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Morata keeps Atletico Madrid on track in 2-0 win over Real Sociedad
San Sebastian, March 4 (IANS) Two first-half headers by Alvaro Morata were what it took to give Atletico Madrid a win over Real Sociedad even though the capital squad was left short-handed after Koke was expelled in the 61st minute after two yellow cards.
Real Sociedad handled the ball better — and controlled it for longer — at the start of the match on Sunday, but Atletico lay in wait and managed to blank their rivals, reports Efe news.
A shot by Mikel Oyarzabal that was intercepted without any problem by goaltender Oblak was the only danger posed near Atletico’s net during the entire first half in a match that featured lengthy ball-control periods.
Morata, on loan from Britain’s Chelsea, had notched his first tally for the capital club in their 2-0 victory over Villarreal last week, knocked in a close-in header in the 29th minute after a corner kick that was sent to him by team captain Diego Godin, and just three minutes later it was Morata again on another header after a free kick by Koke.
Koke was handed his first yellow card near the end of the first half and then collected his second in the 61st minute, leaving Diego Simeone’s boys down a man for the last half hour of play.
It didn’t seem to make any difference though, with Atleti handling the situation calmly and well, and never facing any significant danger from the home team.
After the match, Simeone said that although the shorthanded stint was “not comfortable,” given that Real had started the game “very well,” his squad picked up in their ball movement and control and created a number of scoring chances, and “we were very good at the end of the first half.”
With the win, Atletico is now five points ahead of third-placed Real Madrid with 53 points and “just” seven behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, after the latter’s 1-0 win over Real on Saturday.
Real Sociedad suffered a blow when its key striker – Fillian Jose – had to leave the pitch after being injured in the 26th minute, and from that point forward Atletico had little trouble dominating the match with Morata’s goals coming just minutes later and their lead never being threatened from then on.
When Koke was expelled in the 61st minute, the Basque squad still had time to try and mount a comeback, with Anoeta picking up the pace, but it wasn’t enough to get them on the board even though the last few minutes were pretty intense.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.