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Strasbourg eliminated from Conference League semi-finals by Rayo Vallecano
via SeneNews4 min read
Strasbourg has been eliminated from the Conference League semi-finals after losing to Rayo Vallecano. The French club suffered a 1-0 defeat in the second leg at home in Alsace, following an identical 1-0 loss in the first leg in Madrid. Rayo Vallecano's Brazilian player Alemao scored the decisive goal shortly before halftime in the second leg. Rayo Vallecano will now face Crystal Palace, who eliminated Shakhtar Donetsk, in the final.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Fede Valverde has addressed rumors of an altercation with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni, stating on social media that no physical fight occurred between them. He clarified that his forehead injury, described as a "small cut," resulted from accidentally hitting a table during a disagreement, not from being struck by Tchouaméni. Valverde expressed regret over the incident, attributing it to fatigue and frustration, and criticized the spread of rumors, especially during a season without titles for Real Madrid. He emphasized that such disagreements are typically resolved internally and that the situation has been exaggerated. Valverde also mentioned that he is saddened by the situation, which will prevent him from playing the next match due to medical decisions, and reiterated his commitment to the club and his teammates. This statement follows reports that Real Madrid is opening disciplinary proceedings against two players and that Valverde will be unavailable for 10 to 14 days due to a head injury.
Must ReadApproximately 1,500 ships and 20,000 crew members are currently stranded in the Gulf, a situation attributed to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This information was shared by Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization IMO, a UN agency responsible for maritime safety. Dominguez stated that these innocent individuals are caught in geopolitical situations beyond their control. He also reported that 10 sailors have died in about thirty attacks on vessels, a figure previously mentioned by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Iran has maintained its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global hydrocarbon trade, since the war began on February 28. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and has impacted the global economy. Meanwhile, Washington has continued its blockade of Iranian ports, initiated on April 13, five days after a ceasefire came into effect. Dominguez called for a humanitarian corridor to evacuate sailors once passage through the strait is safe and free from dangers like potential mines or attacks. He also urged shipowners to avoid sending vessels into the Gulf to prevent further casualties and economic losses. Following the IMO's statements, the Iranian military command accused the US army of violating the ceasefire by attacking ships near the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement broadcast by state television.
A diplomatic luncheon was held at the French Ambassador's Residence in Dakar, attended by Christine Fages, members of the Senegalese Football Federation's Executive Committee, and former Senegalese international players from the 2002 World Cup. The gathering reflected on the historic 2002 World Cup match where Senegal, in their debut, defeated France. Discussions also touched upon the anticipated reunion of the two nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States on June 16. Beyond sports and remembrance, the meeting highlighted the objectives of the Africa Forward summit, focusing on youth, investment, and international cooperation. Participants emphasized the strategic role of sport as a catalyst for economic development, education, and international influence for African countries.
Ismaïla Sarr continues his strong performance in the Conference League for Crystal Palace F.C., scoring against FC Shakhtar Donetsk. The Senegalese winger entered the match at the start of the second half and netted a crucial goal, bringing his total to nine goals in the competition. This goal helped Crystal Palace secure a 2-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.