Carabao Cup: Why We Defeated Chelsea to Reach Final – Arsenal Boss Arteta Explains

Published

2 days ago

February 4, 2026

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has suggested that the Gunners defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg fixture on Tuesday because his players were ‘impressive’ against the Blues.

Arteta also pointed out how well Arsenal managed Chelsea’s attacking threats throughout the match held at the Emirates Stadium.

Recall that Arteta’s side defeated Liam Rosenior’s men as Kai Havertz netted the decisive goal in the second half.

This win propelled Arsenal into the Carabao Cup final with a 4-2 aggregate score, having triumphed 3-2 in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

In his post-match interview, Arteta said, “We definitely prepared to win this match. Today was a very different game from the previous game at Stamford Bridge.

“We dealt with that really well, the way the team competed and understood what we had to do was really impressive, and now let’s win the Carabao Cup final.”

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Lookman scores on Atletico Madrid debut

Published

6 hours ago

February 6, 2026

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Ademola Lookman scores on his debut for Atlético Madrid Ademola Lookman scores on his debut for Atlético Madrid

Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, scored on his debut for Atlético Madrid as they thrashed Real Betis 5-0 in the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night.

Lookman sealed his move from Atalanta to the La Liga side early this week.

The forward scored the third goal from a counter-attacking move after David Hancko and Giuliano Simeone had put Diego Simeone’s side 2 goals up.

Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada completed the rout after the 28-year-old’s 37th-minute goal.

Atlético and Betis will face each other again on Sunday in LaLiga.

Sadiq sets unwanted record in Copa del Rey loss

Published

6 hours ago

February 6, 2026

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Nigeria striker Umar Sadiq carved his name into Valencia’s history as the club stumbled to a 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

On a night of high drama at the Mestalla, Sadiq rewrote the record books after scoring at both ends of the pitch – for Bilbao in the 26th minute and for Valencia 10 minutes later.

The Super Eagles striker became the first-ever Valencia player to score both for and against the club in a single Spanish competition match.

Sadiq is also the first La Liga player to score a goal and an own goal in a Copa del Rey match since Verza for Almeria against Getafe in January 2015.

The 27-year-old’s unusual record-setting evening began in unfortunate fashion when he attempted to deal with a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area. Under pressure, the striker could only glance the ball past his own goalkeeper, handing Athletic Bilbao an early advantage.

But Sadiq responded 10 minutes later, pouncing on a costly error from Bilbao goalkeeper Alex Padilla to roll the ball into an unguarded net and restore parity for Valencia.

However, Athletic Bilbao had the final say. Six minutes into added time, Ghana international Iñaki Williams broke Valencia hearts with a decisive strike, sealing a dramatic late victory and knocking the hosts out of the Copa del Rey.

Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán refused to apportion blame to Sadiq following the defeat.

“I didn’t see Sadiq’s gesture, but I understand he was eager to score, and an own goal is always painful,” Corberán said after the match.

“He’s contributed a lot of hard work, and no player wants to suffer an own goal.”

The equaliser marked Sadiq’s second Copa del Rey goal since returning to the club during the winter transfer window, following his earlier strike in the 2-0 win over Burgos CF.