Sport Live Blogs

ARSENAL and Sporting have drawn 2-2 in a thrilling Europa League clash in Lisbon.William Saliba headed the Gunners ahead before Inacio and Paulinho goals saw Sporting fight back.
Granit Xhaka’s deflected cross levelled the tie as the Premier League table-toppers finished the game stronger.
They meet again next Thursday with the tie all square.

Result: Sporting 2 Arsenal 2
Sporting XI: Adan, St. Juste, Coates, Inacio, Esgaio, Pote, Morita, Matheus Reis, Edwards, Paulinho, Trincao.
Arsenal XI: Turner, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Xhaka, Jorginho, Nelson, Fabio Vieira, Saka, Martinelli

BETTING SPECIAL: TOP 10 CASINO SITES FOR MARCH 2023
Follow ALL of the latest updates below….
FT: Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal drew 2-2 with Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League Last 16 at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
The Gunners opened the scoring on 22 minutes when Fabio Vieira’s corner delivery from the right found the unmarked William Saliba, who picked up a comfortable header.
But Ruben Amorim’s men equalised after 34 minutes when ex-Tottenham ace Marcus Edwards’ corner from the right found Goncalo Inacio, whose stunning back header beat Matt Turner.
The hosts turned the game on its head in the 55th minute with Paulinho.
Edwards played Pedro Goncalves through with a wonderful ball and the midfielder’s shot was saved by Turner but Paulinho got the rebound and scored in front of open goal.
However, Arsenal equalised seven minutes later when Hidemasa Morita accidentally sent the ball to his own net after trying to block Granit Xhaka’s pass to Gabriel Martinelli
Credit: Reuters
FT: Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Peep!
That’s full-time in Lisbon!!!
90+3 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Chance!
Arsenal star Saka tries a late long-range shot but Adan picks it up with ease
90 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Four more minutes of stoppage time to go.
Arsenal boss Arteta is yelling from the touchline with several gestures
89 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Substitution
Sporting boss Amorim makes a late change as Fatawu comes on for Edwards
88 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Chance
Arsenal star Partey tries a long-range shot but Adan picks it up with ease
85 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Just five more minutes to go in Lisbon.
Sporting are running out of ideas
83 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Sporting are still pushing with Arsenal sitting back and waiting for an opportunity to counter.
This match does feel like it can go either way
80 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Just 10 more minutes to go in Lisbon and the score is still tied.
The hosts really want the win whereas Arsenal look content with the draw
79 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Chance!
Sporting ace Diomande tries a powerful shot shortly after his introduction and just misses Turner’s bottom right corner
78 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Sporting boss Amorim is going for the kill with his last few changes.
Time is running out, Arsenal boss Arteta should be happy with a draw in Lisbon despite the absence of away goals rules
76 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Substitution
A double change by Sporting boss Amorim as Diomande and Chermiti come on for Esgaio and Paulinho
75 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Game is back underway as St Juste is thankfully able to continue.
Only 15 more minutes to go in Lisbon
74 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Sporting ace St Juste is receiving treatment after a heavy challenge with Partey.
The defender appears to has stepped on the ground a little heavily
73 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal boss Arteta made a clever change with Gabriel replacing Kiwior.
The Spaniard’s starting centre-backs are now paired up after a few minutes of disarray that allowed some dangerous Sporting counter-attacks
71 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Substitution
Sporting boss Amorim responds with a change of his own with Santos replacing Trincao
71 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Substitution
As expected, Arteta makes a triple change with Partey, Gabriel and Smith Rowe replacing Jorginho, Kiwior and Nelson
71 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Chance
Arsenal ace Nelson tries to emulate his Bournemouth wondergoal but completely misses the target this time
70 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal are preparing a triple change it seems.
And at a good time as they are back to dominating possession
67 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal are back at it but their defence is stretched and exposed by Sporting’s counters.
The Gunners will have to do better after Mitoma’s own goal
Credit: Reuters
64 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Chance!
Sporting Lisbon denies Vieira twice with two incredible saves within seconds!
63 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Substitution
Arsenal manager Arteta makes the first change of the match with Tomiyasu replacing Zinchenko
62 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal are back in the game in unlikely fashion!
Xhaka tries to pass the ball to Martinelli inside the area but Morita’s block sends the ball to the back of his own keeper
62 Sporting 2-2 Arsenal
Goal!
Arsenal equalise with Morita’s own goal!!!

62 Sporting 2-1 Arsenal
What a chance!
Sporting come close to a third with Paulinho breaking inside the area but fails to beat Turner one-on-one.
Poor shot!
Load more entries… More

MANCHESTER UNITED recovered in stunning fashion from their Liverpool thrashing to defeat Real Betis 4-1 in the Europa League.Marcus Rashford gave unchanged United a dream start with a sixth-minute strike before Leicester City loanee Ayoze Perez equalised with a powerful effort.
Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Wout Weghorst then added second half goals as United ran riot.
Though there was ugly scenes at the final whistle as Betis fans clashed with riot police in Old Trafford.

Result: Man Utd 4 Real Betis 1
Man Utd XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Fred; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Weghorst
Real Betis XI: Bravo; Sabaly, Pezzella, Luiz Felipe, Vinicius; Carvalho, Rodriguez; Luis Henrique, Joaquin, Juanmi; Perez

BETTING SPECIAL: TOP 10 CASINO SITES FOR MARCH 2023
Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…
That’s all from Manchester!
Manchester United destroyed Real Betis 4-1 at Old Trafford and made a strong claim for the Europa League quarter-finals.
United opened the scoring after just six minutes when German Pezzella’s weak block set Marcus Rashford up from close range and he beat Claudio Bravo with a powerful finish.
Betis equalised on 32 minutes when Juanmi crossed to Ayoze Perez and the Leicester loanee beat David de Gea with a fine shot from the right.
However, the Red Devils dominated the second half and regained the lead with a screamer by Antony on 52 minutes.
United skipper Bruno Fernandes made it three just six minutes later with a fine header after Luke Shaw’s corner.
And Wout Weghorst completed the hosts’ triumph from close range just eight minutes before the whistle.
That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great night!
Credit: AFP
Ten Hag praises Fernandes
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised Bruno Fernandes’ performance against Real Betis.
The Dutch tactician, who played the same team that was thrashed by Liverpool, described Fernandes’ display as “brilliant”.
Ten Hag told BT Sport: “Bruno, I think he was brilliant today.
“He led the team from the first minute by his game, his possession made the rhythm of the game and then scored a goal. So I’m happy.”
Credit: Getty
More from Rashford
Rashford added: “It’s always important to win the next fixture to bounce back and try and continue the momentum we had before that game.
“I’m pleased we managed to win the game and it’s put us in a good way in the tie.
“We always try and start quick and a goal always helps that. They defended the box quite well in the first half, in the second half it opened up a bit more as expected with the game being at 1-1.
“We started well in both halves. It’s always important to try and score the goals and in the end, that’s the difference.”
Credit: Getty
Ugly scenes emerge
Real Betis fans reportedly fought with police as ugly scenes marred the end of Manchester United’s 4-1 Europe League triumph.
A section of the away end appeared to try and break into the home stand by climbing over the barrier, five minutes before the end of the Last-16 clash.
The authorities were quick to intervene amid reports seats were being pulled up and thrown by some fans.
Footage showed the riot police standing guard on the Betis end and holding fans back, while scuffles broke out.
Credit: Getty
Marcus Rashford reacts
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford described the dominant victory over Real Betis as a “step back in the right direction”.
The striker also insists United shouldn’t put too much emphasis on Sunday’s thrashing to rivals Liverpool.
Rashford told BT Sport: “It is a step back in the right direction.
“We have to build on it now again but we can’t put too much emphasis on Sunday because it is gone and we can’t change it so we have to keep moving forward.”
Credit: Alamy
A real leader’s performance
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes issued a resounding response to his critics with a stunning performance.
Fernandes disappointed against Liverpool so much that some called for him to be stripped of the armband.
But the playmaker participated in three out of United’s four goals against Real Betis.
The Portugal international scored the third, delivered the pass that set Marcus Rashford up before German Pezzella’s weak block and provided the assist for Antony.
And as the heat map shows, the 28-year-old was very influential on the pitch.

What’s next?
Manchester United have made a strong claim for the Europa League quarter-finals.
But Real Betis can’t be underestimated ahead of the return fixture with United.
The Red Devils will travel to Spain next Thursday to face Manuel Pellegrini’s side at the Benito Villamarin.
Betis need at least three goals to equal the tie as the away-goals rule doesn’t apply this season
Credit: PA
Man Utd vs Real Betis stats
Manchester United dominated 57 per cent of possession against Real Betis.
United registered a whopping 25 shots, 13 of which were on target.
Betis, on the other hand, only registered six shots, but only two of them were on target.
More below:

FT: Man Utd 4-1 Real Betis
Manchester United beat Real Betis 4-1 at Old Trafford and made a strong claim for the Europa League quarter-finals.
United opened the scoring after just six minutes when Bruno Fernandes delivered a low ball from the right and German Pezzella tried to block it but his effort was very weak and he fell to the ground.
That set up Marcus Rashford from close range and he beat Claudio Bravo with a powerful finish.
Betis equalised on 32 minutes when Juanmi crossed to Ayoze Perez and the ex-Newcastle as well as Leicester ace beat David de Gea with a fine shot from the right.
However, the Red Devils dominated the second half and regained the lead with a wonderstrike by Antony on 52 minutes.
United captain Bruno Fernandes made it three just six minutes later with a fine header after Luke Shaw’s corner.
And Wout Weghorst completed the hosts’ triumph from close range just eight minutes before full-time
Credit: AFP
FT: Man Utd 4-1 Real Betis
Peep!
That’s full-time in Manchester!!!
90+1 Man Utd 4-1 Real Betis
Chance
United ace Martinez tries a volley after Fernandes’ corner but sends it wide
90 Man Utd 4-1 Real Betis
Four more minutes of added time to go.
Do United have one more left…?
85 Man Utd 4-1 Real Betis
United can feel like they are practically through to the Europa League quarter-finals.
The Red Devils would probably be getting ahead of themselves, but how much did they need a decisive win like that…?
Credit: Reuters
82 Man Utd 4-1 Real Betis
Weghorst finally gets his goal and celebrates it passionately.
Pellistri gets a ball through from the right and McTominay shoots but Bravo saves.
Weghorst gets the rebound and he doesn’t miss this time.
82 Man Utd 4-1 Real Betis
Goal!
Weghorst finally scores for United!!!

82 Man Utd 3-1 Real Betis
Substitution
United boss Ten Hag makes a double chance as McTominay and Pellistri come on for Fred and Antony respectively
80 Man Utd 3-1 Real Betis
Just 10 more minutes to go at Old Trafford.
United have been absolutely dominant against Betis
79 Man Utd 3-1 Real Betis
Chance!
Antony could have scored a hat-trick by now…
This time the winger is played through by Weghorst but his shot down the right is denied by Bravo
78 Man Utd 3-1 Real Betis
It’s obvious Ten Hag took Rashford and Shaw off earlier to save them for the Premier League.
An impressive performance by United so far to exorcise the demons from Anfield
76 Man Utd 3-1 Real Betis
Chance!
Another major miss by Weghorst who has the chance to kill the game from close range.
But the striker’s shot is blocked by Felipe and the ball bounces to Bravo
75 Man Utd 3-1 Real Betis
Betis are slowly gaining ground but can’t create threats.
Pellegrini’s side want to make sure they don’t concede any more goals and are looking to see if they can reduce the deficit ahead of the return fixture.
73 Man Utd 3-1 Real Betis
Chance
Another long-range shot for United, this time by Antony, but it is too weak
71 Man Utd 3-1 Real Betis
Chance
United star Casemiro tries a long-range shot that probably didn’t even end up in the crowd – way over the bar
70 Man Utd 3-1 Real Betis
United are playing with so much confidence but want more goals ahead of the return fixture.
Betis, on the other hand, are on damage control
68 Man Utd 3-1 Real Betis
Yellow card
United star Fernandes is booked after a collision with Betis keeper Bravo.
The captain tries to pick up a weak pass from the defenders and his side foot hits the keeper’s shin.
The playmaker is fortunate there, could have been a red.
Bravo is also fortunate that he wasn’t hit with the studs
Load more entries… More

ARSENAL return to Europa League action TONIGHT after celebrating their last-gasp win over Bournemouth like they’d won the Premier League.And, to be fair, Reiss Nelson’s jaw-dropping swing of his left foot may have done just that.
Arsenal were left in a state of euphoria after beating Bournemouth in a sensational comeback on SaturdayCredit: Getty
Arsenal kept their Premier League title dream alive at the weekend – but how much does Mikel Arteta value the Europa League?Credit: Getty
The Gunners, desperately holding off Manchester City in their bid to win a first title since the 2003-04 Invincibles were 1-0 down within 10 seconds of Saturday’s clash.
Mikel Arteta and a packed Emirates could only watch on as the Cherries somehow went 2-0 up.
But Thomas Partey and Ben White strikes restored parity before super-sub Nelson’s 97th-minute heroics to seal a 3-2 victory.
The nature of the win will give the scrappy Gunners a major boost going into the final 12 games of the season.

All season, it’s felt like Arsenal were one major injury or one shock defeat away from crumbling.
Perhaps for fear of being accused of “bottling it” like a certain other local club, Arteta’s side keep fighting on, despite injuries to star men Partey and Gabriel Jesus.
Like a heavyweight boxer summoning up every morsel of strength heading into the 12th round, the North Londoners just keep battling towards that title – for so long desperately out of reach.
Since their last crown, the Gunners have watched Manchester United, City, Liverpool, Chelsea and even Leicester lift the Premier League trophy.
Most read in Europa League
SPORTING LISBON vs ARSENAL ODDS, TIPS AND BETTING OFFERS
Long gone are the days of Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Co.
But this crop, an exciting blend of youth and experience led by Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli – and Jesus, don’t forget – could be the latest squad to go down in Gooners folklore.
Thank goodness Arsenal chiefs stood by Mikel Arteta and “trusted the process” after a shaky start.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
For now, though, the Premier League goes on the backburner.
It’s time for some European action – and the question is: How much does Arteta care?
No disrespect, of course, but Arsenal fans want, nay crave, a Premier League title.
The Europa League would be a glorious addition to their trophy cabinet and, as the old saying goes: “Success breeds success.”
But is it the one Arteta loses sleep over? Is it the one he dreams of lifting when he drifts off?
Probably not.
And with a smaller squad than City – perhaps lacking the world-class talent, too – Arteta may be forced to prioritise.
Will he send out a second XI vs Sporting on Thursday night?
Again, probably not.
Will he rotate to rest a couple of his superstars? You’d better believe it.
So as Arsenal prepare to head to Portugal for a reunion with Hector Bellerin in Lisbon, the question remains: How much do you want it, Mikel?

What is their form like?
Sporting: Well, with four straight wins under their belt, the Portuguese side come into this match full of confidence.
In fact, Sporting haven’t lost since their February 12 defeat at the hands of Porto.
During their current run, they’ve battered Midtjylland 4-0 to seal a 5-1 aggregate win in the Europa League last 32, too.
Arsenal: Pretty good. Pretty good, indeed.
That Bournemouth win was the cherry on top of a strong run of form, including a 4-0 mauling of Everton – as well as wins over Leicester and Aston Villa.
The Gunners lost their title six-pointer against Man City 3-1 last month – but that’s already a distant memory for a club currently on cloud nine.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Sporting: Boss Ruben Amorim will be hoping Dario Essugo will recover in time for the huge Arsenal clash.
It is likely to be too soon for Daniel Braganca despite returning to training from his cruciate ligament rupture last July.
Arsenal: Mikel Arteta will be sweating over the fitness of Eddie Nketiah who missed out on the Bournemouth thriller.
Leandro Trossard is also a doubt after being dragged off early with what looked to be a suspected groin strain.
However, super-sub Reiss Nelson could be given a go from the outset after his Cherries heroics.
Jesus and Mohamed Elneny are both long-term absentees.
Who will be the star men?
Sporting: Marcus Edwards.
There’s one huge reason Edwards will be up for this one: He’s a former Tottenham player.
He spent 13 years working his way through the Spurs ranks and has gone on to become one of Europe’s most-exciting wingers since moving to Portugal, initially with Vitoria, in 2019,

Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian is likely to start through the middle with Trossard, Jesus and Nketiah out.
And, in what could be a rotated XI, Martinelli may need to make the most of his chances in what could be a tight game.
SunSport prediction
Sporting 1 Arsenal 1
When is Sporting vs Arsenal?

Sporting’s tasty Europa League tie against Arsenal will take place TONIGHT – Thursday, March 9.
It is scheduled to get underway at 5:45pm UK time – same time locally.
Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 50,095.
The Gunners were held to a goalless draw when these two sides last met in a 2018 Europa League group fixture.

What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

Sporting vs Arsenal will be broadcast LIVE on BT Sport 2 in the UK.
Coverage is set to commence from 5:15pm UK time – 30 minutes before kick-off.
Subscription members of BT Sport can stream the entire action live via the BT Sport website or BT Sport app.
Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog will have minute-by-minute coverage of the match.

Read More on The Sun
What are the odds?

Sporting to win 5/2
Draw 23/10
Arsenal to win 11/10

*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More