SHORT CORNER
Valladolid fans dream big after Ronaldo takeover
--AFP
Fans of Spanish side Real Valladolid are dreaming of a big future for their modest club, who face Real Madrid on Saturday, after a recent takeover by former Brazil striker Ronaldo.
"Now anyone can locate us on a map, not only in Spain, but on a global level," said Rocio Arenas, the president of the team's supporters' club, the "Pirates of Pucela".
Valladolid made global headlines in September when Ronaldo Nazario in a surprise move bought 51 percent of Real Valladolid for 28 million euros.
"Valladolid has a lot of assets. It's close to Madrid, it's a club with strong potential to grow, an institution that is well anchored in the region," said David Espinar, Ronaldo's right-hand man.
Federer three wins from 100th title
--AFP
Roger Federer defeated Italy's Fabio Fognini 6-4, 6-3 to reach the Paris Masters quarterfinals on Thursday as the Swiss great moved three wins away from his 100th career title.
Federer, who captured his 99th trophy on home ground in Basel last week, was scheduled to face Japan's Kei Nishikori late last night for a place in the semifinals in the French capital.
Third seed Federer is playing the Paris Masters for the first time since 2015 and is bidding to clinch the tournament for just the second time after winning it in 2011.
"I didn't come here to win Paris, actually. My objective is London," said Federer.
Mariners terminate Bolt's trial
--AFP
Sprint king Usain Bolt's attempt to become a professional footballer with Australia's Central Coast Mariners collapsed Friday as his trial period was terminated after contract talks failed.
The eight-time Olympic champion had been trying out with the A-League side for an indefinite period since arriving in August, hoping to fulfil a childhood dream to become a soccer player.
The 32-year-old superstar's quest garnered worldwide attention, which intensified when he scored two goals in a pre-season friendly. But his abilities were questioned and the club reportedly offered him only a fraction of the Aus$3 million his management were said to be seeking, with outside sponsors needed to make the deal viable.
The 100m world record holder, who retired from athletics last year and has previously tried out with clubs in Germany, South Africa and Norway, thanked the Mariners for the opportunity.
United to review security after fans smuggle in toy guns
--AFP
Manchester United have launched a security review after it emerged a pitch invader got into Old Trafford with two toy guns during last month's Champions League game against Juventus.
Shortly after play started during United's 1-0 defeat to the Italian champions, a fan ran across the pitch and was restrained by stewards close to the players. The Daily Mail newspaper reported that security staff later inspected his seat and found two toy guns in a backpack.
Manchester United said the safety of fans was an "absolute priority" for the club.
"Carrying a children's miniature plastic toy gun into a stadium is clearly an extremely irresponsible act," a spokesman said.
Spotlight's on Bale, says Solari
-- Agencies
Santiago Solari has urged Gareth Bale to make the most of his time in the "spotlight" and show his quality consistently for Real Madrid.
Bale has come under scrutiny after hitting only four goals in 12 games. It was expected that he would step up and fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's summer departure.
"He has the spotlight. I hope he shows us his huge talent," he told a news conference. "We want to enjoy him every day; he's a fantastic player."
When asked whether a softer or more strict approach towards Bale and his other players was required, Solari replied: "I don't believe in characteristics like that. There is time for everything. You like to put people in boxes, pigeonhole them... everyone has their own style.
"I want to show you the values of Real Madrid: ambition, the desire to attack, to go for goal, sacrifice, not giving up... values that we know this club instills."