Sports
Milan-Cortina 2026 Ends with Spectacular Ceremony in Verona
The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics officially came to a close on Sunday night with a vibrant ceremony inside the historic Verona Arena, celebrating Italian music, opera and contemporary culture.
Set against the backdrop of the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Verona, roughly midway between the Games’ far-flung mountain, valley and city venues, the ceremony marked the end of what organizers described as the most geographically spread-out Winter Olympics in history. Events were staged across northern Italy, with competitions hosted in cities including Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, alongside several Alpine locations.
Earlier in the day, the United States captured the final gold medal of the Games, defeating Canada 2–1 in overtime in the men’s ice hockey final. American forward Jack Hughes sealed the victory just 1:41 into sudden death, securing a dramatic finish to one of the tournament’s most anticipated rivalries.
The closing ceremony blended classical and modern Italian artistry. Opera characters, including figures from “Rigoletto,” made a theatrical farewell before descending beneath the arena stage. Verona-born singer-songwriter Achille Lauro delivered a performance of his hit song “Incoscienti Giovani,” while global electronic act Major Lazer energized athletes during the celebratory finale.
Thousands of competitors filled the arena floor, dancing and participating in a coordinated light display. Many wore LED bracelets flashing white and red, waving their hands in unison, while others illuminated the stands with their mobile phone flashlights.
With the Olympic flame extinguished, attention now turns to the 2026 Winter Paralympics, set to open in Verona on March 6 and run through March 15.
The Games will move to the United States next, where Los Angeles is scheduled to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Manchester United continued their strong Premier League form on Sunday by coming from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2–1 at Old Trafford. The Red Devils fell behind early to Maxence Lacroix’s header but turned the game around in the second half. Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty and later set up Benjamin Šeško for the winner.
The victory lifted United up to third place in the Premier League table, their best position since May 2023, and kept alive their push for a Champions League spot.
United’s unbeaten streak in the Premier League now stretches to 10 games under interim manager Michael Carrick; a run that has included a series of wins and draws and made them one of the division’s most in-form teams this season.
Arsenal F.C. held on to claim a crucial 2–1 victory in a dramatic and tension-filled encounter on Sunday, sealing all three points in a match that had everything; goals, controversy, and a red card.
The visitors struck first through defender William Saliba, who found the back of the net to give Arsenal an early advantage. The hosts responded through Pedro Neto, whose equalizer reignited the contest and shifted momentum briefly in their favour.
However, the afternoon took another dramatic turn when Neto was later shown a red card, reducing the home side to ten men and complicating their comeback hopes.
Arsenal capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Jurriën Timber scoring what proved to be the decisive goal to restore the visitors’ lead.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, Arsenal remained composed to see out the game and ensure that all three points travelled back to North London.
The result strengthens Arsenal’s position as they continue their campaign with renewed momentum.
Manchester City will rekindle their rivalry with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last 16 after Fridays draw in Nyon, Switzerland. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this will be their sixth knockout meeting since the 2019/2020 Champions League season. Manchester City edged the 15-time European champions 2-1 during Decembers group stage clash, setting the stage for another heavyweight showdown many observers have likened to a final.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will confront Chelsea in a repeat of last seasons heated Club World Cup final won by the English side. Both teams expressed confidence ahead of the tie. Premier League leaders Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen after topping the league phase with eight straight victories to avoid Europes biggest heavyweights.
Bayern Munich, runners-up in the group stage, take on Atalanta, who eliminated Borussia Dortmund via a stoppage-time penalty in the playoffs. Elsewhere, Newcastle United meet Barcelona again, while Liverpool battle Galatasaray. Struggling Tottenham Hotspur face Atletico Madrid as Norways giant-killers Bodo/Glimt square off against Sporting Lisbon.
The last-16 fixtures are as follows: Real Madrid v Manchester City; Bodo/Glimt v Sporting; Paris Saint-Germain v Chelsea; Newcastle United v Barcelona; Galatasaray v Liverpool; Atletico Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur; Atalanta v Bayern Munich; and Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that quarter-final and semi-final pairings were also confirmed, with potential blockbuster clashes awaiting as Europes elite chase Champions League glory.