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• Ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey to deny two new rape allegations

  Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, now playing for Villarreal, intends to plead not guilty to two fresh rape allegations dating back to 2020 following a court hearing on Friday. ​Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to deny two new counts of rape allegedly committed in December 2020. During a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, lawyer Emma Fenn indicated the 32-year-old intends to plead not guilty. Prosecution stated the fourth complainant came forward after “Mr Partey’s other matters were widely publicised.” These charges are separate from a November trial involving three other women. ​The former Arsenal star was released on bail with conditions prohibiting contact with the alleged victim. Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram transferred the new charges to Southwark Crown Court for a hearing on April 10. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey remains active in Spain and is part of the Villarreal squad traveling to face Deportivo Alavés this evening as his side sits third in La Liga.

• Three talking points as Barcelona preps for monumental Copa del Rey comeback vs Atletico

  Barcelona host Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg tonight, needing to overturn a massive 4-0 first-leg deficit without star striker Robert Lewandowski.  

  ​Barcelona enter tonight’s high-stakes clash at the Spotify Camp Nou following a morale-boosting 4-1 victory over Villarreal, fueled by Lamine Yamal’s first career hat-trick.

  Manager Hansi Flick has challenged his squad to “make the impossible possible” by replicating the legendary 2017 “Remontada.”

  The Catalans boast an impressive 15-match unbeaten home run but must score at least four goals to force extra time against Diego Simeone’s disciplined side.

  ​The task is complicated by significant personnel issues, as Robert Lewandowski is sidelined with a fractured eye socket sustained last weekend.

  Additionally, Frenkie de Jong remains out with a thigh injury, while Eric Garcia is suspended following his first-leg red card.

  Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, arrive in formidable form with a 1-0 win over Real Oviedo and a commanding lead thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman.

  ​Diego Simeone is expected to deploy a compact, counter-attacking setup to protect his four-goal advantage.

  While Barcelona welcome back Pedri and Raphinha to bolster their creative options, Atletico’s defensive solidity has seen them concede just once in their last three outings.

  With a spot in the final against either Athletic Bilbao or Real Sociedad at stake, the atmosphere at the Camp Nou is expected to be electric from kick-off.

• Pedri believes in Barcelona Remontada ahead of Atletico clash

  Pedri has expressed immense confidence in Barcelona’s ability to overturn a four-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid, citing the squad’s youthful “madness” as a key factor for the upcoming semi-final.

  ​Barcelona midfielder Pedri has issued a rallying cry as the Blaugrana prepare for a high-stakes Copa del Rey encounter with Atletico Madrid.

  Facing a daunting four-goal gap, the fit-again playmaker believes Hansi Flick’s side possesses the unique spirit required for a comeback.

  After successful substitute appearances against Levante and Villarreal, Pedri is now pushing for a start to help secure a place in the final.

  ​The Spanish international emphasized that Barcelona’s history and youthful energy make another “remontada” possible.

  “Last year against this same opponent, we managed to score four goals in seventy minutes,” he told TV3.

  “If any team can do it again, it’s us. We have a young squad, and that also means a touch of recklessness and madness. We believe in our chances until the very end.”

• Lamine Yamal reveals plans for match ball after first Barcelona hat-trick

  Teenage star Lamine Yamal credited teammate Pedri’s substitute appearance for shifting the game’s momentum as he secured his first professional hat-trick in Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Villarreal.

  ​Lamine Yamal delivered a career-defining performance at Camp Nou, scoring three goals to move Barcelona four points clear at the top of La Liga.

  Despite the milestone, the 18-year-old revealed he would not be keeping the match ball, opting instead to give it to his mother.

  Following the final whistle, television cameras captured the youngster enjoying a celebratory moment with his family.

  ​The forward was quick to praise Pedri’s impact off the bench, noting how the midfielder stabilized the match. “He took control of the game.

  The pass he gave me (for the 3-1 goal) was incredible, he left me alone,” Yamal remarked.

  He also confirmed that his substitution was pre-planned with Hansi Flick once the three-goal cushion was established, capping a perfect afternoon.

• Player Ratings: Hat-trick hero Lamine Yamal gets a 10 as Barcelona go 4 points clear in LaLiga

  A breathtaking treble from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal propelled Barcelona to a 4-1 victory over Villarreal, moving the Blaugrana four points clear at the summit of La Liga.

  While the visitors arrived as the league’s third-ranked side, they were ultimately undone by a clinical performance from Hansi Flick’s men.

  After a tentative start, Yamal opened the scoring on 28 minutes, followed by a spectacular second before the break.

  ​Villarreal threatened a comeback early in the second half through Pape Gueye, but the introduction of Pedri restored order for the hosts.

  Yamal completed his first career hat-trick in the 69th minute, and Robert Lewandowski added a fourth in stoppage time.

  The result places immense pressure on Real Madrid, who do not play until Monday, as Barcelona continue their relentless march toward the title.

  ​Barcelona Player Ratings

  ​Joan Garcia – 6/10

  The goalkeeper provided a sturdy presence for the most part, commanding his area well. He did, however, survive a massive scare when he was caught out of position, only for Ayoze Perez to see his effort roll wide of the empty net.

  ​Jules Kounde – 7/10

  Kounde was relentless on the right flank, effectively playing as an extra attacker at times. His energy was rewarded in the dying moments when he provided the precise assist for Lewandowski to put the finishing touches on the scoreline.

  ​Pau Cubarsi – 6/10

  It was a relatively quiet outing for the young center-back. Villarreal’s attacking threats were largely kept at a distance, allowing Cubarsi to focus on his distribution and maintaining the defensive line without much stress.

  ​Eric Garcia – 6/10

  Partnering Cubarsi, Garcia looked composed and comfortable. Having returned from his successful stint away, he looked right at home in Flick’s system, dealing with the occasional Villarreal counter-attack with professional ease.

  ​Alejandro Balde – 6/10

  Balde survived an early VAR scare regarding a potential handball but settled down quickly. He was tasked with neutralizing the pace of Nicolas Pepe and succeeded for the majority of the afternoon, offering balance to the back four.

  ​Marc Bernal – 7/10

  The youngster continues to impress in the heart of the midfield. He showed maturity beyond his years, dominating the physical battles and keeping the ball moving efficiently to allow the more creative players to flourish.

  ​Fermin Lopez – 8/10

  Lopez was the primary engine in the first half, hunting down possession and providing the creative spark. His tenacity led directly to the opening goal, and he finished the first period with two well-deserved assists.

  ​Dani Olmo – 5/10

  A somewhat frustrating afternoon for Olmo, who struggled to impose himself on the game. He drifted in and out of the action before being substituted at the hour mark as Flick sought more control in the middle.

  ​Lamine Yamal – 10/10

  A perfect performance from the 18-year-old. From a composed opening finish to a world-class second goal involving a dazzling stepover and a top-corner curler, he was untouchable. Completing his hat-trick in the second half cemented a historic individual display.

  ​Ferran Torres – 5/10

  Torres endured a difficult day in front of goal. Despite working hard to find space, he squandered a magnificent opportunity created by Raphinha, failing to provide the clinical edge seen elsewhere in the frontline.

  ​Raphinha – 6/10

  While his work rate was exemplary as always, the Brazilian was partially at fault for the visitors’ goal due to a lapse in concentration during a corner. He remained a creative outlet but lacked his usual final-third precision.

  ​Substitutions & Manager

  ​Pedri – 8/10: Changed the game’s momentum upon arrival, calming a frantic period and assisting Yamal’s third.

  ​Robert Lewandowski – 7/10: Made his mark off the bench by ghosting into the box to score a simple injury-time goal.

  ​Marcus Rashford – 6/10: Looked sharp and energetic in his cameo, showing why the club is keen to make his stay permanent.

  ​Hansi Flick – 8/10: Managed the game perfectly, using his bench at the exact moment Villarreal threatened to equalize.