Seye Omidiora

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has revealed his intention to scrap the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) if he is elected in 2023.&nbsp;

According to him, the one-year mandatory scheme will be replaced with a voluntary two-year expanded job opportunity programme for fresh graduates.

The human rights activist stated this in a tweet on Monday, May 16, 2022, which was met with positive reactions on the microblogging and social networking platform.

“As President of Nigeria, what is now known as National Youth Service Corps would no longer be compulsory,” the aspirant’s tweet read. “Instead it will become a voluntary 2-year expanded “Job Corps” programme for fresh graduates.” he tweeted.

The NYSC programme was established in 1973 by Yakubu Gowon’s military regime to involve Nigerian graduates in nation building and the development of the country, mandatory for every degree holder below the age of 30.&nbsp;

One of the objectives of the one-year scheme is to “inculcate discipline in Nigerian youths by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work, and of patriotic and loyal service to Nigeria in any situation they may find themselves”.&nbsp;

The programme, which also seeks to eliminate ethnic bias, do away with religious intolerance and expose Nigerian youths to disparate modes of living, has been met with fierce criticism in recent years, with parents and graduates concerned about the growing insecurity across the nation.&nbsp;

The presidential candidate has revealed plans to discard the longstanding program if elected.

2023: Sowore vows to scrap NYSC

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)has announced its mourning of the demise of the country’s first female Vice-Chancellor, Prof Grace Alele-Williams on Saturday 26th March 2022.

The association’s position was made in a statement made by Dr Ray Chikogu, UNIBEN chairman of ASUU to the News Agency of Nigeria to whom he described her death as a saddening occurrence.

In his statement, he described the departed Prof Alele-Williams as a shining beacon who efficiently headed the institution’s affairs at the time of her death and that her influential presence in the institution’s affairs will be sorely missed.

His statement read in part, “She was an icon in the University of Benin and we missed her greatly.

“The University of Benin misses her because of the remarkable landmarks she left in the university in terms of good infrastructure and human development.

She left an indelible footprint and we are hoping that God will give her immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss, and hope that God will grant her eternal repose,”

Chikogu also expressed hope that the void she left in the institution’s leadership would be adequately filled at a time when quality leadership is required.

Prof Grace Alele is the first Nigerian woman to become a university Vice Chancellor

The UNIBEN branch of the association mourned the death of the first female Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria

ASUU mourns Prof. Alele-Williams

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello to direct the state to pay its medical doctors February salaries in full.&nbsp;

The instruction was issued through a communique that was jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Omakoji Oyiguh and Secretary, Dr Chimezie Udebuani in the state capital, Lokoja on Tuesday, 22nd March 2022.

The communique issued highlighted the association’s concern over the part payment of the doctors’ salaries without prior notice or any negotiation.

The issued communique read in part, “The meeting observed that the salary of the medical doctors working with the Government of Kogi State was in percentage (69.97 per cent).

The meeting further observed that the payment in percentage was done despite lack of notice or invitation for negotiation to members whose salaries are to be affected.

The NMA Kogi in a letter to Gov. Bello, dated March 7, drew the attention of the governor to non-invitation to participate in any negotiation and the expectation of NMA for payment of full salary for the month of February 2022.”

The NMA also enjoined the ‘handlers’ of the issue of salary negotiation on the governor’s behalf to not embark on any actions that would cause a breakdown in the relationship they currently enjoy with the association.

The NMA made the call to the Kogi State government after it paid its doctors’ salaries in percentages

NMA asks Yahaya Bello to pay doctors’ salaries in full

The Nigerian Senate has urged the security agencies in the country to be more proactive in their fight against banditry, insurgency and terrorism.&nbsp;

The call was made to the agencies by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege in response to a call made by the Deputy Whip, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi representing Niger North District.

Senator Abdullahi made the call to the Senate while drawing the attention of the lawmakers to the onslaught of bandits that is being experienced in his Senatorial District recently, explaining how the Divisional Police Officer, some policemen and other residents were murdered by the criminal elements.

In response, the Deputy Senate President said, “From your personal explanation, it is clear that they’ve done their best, we are not unmindful of that.

“They were able to come back with a reprisal to take them out.

“We would have wished that they took proactive action, and not an action coming after lives have been lost.

“Be that as it may, we will continue to encourage security agencies to do all they can to police as much of our territory, especially in Niger State, which is about one of the largest landmass we have in this country.”

The lawmakers also held a minute silence to honour the memory of the slain Nigerians after.

Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege. [Twitter/@SPNigeria]

The lawmakers made the call to the security agencies through the Deputy Senate President

Senate encourages security agencies to be proactive in tracking banditry

Former governor of Ogun state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has shed light on why contesting in the 2023 presidential election may be implausible.&nbsp;

The 65-year-old disclosed that his supporters are prepared to back him at the polls if he chooses to run but narrated why he is not too keen in an interview with the editorial board of Penpushing media on Sunday, February 20 in Abeokuta.

“What my people are asking me to do is even more than the senatorial seat.&nbsp;Some people are saying, your profile, who are those who want to be President today, that you cannot compare probably with”, Daniel revealed.

“I am contended to in my little way, serve my senatorial district, add value to what the governor is doing, and so and so on. And that is where we are today.&nbsp;

“I’m saying that from contemporary experience, it is not that it seems that it is something positive because it means that people who worked so hard historically have not attained it,” he said.

Daniel, who served as Ogun state governor from 2003 to 2011, is now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) having left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019.

The former governor of Ogun state revealed there is pressure to run from supporters, but cast some doubt over the possibility.

2023 Presidential election: Daniel explains why he is unlikely to contest

Enugu Rescue Group has dismissed Chimaroke Nnamani’s zoning proclamation, asserting that the power-sharing arrangement has never been a fixture in the state.&nbsp;

Nnamani, who governed Enugu from 1999 till 2007, stated on Sunday, February 20 that the state’s East Senatorial Zone ought to produce the next governor due to the perceived organisation.&nbsp;

In a strongly-worded response to the former governor, the pressure group censured the 61-year-old senator.&nbsp;

“We have observed the reckless utterances and claims of Dr Chimaroke Nnamani and wonder when he became the spokesperson of all former governors and Enugu political leaders, including those he does not see eye to eye with,” the group statement via its national coordinator Ejike Iloh read.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Nnamani in his usual air of arrogance is playing God. We make bold to say that by verifiable records on the contests for the governorship of Enugu State since 1998/1999, there is nothing like zoning principle in the state.&nbsp;

“Power has gone round the three geopolitical zones, but not based on any predefined zoning principle, as Nnamani seeks to sell to unsuspecting Nigerians.”

Several instances were then listed by the Enugu Rescue Group, seemingly corroborating the absence of zoning in Enugu over the years.

“Where was zoning when Nnamani contested against Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu of the All Peoples Party (APP), who hails from Enugu West in the main election in 1999?&nbsp;

“Where was zoning during the highly volatile 2003 governorship election that became a straight fight between Nnamani of Enugu East and Ambassador Fidel Ayogu of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), who hails from Enugu North?&nbsp;

“Where was zoning when even Nnamani’s deputy, Dr Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi from Enugu North contested against Nnamani’s anointed successor, Sullivan Chime, from Enugu West, in the 2007 PDP governorship primary and only lost by a narrow margin?”

The group concluded by reiterating to Nnamani how zoning is far from feasible, regardless of strong backing.

The former governor had earlier stated the benefits of the arrangement, suggesting it ensures peace, balance and even development in the state.

Enugu: Pressure group kick against Nnamani’s zoning claim

Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim has denounced the killing of eight people by gunmen at the new Abia cattle market in Omuma Uzo, Ukwa West Local Government Area.&nbsp;

The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 15, just before midnight, when the northern cattle dealers were attacked with several cows also slaughtered.&nbsp;

Anyim, who turned 61 on Saturday, decried the episode and called for peace across the nation.&nbsp;

“I want to reassure my countrymen and women that as I turn 61, I will commit the rest of my days in pursuit of peace and progress in this country. Nigeria must be great again,” the ex-Senate President stated in Abuja.

“We must live in peace and safety in this land. It is a commitment that all of us irrespective of your religion, irrespective of your geographical location, irrespective of your party affiliation.

“We must commit to building a peaceful and secure nation which we shall be proud of.”

The state government, through Commissioner for Information, Chief Eze Chikamnayo, has since pledged to support the affected families of last week’s incident, whilst simultaneously helping with the traders’ relocation.&nbsp;

The former Senate President was reacting to the incident, which took place on Tuesday, February 15, on his 61st birthday.

Abia killings: Anyim condemns murders, pleads for peace

Information and Communication Commissioner, Alhaji Dayyabu Chiroma, has explained the government’s rationale behind apportioning 15,000 hectares of land in Bauchi state.

Tiamin Rice Mill were beneficiaries of 10,000 hectares, while Umza International Limited received 5,000 hectares.&nbsp;

Chiroma, speaking on Thursday, highlighted the importance and significance of the move which not only speeds rice production in the state but equally offers job opportunities.

“The companies will not only help transform the lives of local farmers but also provide employment opportunities,” the Commissioner stated.&nbsp;

“People can get fresh, quality rice from local markets, as well as improve business across the state.&nbsp;

“Investors will benefit from incentives such as free land for the installation of factories and manufacturing industries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The private sector has a key role to play in expanding the state industrial base.”

Chiroma subsequently repeated the state’s commitment to making the most of agriculture and water resources to attain lasting industrial growth, before reiterating the government’s desire to boost investments in the agricultural and mining sectors.&nbsp;

Tiamin Rice established a mammoth mill in the state in 2020 and plans are afoot for a $100 million investment by Umza for rice and sugarcane production.&nbsp;

Tiamin Rice Mill and Umza International Limited have been allotted 15,000 hectares of land to promote self-sustaining yield in the state.

Bauchi: Local mills allocated land for rice production

The European Union has announced that it is going to invest about 820 million euros to boost Nigeria’s digital economy in the form of an EU-Nigeria Digital Economy Package that will run until 2024.&nbsp;

The announcement was made by the European Commission Executive Vice-President, Margrethe Vestager on Sunday night during a meeting with the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

During the meeting, Vestager stated that the €820 million was going to be a part of the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package worth €150 billion earlier announced by the EU Commission’s President, Ursula von der Leyen which is supposed to help enhance secure connectivity, digitalize public services, support entrepreneurship and build digital skills, while developing a human-centric, democratic governance framework for technology.

The investment is supposed to help propel the country’s proposed plan towards a digitized economy which was a major part of the discussions at the meeting. Also mentioned was the energy relations between the European Union and Nigeria which should also be improved in the coming years through the option of increasing the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Nigeria to Europe.

European Competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager.

The investment was announced by a European commission executive.

EU to invest 820m euros in Nigerian digital economy

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has appealed to the government authorities of Saudi Arabia to reconsider its direct entry ban on Nigerian entrants that has prevented pilgrims from the country to visit its holy sites in the obligation of their&nbsp;Hajj and Umrah rites as prescribed by the holy books.&nbsp;

The appeal was made through the Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan during his visit to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria recently.

The visit to the commission by the NAHCON entourage that included the Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa, Commissioner of Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakassai, NAHCON’s Secretary to the Commission, Dr Rabi’u Abdullahi Kontagora and Special Assistant to the Chairman, Dr Danbaba Haruna was deemed necessary as a result of the ban on travellers from Nigeria that has now grounded its pilgrim operations since December due to concerns on the spread of the Omicron variant.

The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria,&nbsp;Mr. Faisal Bin Ibraheem Al-Ghamidy was available to receive the NAHCON entourage and was optimistic about the continued cooperation of both countries whilst promising that the entry ban will be reviewed as soon as possible.

The Hajj commission appealed to the government of the Hajj destination on behalf of its pilgrims

NAHCON tasks Saudi Arabia to reconsider the direct entry ban on Nigerians

The Senator representing Oyo Central senatorial district, Teslim Folarin has lost his wife, Barrister Angela Folarin on Friday 28th January.&nbsp;

The news of her death filtered into social media when friends and well-wishers were condoling with the lawmaker through their social media accounts.&nbsp;

A media aide of the Senator,&nbsp;YSO Olaniyi later announced the demise of the late Barrister through a statement that was released to the media on the same day.

The released statement read: “With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, we announce the death of our wife, mother and sister, Chief (Barr.) Angela Nwaka Folarin. The wife of Oyo Central Senator was confirmed dead on Friday afternoon. She breathed her last in the UK.

“The deceased was hale and hearty until the angel of death knocked on the door. May Almighty God Comfort us and grant late Angela an eternal rest.”.

Friends and families of the Senator and his deceased wife have taken to social media to commiserate with his family since the news broke with his fellow lawmaker from Oyo state, Oloye Akin Alabi making a post to that effect on Twitter.

Senator Teslim Folarin. (Newsdiaryonline)

The demise of the Senator’s wife filtered into social media on Friday evening

Senator Teslim Folarin loses wife

When Terem Moffi netted an 89th-minute winner in Lorient’s 2-1 win over Lille in September, he probably never imagined he had netted his final Ligue 1 goal in 2021.&nbsp;

Indeed, the Nigeria forward may have scoffed at such a prediction, owing to an impressive year where he scored 13 times before that clash against the defending league champions.&nbsp;

An impressive assist to set up Armand Lauriente’s seventh-minute strike helped to end Les Dogues’ 17-game unbeaten away run in a performance that promised so much and hinted the in-form striker was set to continue the fine form that saw him score 14 league goals in 2020/21.

Despite returning late from international duty with Nigeria, Moffi was decisive and put Lille to the sword, pleasing his manager Christophe Pelissier.

“When you have a player of this quality in your team, you do not hesitate to start him, even if he has just returned from international duty,” the Lorient boss said.&nbsp;

“I don't like to single out individuals, there have been a lot of impressive performances tonight, but Moffi is a player who brings us a plus. We are very happy that he is still with us.”&nbsp;

It was Moffi’s fourth goal contribution at the time, scoring twice and assisting as many, making the drought that ensued all the more worrying.&nbsp;

The Nigerian’s goal in Sunday’s 4-2 loss against Nantes was his first since that goal in September, clocking four months and nearing a fifth. One assist in that time — in early November — added to the frustration for a forward who went 15 games without finding the back of the net.

Moffi’s total Expected Goals in that period was 4.1, averaging 0.27 xG over the extended run without a goal. Interestingly, the Lorient striker averaged expected goals of 0.72 in the opening five appearances this season, pointing to a dearth of quality chances since the summer.

Admittedly, the latter statistic is obtained from a small sample size of games, and what followed after that promising period is a clearer reflection of the forward’s situation.&nbsp;

The Nigerian attempted 29 shots before ending his unwanted run that lasted 1246 minutes. Be that as it may, averaging 1.9 shots per game is rather paltry and it was probably no surprise the 22-year-old struggled to get going due to the team’s broader issues creating chances.&nbsp;

Pelissier’s team have fashioned 26 chances termed ‘big chances’ in Ligue 1, outdoing only Metz in the entire division. Moffi has missed only five, further highlighting the team’s inability to consistently supply the Super Eagle who flourished in the main last term.

Interestingly, Lorient sat in eighth for big chances created in 2020/21, which is a stark contrast to the team’s current creativity bugbear.&nbsp;

Terem Moffi has struggled in light of Lorient's weak creative numbers this season (IMAGO/PanoramiC)

Unsurprisingly, the Nigeria striker’s goal against Nantes could be ascribed to good fortune, rather than being set up by a teammate. After Lauriente’s effort was parried onto Moffi’s path, the frontman scuffed in a right-footed effort to halve the deficit to 2-1 just before the hour.

His celebration was understandably subdued, but you sense the former Kortrijk man was relieved to put the four-month hell behind him.&nbsp;

While the striker’s goal could not prevent Lorient from failing to win away from home for the 27th consecutive Ligue 1 game, supporters will hope their top frontman will not have to wait so long for his next strike.

Despite Lorient’s 4-2 defeat at Nantes, against the Canaries their top frontman ended an extended run without a Ligue 1 goal.

The numbers that typified Terem Moffi’s four-month drought

If reports emerging on Tuesday are to be believed, Fiorentina frontman Dusan Vlahovic is destined for a Juventus transfer.&nbsp;

The Serbia international has been in remarkable form this season, continuing where he left off in 2020/21 to lead the Capocannoniere race with Lazio’s Ciro Immobile on 17 strikes.

Both frontmen are five clear of Giovanni Simeone and may well slug it out for the top scorer’s award. Vlahovic’s form has not gone unnoticed, with a host of clubs linked to the 21-year-old in recent months.&nbsp;

It now appears Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will not get Vlahovic -- the striker he so clearly desires

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called for more clarity from the Premier League over coronavirus postponements

Arsenal seemed to intensify their pursuit of the talented striker at the turn of the year, but it appears he is edging closer to Turin to play for the Old Lady.&nbsp;

While these two sides looked to be the only two clubs that made a concerted effort to sign the Serb, which sides may have missed a trick not pursuing the frontman?

With Mauro Icardi inspiring little confidence and Kylian Mbappe expected to depart for Real Madrid in the summer, the Parisians could have opted to sign Vlahovic now or in the summer.

Mauro Icardi has blown hot and cold in Paris, and is clearly not trusted by the club hierarchy

Paris Saint-Germain's Mauro Icardi is out of their Champions League opener against Manchester United because of injury

The Argentinean is the club’s only recognised centre-forward but is hardly trusted to lead the line and his contract enters its final two years in the summer.

Vlahovic is not only younger but arguably has a higher ceiling than the South American.

Significant attention has been given to the ages of the Reds’ top forwards and the length of their contracts in the last 12 to 18 months.

Liverpool's vaunted front three are now all on the wrong side of the age curve

Liverpool are short of back-up for their front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino

The pair of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are nearing 30 while Roberto Firmino just clocked 30 in October and all three have around 18 months to run on deals expiring in June 2023.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s team have to rebuild at some point and Vlahovic could have been a young frontman to come in and give the Merseyside giants another dimension up top.

Admittedly, this would prompt a few raised eyebrows owing to Robert Lewandowski’s presence at FC Hollywood. However, this is not an entirely bizarre suggestion.&nbsp;

Robert Lewandowski's status as an all-time great is confirmed, but he cannot go on forever

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring his 300th Bundesliga goal on Saturday

The Poland superstar is now 33 — turns 34 in August — and will enter the final year of his current deal with the Bundesliga heavyweights in the summer.

Even though Erling Haaland remains a potential target for Die Bayern, the Fiorentina man could have been a cheaper alternative for the German side who will have to replace Lewandowski sooner or later.

Theoretically, Vlahovic’s age meant he could have been a target for Julian Nagelsmann’s side in the summer, seemingly as their star striker’s long-term replacement and Haaland alternative.&nbsp;

Dusan Vlahovic has scored 33 Serie A goals in 2021

The Fiorentina forward looks likely to move to Turin, while Arsenal reportedly showed strong interest, but which clubs could have considered the Serbian?

Transfers: 3 alternative destinations for Juventus & Arsenal target Vlahovic

AC Milan have not had the best week, with results in Serie A seeing them fall further behind in the title race.

One point from a possible six against Spezia and Juventus have left Stefano Pioli’s men four points adrift of rivals Inter Milan who have played a game less.&nbsp;

Of course, the gap is not insurmountable and outstanding games are not assured three points, but Pioli’s disappointment was palpable following Sunday’s goalless draw with the Old Lady.&nbsp;

Juventus and AC Milan shared the spoils in Sunday's Serie A action (IMAGO/Marco Canoniero)

While a stalemate with Juve is not particularly a bad thing, the shock 2-1 defeat by Spezia increased the pressure on Milan to claim maximum points against Massimiliano Allegri’s men.&nbsp;

Losing to the Aquilotti, who began the gameweek just outside the drop zone, was dispiriting, although the circumstances of the visitors’ turnaround rankled.&nbsp;

Rafael Leao put the giants into a deserved lead before half-time and, while a Kevin Agudelo equaliser after the hour was far from ideal, a costly refereeing error thwarted what could have been a late Milan winner before Spezia’s sucker punch strike.&nbsp;

Zlatan Ibrahimovic went close three times in added time for AC Milan before Spezia scored the match-winner

Having dominated Thiago Motta’s team days back, they did not show enough against Allegri’s side to even deserve three points in a humdrum 90 minutes at San Siro.&nbsp;

Milan won the Expected Goals (xG) battle 0.7-0.4, yet those figures emphasise the absence of quality chances throughout the game. The home side accrued that xG from 14 shots, while Juventus’ came following eight attempts, adding even greater context to how many were low-percentage efforts.&nbsp;

A frustrated Pioli feels they risk falling away in the Scudetto race just as they did in 2020/21 following a bright first half of the campaign.

Stefano Pioli has voiced his concern on the ground Milan have lost in the Scudetto race in recent weeks

Former Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio coach Stefano Pioli has agreed terms to take over at AC Milan.

“We knew the games against Juventus and Inter would say a great deal about our future,” the Milan boss told DAZN after Sunday’s stalemate. “If we don’t beat Inter, then our campaign will be very similar to last season when we won at the end to go second and risked crashing out of the Champions League places,” warned Pioli.

“We lacked precision in the penalty area. I don’t think it was a tactical issue, as we had players in the box, but got the final ball wrong.”&nbsp;

Unsurprisingly, the Rossoneri trainer conceded the Spezia loss was more damaging.

“Our glass is half-empty because of the Spezia result, not this one,” the 56-year-old said. “If we’d won that, tonight’s result would’ve been very different.”

In light of Milan's recent struggles, the derby in February will take on an even greater significance

Having won three successive games, failure to pick significant points on their turf has increased the significance of the Derby della Madonnina to be held in early February. Defeat by Simone Inzaghi’s team would leave Milan trailing the Nerazzurri by seven points, with Inter to face an out-of-form Bologna side in a rescheduled fixture.&nbsp;

Pioli’s team could have gone top of the standings had they defeated Spezia last week. Now, following two bad results, the Serie A contenders suddenly face the possibility of falling even further adrift of their local rivals.&nbsp;

No wonder the Milan manager is ringing the alarm bells.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pointing in the right direction: AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli is hoping to take the Italian team back to former glories

The AC Milan boss’ remarks after the Rossoneri’s Juventus stalemate leaves them with little margin for error in the title race.

Serie A: Pioli's admission reveals Scudetto desperation

The last few days in La Liga produced loads of excitement atop the table and around the Champions League places.&nbsp;

Gameweek 22 produced 27 goals, an average of 2.7 per game, with only one encounter (Real Sociedad vs Getafe) ending goalless.&nbsp;

With Spain’s top division to return in February, we highlight striking themes from the concluded round of games.&nbsp;

<h3>Sevilla are letting Real off the hook in the title race</h3>

For a side that gives little away at the back, Sevilla will be disappointed to have conceded three times in their last two games, playing out draws with Valencia and Celta Vigo.&nbsp;

If a narrow-minded view is taken, the latest — a 2-2 draw at home to Celta— particularly hurts owing to Real Madrid’s dropped points at home to 15th-placed Elche.&nbsp;

Having been level on points with Carlo Ancelotti’s side, successive draws mean the Andalusians sit four points adrift of Los Blancos.

Sevilla were unable to make up ground on league leaders Real Madrid in the La Liga title race (IMAGO/NurPhoto/DAX Images)

Alejandro Papu Gomez (IMAGO/NurPhoto/DAX Images)

Be that as it may, the fightback from 2-0 down against Celta means their latest stalemate has to go down as a point gained rather than two dropped.

Julen Lopetegui’s troops found themselves behind following the concession of two first-half goals in the space of three minutes, leaving them at the risk of losing their first home game against Celta since September 2015.

Second-half strikes from Papu Gomez and Oliver Torres — incidentally within three minutes — meant they extended their unbeaten La Liga record at Ramon Sánchez Pizjuan to 13 games.

So long Real keep dropping points, Sevilla can dream of a first Liga title since 1946, but they need to return to their stingy best defensively.

<h3>Atletico thrill in rip-roaring half-hour turnaround</h3>

Depending on whose side you are on, Atletico Madrid’s 3-2 win over Valencia will either go down as a Diego Simeone masterclass or typical Jose Bordalas surfacing for the visitors.

Los Che had thrived at the Wanda Metropolitano, scoring twice and frustrating the hosts to open a two-goal lead at the interlude, with goals from Yunus Musah and Hugo Duro.

However, Bordalas’ team stopped playing, preferring to contain and soak pressure without a plan in transition when they regained possession.

Mario Hermoso (left) celebrates with Luis Suarez after scoring the winner for Atletico Madrid against Valencia on Saturday

Simeone made a host of substitutions in the opening 15 minutes after the break to turn the game on its head and Valencia — in part shackled by their manager’s approach — had no answers.

The Madrid outfit’s second-half possession was 72 percent, significantly up from 57% in the opening 45 minutes and they outshot Valencia 11-0 after half-time.

Matheus Cunha halved the deficit just after the hour and it stayed that way until two goals from Angel Correa and Mario Hermoso in second-half stoppage time completed the turnaround.

The result extends Atleti’s unbeaten La Liga run against Los Che which now stands at 15 games and keeps the Madrid outfit in fourth place.

<h3>Ugly Barcelona claim important points at Alaves</h3>

In truth, this was far from a great game from either side, although Alaves’ improved showing after the break ought to be recognised.

Frenkie de Jong (right) celebrates scoring the winner for Barcelona against Alaves on Sunday.

Barca had seen Atletico open a four-point gap for the battle for the final Champions League spot the previous day, so success at the 19th-placed side was imperative.

They had to wait 87 minutes for a breakthrough, though, with Frenkie de Jong netting the game’s only goal with three minutes of normal time to play.

Xavi’s team continue to get by in their battle to end in the top four, and, while performances are a greater indicator of a team’s level, results like Sunday’s will not hurt the Blaugrana in the interim.

Vinicius Junior (IMAGO/Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)