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      Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE RESULT – Carabao Cup final: Wembley erupts as Toon FINALLY end 70-year trophy drought

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      NEWCASTLE have beaten Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final to END their 70-year trophy drought!Boyhood fan Dan Burn headed the dominant Magpies in front on the stroke of half-time.Alexander Isak then doubled the lead eight minutes into the second half with a fine half volley as Wembley erupted into wild celebrations.But Federico Chiesa pulled one back for Liverpool after a lengthy VAR check in injury time to set up a nervy finale.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: ITV1/Sky Sports Main EventFREE live stream: ITVXLiverpool team: Kelleher; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz; Diogo JotaNewcastle team: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, BarnesCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…Tindall leaves fans in stitchesFANS have been left in stitches after Jason Tindall grabbed the limelight during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup trophy lift.The Newcastle assistant joined the team to parade the cup after a famous 2-1 win over Liverpool.And fans were in hysterics as Tindall cut the line and was the FOURTH person to receive the trophy.One fan laughed: “Jason Tindall the fourth person affiliated to Newcastle lifting the trophy. The devil works hard but Tindall works harder.”Another wrote on X: “Love how Jason Tindall got to lift the trophy before most of the Newcastle players.”While a third commented: “How many people do we think Jason Tindall has rattled tonight by helping Newcastle lift the trophy?”Copy linkCopiedMatch statsThe Toon were dominant against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.Despite giving the opposition the ball, they created more chances and were deserved winners.Copy linkCopiedIt’s a Brazilian affairNewcastle’s Brazilian connection were the stars of Newcastle’s midfield.Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes bossed the centre of the park for the Toon at Wembley.And they couldn’t wait to show off the Brazilian flag after their famous win.Copy linkCopiedWinner’s medalsHarvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy show off their winner’s medals.The pair were instrumental in Newcastle United’s success over Liverpool.Copy linkCopiedAnt & Dec timeANT & DEC got plenty of screen time as Newcastle beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.The Toon triumphed 2-1 to end their astonishing 70-year trophy drought at Wembley.As Newcastle’s most famous fans, comedy duo Ant & Dec were never going to miss the match.And broadcasters Sky Sports couldn’t resist showing several shots of the jubilant pair.One fan wrote on social media: “We’ve seen Ant and Dec more times than Salah today. This is ASTONISHING.”To which a second replied: “Is Salah on the pitch?”Copy linkCopiedInside Newcastle’s dressing roomNEWCASTLE players got the party started in the Wembley changing rooms – after ending 70 years of hurt.Toon stars danced and drank out of the Carabao Cup after a dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool at the Home of Football.Goal hero Dan Burn showed off his dance moves.While Sean Longstaff was seen drinking out of the Carabao Cup.Copy linkCopiedProud FenderProud Sam Fender might have been on tour in Berlin, but that didn’t stop him from cheering on the Toon.The Geordie songwriter cheered on his beloved team, and shared a poignant ,message on Instagram.He captioned an emotional pic: “Best day ever. We deserved it. 70 Years. The Clock has been reset. Howay the lads.”Copy linkCopiedParty time in NewcastleNewcastle fans are out on the Toon – celebrating their side’s famous win.Expect a few sore headed tomorrow morning.Copy linkCopiedHowe’s reactionHowe is the first Englishman since Harry Redknapp in 2008 to lift major silverware.Though it was the club’s long wait for silverware that inspired his team to go right at league leaders Liverpool from the off.He added: “We were well aware of the history and we wanted to do the club proud. We wanted to score, we wanted to perform and we wanted to win.“We are breaking new ground, I thought we were magnificent.Howe, whose side will be back in Europe next term after this triumph, added: “I am very very emotional and been all day which is unlike me.“We knew what was at stake today for all of our fans, we wanted to do them proud and win the trophy.“I am so, so pleased with the result and the performance – we deserved to win today.“It was tough when Liverpool scored. I was thinking about extra time, we always make it difficult for ourselves it was never going to be 2-0.”Copy linkCopiedNewcastle’s set-piecesBoss Eddie Howe claimed he was in complete shock when Burn scored – because he’d been pants in set-piece practice.He said: “We worked consistently for two weeks on set plays just for this game and if you had seen us in practice you would have said we had no chance.“We couldn’t believe Dan Burn scored – he didn’t train like that! He was a colossus for us.”Copy linkCopiedClassy Van DijkVIRGIL VAN DIJK was praised for his classy gesture just moments after Liverpool lost the Carabao Cup final.Despite the painful defeat, Van Dijk took time out of his misery to congratulate the newly-crowned champions.Ex-Liverpool left-back Stephen Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “There was an embrace between Virgil Van Dijk and Dan Burn.”Van Dijk stood at the Newcastle huddle – he went around and shook every player’s hand.”He respected what Newcastle have done today.”Class. A sign of respect for Newcastle.”Copy linkCopiedBurn’s best weekFellow goal hero Dan Burn says he is expecting to wake up from the best dream of his life.After capping a first England call-up by helping his boyhood club to glory, he said: “I’ve had worse weeks!“I don’t want to go to sleep because I feel like I am dreaming. “As soon as I headed it, I knew it was in. I don’t get many so at least I saved it for a big occasion. I feel strange the minute. It is hard to put into words.”Copy linkCopied’This is really just the start’Alexander Isak has spoken after ending Newcastle’s 70-year trophy drought.The Swede scored the Toon’s decisive second goal in a 2-1 win over Liverpool.He said: “This is really just the start.“We will see more from the fans and what it means for the people when we get back to Newcastle. We are all aware of how long it’s been for the fans without a trophy.“This game is about moments and it’s not about being really good as a striker but it’s about being there to score when needed.”Copy linkCopiedGinola reactsToon icon David Ginola has taken to X to react to Newcastle’s historic win:Copy linkCopiedPlayer ratingsWho starred for the Geordies?Who went missing for the Reds when they needed him most? SunSport’s ratings for the Carabao Cup final are below.Copy linkCopiedMatch reportNewcastle have finally broken their Wembley hoodoo.They have won the Carabao Cup – with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.Our chief sports writer, Dave Kidd was there.Read his match report below.Copy linkCopiedGuimaraes reactionBruno Guimaraes couldn’t hide his emotion after Newcastle won the Carabao Cup.Guimaraes told Sky Sports: “It’s all for these fans. They deserve everything. When I first came here I said I wanted to put my name in history.”We can now say we are the champions again. This is one of the best days of my life.”I don’t have any words. It’s the best day of my life. For them [the fans] it’s like the World Cup. People have grown up and not seen us as champions. My first year as captain of this club and it’s one of the best days. This is unbelievable.”This is my second home. We are making history. Some day when I leave this club I want the fans to sing my name the way they do to Shearer. He text me before the game. I’m so emotional today.”Copy linkCopiedEddie ready to lift first trophyWhat a moment this is personally for manager Eddie Howe.Despite his impressive career, this is the first time he has won a trophy.Much-malligned for not bring success to The Magpies since their Saudi takeover, he kept pressing forward beleving in his project.Now he gets to reap the rewards and give back to all the fans who stuck by him through thick and thin.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFans get to see momentous occasionTo say you were at Wembley to see Newcastle lift a major trophy is something The Magpies fans thought would never happen.However, this is something that will live on iin the memory of these Geordie fans.This is just the beginning for these supporters, the party is just starting and may carry on for some time.Copy linkCopiedHowe’s Magpies secure historic winThere will be a lot of people missing from their jobs in North East tomorrow, that is for sure.Magpies’ fans will party like never before tonight and what a performance it was from their side.From start to finish Newcastle showed a hunger to end their trophy drought and Liverpool paid the price for it.Eddie Howe may well be given the freedom of the city after this.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 1-2 NewcastleWhat a moment for this football club.Having endured so much pain over the years, they have finally ended their trophy drought.Every one of these Magpies’ players have become heroes and legends of this football club today.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle win the Carabao CupCopy linkCopiedFT: Liverpool 1-2 NewcastleThe referee blows his whistle to end the game.Newcastle’s dreams have come true in the capital.Eddie Howe has taken his side to Carabao Cup glory.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-2 Newcastle90+10. There is a VAR review for some violent conduct.Joelinton threw Elliott to the ground to prevent an attack.The game continues as Liverpool launch it forward.Copy linkCopiedLiverpool 1-2 Newcastle90+9. You could cut the tension with a knife in the Newcastle ends.They have waited so long for this moment but are worried that it will be stolen off them.Salah plays it forward but Burn ends clear and Willock runs into the corner.Copy linkCopied More

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      Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE SCORE – Carabao Cup final: Reds and Toon in massive blockbuster Wembley clash – latest

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      LIVERPOOL and Newcastle go head-to-head in an absolute blockbuster Carabao Cup final TODAY!The two English giants are seeking silverware in the first domestic final of the season for very different reasons.Liverpool already have a firm grasp on the Premier League title, but Arne Slot will be hoping to win his first trophy as Reds boss this afternoon, as the Merseyside outfit attempt to keep their chances of a double alive.Elsewhere, Eddie Howe is determined to lead Newcastle to their first domestic honour in 70 years after Toon failed to end their drought at the final hurdle in the same competition just two years ago.Kick off time: 4.30pm GMTTV channel: ITV1/Sky Sports Main EventFREE live stream: ITVXLiverpool team: To follow…Newcastle team: To follow…CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…Final countdownThis will be only the second time Liverpool and Newcastle have met in a domestic final.You have to go way back to 1974 FA Cup final for the last meeting at Wembley. On that occasion, the Reds ran out 3-0 winners thanks to a Kevin Keegan brace and a goal from Steve Heighway.Fast forward to more modern times, and Newcastle last beat Liverpool in any competition back in December 2015.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedHowe rejects ‘curse’Toon boss Eddie Howe wants his team to write their own history today – and not look to the past.Newcastle have not won a domestic trophy in 70 years and have lost five Wembley finals in a row.Responding to claims of a curse on the club, Howe said: “I don’t subscribe to that way of thinking.”There isn’t always a negative outcome.”Destiny is in our own hands. I’m not even going to use the word you mentioned, it is not in that mindset, it’s about us delivering a great performance if we can.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedView from Wembley StadiumThe anticipation inside Wembley is palpable. To my right a sea of black and white, with each soldier of the Toon Army picking up a scarf from their seat which they will hope to be waving around their heads for the rest of the day. The first huge roar of the day comes as Nick Pope and the other goalkeepers come out to do their warm-ups. After what was a pretty chilly and gloomy morning the sun is now beaming down on a section of the Liverpool fans to my left. Still just over an hour before kick-off here, but the vibes are already high, let’s hope it stays that way. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedIsak – I fear no oneNewcastle will be hoping their red-hot Swede striker Alexander Isak continues to impress today.The 25-year-old is enjoying a stunning season and says he fears nobody – especially Liverpool’s centre-half Virgil van Dijk.Isak said: “I wouldn’t say I fear anyone, that’s a strong word.”I have a lot of respect for Van Dijk and their whole defence. I’m a player who always focuses on myself. “If I do the right things and play my best game it’ll benefit the team.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedKell of a callSo it’s Kelleher in net for the Reds – and he has plenty of history in this competition.The Irishman scored a penalty in the shootout win over Chelsea in 2022.And he made a string of key saves against the Blues lats year as Virgil van Dijk scored a late winner.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedConfirmed team newsLiverpool XI: Kelleher; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz; Diogo Jota.Newcastle United XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedHe’s a keeperArne Slot has hinted that Alisson will start against Newcastle at Wembley, rather than last year’s final hero Caoimhin Kelleher. Slot said: “They haven’t heard it themselves, but everyone who uses common sense [might guess].”So [look] all of our line-ups, and you might have an idea.”Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedEarly team newsNot long now until we learn the two XI’s from the Home of Football.For Newcastle, Antony Gordon (suspension), Lewis Hall (ankle) and Sven Botmon (knee) are all missing.Liverpool will definitely be without Trent Alexander-Arnold (ankle), Conor Bradley (hamstring) and Joe Gomez (hamstring).Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedToon takeoverThere’s already a decent contingent of Newcastle fans soaking up the pre-match atmosphere in Wembley. A few will be nursing sore heads following a raucous night in the capital.Thousands of Toon supporters flocked to Covent Garden last night to oil up ahead of today’s potentially history-making clash.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedCup for itIt could be a day to remember for Newcastle as the first silverware of the season is up for grabs this afternoon.Eddie Howe’s men are looking to a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy as they line up against Liverpool at Wembley.Toon have travelled in big numbers, taking over the capital on Saturday night ahead of today’s showdown. But they have it all to do against the holders, as Arne Slot targets a first trophy of his tenure. No team has won this competition more times than Liverpool, with the Reds holding a formidable recent record over the Magpies.Records are there to be broken, though. Whatever happens, it’s set to be an absolute belter in the Wembley sunshine. Kick-off at 4.30pm, team news is imminent from the Home of Football. Credit: AFPCopy linkCopied More

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      F1 Australian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Norris wins chaotic opening race as Hamilton suffers Ferrari disaster – latest

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      LEWIS HAMILTON suffered a nightmare Ferrari debut as six drivers crashed out of a chaotic Australian Grand Prix.Hamilton, 40, made the switch from Mercedes to the Scuderia official over the off-season and made his debut for the Italian team as he chases a record-breaking eighth world championship.The race start was DELAYED after rookie Isack Hadjar crashed out during the formation lap before bursting into tears as he was consoled by Hamilton’s dad.Fellow rookie Jack Doohan then crashed out on the first lap after a huge spin before last year’s race winner, Carlos Sainz, crashed under the safety car.Lando Norris took the chequered flag ahead of Max Verstappen after going off the track in a thrilling season opener, but Ferrari suffered a strategy disaster to leave Hamilton down in P10.Podium places: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, George Russell. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates… ‘Pretty disappointed’, says Piastri“It’s obviously pretty disappointed at the moment. I feel like for every lap bar one I drove an incredibly strong race and don’t have anything to show for it. I don’t have anyone to blame but myself, a bit unfortunate to get stuck like I did but I put myself there.“For me, the big positive is the other 56 laps of the race, I felt I had really strong pace in all conditions and that is what I will try and take from this weekend.“Given I was trying to reverse for a minute, we made the right decisions. There was much more on the table than ninth today, so it is a shame to not have that result.”Oscar PiastriOscar Piastri and his girlfriend Lily Zneimer arriving in the paddock at the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi last yearCopy linkCopiedUp next … ChinaThe 2025 Chinese Grand Prix takes place over 56 laps of the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday, March 23.Copy linkCopiedMcLaren the team to beatThe McLaren’s speed, based on this weekend, will make them the team to beat this season.Copy linkCopiedHow the race started (2)Norris then held his lead from Verstappen on the restart with the three front-runners opening a gap on Russell in fourth, with Hamilton remaining eighth. Piastri too was enjoying better pace as the track dried by lap 17 and when Verstappen went in too hot into turn 11, struggling with his tyres, the Australian shot past to reclaim second.Norris however was in control out in front, happy with his tyres and conditions and over two seconds up on his teammate and a full 20 up on Russell in fourth by lap 24.Lando Norris leads the pack shortly after the start of the raceCopy linkCopiedHow the race started (1)When the lights went out Norris covered off a quick-starting Verstappen to hold the lead but Piastri fell to the Dutchman though turn two in a sharp opening that was swiftly neutralised after the Australian Jack Doohan crashed out at turn five, causing the safety car to be deployed.Doohan was not the last to exit early as Carlos Sainz followed suit shortly afterwards, spinning out under the safety car with a mechanical problem and going backwards into the barriers.Copy linkCopied’He kept his cool’Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was impressed by Antonelli’s drive from P16 to P5 – and now P4 – on a treacherous Albert Park circuit, one that even caught out the likes of last year’s Australian GP winner Carlos Sainz, who crashed his Williams behind the Safety Car.“I mean, even very good drivers span or hit the wall, and it’s easier to not finish than to finish,” Wolff stated.“He kept his cool and yeah, it was just very impressive to see. And it shows that he has a good future, as long as the trajectory keeps being like it is.”Toto Wolff, Mercedes boss, at the Australian Grand Prix on SundayCopy linkCopiedTwo firsts – and a fifth – for NorrisThis was the first time Lando Norris has won in Australia – and the first time he has won the season-opening race.It is also his fifth career victory. His team too will enjoy the winning feeling in Melbourne, after a long absence from the top step. The last time McLaren took the flag here was with Jenson Button in 2012.Lando Norris celebrates after winning the Australian Grand Prix 2025 at Albert Park, MelbourneNorris in action at the (very wet) Australian Grand PrixCopy linkCopied’We missed out’, says Lewis Hamilton Lewis Hamilton, who started the race in eighth, also got overtaken by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on the last lap, to cap off a torrid final 15 laps.“It was very tricky,” Hamilton told Sky Sports F1 afterwards.“It went a lot worse than I thought it would go, the car was really hard to drive today. I’m grateful I kept it out of the wall, that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.“A lot to take [in], different power unit in the wet, different driving and setup on the steering wheel. And the guidance of how much more rain was coming… we missed out.”Lewis Hamilton enters the paddock on Sunday dressed in a red Willy Chavarria track suitCopy linkCopiedIn pictures Here are some of the best images from the Australian Grand Prix.McLaren’s Lando Norris celebrates with his trophyLewis Hamilton signs autographs on the Melbourne WalkThird-placed Mercedes’ British driver George Russell attends a press conferenceCopy linkCopiedAntonelli’s penalty reversedAndrea Kimi Antonelli, pictured below, has been promoted to P4, and Alex Albon back down to P5, after the Italian driver’s penalty was reversed.He was initially on course to finish P4 in a rain-impacted Australian GP, a solid drive in his debut Grand Prix, though had to make do for P5 after the stewards issued a five-second time penalty in the closing stages for an unsafe release.It was an incident which Wolff pointed out was not televised, and the outcome left the Mercedes boss unimpressed.Copy linkCopiedRecap of Constructors StandingsMcLaren – 27ptsMercedes – 25ptsRed Bull – 18ptsWilliams – 12ptsAston Martin – 8ptsSauber – 6ptsFerrari – 5ptsCopy linkCopiedThird-youngest EVERMore Kimi Antonelli facts. He became the third-youngest driver to start an F1 Grand Prix behind Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll at 18 years, six months and 19 days. Copy linkCopiedKimi thing The weekend seemed to get off to a rough start for debutante Andrea Kimi Antonelli when he underwhelmed in a Q1 exit. However, he came storming back when it mattered, as he collected a top-five finish in the Albert Park race on his debut. Though, only a namesake and nothing more, the fightback is eerily similar to Kimi Räikkönen, who went from P13 to P6 in his debut. Copy linkCopiedDriver of the dayFollowing a mega drive from Lando Norris, the McLaren takes home the fan-voted Driver of the day award. Copy linkCopiedHamilton on race It was very tricky and went a lot worse than I thought it would go. The car was really, really hard to drive today.For me, I’m just grateful I kept it out of the wall because that’s where it wanted to go most of the time.A lot to take from it and just getting acclimatised with the new power unit in the wet conditions.The settings it requires are different, and a different way of driving and a different set-up on the steering wheel.I hung out as long as I could, got in the lead at one point. Just the guidance with how much more rain was coming, was missing there, so I think we missed out.Lewis HamiltonCopy linkCopiedLeclerc’s ‘words of wisdom’Lewis Hamilton was not the only Ferrari driver upset with their engineer today as Charles Leclerc seemingly wasn’t too impressed with some analysis they offered him on the radio.Leclerc: “Is there a leakage?” Engineer: “A leakage of what?” Leclerc: “I have a full seat of water, like, full of water!” Engineer: “Must be the water.” Leclerc: “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom.”Copy linkCopiedConstructors standings after race oneThere is a long way to go this season, but McLaren can be thankful they have a competitive race car to help Norris keep Verstappen at bay.Meanwhile, Mercedes profited from a mistake-free race to score a P3 and P5.McLaren – 27ptsMercedes – 25ptsRed Bull – 18ptsWilliams – 12ptsAston Martin – 8ptsSauber – 6ptsFerrari – 5ptsCopy linkCopiedHamilton post-race radioAfter his disappointing Ferrari debut, Hamilton said:Yeah it wasnt great but we keep pushing..Lewis HamiltonCopy linkCopiedNorris on radioLando Norris on radio after the race:Ooof, little bit of pressure! Well done boys, beautifully handled.Executed to the second. One second later and we were done. Well done everyone, congrats, amazing way to start the year.Lando NorrisCopy linkCopiedRace reportRead our full F1 race report here to remind yourself of all the chaotic events of this morning’s race.Who needs coffee when you have races like that…Copy linkCopiedAlbon scores P4 for WilliamsA great race for Williams and Albon who manages to finish P4 with a quiet but crucially mistake-free race.Copy linkCopiedHamilton rues Ferrari strategy blunderHamilton was left to rue a huge strategy blunder from his team as he finished down in P10.The Brit had sensationally lead the race very briefly before he was forced to pit on to Intermediate tyres.Copy linkCopiedNORRIS WINSNorris takes the chequered flag in Australia just ahead of Verstappen.Martin Brundle on Sky Sports calls it “one of the all-time great Norris races”, and it is hard to think of many better performances from the Brit.Copy linkCopiedNorris v Verstappen one-lap shootoutHalf a second separates Norris and Verstappen now as they cross the line for the final lap.Copy linkCopiedPiastri back in the pointsAfter his horror mistake earlier, Piastri has managed to get his car back into the points which will be vital in the constructor’s championship.Meanwhile, Verstappen is now within a second of Norris going into the final two laps and has DRS.Copy linkCopied More

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      F1 Australian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari debut in epic opener at Albert Park – latest

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      THE Lewis Hamilton-Ferrari era begins in Melbourne as the greatest show in motorsport returns for another season.Hamilton, 40, made the switch from Mercedes to the Scuderia official over the off-season and will make his debut for the Italian team as he chases a record-breaking eighth world championship.However, the Brit has plenty to do in his first F1 race for Ferrari as he starts eighth on the grid, one behind new team-mate Charles Leclerc.Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen starts third on the grid behind Lando Norris and McLaren pal Oscar Piastri.Race time: 4am GMTTV channel: Sky Sports F1Live stream: NOW/Sky Sports appGrid: Norris, Piastri, Verstappen, Russell, Tsunoda, Albon, Leclerc, Hamilton, Gasly, Sainz, Hadjar, Alonso, Stroll, Doohan, Bortoleto, Antonelli, Hulkenberg, Lawson, Ocon, Bearman.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates… Norris delightedPace setter Lando Norris was in dream land with his pole, as you might expect.He said: “It’s the perfect way to start the year. Everyone at McLaren has done an amazing job to start with a one-two but it’s just qualifying, let’s see tomorrow, it’s going to be a tricky race but this is a good way to start.”The car is extremely quick and when you put it together it’s unbelievable but it’s difficult to put together.”Particularly after the first lap, when I went off and lost my lap, you’re in a tricky position – you need to risk it but not go too far because you can’t make a mistake. It’s a difficult balance. We know how quick Max and Red Bull are in the rain.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedChucking it downAfter a scorching Saturday which saw temperatures of up to 37 degrees it is now chucking it down in Melbourne and the F2 race has already been axed because of the rain. Punters have not been put off though and are decked out in their rain ponchos, coats, hats and umbrellas in the stands. The official F1 forecast says conditions will start to improve and there will be a moderate chance of the odd shower during the race.It is also VERY windy too, with gusts of up to 60km, but drivers can definitely race in this weather. Copy linkCopied’A lot to dissect’ Lewis Hamilton finished eighth in qualifying and said he and the engineers had a lot of work to do to catch up to the front runners.He also revealed he doesn’t know the rain settings in his new car.Hamilton told Sky Sports: “We will just get ours heads down and start finding out why we are not on pace with the front runners.”Tomorrow is going to be a challenge. I’ve never driven this car in the rain, I don’t even know the rain settings but I’ve got to go and study that tonight and it will be a learning experience again.”Copy linkCopied2025 scheduleWith that change in schedule, here’s how the opening weeks of the season are looking,There are two races to start the season, then a break, before five races and another break. The calendar doesn’t head to Europe until May 18 – Imola – while plenty of British race fans will have July 6 at Silverstone circled.Copy linkCopiedAll the infoAlbert Park in Melbourne will host the first race of the F1 season.Last year, the Australian GP was the third race of the season but a tweak in the schedule has now seen it host the big opener.Verstappen won pole last year but brake failure saw him last just four laps before being forced to retire, with Carlos Sainz winning ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. The race starts at 4am GMT and will be shown on Sky Sports in the UK – their coverage is just about starting now. We recommend you follow our live coverage for all the thrills and spills from track side in Australia, of course.Credit: SplashCopy linkCopiedGrid in fullLando Norris was quickest in qualifying with McLaren the early pace setters as Oscar Piastri came second.Max Verstappen will start from the second row, in third.The full grid looks like this: Lando NorrisOscar 1PiastriMax VerstappenGeorge RussellYuki TsunodaAlex AlbonCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonPierre GaslyCarlos SainzIsack HadjarFernando AlonsoLance StrollJack DoohanGabriel BortoletoKimi AntonelliNico HulkenbergLiam Lawson Esteban OconOllie BearmanCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedHere we go!The new F1 season is finally here! After months of waiting – and major, MAJOR changes to the grid – we are back in Australia. Lewis Hamilton’s mega move to Ferrari dominated the headlines while the action was away and plenty of eyes will be on the seven-time champion at Albert Park.Hamilton didn’t enjoy the best qualifying session, however, and will start in eighth – one spot behind Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopied More

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      Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny LIVE RESULT: Relentless Wrecking Ball WINS over tough rival but goes unpunished for KICK

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      NICK BALL retained his world featherweight title in front of his hometown crowd with a relentless 10th round TKO stoppage over TJ Doheny!Liverpool favourite Ball is one of the most exciting fighters in British boxing and could now face Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue next.The pair had to be separated by security as the weigh-in descended into chaos on Friday and Ball then went unpunished for landing a KICK on his rival following a tangle at the end of round one.Doheny started well but Ball’s relentless style saw the Liverpudlian exert pressure and tick off rounds before Doheny’ corner threw in the towel before the start of the 11th.Andrew Cain and Charlie Edwards earlier met for the British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles, with Cain winning a split decision after a boring fight.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow the action with our live blog below…Turner’s left hook sends Farrag tumbling to the canvasApart from that brilliant main event, the other massive highlight tonight goes to Liverpool’s own Jack Turner.After starting the fight well in the first round, Turner did not slow his approach and came at Ryan Farrag at full steam.He didn’t waste any time putting Farrag on the ropes and let his hands go swinging.It was the final left hook that sent his opponent tumbling onto the canvas, with Turner then jumping on top of the ropes with sheer joy of what he had just done.At just 23 years old and now 11-0, Turner has lots of potential in the Super-flyweight division.Jack Turner celebrates his victory after beating Ryan Farrag in LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedThe Wrecking Ball’s nightIn an incident-packed fight, Ball kicked out at his opponent following a headlock in the first round and was deducted a point in the ninth for twice pushing his opponent to the canvas.But the 28-year-old Ball landed crisp and cleaner power punches to defend his WBA title.Copy linkCopiedCan Warren entice Inoue?A potential match-up with Naoya Inoue would certainly captivate a mainstream audience.’The Monster’ – with 26 stoppage wins in 29 wins – is a legitimate global great.Inoue is expected to successfully defend his undisputed super-bantamweight title against Ramon Cardenas in May and has teased a move up to featherweight.Veteran promoter Frank Warren’s wish of Ball headlining a stadium fight at either Liverpool or Everton Football Club may just entice Inoue into making a trip to the North West of England.Frank Warren, founder of Queensberry Promotions, at the WBA World Featherweight title fight between Nick Ball and TJ DohenyCopy linkCopiedWho is Naoya Inoue?The smart money on who Ball’s next opponent will be is on Naoya Inoue, a Japanese professional boxer. He has held multiple world championships in four weight classes, and is one of only three male boxers in history to become the undisputed champion in two weight classes in the “four-belt era”.Naoya Inoue poses for photographs last year following a press conference ahead of his super bantamweight fight with Ireland’s TJ Doheny in TokyoCopy linkCopiedBall not asked about kickIrishman TJ Doheny, 38, was repeatedly hurt in the ninth and 10th rounds before his corner stepped in and stopped the contest.Doheny had some success in the earlier rounds but felt the pace against the younger opponent as the match progressed.With his right eye swollen shut for the second half of the fight, Doheny became a punch bag before the bout was halted.Ball, who extends his record to 22 wins and one draw, was fortunate not to be disqualified – or at least have points deducted – after kicking out at his opponent.The local fighter was not asked about the kick in his post-fight interview, below.Nick Ball after his match against TJ Doheny, which he won with a stoppage at the end of the 10th round at the M&S Bank Arena in LiverpoolCopy linkCopiedShould Nick Ball have been DQ’d? Liverpool favourite Nick Ball’s fight vs TJ Doheny was as tense and tasty as you could’ve asked for. The pair were at each other all night, even after rounds. After the fifth round, Doheny seemed to have Ball in a headlock and to the frustration of the world featherweight champion, he kicked out on his Irish opponent. Many have called for at least a points deduction but it could’ve, and probably, should’ve been worse. Copy linkCopiedCard recap A fantastic night of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.Stephen Clarke BEAT Dmitri Protkunas by pointsIonut Baluta BEAT Brad Strand by split decisionJadier Herrera BEAT Jose Macias Enriquez by TKO in the seventh roundAndrew Cain BEAT Charlie Edwards by split decisionJack Turner BEAT Ryan Farrag by KO in the second roundNick Ball BEAT TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee stopped it in-between rounds 10 and 11.Copy linkCopied’The quicker the fight is made, the better’ Nick Ball has made it no secret that he is open to a fight against Naoya Inoue. Turki Al-Sheikh went on social media to promote Inoue fighting in Saudi at the end of the year, and when posed about the opportunity of the dust-up, if timelines match up, Ball is all for it. “Yeah definitely [to fight Naoya Inoue in Saudi in Decemeber],” said Ball to Ring Magazine. “Everyone is speaking about it, his name is starting to do my head in; the quicker the fight is made, the better.”Copy linkCopiedBall vs Inoue next?With this fantastic second WBA title defense from Nick Ball, the attention now goes to who he could fight next.Many fans are hoping that his next bout could be against one of the best boxers in the world, Naoya Inoue.Even for the impressive Nick Ball, Inoue would be a big step up in competition.The Japanese fighter is the reigning IBF, WBC and WBO super bantamweight champion of the world and is 29-0 with 26 finishes.However Frank Warren suggested this fight might be later than fans were hoping for.He said “A fight with Inoue would happen towards the end of the year or maybe early next year, that’s the plan”.Copy linkCopiedA fantastic display in the main eventLast night’s main event saw Nick Ball have one of his best performances of his career as he beat TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee had stopped the fight in between rounds 10 and 11.Nick Ball was on a mission to show why he is one of the best featherweights in the world. And that performance showcased why pundits and fans have been saying that. As for TJ Doheny, that was likely the last time the 38-year-old will fight for a world title. The Irishman has now come up against Nick Ball and Naoya Inoue in back-to-back fights, two of the best boxers at this weight. Doheny showed lots of heart in last night’s loss and should look back at his performance with his head held high. Copy linkCopiedThe KO of the nightApart from that brilliant main event, the other massive highlight tonight goes to Liverpool’s own Jack Turner.After starting the fight well in the first round, Turner did not slow his approach and came at Ryan Farrag full steam ahead.He didn’t waste any time putting Farrag on the ropes and let his hands go swinging.It was the final left hook that sent his opponent tumbling onto the canvas, with Turner then jumping on top of the ropes with sheer joy of what he had just done.At just 23 years old and now 11-0, Turner has lots of potential in the Super-flyweight division.Copy linkCopiedTonight’s fight resultsHere’s a look back at what unfolded on tonight’s card.A fantastic night of boxing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.Stephen Clarke BEAT Dmitri Protkunas by pointsIonut Baluta BEAT Brad Strand by split decisionJadier Herrera BEAT Jose Macias Enriquez by TKO in the seventh roundAndrew Cain BEAT Charlie Edwards by split decisionJack Turner BEAT Ryan Farrag by KO in the second roundNick Ball BEAT TJ Doheny by TKO after the referee stopped it in-between rounds 10 and 11.Copy linkCopiedWhat Frank Warren had to sayShortly after Ball spoke about his performance, his promoter, Frank Warren, got on the mic and made some interesting suggestions regarding Ball’s future bouts.He said: “A fight with Inoue would happen towards the end of the year or maybe early next year, that’s the plan.”But Nick doesn’t want to wait that long, he still wants to fight, it’s our job to keep him busy and keep bringing him back here in Liverpool.”I also want to take my hat off to TJ[Doheny]; he is a true fighting man.”Nick Ball is the best featherweight in the world! bar none.”Copy linkCopiedNick Ball shows respect to TJ DohenyWith the WBA featherweight belt wrapped across his waist, the ringside reporter asked Ball about his performance and what he made of his opponent.He said: “In there, I knew it was going to be tricky, it’s a world title fight.”The main thing was taking my time and just do what I’ve been working on in the gym.”They [the crowd] want to see all action, but I can box and do that so I’ve shown both now”.Copy linkCopiedAnd still!After that boxing clinic, Doheny retains his WBA featherweight world title.After ten completed rounds of boxing, the referee, Michael Alexandre, stopped the contest in between rounds after Ball was piling on the pressure on his opponent.Still undefeated, Ball is now 22-0 and has defended his title twice, he now looks onto some potentially huge fights.Who should he fight next?Copy linkCopiedNick Ball wins by TKO!After that ferocious tenth round by Ball, Doheny just can’t carry on.After a very tired-looking Doheny, he is seen shaking his head, looking defeated.The referee decides he has seen enough and waves off the fight.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 10That was a huge round by Ball!The champion lands big flurries on Doheny as he puts him onto the ropes, letting his hands go.Respect to the Irishman there who is staying in this fight and makes it to the eleventh round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 9One point taken off from Ball!After landing a big combination, Ball pushes the Irishman down, and after the second time doing so, the referee takes away a point.Ball responds brilliantly, landing big straight punches going up a gear as he really tests Doheny’s gas tank.How could that affect the scoring?Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 8Ball continues to throw shots and is setting the tempo in this fight.Doheny lands a good few of his own but nothing is effecting the high guard of the champion.Ball lands a blasting left jab that snaps the back of Doheny’s neck.Another great round for the champ.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 7 Nick Ball is back on with the pressure from the first second as he lands big punches in the pocket.Ball is showing his youth here showing the stamina of a hungry champion wanting more.Doheny is starting to slow down and less punches are coming Ball’s way.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 6Ball is back on the pressure this round and lands some fantastic punches.A quick pause in action as Doheny’s laces are untied.Ball lands a great one-two combination that looked brilliant in slow motion.A great round from Ball as we reach the midway mark.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 5A good round by Doheny here in the fifth, as he does slow Ball’s rhythm well, with consistent in and out attacks.Ball seemed to struggle to get his combinations off this round and seemed frustrated at himself going back to the corner.The champion will be hoping to go up a gear in these next few rounds.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 4Doheny is very much trying to slow this fight down to his pace, however, the man from Liverpool is just so relentless with his forward pressure. Some great punches to the body land on Doheny who is just enough to keep up with Ball.Another good round by the champion.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 3Ball very much in control of this fight, upping the tempo and throwing much more punches in this round.Doheny does land a nice straight hand, but Ball shows no sign of effectiveness.Ball responds with some excellent combinations that are landing at will.A fantastic left hook lands over the top as the Irishman tried to evade but it lands perfectly on the temple just before the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 2A much closer round two sees both men land nice combinations on each other.Ball, still much the aggressor, is looks for a powerful right hand over the top that almost lands but Doheny does well to read it.Doheny, now 38, shows his experience well and is holding his own in this fight.Copy linkCopied More

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      Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny LIVE RESULTS: Huge world title fight ON NOW as Wrecking Ball unpunished after KICK – latest

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      NICK BALL defends his featherweight title in his hometown of Liverpool – and is facing TJ Doheny RIGHT NOW!Ball, one of the most exciting fighters in British boxing, will undoubtedly be the favourite and a victory against TJ Doheny could pave the way for one or more unification bouts later this year.Doheny, 38, was stopped in September by Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue and may view this dust-up as his final chance for a world title – a Ball win could see him face Inoue next.The pair had to be separated by security as the weigh-in descended into chaos on Friday, before Ball and Doheny were warned by the referee after Ball KICKED his rival after a tangle at the end of round one.Andrew Cain and Charlie Edwards earlier met for the British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles, with Cain winning a split decision after a boring fight.TV / stream: TNT Sports 1 / Discovery+Start time: 7pm GMTBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow the action with our live blog below…Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 7 Nick Ball is back on with the pressure from the first second as he lands big punches in the pocket.Ball is showing his youth here showing the stamina of a hungry champion wanting more.Doheny is starting to slow down and less punches are coming Ball’s way.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 6Ball is back on the pressure this round and lands some fantastic punches.A quick pause in action as Doheny’s laces are untied.Ball lands a great one-two combination that looked brilliant in slow motion.A great round from Ball as we reach the midway mark.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 5A good round by Doheny here in the fifth, as he does slow Ball’s rhythm well, with consistent in and out attacks.Ball seemed to struggle to get his combinations off this round and seemed frustrated at himself going back to the corner.The champion will be hoping to go up a gear in these next few rounds.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 4Doheny is very much trying to slow this fight down to his pace, however, the man from Liverpool is just so relentless with his forward pressure. Some great punches to the body land on Doheny who is just enough to keep up with Ball.Another good round by the champion.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 3Ball very much in control of this fight, upping the tempo and throwing much more punches in this round.Doheny does land a nice straight hand, but Ball shows no sign of effectiveness.Ball responds with some excellent combinations that are landing at will.A fantastic left hook lands over the top as the Irishman tried to evade but it lands perfectly on the temple just before the end of the round.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 2A much closer round two sees both men land nice combinations on each other.Ball, still much the aggressor, is looks for a powerful right hand over the top that almost lands but Doheny does well to read it.Doheny, now 38, shows his experience well and is holding his own in this fight.Copy linkCopiedNick Ball vs TJ Doheny – Round 1Nick Ball, known as one of the best featherweights has a fantastic start to this fight.He begins with a nice one-two down the middle of Doheny’s guard that does make the Irishman stumble.Ball being the shorter boxer, is very quick in his entries into the inside and lands some fantastic straight right hands.controversial way to end the round? as the bell rings, Ball knees Doheny in the back of the leg that clearly hurts Doheny.We’ll see if that effects the rest of the fight.Copy linkCopiedIts main event time!The moment we’ve all been waiting for is upon us, Nick ball defends his WBA world featherweight belt against the very experienced TJ Doheny.Not only is this a great fight but the two men have been going back and forth, and it all erupted at the weigh-ins.They very almost had premature blows had it not been for the intervention of security.Tensions rose between the pair as a fired-up Doheny fired verbal jabs the way of WBA 126lbs titleholder.Ball wasn’t in the mood to let the Irishman have the final word, saying: “You’re not ready”, before they continued to trade verbal barbs.This gonna be a good one folks, Nick Ball vs TJ Doheny is coming up next.Copy linkCopiedThe New WBA International Super-flyweight championAfter that fantastic KO victory, Jack Turner becomes the new WBA International Super-flyweight champion.He then spoke to the ringside reporter about his fantastic performance.”He said: “Never judge a book by it’s cover!””I think I’m gonna go through the lot of them [speaking about the super-flyweight division]”You haven’t seen what I can do, I’m very happy with my performance”.Copy linkCopiedHUGE KO!Jack Turner KNOCKS OUT Farrag in the second round with a devasting left hook that lands flush on the chin.After a great end to the first round, Turner comes out the blocks and goes in for the finish with a huge flurry that Farrag can’t stop.A fantastic win from Turner, he now goes to 11-0.Copy linkCopiedJack Turner vs Ryan Farrag – Round 1It’s very much youth vs experience in this match-up with their being a 14 year age gap between the two.Some nice exchanges between the two men to start this contest.Turner lands a nice combination to the head and follows up with a great body shot.Turner almost goes for the kill there at the end of first round, as he lets the hands go and puts Farrag in the corner.But the bell rings for the end of a great round.Copy linkCopiedVacant WBA International Super-flyweight belt up for grabsJust before the main event, we now have Jack Turner facing Ryan Farrag.Jack Turner has 10 wins and zero losses with nine of those coming by finish. He last fought Piero Ponte and won by TKO last December.His opponent Farrag is 23-5 and last fought in November where he beat Adam Yahaya by decision.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain wins by split decision. The Judges score the bout: 115-114 Cain, 115-113 Edwards, and 116-112 Cain.Andrew Cain wins the British and Commonwealth Bantamweight titles.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 12A decent round for Edwards sees him land some nice punches that have most likely seen him win the round.A large sound of boo’s once again ring around the arena.We now wait for the Judges’ scorecards for a decision. Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 11The one thing you can say about this fight is that Edwards has a very good engine.He’s kept Cain very frustrated throughout this whole fight.We go into the last round of this fight in what could be a close decision on the judges’ scorecards.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 10Cain starts the round mimicking his opponent again, but the ref stops him and says that he must engage.Edwards’ feet have slowed a lot in this round, meaning there was much more action compared to most of the other rounds.A nice exchange from the two men at the end of the round, hopefully this is the start of more action.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 9Another similar round to the past eight.Cain lands a nice hook on the middle of the round but Edwards is unfazed.Edwards is showing his impressive cardio, he hasn’t stopped all night.Three rounds to go.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 8Slightly more aggression is shown by Edwards, who lands a few nice one-twos. A nice exchange between the two men at the end of the round as Cain lands a nice hook, but Edwards counters with a straight right of his own.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 7Edwards is still moving around the ring but he does catch Cain with a nice straight hand at the start of the round.More boos ring around the arena, as many fans were hoping for a much better contest.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 6A few boos in the crowd now as the audience grows frustrated with the fight.The two men barely land anything in the round, however, Edwards is naturally slowing down with his circling, which could lead to openings.It’ll be interesting to see how the judges view the contest.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 5Cain is trying to find openings in Edwards, but he is only showing short single shots that aren’t doing much.Some nice combos are landing now for Cain, who is showing real frustration, wanting his opponent to stand and exchange with him.A little bit of showboating from Cain at the end of the round who mimics Edwards’ circling.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 4Another nice round from Cain who is looking to try and slow down Edwards.He lands a good hook to the body, trying to get anything clean to land.Edwards is still just circling the ring, not landing many punches.It will be interesting to see if he can keep this tactic up for all 12 rounds.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 3Cain is looking very confident in this third round, with his hands down trying to get on the inside.He’s looking quite frustrated with his opponent however, as Edwards isn’t showing any openings.Edwards is going to have to be more aggressive if he wants to win this fight.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 2A close-up of Edwards in the corner shows a cut on his temple with blood spilling, which will definitely be something to keep an eye on as we go into the next rounds.A cagey affair in this round, with not much to highlight, Edwards is circling the ring well getting out of any attacks.Copy linkCopiedAndrew Cain vs Charlie Edwards – Round 1A fast start by the two men for this 12 round contest.Cain is dominating the centre of the ring as he lands some nice jabs to keep his opponent on the outside.A very fast tempo in this fight with both men explosive with there combinations.Copy linkCopied More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd vs Real Sociedad LIVE RESULT: Red Devils DOMINATE Sociedad after Bruno Fernandes hat-trick, Spurs also win vs AZ

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are through to the Champions League quarter-finals after DOMINATING Real Sociedad at Old Trafford.Mikel Oyarzabal scored his second penalty of the tie in the first ten minutes, but that was as good as it got for the visitors. Rasmus Hojlund won United a penalty at the other end of the pitch, and Bruno Fernandes, as he always does, stepped up and converted for the Red Devils.Fernandes scored another penalty in the second half, before sealing the deal with a fantastic finish in the dying embers. Diogo Dalot added the finishing touches in added time.Tottenham also progress to the quarter-final after a Wilson Odobert brace helped them to a 3-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates… That’s all from Old TraffordWhere it’s been a rare red letter day for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim.And once again both were grateful to Bruno Fernandes for leading the charge.The captain hit a hat-trick as the Red Devils dispatched Real Sociedad in the Last 16 of the Europa League to set up a quarter-final clash with Lyon.It was arguably United’s best showing since Amorim took charge, and an indication of what may yet lie ahead if the club can start to get things right. Watch this space.Goodnight.Copy linkCopiedThree and easy for BrunoIt’s now six goals in his last six appearances for Bruno Fernandes.A real captain’s performance.Credit: @EuropaLeague on XCopy linkCopiedDorgu: We played our own gameAnother standout star of Manchester United’s four-goal display was Patrick Dorgu.The Dane was a constant threat on the left, and was responsible for winning a penalty as well as the foul that led to Real Sociedad’s red card.It is perhaps no surprise that both he and Ayden Heaven – two winter signings – were so pivotal to the best attacking performance of Ruben Amorim’s reign.It was a really good win and we dominated from the first minute. They got an early penalty but after that we responded well and played well. The key was to control the game with the ball and be patient, not to overthink too much and just to play our game.Patrick DorguUefa.comCopy linkCopiedUnited grateful after paying pennies for Heaven Eighteen-year-old Ayden Heaven made his first start for Manchester United this evening, and performed with all the composure of a seasoned international defender.Credit: @StatmanDave on XCopy linkCopiedAmorim: Bruno deserves titlesRuben Amorim paid tribute to Bruno Fernandes – and then declared that his captain should be regularly winning leagues and cups.The Portuguese ace played another starring role as Manchester United saw off Real Sociedad in the Europa League, although the Red Devils boss also admitted that his compatriot can be guilty of doing too much.Sometimes he wants to win too much. It’s not a bad thing, but sometimes he goes around in different positions and shows frustration. He can play set-pieces, he can score penalties under pressure, and make transitions late in games. We need to help him win titles because he deserves it.Ruben AmorimTNT SportdCopy linkCopiedThe Europa League kingWith his hat-trick tonight, Bruno Fernandes now has more goal involvements in the Europa League than any player in the competition’s history.The Portuguese star has scored 24 goals and assisted 17 more on Europe’s second-biggest stage.Copy linkCopiedMatch stats from Old TraffordManchester United’s 25 shots, 10 shots on target and xG of 4.02 are all their best totals in a match under Ruben Amorim so far.Copy linkCopiedFrom Martin Blackburn at Old TraffordA great night for Ruben Amorim and his Portuguese men of four.Diogo Dalot got on the scoresheet late on but it was all about Bruno Fernandes who claimed the match-ball and led by example all night.Amid all the slashing of costs and job cuts at United they may have to find a way to give Fernandes a pay rise.Time and time again he comes to their rescue and it is thanks to him that they will be in quarter finals next month – with the dream of Champions League football next season still alive.Copy linkCopiedTonight’s Europa League tiesIt’s been a good night for both English sides in the Europa League with Tottenham also progressing after fighting back to eliminate AZ Alkmaar.But Rangers have a scrap on their hands after seeing their two-goal advantage wiped out by Fenerbache at Ibrox, where they are now into extra-time.Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2) FTRangers 0-2 Fenerbahce (Agg: 3-3) EXTRA TIME BEING PLAYEDTottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (Agg: 3-2) FTCopy linkCopiedFull time – Man Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2)Manchester United march into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.The Red Devils will now face Lyon in the last eight.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2)90+4. There haven’t been too many nights at Old Trafford like this recently.They may have been helped by two penalties and a red card, but four-goal victories and successful European nights are what many in this stadium were brought up on.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 4-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 5-2)90+1. Diogo Dalot puts the icing on the cake!United are ending this one with a flourish, and suddenly these players – beleaguered for so long – are playing with a real confidence.They’re queuing up to score too, and when Rasmus Hojlund does well to work the ball back in from the byline, Dalot arrives to sidefoot into the roof the net.Copy linkCopiedFour!Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 4-2)89. Heaven tries an overhead kick.He doesn’t connect with the cross, but it gives some indication of the freedom that these United players are suddenly operating with.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 3-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 4-2)87. What a player Bruno Fernandes is!Not disheartened by missing out on the opportunity to net a hat-trick of penalties, the Manchester United captain simply rises to the fore on the next attack.Taking advantage of the extra man, Fernandes overlaps on the right to receive Alejandro Garnacho’s measured pass, and promptly whips his shot low past Alex Remiro and into the bottom corner.It’s a second Manchester United treble for the Portuguese ace, and his first for three-and-a-half years.Copy linkCopiedHat-trick!Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)84. It’s been a while but Manchester United have another penalty!It’s the lively Dorgu who is sent sprawling again, this time by the sliding challenge of Traore.The Real Sociedad player can’t believe it, and I’m not sure Dorgu can either as he appears to tell the referee ‘no penalty’.It prompts a VAR check in which the referee is informed that the defender won the ball first before the United man was sent to ground.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)81. For the first time in a long time, United are cracking open some champaign football. Bruno Fernandes is pulling strings, and it’s he who sets off Noussair Mazraoui for some brilliance on the right flank.A nutmeg and a measured cross puts a chance on a plate for Joshua Zirkzee, who heads despairingly wide.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)78. Young Toby Collyer is on for the Red Devils.The 21-year-old takes over in midfield from Casemiro, who has put in a decent shift for the hosts.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)74. Bruno Fernandes has his eyes on a hat-trick.The Portuguese pass-master lines up a quickfire effort from just outside the box, only for it take a deflection and loop straight at the goalkeeper.Copy linkCopiedFrom Martin Blackburn at Old TraffordBruno Fernandes was the coolest man on the park – slotting home his second spot-kick of the night just after half time.Where would United be without their skipper and talisman? More than likely going out of the Europa League.Sociedad going down to 10-men following Aramburu’s red card means the quarter finals beckon for Amorim’s men. Copy linkCopiedAn update from the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumWilson Odobert has followed his first Tottenham goal earlier this evening with his second.The former Burnley youngster has put Spurs 3-1 up on the night, and back in charge of their Last 16 tie.Tottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar (Agg: 3-2)Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)69. With the extra man, United are dominating the ball.It would take something particularly disastrous for the Red Devils to let this tie slip from their grasp now.Never say never, mind.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 2-1 Real Sociedad (Agg: 3-2)67. Well, that’s the opposite of the phrase ‘good football all around’.Garnacho finds room on the right flank, but makes a mess of his cross with plenty of options available.It’s an easy clearance for the the defender, except he instead takes such a heavy touch that it allows Hojlund to take over.The striker has time and room to weigh up his finish yet takes advantage of neither, scuffing a wayward shot straight at an opponent.Copy linkCopiedAn update from the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumSpurs have been pegged back in North London.Peer Koopmeiners has fired AZ Alkmaar level on aggregate, and with little under half hour remaining, the Premier League side have to respond again.Tottenham 2-1 AZ Alkmaar (Agg: 2-2)Copy linkCopied More

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      Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid LIVE RESULT: Blancos vs Arsenal in quarters after MASSIVE penalty shootout CONTROVERSY

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      REAL MADRID will face Arsenal in the quarter-finals after incredible drama in the penalty shootout!Julian Alvarez seemingly scored his penalty only to have it RULED OUT by the VAR for hitting the ball TWICE as he slipped.Real Madrid eventually went through 4-2 on penalties but the shootout will be remembered for that intervention.During an enthralling Madrid derby, Connor Gallagher had scored a record goal – becoming the fastest English goalscorer in the Champions League after just 28 seconds. Vinicius then had the chance to win the game in normal time for Real Madrid but smashed an AWFUL penalty well over the bar to keep Atletico alive.Arsenal now face Real Madrid in the next round after they went through 9-3 against PSV following a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night.Aston Villa will face Paris Saint-Germain after an impressive 3-0 win against Club Brugge, while Borussia Dortmund also progresses after beating Lille in the early game.Kick-off: 8pm GMTTV Channel/live stream: TNT Sports 3 / Discovery+BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFollow our live blog for updates… More from XCourtoisThe Belgian added: “I felt like Julian touched the ball twice, so I told the referee. It’s a bit of bad luck.”On the missed Marcos Llorente penalty, he added: “We trained so many times together. “I know how he likes to shoot his penalties.”Copy linkCopiedCourtois hits backReal Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois hit back at the Atleti boss and said: “I think Uefa sees it clearly.”I’m tired of this victimhood, always crying over things like that.”Referees don’t want to benefit a team, neither in Spain nor in Europe. “They saw it clearly with technology and called it that way.”Copy linkCopiedFurious SimeoneSpeaking after the penalty shootout defeat, a furious Diego Simeone asked those in the press conference: “To anyone here: raise your hand if you saw that Julian touched the ball twice in the penalty. “Come on! And? Ready? Nobody raises theirs. Another question…”I’ve never seen VAR call to review a penalty in a shootout.”Copy linkCopiedEmery speaks on Villa win”We started the match under our expectations. “They dominated the match. We didn’t play the first half like we planned.”We spoke at half-time, changed some thing, tried to change something in our minds to play better and it was completely different.”Copy linkCopiedIFAB’s penalty rulesIn relation to Julian Alvarez’s controversial penalty, here’s what IFAB (International Football Association Board) has to say.Law 14.1, which concerns penalties in a shootout, states: “The kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player.”Law 14.2 then relates to penalties taken DURING a match.It reads: “If, after the penalty kick has been taken, the kicker touches the ball again before it has touched another player, an indirect free kick is awarded.”So with an indirect free-kick unable to be applied during a shootout, cancelling Alvarez’s effort appears to have been the correct decision lawfully.Copy linkCopiedArteta speaks on Arsenal win”We started well and scored the goal We were ahead twice but unfortunately we didn’t mane to win the game. “You could see in the second half we looked tired, we were late for a few things and we lacked a little bit of cohesion, making so many changes. “Overall we are very happy because we are where we want to be.”There were some players that deserved some football and I was very happy to give them a chance. There were a lot of things to improve.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarlo reigns supremeCarlo Ancelotti managed to keep his cool despite that nervy shootout.The Italian is regarded as the king of European football.And the win means he has now reached his 15th Champions League quarter-final – more than any other manager.Ancelotti had previously been tied on 14 with Pep Guardiola – but Man City’s earlier exit to Real gave him the opportunity to pull clear.Copy linkCopiedSame old storyAtletico fans will have felt sick losing to Real once again.They have now lost to their rivals FIVE times in the Champions League knockout rounds – including the 2016 final.Only Bayern Munich have been defeated more times in the elimination rounds to a single opponent.The Germans have lost seven times to – you’ll never have guessed it – Real Madrid!Copy linkCopiedPenalty controversyVAR took just 20 seconds to conclude that Julian Alvarez had supposedly double-touched the ball while taking his penalty.It was the cruellest way for Atleti to go out.But then Marcos Llorente should have done a lot better with his missed effort.While Jan Oblak, widely regarded as one of the best goalies in the past decade, will be having sleepless nights after failing to save Antonio Rudiger’s winning effort.Copy linkCopiedChampions League quarter-final drawArsenal vs Real MadridBarcelona vs Borussia DortmundBayern Munich vs Inter MilanPSG vs Aston VillaCopy linkCopiedAtletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (AGG: 2-2) PENS 2-4What a way to go out of the competition.Whether you have seen that before is another thing.Julian Alvarez scored his penality but a VAR review adjudged he kicked the ball twice as he slipped when taking it.As a result, it was chalked off with no chance to retake it.It gave Real the adrenaline boost they needed to win the shootout.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedReal Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on penaltiesCopy linkCopiedGoal – Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid) 4-2Copy linkCopiedPenalty missed – Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madriid)Copy linkCopiedPenalty saved – Lucas Vasquez (Real Madrid)Copy linkCopiedGoal – Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid) 3-2Copy linkCopiedGoal – Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) 3-1Copy linkCopiedPenalty disallowed – Julian Alvarez (kicked ball twice)Copy linkCopiedGoal – Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) 2-2Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) 2-1Copy linkCopiedGoal – Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid) 1-1Copy linkCopiedGoal – Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid) 1-0Copy linkCopiedPenalty shootoutCopy linkCopiedFT: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (AGG: 2-2)Atletico are having the final throw of the dice.A long one into the box from Azpilicueta but it is headed clear.We are heading to penalties in the Madrid derby.Copy linkCopiedAtletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (AGG: 2-2)115. Mbappe tries to use his pace in behind the defence.As he tries to check back, the defender does well to put it behind for a corner.Real cross it into the box but it is easily headed clear by Atletico.Credit: APCopy linkCopied More