Atletico Madrid will host Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their European clash at the Metropolitano Stadium, with the Spanish side aiming to take advantage of Spurs’ struggles this season.
Tottenham return to the stadium where they lost the 2019 Champions League final to Liverpool. However, the current Spurs squad is far from the strong side managed by Mauricio Pochettino during that campaign.
The North London club now finds itself in an unusual situation of still competing in European football while also battling relegation in the English Premier League.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, are focusing on cup competitions after falling behind in the La Liga title race.
Manager Diego Simeone previously guided Atletico to the Champions League finals in 2014 and 2016 but lost both times to city rivals Real Madrid. The club is now determined to finally win the competition.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United will face Barcelona in another key European encounter.
Barcelona will travel to Tyneside with confidence after defeating Newcastle 2-1 at St James’ Park earlier in the competition, thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford.
The Spanish side, coached by Hansi Flick, has impressed with its attacking style but has also shown defensive weaknesses, particularly due to its high defensive line.
Newcastle will hope to exploit that vulnerability, with winger Anthony Gordon expected to be a key threat for the English side.
However, Newcastle have struggled for consistency this season despite recent progress under manager Eddie Howe.
The team recently defeated Manchester United before suffering a heavy defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Howe confirmed that Lewis Miley will not be available for the match against Barcelona.
Kenyan Businessman Seeks Bail as US Extradition Case Continues
A businessman wanted by the United States over alleged cybercrime activities has asked a Nairobi court to release him on bail while extradition proceedings continue.
Francis Asanyo, who was arrested on February 15, 2026, is seeking to be admitted to bail or bond on reasonable terms during the hearing and determination of the extradition case.
Asanyo faces allegations under United States law including conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Through his lawyers Danstan Omari, Shadrack Wambui and Cliff Ombeta, Asanyo argued that he is a Kenyan citizen with strong family and social ties in the country and therefore does not pose a flight risk.
The defence also stated that the alleged offences are non-violent economic crimes that do not involve physical harm, terrorism or threats to public safety.
The lawyers cited Article 49(1)(h) of the Constitution of Kenya, which states that an arrested person has the right to be released on bail unless there are compelling reasons to deny such release.
Asanyo further challenged an affidavit filed by investigators opposing his release, arguing that it relied largely on hearsay evidence derived from foreign investigations.
The defence also noted that an INTERPOL Red Notice and foreign indictment are merely allegations and do not amount to a conviction.
Asanyo offered to comply with strict bail conditions including surrendering his passport, reporting weekly to a police station, providing sureties and limiting his movement to Nairobi and Kajiado counties.
However, the prosecution opposed the bail application, saying extradition matters carry a higher risk of suspects fleeing to countries that do not have extradition agreements with Kenya.
State counsel Victor Awiti also argued that the seriousness of the alleged offences and the possibility of a 30-year prison sentence increased the likelihood of the accused absconding.
The court is expected to deliver a ruling after reviewing the arguments presented by both the defence and the prosecution.
