Sports
McTominay scores double against Chelsea to reduce pressure on Ten Hag

McTominay scores double against Chelsea to reduce pressure on Ten Hag
Scott McTominay relieved some of the pressure surrounding Erik Ten Hag as his double earned an improved Manchester United a much-needed 2-1 win over Chelsea.
Ten Hag’s gamble in dropping both Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial amid reports of dressing-room disharmony had the desired effect for the under-fire manager, with the hosts’ quality with and without the ball a world away from Saturday’s dismal defeat at Newcastle.
McTominay opened the scoring on the rebound from Harry Maguire’s effort (19), but Unitwd would have already been ahead had Bruno Fernandes not seen an eighth-minute penalty saved.
United dominated the opening period without adding to their lead, and were made to pay on the stroke of half-time when Cole Palmer fired home a well-placed strike from just inside the area.
The home side were less effective following the interval but McTominay (69) restored their advantage with a close-range header from Alejandro Garnacho’s cross, before the Argentine wasted a glorious opportunity to wrap up victory on the break.
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It mattered little in the end, as United’s performance cut through the noise surrounding the club to finally earn a first point – and win – of the season against an opponent in the top half of the Premier League, and lifted them just three points off the top four.
However, Leon Bailey’s deflected strike earned Aston Villa a deserved 1-0 win over Manchester City at Villa Park that lifted them above the reigning champions into third.
The goal came late in the game to maintain the perfect home record of Unai Emery’s side and reflected their superior endeavour throughout the contest against an unusually passive City. It is now four Premier League games without a win for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Erling Haaland did have two chances in the first half but City never looked comfortable, missing the suspended Rodri badly. They drop to fourth in the table and are now six points adrift of Arsenal. On this evidence, they may need to worry about Villa too.
McTominay scores double against Chelsea to reduce pressure on Ten Hag
(SkySport)
Sports
Bellingham’s last-minute strike seals Real Madrid’s comeback win over Man City

Bellingham’s last-minute strike seals Real Madrid’s comeback win over Man City
Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic 92nd-minute winner as Real Madrid twice came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout round play-off.
The result marked Real Madrid’s first-ever win at the Etihad Stadium inside 90 minutes.
Before kickoff, City fans taunted Vinícius Júnior and his club with a “stop crying your heart out” message.
The Brazilian forward was at the heart of early action, seeing a penalty claim denied by an offside call before setting up Kylian Mbappé, whose effort was saved. Nathan Aké then prevented Ferland Mendy from converting another Vinícius pass.
City capitalized on their first clear opportunity when Joško Gvardiol chested the ball into Erling Haaland’s path, allowing the Norwegian to score his first-ever goal against Real Madrid. Los Blancos nearly responded as Vinícius’ deflected shot hit the crossbar.
However, City suffered a setback when Jack Grealish, who had started brightly, was forced off injured after 30 minutes. His replacement, Phil Foden, immediately tested Thibaut Courtois, while Manuel Akanji’s header clipped the bar at the other end.
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At halftime, Akanji was withdrawn after struggling physically, but the intensity remained high. Haaland’s deflected shot struck the crossbar before Vinícius weaved past Rico Lewis to set up Bellingham, who headed wide.
Ederson denied Mbappé twice, but the French forward eventually found the net on the hour mark, wrongfooting Ederson with a clever finish from Dani Ceballos’ pass.
City quickly regained the lead when Ceballos fouled Foden in the box, allowing Haaland to convert from the penalty spot. However, their advantage was short-lived.
Ederson’s save from Vinícius’ shot rebounded kindly for substitute Brahim Díaz, who slotted home against his former club just two minutes after coming on.
Real completed their stunning comeback in stoppage time when Vinícius capitalized on City’s defensive hesitation, poking the ball through for Bellingham to score.
The win extends Real Madrid’s Champions League dominance with a fourth consecutive victory, while City have now won just one of their last six European games.
Bellingham’s last-minute strike seals Real Madrid’s comeback win over Man City
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo statue unveiled in Times Square N’York

Cristiano Ronaldo statue unveiled in Times Square N’York
Portuguese international, Cristiano Ronaldo, received a unique birthday tribute in New York City as fans gathered at the Times Square to perform his iconic “Siu” celebration.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner turned 40 on February 5, just days after scoring his 922nd and 923rd career goals in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 victory over Al Wasl.
Ronaldo’s famous celebration, first seen in 2013 with Real Madrid, remains a global fan favorite.
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“I started to say ‘si,’ it’s like ‘yes,’ when I was in Real Madrid,” he explained via FourFourTwo.
Ronaldo’s birthday also followed a headline-making interview with El Chiringuito, in which he criticized misconceptions about the Saudi Pro League compared to MLS.
“People talk too much and give opinions without knowing,” he said, adding, “Because it’s Saudi Arabia, people look down on it… You have to give it the credit it deserves.”
Despite his comments, MLS is preparing for a major 2025 season, with stars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez entering their final contract years at Inter Miami.
Cristiano Ronaldo statue unveiled in Times Square N’York
Sports
Vinicius Jr rejects fresh contract offer from Real Madrid

Vinicius Jr rejects fresh contract offer from Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior has reportedly rejected an initial contract offer from Real Madrid after opening talks over an extension with the club.
The Brazilian superstar’s current deal runs till 2027 and includes a staggering €1billion (£830m) release clause.
However, Real Madrid are said to be keen to tie the 24-year-old to a new long-term deal, having been linked with a move away last summer.
Negotiations have opened between the club and player over a contract renewal, according to The Athletic but Los Blancos’ first offer has been turned away by the Vinicius Jr camp
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The Brazil international is looking for an increase in pay to accurately reflect his status as ‘’one of the best players on the planet.”
With a reported current annual salary of around £12.5m net of tax, Vinicius Jr is on a similar wage to teammate Kylian Mbappe, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain last year.
Meanwhile, Saudi representatives are said to have made new contact with the player’s camp in December after holding initial conversations in the summer.
A move to the Middle East could easily see Vinicius Jr made the most expensive player in the world.
Vinicius Jr rejects fresh contract offer from Real Madrid
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