atalanta academy men such Giacomo Bonaventura and Riccardo Montolivo are mainstays. Inter quietly hope they have in Gagliardini a complete midfielder than either.
• Rapid rise: Inter signed the 22-year-old in the January transfer window after only 14 Serie A appearances for Atalanta, whose first team Gagliardini only truly broke into earlier this season.
• Pioli’s most trusted: When Atalanta hosted Inter in October, Gagliardini helped the hosts to a 2-1 win, exacerbating the crisis that lead to Inter replacing Frank de Boer as manager with Stefano Pioli. Pioli welcomed Gagliardini’s arrival and has made him his preferred choice in central midfield.
• Box to box: The qualities Pioli values, and which the Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini put faith as Atalanta began their climb up the Serie A table to their lofty perch of fifth spot going into this weekend, are Gagliardini’s sound tackling, his stamina, his comfort on the ball and his fine range of passing. The tall midfielder also has a turn of pace, and an accurate shot, as he showed in last weekend’s 5-1 win at Cagliari, where he scored his first Inter goal from the edge of the penalty area.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The five pillars of Islam
How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Essentials
The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes.
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
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RESULTS
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Samau Xmnsor, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Ottoman, Szczepan Mazur, Abdallah Al Hammadi
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Sharkh, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 85,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner: Yaraa, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Maaly Al Reef, Bernardo Pinheiro, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Jinjal, Fabrice Veron, Ahmed Al Shemaili
8pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Al Sail, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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More from Neighbourhood Watch
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
The years Ramadan fell in May
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.
Company%20profile
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England Test squad
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan, Jamie Porter, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes.
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Roger Federer's 2018 record
Australian Open Champion
Rotterdam Champion
Indian Wells Runner-up
Miami Second round
Stuttgart Champion
Halle Runner-up
Wimbledon Quarter-finals
Cincinnati Runner-up
US Open Fourth round
Shanghai Semi-finals
Basel Champion
Paris Masters Semi-finals
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
The biog
Name: Salem Alkarbi
Age: 32
Favourite Al Wasl player: Alexandre Oliveira
First started supporting Al Wasl: 7
Biggest rival: Al Nasr
MATCH INFO
Burnley 1 (Brady 89')
Manchester City 4 (Jesus 24', 50', Rodri 68', Mahrez 87')
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
The years Ramadan fell in May
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
Review: Tomb Raider
Dir: Roar Uthaug
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Daniel Wu, Walter Goggins
two stars
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
