Good morning – Alex Broun on deck and here is all you need to know this morning
TOP STORY
Real Madrid moved a step closer to a third straight Champions League title after substitute Marco Asensio hit the winner in a 2-1 semi-final, first-leg victory at Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
The 22-year-old came off the bench to finish a counter-attack and complete the holders’ comeback win, giving Real the advantage for the return game in Madrid next Tuesday.
Bayern took the lead at the sold-out Allianz Arena through Joshua Kimmich, but Marcelo equalised just before the break.
FOOTBALL
In other football news Dejan Lovren says that Mohammed Salah is now level with Messi and Ronaldo after another masterclass in the Champions League semi-final against Roma.
Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the semi-final of the Europa League tonight and Diego Simeone says Diego Costa will be fit to start.
Zinedine Zidane has also cast fresh doubts over Gareth Bale’s future at Real Madrid.
CRICKET
Amabati Rayudu was again the star with a swash-buckling 80 as Chennai Super Kings over-hauled the Royal Challengers Bangalore mammoth 8-205 in last night’s IPL.
Meanwhile David Gowers fears the ECB’s plans for 100-ball cricket are 12-years late.
REGIONAL
Al Ain’s treble dreams remain alive and kicking after 6-0 President’s Cup thrashing of Shabab Al Ahli while UAE Team Emirates’ Rui Costa secures third place finish on stage one of Tour de Romandie.
FEATURE OF THE DAY
James Rodriguez played with a point to prove on Wednesday against Real Madrid, technically still his employers until he turns his two-year loan agreement into a permanent deal at Bayern Munich.
Rodriguez got an assist in an excellent performance, but was on the losing side in Munich’s 2-1 home defeat in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Here’s a closer look at how the Colombian fared.
SOCIAL MEDIA ROUND-UP
Holders & 12-time European champions Real Madrid become first side in #UCL history to record 150 wins. 💪 pic.twitter.com/dQOObaK8QE
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 25, 2018
📸👌 Photo finish....
— Real Madrid C.F.🇺🇸🇬🇧 (@realmadriden) April 25, 2018
⚽ @marcoasensio10 pic.twitter.com/lKUwKg3bJU
⚽🥊 Which @MarceloM12 knockout goal was your favourite?
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 25, 2018
v Paris?
v Juventus?
v FC Bayern? pic.twitter.com/MkJK162NGq
That is it! King Dhoni seals it with a six and @ChennaiIPL have beaten #RCB by 5 wickets. The match witnessed 33 sixes, the most in any #VIVOIPL game#RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/LfkABEPzjb
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 25, 2018
WHAT’S ON TODAY (UAE TIME)
IPL: Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kings XI Punjab 18:30
Europa League: Arsenal v Atletico Madrid 23:05
Marseille v Red Bull Salzburg 23:05
NBA PLayoffs: Milwaukee Bucks v Bostob Celtics 04:00 (27/4/2018)