**U17 National Team Advances to U-17 World Cup with Thrilling Group Stage Exit**
On May 13th, the U17 Asian Cup group stage saw China’s U17 men’s team defeat Qatar 2-0 in a crucial match. He Sifan opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a curling shot from the left flank, followed by Zhang Bolin’s header in the 70th minute. This victory secured China’s second-place finish in Group B and, critically, a berth in the U-17 World Cup for the first time since 2005. The draw for the expanded 48-team tournament, scheduled from November 19th to December 13th, will take place in Switzerland on May 21st.
The journey was far from easy. China lost their opening match 0-1 to Indonesia and fell 1-2 to Japan in the second game. However, a final-day win over Qatar, combined with other results, allowed China to advance on goal difference among teams tied on three points.
**Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Held to Draw, Title Celebration Postponed**
In the Saudi Pro League on May 13th, Al-Nassr faced Al-Hilal in a top-of-the-table clash. A 37th-minute goal from Simakan put Al-Nassr ahead following a corner routine. Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted in the 83rd minute, but his team conceded a stoppage-time equalizer after goalkeeper Bento’s error, resulting in a 1-1 draw. This result prevented Al-Nassr from clinching the title early, though they remain five points clear with one game remaining. A win against Damac in the final match would secure the championship. Notably, Bento had made a similar costly mistake in the Saudi Super Cup final, which Al-Nassr lost on penalties. Ronaldo’s mother was in attendance but did not witness an early title celebration.
**Florentino Pérez Announces Re-election Bid for Real Madrid Presidency**
On May 13th, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez held a press conference to address recent speculation. He confirmed he would not resign and has requested the electoral board to initiate the presidential election process. Pérez dismissed rumors of a cancer diagnosis, stating, “I understand the frustration after a trophy-less season, but during my tenure we’ve won 66 football and basketball titles, including seven Champions Leagues.” He criticized certain media outlets for biased reporting, particularly a newspaper funded by La Liga. Pérez also referenced the Negreira case, vowing to submit a detailed dossier to UEFA.
**Disciplinary Actions for Violent Conduct in Chinese Football**
On May 12th, the Chinese Football Association issued sanctions against two foreign players. Shanghai Shenhua’s Manafa received a three-match suspension and a 30,000 RMB fine for striking an opponent during a match against Chongqing Tonglianglong. Shanghai Port’s Ampen was also banned for three games and fined 30,000 RMB for hitting a player in the face in a match against Shenzhen Xincheng. The CFA stated it would strictly enforce disciplinary rules to maintain a clean football environment.
**Beijing Defeats Guangdong to Reach CBA Semi-Finals**
In the CBA playoffs on May 12th, Beijing beat Guangdong 88-73 in the decisive third game of their quarterfinal series, winning 2-1. After trailing 21-15 in the first quarter, Beijing responded with an 18-0 run to lead 40-35 at halftime. They maintained control in the second half to seal victory. Zhou Qi scored 18 points for Beijing, while import Jeeman posted a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. For Guangdong, Quinn led all scorers with 25 points, and Hu Mingxuan added 13. Guangdong coach Du Feng lamented the loss but praised his young team’s effort. Beijing will face top-seeded Shanghai in the semifinals.
