Manchester City failed to ease fears of missing out on next season’s Champions League after twice blowing the lead to draw 2-2 against Brighton, while third-placed Nottingham Forest thrashed Ipswich 4-2 on Saturday.
Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush put City in front, but high-flying Brighton extended their unbeaten run to seven games thanks to Pervis Estupinan’s free-kick and an Abdukodir Khusanov own goal.
City boss Pep Guardiola said on Friday that just qualifying for the Champions League would be a “big success” after a difficult season for a side used to lifting the league title.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!
The English champions’ early exit from Europe’s top competition to Real Madrid had at least ensured a full week’s preparation for Guardiola’s men to bounce back from last weekend’s dismal 1-0 defeat at Forest.
Marmoush was restored to the starting line-up and proved to be City’s brightest spark going forward.
The Egyptian won the penalty from which Haaland opened the scoring with his 29th goal of the season.
City’s lead lasted only 10 minutes as Estupinan curled a free-kick in off the post past the leaden-footed Stefan Ortega in the City goal.
Marmoush blasted City back in front from long range before half-time. Brighton, though, took just three minutes into the second half to level again when Jack Hinshelwood’s shot was turned into his own net by Khusanov.
Nico Gonzalez hit the post as City pushed in vain for a winner. A top-five Premier League finish will almost certainly secure a Champions League place this season thanks to English clubs’ strong performances in European competition.
A point leaves City still in fifth, just one point ahead of Brighton in seventh.
“I’m always confident, in that I am a master. I do have moments when I can doubt but I find the right way, the positiveness in everything,” said Guardiola.
“I know it will be difficult for many reasons but we have nine games, nine finals.”
Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City. Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Elsewhere, Forest’s charge towards Europe’s top club competition for the first time since 1980 continued with a dominant display at Portman Road.
The visitors struck three times in six first-half minutes to close to within one point of second-placed Arsenal and move six clear of City.
Nikola Milenkovic controlled a loose ball inside the area and blasted in on off the underside of the bar to open the floodgates.
Anthony Elanga then drilled in his first goal since Boxing Day at the end of a blistering Forest counter-attack.
Two minutes later Elanga took advantage of dreadful Ipswich defending to sprint clear and slot in his second of the afternoon.
“There is a good spell in the first half that really changed the game for six minutes,” said Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who is not getting carried away dreaming of Champions League football.
“We have to focus on ourselves. Work as much as we can because there is a lot of football to be played yet.”
Jens Cajuste and George Hirst scored late consolation goals for Kieran McKenna’s men either side of Jota Silva’s fourth for Forest.
Ipswich’s uphill task to beat the drop suffered another blow as Wolves pulled nine points clear of the bottom three with a 2-1 victory at Southampton thanks to a double from Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Paul Onuachu pulled a goal back but Southampton remain on course to post the worst ever points tally in Premier League history.
Bournemouth’s bid to qualify for Europe for the first time is fading after a 2-1 home defeat to Brentford.
Goals from Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard earned the Bees victory after Vitaly Janelt’s own goal had opened the scoring for Bournemouth.
Everton extended their unbeaten league run to nine games thanks to Jake O’Brien’s 90th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw against West Ham.
The Socceroos squad to face Indonesia and China this month in two crucial World Cup Qualifiers was always going to be different – a raft of injuries to key players made that a certainty – but the 26 names decided upon by coach Tony Popovic is truly an eclectic mix of tried and tested, generation next and those who might’ve thought their time had passed.
There’s only one thing for certain about a Popovic squad: You never know what you’re going to get. This isn’t a bad thing and those stuck on the rehabilitation table have forced him to look far and wide.
The result is change en masse with few areas of the squad not impacted.
Extended 26 player Socceroos squad:
Daniel Arzani, Aziz Behich, Brandon Borrello, Martin Boyle, Cameron Burgess, Anthony Caceres, Jason Davidson, Milos Degenek, Jason Geria, Thomas Glover (GK), Craig Goodwin, Alex Grant, Jackson Irvine, Paul Izzo (GK), Fran Karacic, Lewis Miller, Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles, Mat Ryan (GK), Adam Taggart, Ryan Teague, Marco Tilio, Nectarios Triantis, Kai Trewin, Nishan Velupillay, Kusini Yengi
Young Socceroos back home after triumph | 02:05
A RAFT OF INJURIES
The list of unavailable players is a long one. Ready, take a deep breath and go.
Goalkeeper Joe Gauci (hip), defenders Hayden Matthews (ankle), Harry Souttar (achilles), and Jordy Bos (hamstring) are all sidelined while Riley McGree can’t shake off what Middlesbrough are calling a knock. Alessandro Circati ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee just before Popovic took charge late last year and the 21-year-old Parma defender would’ve been a certain starter if available.
Popovic has always been bullish about meeting poor circumstances with a defiant attitude and that remains the case.
“That gives an opportunity to someone else,” is his assessment of the injury list.
“I’ve quickly learned in this role that you can never take anything for granted.”
“We’re very happy with the squad we’ve assembled.”
GOALKEEPERS
Mat Ryan looks certain to continue in goal. The captain was dropped to the bench for three games when Popovic took over as coach before reclaiming his spot between the sticks from Joe Gauci for their last start 2-2 draw with Bahrain in November. A move to Ligue 1 side Lens in January helped the skipper regain rhythm after being frozen out at Roma in Italy. Paul Izzo has been a mainstay in goal for Randers FC in Denmark and looks the most likely to feature should anything happen to Ryan in camp while Thomas Glover has featured seven times for Middlesbrough in the second tier Championship in the UK this season but has spent the last eight games on the bench.
Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***Source: Getty Images
DEFENDERS
This was the area of the squad most impacted by injuries. Three of Australia’s first choice back five are out of action (Harry Souttar, Hayden Matthews, Jordy Bos) before you even account for the absence of Circati. It’s no surprise then that this is the area of the 26-player squad where Popovic invested most heavily in reinforcements.
There are six centre back options (Jason Geria, Cameron Burgess, Kye Rowles, Alex Grant, Kai Trewin and Milos Degenek), two right back choices (Lewis Miller and Fran Karacic), and two left backs (Aziz Behich and Jason Davidson).
“They are key players of course, but would you classify Jason Geria as a key player now in the Socceroos backline?” Popovic asked reporters when questioned about the job he needed to do to patch up his backline.
The intimation being that before Geria was handed a Socceroos re-call by Popovic in October he too would’ve been thought of as patching up a hole in the backline. Instead, he’s been one of Australia’s best and earned a move back to the J-League from Melbourne Victory. Geria has struggled for game time in Japan, but his importance to the national team remains high.
“I’m confident that someone else who has now been selected may take that opportunity,” Popovic continued.
Alex Grant could be that man.
Leckie sent for scans amidst Roos recall | 00:30
Popovic and Grant worked together at Perth Glory before both left at the same time. Popovic departed for an opportunity in Greece and Grant headed for Korea and then China.
While admitting he was concerned about Grant’s recent amount of game time – he hadn’t played for seven months before signing a short-term deal in February to return to Australia with Sydney FC through until the end of the A-League season – Popovic has a feeling the 31-year-old’s experience could be required.
He’s racked up four appearances for the Sky Blues since departing China and been dependable. It’ll have to be enough.
“He’s just a tough defender. I feel there might be a moment in these two games that we need that,” Popovic said.
Fran Karacic gets his first Socceroos call-up since the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Now 28, the right back impressed Popovic with his maturity and leadership skills.
Karacic has thrived at NK Lokomotiva in Croatia, where he landed after a rocky search for a new club, and been handed the captain’s armband.
“You can just see a different player. I don’t know if the responsibility has helped him, but he seems a leader on the field.”
“I want to see what he can do in our environment.”
The message is clear.
While externally people might see trouble, internally Popovic sees opportunity.
MIDFIELDERS
The only area of the squad as stacked as the centre of defence is central midfield.
Popovic has five options to choose from (Jackson Irvine, Aiden O’Neill, Ryan Teague, Anthony Caceres and Nectarios Triantis).
Teague and Triantis are the new faces.
Popovic thought about picking Teague in the October and November window. The decision to overlook the Melbourne Victory man prompted speculation he’d consider switching allegiances to play for China. The coach insists those rumours weren’t a factor in his decision-making process.
Ryan Teague earned selection. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“If someone chooses to play for another country that’s their choice,” Popovic said.
Instead, it was form alone that sealed Teague’s spot.
“I think in the last month or so he’s really stepped up his game and with Ryan, I believe whenever there’s a big game he really steps up and I think he’s showing a character and personality that we want to see in the Socceroos.”
Triantis has transformed himself into one of Hibernian’s most valuable players in Scotland scoring three goals and providing five assists as a deeper lying midfielder.
One of those assists came with Popovic in the stands for Hibernian’s clash with Celtic in late February. It might not have sealed his spot then and there, but it didn’t hurt.
Triantis was another Popovic pondered picking in October and November, but felt he was “a little bit raw” but has since “developed confidence, obviously a lot of belief and is playing really well.”
WINGERS
Daniel Arzani, Marco Tilio, Craig Goodwin and Martin Boyle can cover the inverted winger role in Popovic’s system.
Arzani’s selection was unexpected.
Popovic gave the hugely talented 26-year-old a massive reality check in January when he revealed to reporters that Arzani’s effort during the camp in October “wasn’t good enough” and that his “level was really poor in training.”
Arzani responded with some encouraging recent performances for Melbourne Victory.
“He gets another chance, I’m sure he didn’t expect it,” Popovic said.
“I’m hoping that Daniel will come in, train a lot better than he did in October and this time we think about putting him on the field and showing that great talent that I know he has.”
It’s a huge opportunity for Arzani, but Popovic also knows the campaign has reached a critical point where failure as a team will put their World Cup hopes in jeopardy.
If Australia is chasing a goal late against Indonesia or China Arzani could be the answer.
While Arzani was dubbed “the next big thing in Australian football” when he burst onto the scene as a teenager in 2018, it looks like that burdensome tag will be shared by multiple players coming behind him.
Several members of the Young Socceroos who recently won the U20 Asian Cup also possess touches of magic. A crop of technically adept players is on the way, even if deemed not quite ready for the main stage just yet. The next World Cup Qualifying cycle will be where they get to perform.
Daniel Arzani was a shock recall. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
STRIKERS
Mitch Duke was left out due to a “lack of game time,” according to Popovic.
The striker has been a regular for the Socceroos since 2019. What he has lacked in goals has been made up for somewhat by relentlessly leading Australia’s forward press. The currency for a striker though will always ultimately be goals and Duke has scored just four times in 24-games since the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The 34-year-old is on the books of Machida Zelvia in the J-League and has been limited to just 45-minutes this season.
Duke needs minutes and goals with Popovic quick to point out this isn’t the end of the road for the veteran forward.
“That doesn’t equate to him never being selected again,” he said.
“I’m sure if Mitch gets some minutes under his belt, he comes into contention for June.”
The decision to pick Kusini Yengi by that logic is both contradictory and not so at the same time.
Yengi injured his knee in the Socceroos match with Bahrain in November and spent three-months on the sidelines. He returned for Championship side Portsmouth in late February but has been limited to 28-minutes from four games.
“They’re both in a very similar position,” Popovic admitted.
“But I think in terms of the profile of player, they’re two different types of players and we don’t have anyone that has the style of play or the profile that Kusini has.
“I was in London to watch him a few weeks ago. So, I saw the way he was moving. I can see that he has looked after his body really well.
“For a first game since November. He gives us something a little bit different to what the other attackers do.”
Mitch Duke and Japan’s Ao Tanaka compete for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian zone qualifiers. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)Source: AFP
That profile includes size, speed and most importantly goals. Yengi has scored six times in 12-appearances at international level.
He’ll be joined in camp by fellow forwards Brandon Borrello from the Western Sydney Wanderers and Adam Taggart from the Perth Glory.
Just who will start against Indonesia in Sydney on Thursday night remains a mystery. Taggart has been in good form for the Glory with seven goals from 19-games in the A-League Men’s so far this season while Borrello has five goals and also seven assists.
THOSE WHO MISSED OUT
Adrian Segecic has been in incredible form for Sydney FC with a string of spectacular goals but instead will be with the Under 23’s at the Doha International Cup at the same time as the Socceroos are playing.
Nestory Irankunda isn’t in that squad or the Socceroos despite the 19-year-old being named the Swiss Super League’s Player of the Month for February after his move from Bayern Munich to Grasshoppers.
Popovic admitted he was “tempted” to bring one or both of them in and although ultimately deciding against it said he was “happy that they’re playing and they’re playing well, and they just need to continue.”
Western United striker Noah Botic leads the race for the golden boot in the A-League Men with 10 goals from 20-games. His exclusion follows Popovic’s warning to Australia’s young stars in January that form over a long period would trump short term excitement.
“It’s the first year that he’s had consistent football, that he’s backing up every week playing,” Popovic said.
“He’s always been a natural goal scorer.
“He has a wonderful mentor there (in Western United coach and former Socceroos striker John Aloisi) that can hopefully take him to the next level, and he might be there in the future.”
Young Socceroos win U20 Asian Cup! | 00:59
Max Balard can feel hard by.
Balard has been a regular starter for NAC Breda in the Dutch top flight this season and been dubbed the “Aussie Kante” by fans of the club who’ve compared him to former Leicester City and Chelsea star N’golo Kante – a player who built an impressive career off the back of workrate and industry in midfield.
“He’s probably one that’s probably unlucky not to be there,” Popovic revealed after announcing he’d gone for Teague and Triantis instead.
Balard earned a maiden Socceroos call-up for the November window against Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, but didn’t get on the field in either game.
THE STATE OF PLAY
Australia is currently in second spot in group C during the third round of qualifying after racking up seven points from six games.
Finish first and second in your group and you can start planning for a World Cup appearance. The complicating factor here is that last placed China is on six points.
Two wins over the next week and a half would put the Socceroos on the brink of qualifying for the game’s global showpiece in 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico. The alternative, with games against Japan at home and Saudi Arabia away in June, pitches them headfirst into another qualifying scrap where the side is still a chance of punching its ticket in the fourth round. The margin for error is narrow.
“We understand very clearly where we are at in the qualification games. We also know that we’re second and we have a chance to cement that spot,” Popovic said.
“It’s in our hands. We need to embrace the pressure and that expectation.”
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has declared that Spurs “can compete with anyone” when at full strength following Thursday’s crucial Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar.
Reeling at 13th on the Premier League standings, Europa League success looms as the last chance this season for Postecoglou to help the club win its first trophy since 2008.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!
“We’ve progressed which is the main thing, played pretty well as well,” Postecoglou said during the post-match press conference.
“I thought we were really in control of the game, we’re our own worst enemy at times.
“When we were in control, we let them back in the game and it was nervy at the end but we thoroughly deserved to win.”
Ahead of the match, first-choice centre-back pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were declared fit to start together for the first time since December in a massive boost, while Wilson Odoberthas been hampered by injury since joining from Burnley for £25 million (AU$51 million) in August, who slotted two goals in a clutch performance.
“People are getting a real glimpse now of what Wilson is all about,” Postecoglou said.
“Such a shame how his season has gone with the time he’s missed, but he’s getting sharper now.”
Tottenham Hotspur coach Ange Postecoglou. Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFPSource: AFP
He continued: “I was excited when we signed him. He’s just one of these players who has the ability to take people on, find space, great technician.
“He’s worked ard silently to get back into the team.
“He came to a new club this year, big club, a big move for him, and it just hasn’t worked out through no fault of his own because of his injury. It’s been frustrating for me not to be able to showcase him. I know how much he can develop and that’s just a starting point for him.
“He’s still working his way to full fitness.”
Asked whether the team felt more like themselves, Postecoglou responded: “It’s no coincidence. We’re getting some of our key players back and of course we are.”
“We’ve still got levels to go, because I still think players like Romero, Micky and Wilson and (Dominic Solanke) and all these guys are still building their way up to match fitness and match sharpness,” Postecoglou said.
“With the quarterfinal being three-and-a-half weeks away, there’s an opportunity for us to get these guys up to speed for that game.”
He continued: “I’ve said consistently that when we’re at our best, we can compete with anyone.”
Bruno Fernandes led Manchester United into the Europa League quarter-finals with a hat-trick to beat Real Sociedad 4-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday and 5-2 on aggregate.
The first three goals on the night came via the penalty spot as Mikel Oyarzabal had slotted Sociedad into an early lead.
However, Fernandes quickly restored parity and coolly scored again from the spot on 50 minutes.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!
The Portuguese international then ensured United will face Lyon in the last eight by firing home his 15th goal of the season.
Diogo Dalot rounded off the scoring in one of Ruben Amorim’s best nights since taking charge of the Red Devils.
Amorim said after Fernandes’ stunning free-kick in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal that his side “needed more Brunos”.
“When we need it he is always there,” said Amorim of Fernandes.
“He is a perfect captain for our team and we need to help him to win titles because he deserves it a lot.”
Languishing 14th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cup competitions, United’s last remaining hope of salvaging a miserable season lies with the Europa League.
Sociedad’s season also hinged on European glory amid a disappointing La Liga campaign and Imanol Alguacil was left infuriated by the performance of Benoit Bastien.
The French official awarded United three penalties, although the final spot-kick was overturned, and sent-off Jon Aramburu early in the second half.
“There is frustration, anger! A stadium like this, a stage like this, does not deserve a refereeing performance like this,” said Alguacil.
Sociedad made a positive start and got their reward when Oyarzabal was chopped down by Matthijs de Ligt as he attempted to reach Aritz Elustondo’s cross on 10 minutes.
The Sociedad captain scored his side’s equaliser from the spot as the first leg ended 1-1 last week.
Oyarzabal sent Andre Onana the wrong way once more to give a United side short on firepower a mountain to climb.
However, the Red Devils were level within six minutes.
Rasmus Hojlund’s goal drought stretched to 21 games, but the Dane was fouled as he tried to reach Fernandes’ ball across goal and the latter rolled home the resultant penalty.
United should have been in front by the break as Hojlund missed a glorious chance when he flicked Joshua Zirkzee’s teasing cross wide.
The English giants had to wait just five minutes into the second period for another chance to win the tie.
Zirkzee could not beat Alex Remiro from the edge of the area, but Patrick Dorgu was first to the rebound and was adjudged to have been fouled by Elustondo.
Sociedad’s task got even harder just after the hour mark when Aramburu was shown a straight red card for bringing down the impressive Dorgu as he charged through on goal.
Dorgu also won a third United penalty, but the referee reversed his decision when the Danish full-back admitted he did not think it was a spot-kick.
The only negative of the night for United was another goalless showing for strikers Zirkzee and Hojlund.
Zirkzee was denied again by Remiro before heading wide with the goal gaping. Fernandes showed the poise in front of goal his forwards lacked when he drilled Alejandro Garnacho’s pass into the bottom corner three minutes from time.
Hojlund did at least bag an assist late on as his cross was drilled high into the net by Dalot.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Europa League Results
Lazio 1 (Romagnoli 77) drew with Viktoria Plzen 1 (Sulc 52) — Lazio win 3-2 on aggregate
Wilson Odobert scored his first two Tottenham goals as his team booked a place in the Europa League quarter-finals by beating AZ Alkmaar 3-1 on Thursday and 3-2 on aggregate.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou’s job was reportedly on the line with Europa League success the last chance this season for the Australian to win the club’s first trophy since 2008.
Odobert has been badly impacted by injury since joining from Burnley for a £25 million ($32 million) fee in August but produced a big performance when his manager needed it.
Spurs will face 2022 winners Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals. “We’ve progressed which is the main thing, played pretty well as well,” said Postecoglou.
“I thought we were really in control of the game, we’re our own worst enemy at times.
“When we were in control, we let them back in the game and it was nervy at the end but we thoroughly deserved to win.” Tottenham received a huge boost before kick-off as first-choice centre-back pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were fit to start together for the first time since December.
“They’re quality players,” added Postecoglou. “Romero and Micky make such a big difference to us and you saw Wilson, we’ve hardly had him this year, what a super talent he is.” The home side had dominated possession without being able to create a clear-cut chance until AZ played a big part in their own downfall on 26 minutes.
Son Heung-min blocked Wouter Goes’ attempted clearance and the ball rolled perfectly for Dominic Solanke, who calmly teed up Odobert to curl home from 12 yards.
The second period was only 149 seconds old when Tottenham made it 2-0 to go ahead in the tie for the first time.
Spurs give away goal before sealing tie | 01:03
James Maddison made his case to new England manager Thomas Tuchel on the eve of his first squad announcement with a composed finish from Son’s pass.
Tottenham’s lead in the tie only lasted 15 minutes before a mix-up between Odobert and Lucas Bergvall presented the ball to Peer Koopmeiners, who blasted home to give the Dutch side hope.
However, Spurs rallied in the closing stages and got their reward 16 minutes from time thanks to a fine team goal.
Maddison’s spin away from his marker opened up the pitch and after Djed Spence was played in down the left, his cross was flicked on by Solanke for Odobert to tap in at the back post.
Relive all the action in our live blog below! Can’t see the blog? CLICK HERE!
Paris Saint-Germain progressed to the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday after beating Liverpool 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out to win an epic last-16 tie between the clubs.
Trailing 1-0 from last week’s first leg in Paris, PSG levelled the tie on aggregate thanks to Ousmane Dembele’s early strike at Anfield.
There were plenty of chances but no further goals at the end of 90 minutes or extra time, taking the tie to a shoot-out.
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma then performed heroics by saving penalties from Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones, while all four of the away side’s kicks were converted by Vitinha, Goncalo Ramos, Dembele and Desire Doue.
The oft-maligned Nunez looked devastated after missing his attempt.
“You had that feeling as Darwin Nunez walked up to the ball, a sense of anxiety from the Liverpool fans,” former Reds defender Stephen Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!
Donnarumma denies Reds with insane save! | 00:30
The French champions, who have never won the competition, now advance to a quarter-final tie next month against either Aston Villa or Club Brugge.
Villa host the Belgian side on Wednesday and lead 3-1 from the first leg.
“It was the best game of football I was ever involved in,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said after the defeat.
“Incredible performance, especially if you compare it with last week. We were creating chances and then we were 1-0 down. We ran out of luck after last week.
“For me it felt like we deserved more than being 1-0 down. We played the perfect game except for scoring a goal. It was similar to them PSG last week where they played the perfect game. And then in extra-time they were maybe a little bit better.
“It came down to penalties and we, as Dutch, know how to lose them.
“It feels unfair that we topped the table and then faced such a strong team like PSG.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain saves a penalty. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk continued on Amazon Prime: “It was a very intense great game of football, I think to be part of it as well. It was totally there for Liverpool and what we showed in Paris and unfortunately were out on penalties and that is the reality.
“I think in the first half we created dangerous moments and they have the quality as well, and then it comes down to penalties.
“It’s part of football, I said to the guys, ‘Obviously, you can be disappointed because we’re out of the competition, but chin up and get ready for the next challenge.’
“I think we were pretty good today as well, and you want to go as far as possible, but we knew when we drew PSG it was going to be very difficult. We saw in Paris when we struggled but we won, and today we saw a very good Liverpool side but we’re out of the competition.”
Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez. Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
KANE LEADS BAYERN PAST LEVERKUSEN
Elsewhere in the Champions League, Harry Kane scored a goal and set up another as Bayern Munich won 2-0 at Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, going through to the quarter-finals 5-0 on aggregate.
Bayern were comfortable against last season’s unbeaten German champions, having already done the damage with a dominant 3-0 win at home in the first leg.
With the match scoreless at halftime, Leverkusen rolled the dice in search of the goals they needed but it was Bayern who struck, with Kane waltzing through to tap in a Joshua Kimmich cross early in the second period.
With Leverkusen again pushing forward, the visitors added a second in the 71st minute, Alphonso Davies slamming a clever Kane chip low and hard to double Bayern’s lead.
Kane, so often criticised for going missing in big games and scoring against the minnows, was again commanding, as he had been when scoring a brace in Munich.
The England captain showed finesse and physicality as he kept Bayern on track for a dream home final and a chance to exorcise the ghosts of their 2012 Champions League final loss to Chelsea.
Leverkusen showed spirit despite missing pivotal midfielder Florian Wirtz, but the scale of the task was too high.
Eight points behind Bayern in the league, Xabi Alonso’s likely last remaining chance for silverware this season is the German Cup, where Leverkusen are through to the final four.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS
Barcelona def. Benfica 3-1 (aggregate 4-1)
Bayern def. Leverkusen 2-0 (aggregate 5-0)
Inter def. Feyenoord 2-1 (aggregate 4-1)
PSG def. Liverpool 1-0 (aggregate 1-1, penalties 4-1)
Manchester United on Tuesday announced plans to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium close to their historic Old Trafford home, with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe promising it would be the “world’s greatest” football ground.
The momentous decision by the Premier League club comes after an extensive consultation process on whether to develop their creaking current ground or move.
The stadium, which will be built on land surrounding Old Trafford, will cost around £2 billion (AU$4.1 billion) and the timescale for the project is five years.
United, 20-time English league champions, are one of the world’s most iconic football clubs but have fallen behind rivals such as Manchester City and Liverpool over the past decade.
They are having a dismal season under current manager Ruben Amorim, languishing 14th in the Premier League table and knocked out of both domestic cup competitions.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!
British billionaire Ratcliffe himself this week told the BBC some of the club’s players are “not good enough” and some are “overpaid”.
Scaled models and conceptual images for United’s new stadium were revealed on Tuesday at the London headquarters of architects Foster + Partners, appointed in September to design the stadium district.
“Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford,” Ratcliffe said in a club statement.
“Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport.”
A handout image received from Manchester United. Photo by Manchester United / AFPSource: AFP
United said the stadium and a wider regeneration project had the potential to deliver an additional $15 billion per year to the UK economy, including the possible creation of 92,000 new jobs.
A joint task force was created last year to explore options for regenerating the Old Trafford area of Greater Manchester, with the stadium development at its heart.
It was led by Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics and chief organiser of the 2012 London Olympics, and also included the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.
Omar Berrada, United’s chief executive, said the club’s long-term objective was to “have the world’s best football team playing in the world’s best stadium”, promising further consultation with fans.
Old Trafford, United’s home since 1910, is England’s biggest club ground with a capacity of around 74,000 but criticism of the stadium has grown in recent years, with issues including a leaking roof.
The proposed new stadium will rank as Europe’s second biggest, behind only Barcelona’s Camp Nou, which will accommodate about 105,000 fans once an upgrade is completed.
The move to a new ground has been backed by former United boss Alex Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles during his reign of nearly 27 years that ended in 2013.
“Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally, but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where new history can be made,” he said.
United, whose struggles on the pitch are matched by problems off it, are around $2 billion in debt and have yet to say how they will pay for the new stadium.
But Berrada said Tuesday he was confident the club would find a way to finance the stadium as it was a “very attractive investment opportunity”.
Manchester United has also been criticised for announcing the project after making close to 500 staff redundancies in the past year.
“My big fear is that some of those costs will be used as an excuse to put up prices for fans, especially season ticket holders,” football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Radio 5.
“And I don’t think that is in the best interest of the Manchester United fanbase.”
Foster + Partners designed the new Wembley stadium and the Lusail stadium in Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup final.
Norman Foster, founder of Foster + Partners, said United’s new stadium would feature an umbrella design sheltering a public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square” in London.
The design will feature three masts described as “Trident”, which the architects say will be 200 metres high and visible from 40 kilometres away.
The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust said it was vital that fans were consulted throughout the process.
“Against the backdrop of uncertainty around next year’s ticket prices, continuing poor performance on the field, speculation around sales of key young players, and the recent financial results, the news probably does beg more questions than it gives clear answers,” the group said in a statement.
“As our own and the club’s consultations have shown, the answer to whether United fans want to refurbish Old Trafford or build a new ground depends entirely on what the consequences of the decision are.
“So, now that decision has been made, fans will need to be consulted all along the way on the key features that impact match-going fans’ experience and atmosphere.
“Whilst investment is much needed and welcome, fans remain anxious about what it means and what the consequences will be.
“Will it drive up ticket prices and force out local fans? Will it harm the atmosphere, which is consistently fans’ top priority in the ground?
“Will it add to the debt burden which has held back the club for the last two decades? Will it lead to reduced investment in the playing side at a time when it is so badly needed?”
Elsewhere, fan group The 1958 strongly criticised the new stadium’s design.
“Manchester United’s new stadium design fails to reflect the club’s deep rooted heritage, traditions and connection to its supporters,” the group said in a statement.
“Instead of embodying the gritty, historic essence of Old Trafford, a fortress built on generations of passion, emotion and belonging, the design resembles a generic, soulless corporate structure, more akin to a modern entertainment venue than a football cathedral.
“Its circus-like aesthetic disregards the club’s working-class origins and the identity of a fanbase that spans generations.
“Rather than honouring the past and strengthening the bond with the local community, it prioritises spectacle over substance, alienating those who have defined United’s legacy for decades.
“It’s an events stadium over a football stadium. It’s a visitor experience over fan opinion and needs.
“Where was the consultation with fans on this design? What does the supporter configuration look like? We don’t need a copy of a Wembley of the north with a pretend Wembley Way, we need an Old Trafford of the north. A stadium that reflects our industrial and working class heritage and this is not it.”
NAIROBI — Commonwealth Games champion Ferdinand Omanyala will be in contention at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Grand Prix in Pretoria on Wednesday evening.
Omanyala will be running in the men’s 100m where he will be competing against six other sprinters, including fellow countryman, Mark Otieno.
Other foreigners in the race include Zimbabwe’s Makusha Ngoni and Boitshwarelo Mothusi of Botswana.
After Wednesday’s race, Omanyala will then shift focus to the ASA Grand Prix II, set for Johannesburg on March 19.
The two competitions will be first international races this year for Africa’s fastest man since September last year when he clocked 10.07 to win the men’s 100m in Brussels.
The 2022 African champion was in action at last weekend’s second leg of the Athletics Kenya (AK) Track and Field Weekend meeting in Thika where he clocked 10.02 to win Heat 2 of the men’s 100m.
However, the competition seemed to be more of a warm up for Omanyala who did not run in the final.
His compatriot, Otieno, will also be running in his first international race since August when he competed at the Wieslaw Maniak Memorial in Poland.
On that occasion, the former national champion clocked 10.60 to finish third.
Otieno also competed in his first-ever international assignment for the country ever since he was slapped with a two-year doping ban.
He clocked 10.42 to finish fifth in the semi-final of the men’s 100m at the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon in June last year.
Bolaji’s decisive victory, her fourth win over Kozyna in their last five meetings, reinforces her dominance in the WS SL3 category and propels her closer to the coveted world No. 1 ranking.
In a tournament defined by fierce competition and remarkable talent, Nigeria’s para-badminton star, Eniola Bolaji, emerged as the undeniable force at the 2025 Spanish Para-Badminton International.
With every match, Bolaji’s blend of skill, determination, and brilliance captivated audiences, resulting in a stunning gold medal performance on Sunday.
Her journey through the tournament, marked by decisive victories and a relentless pursuit of excellence, solidifies her status as a para-badminton powerhouse and elevates Nigeria’s global profile.
Bolaji delivered a breathtaking performance at the 2025 Spanish Para-Badminton International, claiming gold with an emphatic 21-15, 21-15 victory over Ukraine’s world No. 4 Oksana Kozyna in the final on Sunday.
Currently ranked world No. 2, Bolaji demonstrated her supremacy throughout the tournament in the fiercely competitive WS SL3 category.
Her path to gold was paved with challenging matches, each displaying her exceptional talent and mental strength.
In the semifinals, Bolaji further asserted her dominance by sweeping past India’s Neeraj in a flawless 2-0 victory.
This commanding performance set the stage for the much-anticipated clash with Kozyna, a matchup Bolaji decisively won in straight sets, further cementing her status as one of the top para-badminton players globally.
The rising superstar’s triumph in Spain is not an isolated success.
It marks her fourth win over Kozyna in their last five encounters, reinforcing her superiority over the Ukrainian rival.
With each win not only advancing her career but also strengthening her bid for the world No. 1 ranking, highlighting her growing confidence as she prepares for upcoming international tournaments.
Beyond the accolades and rankings, Bolaji’s gold medal is a beacon of inspiration.
Her remarkable achievement contributes significantly to Nigeria’s growing prominence in para-badminton, inspiring aspiring athletes across the nation and around the world to pursue excellence in the sport.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has leapt to the defends of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario following an heated exchange with Spurs fans during Friday’s Europa League loss to AZ Alkmaar.
The tourists lost the last-16 first-leg contest 1-0 courtesy of a freak own goal from Lucas Bergvall, with Tottenham failing to register a shot on goal until the 88th minute. Vicario produced several clutch saves to prevent a blowout and keep Tottenham’s silverware dream alive.
Following the full-time whistle, Vicario approached the away fans at AFAS Stadion and seemingly gestured for them to show more support, which was met with a hostile reaction from the disgruntled supporters.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!
Speaking to reporters in the post-match press conference, Postecoglou defended Vicario’s actions.
“Vic is very, very passionate about this football club. He’s very passionate about what we’re trying to do here, he wants to win and he wants everyone on board with that,” Postecoglou said.
“If people think there is one bad or vindictive bone in Vicario’s make-up they don’t know the man that I do.
“The guy is one of the purest human beings you can ever come across. Whatever he does, he does what he thinks is best for the team and football club because he really cares.”
Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur. Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Vicario also addressed the incident.
“I can understand the frustration of the fans, but we still have a lot to play for, especially in the second leg. It’s just a way of trying to stay together because we have the opportunity to go through to the next round,” Vicario insisted.
“We need them every game, home and away. We know they are very important for us and now is a big moment of the season. And with them we can play with one more man on the pitch so it’s so important.
“I can really understand the disappointment they had because we didn’t show our level of football. It’s disappointing for us but we have to analyse and forget, and be ready for the next round.
“We still have another game to play against AZ at our place, so it’s the moment to stick together now because we can go through this round.”
He added: “We take the responsibility for what happened but now we’re going to show the real Spurs in the next game.
“The performance is nowhere near the level we should have played this game. We know it’s frustrating. The result of course is not great, but we have to play the second leg, so it’s on us.
“Now we have to analyse but also forget straight away this game. We have a big game on Sunday and ready for the second leg next Thursday.”
Tottenham will next face Bournemouth at home on Monday at 1am AEDT.
